Energy and Environment
Information regarding my stance on Energy and Environment issues.
Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici stopped in Washington County Saturday afternoon to thank firefighters for their efforts in battling the Chehalem Mountain Fire.
She met with crews from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and heard from firefighters about what they needed to finish putting out hotspots from the wildfire.
Walden joined U.S. senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and fellow U.S representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Kurt Schrader and Suzanne Bonamici in a statement Wednesday morning announcing the disaster declaration.
FEMA quickly approved initial Emergency Declarations to provide federal funding to battle the fires.
"So many people have been evacuated or at risk of evacuation and so many towns have been destroyed," said Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). "It's just absolutely devastating."
Bonamici and other lawmakers said more federal help will be needed in the aftermath of the fires. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) said housing–specifically affordable housing–is a top priority.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton, noted the approval in a tweet saying she appreciated it was done quickly "so we can promptly send more help where it is desperately needed."
Rep. Greg Walden, the only Republican in Oregon's delegation connected the speedy approval to a meeting he held with President Trump this week.