Jobs and Economy
Information regarding my stance on Jobs and Economy issues.
Congressman Peter DeFazio is fighting for U.S. Coast Guard members to get paid during the government shutdown.
On Wednesday, the U.S House of Representatives sent out a press release detailing efforts from DeFazio, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He introduced legislation that would "provide funding for the Coast Guard and ensure that active duty and reserve members of the Coast Guard are paid during the government shutdown," the release said.
Two Oregon lawmakers have applauded legislation introduced by Congressman Peter DeFazio that would provide funding for the Coast Guard and ensure that active duty and reserve members are paid during the government shutdown.
A release from the 4th District Congressman said members of the Guard are the only members of the United States military that are not being paid at this time.
Two Democratic members of Congress from Oregon met with TSA agents and air-traffic controllers at Portland International Airport on Tuesday before flying back to Washington, D.C.
U.S. representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Kurt Schrader met with the federal workers who are considered "essential," which means they're working without pay, like others across the country.
More than 700 air traffic controllers and security officers continue to show up to work at airports across Oregon with no assurance of their next paycheck as the federal government shutdown hit the 18-day mark on Tuesday.
Some workers, however, are growing increasingly worried.
Air traffic controllers and TSA agents at Portland International Airport told lawmakers they're selling plasma and considering looking for work in the private sector as a result of the ongoing government shutdown.
About 60 air traffic controllers and up to 400 TSA agents at PDX have been working without pay since the government shutdown first began over two weeks ago. The shutdown occurred because of a disagreement between the president and congressional Democrats over funding for a border wall.
As the partial government shutdown enters its 3rd week, problems are arising at airports across the country.
Hundreds of TSA agents have decided that if they're not getting paid, they're going to call in sick -- which in turn has caused long lines at checkpoints. The most impacted airports so far are New York, Seattle and Dallas-Fort Worth.
PDX isn't experiencing the TSA sick calls, but the local TSA union president fears the agents may have to find other employment if the shutdown continues.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05), along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), announced the designation of Oregon's Van Duzer Corridor as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) this month.
Members of the European Union (EU) Policy & Outreach Partnership, an initiative of the EU Delegation to the USA, recently paid a visit to Seely Family Farm in the Clatskanie area. Already in every U.S. state and Canadian province, Seely products may soon be available in European markets.
Seely Family Farm was also recently awarded a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the aim of adding jobs and sustaining production. U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D) supported Seely in securing the grant.
"A paid internship? How often do you get THAT opportunity?" This is a common reaction to the Clatsop WORKS Paid Internship program! It is a new experiment to strengthen our workforce and increase economic vitality in Clatsop County, and it is working. Clatsop WORKS finished with amazing results this summer. We thank our educational partners, host employers, interns, steering committee, and all of our community members who have offered so much support for the program.