The first order of business in 2016?

After several bipartisan accomplishments last month, I was hoping that Congress would continue its cooperative spirit in 2016. Sadly, the new year has just started and partisanship is already back in the House.

As the first order of business in 2016, we voted on a bill to defund Planned Parenthood and repeal the Affordable Care Act. That’s right. Cutting off access to essential health care services for women and working families was the top priority for House leadership!

Fortunately, President Obama has vetoed the bill, and the votes aren’t there to override it.

And to make matters worse, there is little chance that we will be taking any action on policy that will curb the epidemic of gun violence, even though there are reasonable policies we can pass without infringing anyone’s constitutional rights.

The people of Northwest Oregon expect and deserve better. Curbing the gun violence crisis, tackling climate change, making child care and college more affordable – these are the significant issues we should be debating and addressing.

I will continue to speak out against these attacks on women and families, and I’ll work on real solutions to the many issues we face here in Oregon and across the country.

Along the way, your encouragement and support is truly appreciated. Thank you for standing with me.

With appreciation,