On October 7, 2023, the morning of my North Coast town hall meetings, I was horrified to wake up to the news of attacks in Israel by Hamas, a terrorist organization. The details we have learned since the initial attack have been gut-wrenching. Hamas killed many civilians, including children, and they are still holding more than 230 men, women, and children hostage in direct violation of international law. My heart goes out to the families who are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones who are in captivity.

Israel has the right to defend itself and its people following the horrific attack by Hamas. It is critical to send a strong message that terrorism should not and will not prevail, but the response should take all possible precautions to protect innocent civilians – a task complicated by the fact that Hamas is known for using civilians as human shields. I am deeply concerned about the mounting loss of Palestinian lives and the desperate need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

I join the Biden Administration and many of our allies in calling for a humanitarian pause to allow more food, water, medical supplies, and other assistance to be delivered into Gaza. I support the work that is being done to get the aid to Palestinian civilians, who are not responsible for the brutal attack by Hamas. I also support the work that is being done to negotiate a safe return of all hostages. And I continue to grieve for all of the innocent lives lost, Israeli and Palestinian.

Town Hall Update

Unfortunately the new Speaker of the House has changed our schedule and I now need to be in Washington, D.C. for votes on the dates I had scheduled in-person town hall meetings in Portland, St. Helens, and Hillsboro. Even though I can’t be with you in person, I still want to hear from you. Please join me for a telephone town hall meeting on Monday, November 6th at 6 p.m. You can RSVP to receive a call here. Please join us!

Finding a Speaker of the House

In Congress, it is the responsibility of the majority party to elect a Speaker of the House. After Speaker McCarthy was removed from his position by a bipartisan vote, it took almost a month before my colleagues across the aisle successfully elected a speaker to replace him. During that time, House Democrats stood ready, willing, and able to work on a bipartisan path forward. Instead, House Republicans caved to MAGA pressure and, instead of working on a bipartisan basis, they elected a speaker who sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election, opposes LGBTQI+ rights, would criminalize abortion, denies climate change, and worked to cut critical programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Hearing From the North Coast

Thank you to everyone who attended my town hall meetings in Seaside and Tillamook.

In Seaside we talked about dysfunction in the House, Israel, affordable housing, offshore wind, infrastructure, and protecting our democracy.

In Tillamook, I heard about concerns about the climate crisis and infrastructure needs and answered questions about the deficit, Ukraine funding, and health care reform.

ICYMI

• I spoke out against book bans
• I visited the Oregon Manufacturing and Innovation Center (OMIC) for Manufacturing Day
• Two Tech Hubs are coming to Oregon!
• I’m working to secure child care funding
• LIHEAP can help you pay your energy bills