Bonamici sworn in to 114th Congress
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici began her second full term as the representative for Oregon’s First Congressional District by swearing in as a member of the 114th Congress on January 6, 2105. Here is her statement from that day:
“It’s an honor to return to Washington to represent Northwest Oregon. I am eager to get to work on policies that support working families, increase opportunities for American workers and businesses, strengthen public education, protect our environment, and maintain support systems for seniors and the most vulnerable.
“I will continue to work on strengthening workforce development through more coordinated training and placement programs to provide stable, long-term careers for workers. Additionally, investment in infrastructure projects will facilitate economic growth and put people back to work. Congress must address the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund to bring certainty to local governments as well as to contractors and growing businesses.
“Education continues to be one of my top priorities, and I will be working on policies to support quality public education from pre-K through college, as well as on legislation to reduce undue testing and the punitive accountability requirements that have contributed to a more stressful environment in our nation’s classrooms. I will reintroduce the Support Making Assessments Relevant and Timely (SMART) Act to help states and school districts eliminate unnecessary and redundant tests and streamline assessment systems.
“I am also committed to protecting earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare and strengthening vital social safety net programs that help the most vulnerable. Our nation’s seniors deserve a safe and secure retirement, so I will continue my work to update and renew the Older Americans Act, which provides for programs like Meals on Wheels, in-home care, and legal protections.
“Oregon’s natural resources and scenic beauty draw visitors from around the world and are an important part of our economy. Fishers and mariners depend on healthy coastal and ocean resources, wine growers and farmers create the bountiful agriculture in Yamhill County, and businesses use the Columbia River to transport goods to market. We must protect and sustain these resources, and as policymakers we need to be discussing and addressing the causes and effects of climate change. As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I will refute repeated attacks on climate science and work on creating opportunities to invest in and develop innovative technologies that create new jobs while reducing the harmful effects of climate change.
“Along with my efforts in Washington, DC, I am also looking forward to continuing my work throughout the district by hosting town hall meetings and visiting schools, local businesses, and the members of our community who work hard every day to uphold the values of our great state. It is truly an honor to represent the people of Oregon’s First Congressional District.”
