I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with plenty of good food and quality time with loved ones.

As we approach the end of the year, I share the concern of many Oregonians about several cabinet nominees and the proposed policies and priorities of the next Congress and administration. Whether I serve in the majority or the minority and no matter who holds the presidency, I will work in Congress to improve people’s lives and advocate for the interests and values of Oregonians. I welcome collaboration with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who want to increase access to affordable housing, support great public schools, and create a better future for all Americans, and I will continue to stand up and speak out if the next administration or any of my colleagues in Congress seek to further divide the country and target vulnerable people.

Answering Your Questions

I appreciate hearing from the people I represent, and recently I answered questions from community members on Bluesky during an Ask Me Anything. One of the questions I received asked, “what can we— individual citizens — do to help defend democracy and support threatened communities?”

Each of us has a civic duty to uphold. In addition to voting in elections, there are plenty of actions Oregonians can take to support their friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Contacting your elected officials—including those at the local and state level—is one way to take action. Volunteering for a local organization that works on an issue you care about, like food insecurity or homelessness, is another option. Show up to your local school board or neighborhood association meeting.

I understand that some might feel helpless in this challenging time, but we all have the ability to affect change. It’s important that we all continue to participate however we can.

Exploring the Climate Crisis through Art

It was fascinating to see how the Creative and Emergent Technology Institute (CETI) is working with Portland State University and Multnomah County to educate community members about the County's Climate Action plan. The new project, called Postcards for a Climate Resilient Future, will place a series of interactive dynamic artworks around the county that display imaginative and hopeful visions of a just climate future. I was especially impressed by the use of augmented reality (AR)!

Standing Up for Trans Americans

The House GOP leadership has used our limited time this year to target trans people with discriminatory legislation and rules, and unfortunately new efforts from Speaker Johnson, Rep. Mace, and others continue the trend. Their actions are part of a larger campaign that is putting trans people at risk.

I want to be clear: trans lives matter, and trans people should be able to live their lives without politicians dictating what bathroom they can use or what kind of healthcare they can access. 

In Congress I will continue to speak out when my colleagues use hateful rhetoric or attempt to take away the rights of trans Americans. My office will always be a safe space for any trans legislator, staffer, or visitor to the Capitol.

ICYMI

• Read my statement to the St. Helens community.
• Jesuit senior Claire Cao won this year’s Congressional App Challenge!
• I celebrated Native American Heritage Month with the Portland Art Museum.
• Congratulations to All Classical Radio on their grand opening.
• Open enrollment for Medicare ends on December 7.
• You can now follow me for updates on Bluesky.