Spring is a reminder that there is still joy, even when things are very challenging. This weekend, I attended a meaningful event, “Oregon Rises Above Hate,” at the Lan Su Gardens in Portland to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. I know Oregonians will continue to support each other and rise above hate, discrimination, and other injustices. 

At the same time, the Trump administration is waging a reckless war against Iran, putting at risk the lives of service-members and civilians. MAGA Republicans continue to slash programs like SNAP, and costs continue to rise. Millions of Americans across the country, including children and seniors, cannot afford food. Here at home, more than 42,000 Oregonians lost access to food assistance because of cuts in Trump’s Big Ugly Bill. And unfortunately, the Republican leadership in Congress doubled down on these cuts in the Farm Bill that just passed the House.

Last week the Speaker of the House finally relented and allowed a vote to fund the Coast Guard, FEMA, and TSA without giving another penny to ICE and CBP. Federal workers who keep us safe should never be used as pawns – now these essential workers will have the security of knowing they will continue to be paid.

Also last week the Supreme Court eviscerated decades of civil rights protections with their ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. I’ll keep working to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act as we continue our fight to uphold the rights of Black Americans and others to have a Congress that reflects the diversity of America.

Keep reaching out - people from every corner of NW Oregon have called and emailed me about chaotic tariffs, rising health care premiums, explosive gas prices, and more. I want to hear from you.

 Children Can't Learn When They're Afraid

Visiting with students gives me hope for the future. When I speak with students of all ages, they always ask excellent questions. I’ve seen students triumph when they master a difficult concept, and I’ve seen their resilience when they’ve struggled. Recently conversations with students have taken a new tone. I spoke with middle schoolers in Astoria about their concerns and experiences with immigration enforcement. They’re scared. They want their friends and families to be safe, and the masked agents to go away. It is heartbreaking and unacceptable. 

In an Education Committee hearing I pressed U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for answers about why the administration refuses to protect all students. He could not explain why he used tax dollars to make a vanity video rather than invest in the health and well-being of our nation’s children.  

I will not stop fighting until our kids feel safe and secure in their homes and in their schools and can live and learn without fear. 

Stopping the War on Science

Photo Credit: NASA

Artemis II made history by completing a flyby of the dark side of the moon, and it also taught a new generation about the awe and wonder of space exploration. After NASA and the Artemis crew inspired the world with this mission, Trump proposed a budget that eliminates many of NASA’s scientific research and education programs. We cannot lead the world in discovery if we close the door on aspiring scientists. 

This is just one part of Trump’s war on science.

The President’s budget also cut essential ocean research programs and disaster preparedness resources, educational and training opportunities, and more. With wildfire season approaching and countless other climate pressures becoming more evident each day, it is essential to preserve science and data programs, and to support the scientists who have and will run them. 

There are people in our own community who are stepping up in support of science. Students at Lincoln and Ida B. Wells High Schools in Portland planned and convened a Summit on Student Voices for Climate Justice. I’m grateful to them for their advocacy and action, and will join them in fighting for science-based policies and resources to address the climate crisis.

Good News from the District: Accessibility Upgrades

Making communities more accessible and inclusive is one of my top priorities. I recently secured funding for two projects to make accessibility upgrades in our community: 

• $250,000 to Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District for Americans with Disabilities Act Facility Upgrades at the Elsie Stuhr Senior Center
• $500,000 to TriMet for Lift Vehicle Replacement Project to replace several TriMet LIFT paratransit vehicles

Upgraded LIFT vehicles and ADA access at the Elsie Stuhr Senior Center in Beaverton will make it easier for residents to access services and be part of the community. I was grateful to celebrate this moment with community members in Beaverton. 

ICYMI 

• I toured Astoria’s new Baker Building, which expands access to critical permanent supportive housing in Clatsop County. 
• I had the pleasure of visiting Atfalati Elementary School in North Plains with Arts for Learning NW. We saw students working with an artist in residence and fully engaged in a lively lesson. 
• I visited the Stelo Gallery and saw the Humans for Housing exhibit, which tells the stories of houseless individuals and inspires the audience to take action. 
• I celebrated National Apprenticeship Week with Apprenticeships for America!
• I fought against Trump’s proposed housing rule that would evict immigrant families.