What I'm hearing
Yesterday I spent some time traveling around the northwest corner of the district I’m honored to represent. As I met with people, we talked about everything from student loans, to rebuilding the economy and keeping jobs in the U.S., to fixing the VA, and confronting climate change.
During those discussions, I shared examples of small successes I’ve achieved by reaching across the aisle and finding common ground. Small but important achievements like preserving access to justice by stopping major cuts to the budget for federal public defenders, passing a bill to protect our oceans and lakes by better predicting and responding to harmful algal blooms, and crafting legislation to improve weather forecasting without cutting funding from climate research.
One woman I spoke with said she wished we heard more of these positive examples on the news instead of stories about partisan bickering and the “do-nothing Congress.”
Conflict captures the headlines these days. It’s just not splashy enough to report, “Congress got along today.” Cooperation may not be newsworthy but it is absolutely critical. The people of Oregon’s First District expect their Representative to be a problem solver, even in this partisan environment.
I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish so far, and am eager to return next year to do even more.
That’s why your support in this race is so important. I have to get the word out about my approach to getting things done in this divided Congress.
Thank you for believing in me and for your support. I would not be able to do this without you.
