It’s a busy time in Congress as I participate in crafting legislation to Build Back Better, and it’s a busy time in Oregon as I welcomed students back to school and thanked hard-working firefighters on Labor Day.

I always appreciate hearing from the people I’m honored to represent. I invite you to join me for my next telephone town hall meeting on Tuesday, September 14 at 6 p.m. Sign up here to receive a call and join the meeting. 

Building Back Better

This week I am focused on crafting the Build Back Better Act, particularly the sections of the bill from the Science Committee and Education and Labor Committee. This important legislation will invest in families, secure good-paying jobs for American workers, help to address the climate crisis, and set a strong foundation for America’s children.

As we build back better, it is critical that we provide workers with access to quality, on-the-job training and the support services they need to secure good-paying, high-quality jobs. I’ve seen the power of workforce training programs in NW Oregon, and talking with workers inspired me to fight for robust investments in workforce programs.

One powerful example of workforce investment is the new Portland Community College Training Center! I enjoyed touring the new facility where students will gain useful skills to help them find cutting-edge jobs in advanced manufacturing.

Stronger Families, Stronger Economy

The care economy is infrastructure that holds our families and communities together. Working alongside Gloria, a home care worker in Beaverton, reminded me that care workers are essential to making sure that everyone in our community can thrive. During the visit we discussed how Congress can help caregivers and their families.

Additionally, I am doing all I can to support universal preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, and make affordable, quality child care available for all. This would be a game-changing investment in our kids and our families, with long-lasting positive benefits for our communities and the economy. I appreciate the guidance and input of my Oregon Child Care Advisory Board as we work to craft this policy, including the leaders at Family Forward who recently hosted a discussion with parents and providers to discuss how we can get children and families the support they need.

Withdrawing from Afghanistan

After 20 years, the U.S. has withdrawn its troops from Afghanistan. The withdrawal comes after decades of lives tragically lost, including the deaths of 13 servicemembers in the final days. We will always remember and honor their ultimate sacrifice.

The U.S. must do everything possible to avoid again becoming involved in a long, protracted war. I am grateful for the service members who have dedicated themselves to protecting our nation and working to improve the lives of Afghans, particularly their heroic effort in recent days to assist more than 120,000 people in escaping the country.

I have been working tirelessly with several Oregonians to help their family members flee Afghanistan, and I will continue advocating until our Afghan allies and those most at risk under Taliban rule are able to leave the country safely. Oregon stands ready to welcome refugees from Afghanistan, and I am working to get them the support they need. Additionally, I am committed to providing refugees with the support they need to rebuild their lives. I also expect the Biden Administration will remain vigilant against threats to our security and will continue using all available diplomatic avenues to secure the rights and safety of those who remain in Afghanistan.

In Case You Missed It

• We must combat the unconstitutional, dangerous situation created by Texas’s new anti-abortion law. I’ll keep working with my colleagues to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act.
• As the delta variant drives a deadly surge in Oregon, I called on FEMA to send more aid and support to Oregon’s struggling health care system.
• Students and parents shared their heartache with me over the deeply troubling actions of the Newberg School Board.
• The violent behavior of hate groups like the Proud Boys in Oregon is unacceptable. I have called on the Department of Justice to investigate the interstate actions of domestic extremists.