The federal government has now been shut down for 36 days. I’ve been in Washington, DC with my Democratic colleagues, but the Republican majority has canceled votes and is still on vacation. I have been working for my constituents and remain ready and willing to vote on a bill that will open the government without increasing health care costs for Oregonians and Americans. The Republicans need to come back to DC and work with us to reopen the government.

Recently we heard tremendous concern when the Trump administration announced that they would not fund SNAP benefits for November. Fortunately, a court ordered the administration to use an emergency fund to continue benefits, but it is unclear whether they will even follow the court’s order.  Donald Trump never struggled to put food on the table, but I did. I worked my way through college with the help of food stamps, so I know how essential SNAP is for families and individuals.

It is shameful that Trump is using access to food as a political tool to further his agenda.

The Oregon Department of Human Services has compiled resources here for Oregonians who are in need of food assistance.

Hearing From You

Thank you to everyone who participated in my town hall meetings last month. Hundreds of people attended my two in-person town hall meetings in Seaside and Beaverton and thousands more joined my telephone town hall meeting. It is overwhelmingly clear that people across NW Oregon are gravely concerned about the future of democracy, healthcare, rising costs, the environment, and more.

I brought their stories back to Washington, D.C. to continue to fight for the people of NW Oregon. As we move through this critical time for our state and country, please continue to reach out to my office.

Standing Against ICE Overreach

ICE is an out-of-control federal agency that is causing stress and terror in Oregon and several places across the country. We have seen a sharp increase in ICE activity in NW Oregon, especially in Washington County, with agents disregarding legal status, and in at least one case, detaining the wrong person. Additionally, ICE is using the government shut down as an excuse to ignore congressional inquiries. Their actions are abhorrent and inhumane, and I stand with community members who continue to be hurt by their actions.

Oregon’s Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, put together an immigration resource guide and community toolkit that outlines what you can do to be prepared, what happens if you encounter ICE, and more.

If you or a loved one has been affected by Trump’s aggressive and inhumane immigration tactics, please call my office at (503) 469-6010. 

Advocating for Victor Cruz

Victor Cruz is a grandfather, father, husband, and pillar of his community. He was violently snatched off the street by masked men in unmarked vehicles. He has a permit to work in the United States, a pending visa case, and no criminal record. He also has a pacemaker, heart condition, and an injured foot. Along with Senators Wyden and Merkley, I continue to call for his immediate release from detention and for his return to his family and community. The violent and indiscriminate kidnapping of people off the streets without due process must stop now, and my office will continue to use every tool we have available to help those affected. 

Keeping Military Off Our Streets

I have said for months that we do not want and we do not need the military in our cities. Portland is a city on the rise, full of thriving businesses, art, and natural beauty. We will not stand for an authoritarian power grab or intimidation tactics by this administration. I am encouraged by how many Portlanders have responded – exercising their rights peacefully and showing the creativity and community that makes this city so special.

ICYMI

• I spoke with Oregonians who face losing SNAP, anti-hunger advocates, and colleagues.
• In D.C. I have been speaking out about the harms from Republican health care cuts, and how they will significantly raise costs for people like Teresa from Clatsop County.
• I visited with PIRC, whose resources and hotline are helping keep the community safe.
• I started a new series: “Suzanne on the Street” where I talk with Downtown Portland businesses about their experiences with the city and get their take on Trump sending troops to PDX.