Summer has officially started, and with the rising temperatures and drier weather we face an increased risk of wildfire. I recently joined a wildfire outlook briefing with Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley where we heard from Northwest Interagency Coordination Center staff about their work to prevent and fight wildfires in Oregon.

Although NW Oregon isn’t facing the same elevated risk as other parts of the state, it’s still important to be prepared in case of emergency and take steps to improve wildfire resiliency. I will continue to work with my House and Senate colleagues and the Biden Administration to increase wildfire preparedness and transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels.

Expanding Oregon’s Project Turnkey

I appreciated the productive roundtable discussion I had with housing leaders and advocates for Oregon’s Project Turnkey program and my legislation to expand this successful model across the country. According to one of our participants, converting unused motels and other buildings into housing with support services should be a “no brainer.” It was meaningful to hear stories about several Oregonians who have seen their lives turned around – or even saved – because they got housing or shelter through the program.

Funding Innovative Mass Timber

Oregon’s delegation is all in on mass timber! We gathered to celebrate the $4 million we secured for the Port of Portland’s Terminal 2 project—in addition to the more than $41 million economic development grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Mass timber can help address the affordable housing shortage, mitigate wildfire risk, create good jobs in the trades, and bolster the economy in rural timber communities. Thanks to the housing leaders and Oregonians who share our excitement about the benefits of Oregon’s mass timber industry.

Supporting Farmers

I had an inspiring visit, tour, and delicious snacks at Foglight Farms in Washington County. Representatives from Oregon Tilth joined us for the visit; they assisted Foglight with organic certification. We discussed the benefits of organic farming and how the upcoming Farm Bill could assist with research and other support. Highlights included tasting fresh spigariello, hearing about the farm owner’s backgrounds in art and design, and seeing the Mongolian Yurt.

ICYMI

Read my statement on the SCOTUS ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson
The Congressional App Challenge has started! Middle school and high school students who live in or attend school in Oregon’s First District are eligible to participate.
I went on a hard-hat tour of All Classical’s new space in KOIN Tower
I learned more about the hundreds of varietals at the International Rose Test Garden
I attended the groundbreaking of Washington County’s new Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment
I defended Biden Administration’s rule to strengthen Title IX

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