Civil Rights
Oregon's U.S. senators, both Democrats, called on the Republican majority to allow a vote on legislation to give permanent status to thousands of young immigrants brought to this country illegally as children.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Beaverton who sits in the 1st District seat, said this in a statement:
Lawmakers are frustrated that they can't bring their fight over the killing of George Floyd to Congress right now. So they're taking to the streets.
With the House scattered across the country because of the coronavirus pandemic, dozens of Democrats — including Speaker Nancy Pelosi — are joining throngs of protesters in major cities across the U.S. to march, kneel and declare that they will use their power to demand change in Washington.
House Democrats have a chance to position themselves at the center of a political movement that drives societal change for years to come. Or they could miss seizing the moment entirely.
"I acknowledge that it will be a challenge, but that doesn't mean we're not gonna fight for it," added Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), who joined protests in her home state over the last week.
After tense nights of civil unrest in neighboring Portland, Desiree Williams-Rajee and fellow members of the Beaverton Black Parent Union weren't sure what kind of crowd to expect at Southridge High School on Sunday afternoon, May 31.
The demonstration drew officials from the Beaverton School District, the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, and others, including U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Beaverton mayoral candidate Lacey Beaty.
Four of the seven members of Oregon's congressional delegation this week said Covid is exacerbating inequalities in the financial system and federal lawmakers should take additional steps to help underserved communities.
In any other time, Oregon's Muslims would be breaking their daily fast throughout Ramadan with their community during a meal known as an iftar. But during the coronavirus pandemic, such gatherings aren't possible.
Instead, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will host an interfaith virtual iftar over Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Guest speakers will include U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Portland Police Chief Jami Resch and faith leaders from local Jewish and Christian churches. Attendees of all faiths are welcome.