Civil Rights

In 2016, there were 45,567 youth placed in 1,772 behavioral facilities nationwide, according to a U.S. Justice Department report. In Oregon, the once popular Sequel Youth and Family Services facility which operated from 2016 to 2018 faces potential child abuse investigations by U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Beaverton, said it's time for Congress to extend anti-discrimination protection to other sectors.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici urged advocates from 11 community groups to rally around the latest congressional effort to overhaul the nation's immigration system. The Democrat from Beaverton, who represents the 1st District of Northwest Oregon, spoke Friday, Feb. 19, at a virtual roundtable discussion one day after she and other House and Senate cosponsors unveiled the 353-page bill.

Congress and the Oregon Legislature have each considered stronger protections in the past few years, but neither has acted. However, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton, said Tuesday she is optimistic a bill that passed in the Democratic House last year will fare better in the Senate now that Democrats control that chamber, too.