Trade

Bonamici gave a general overview of issues that surfaced at other town hall meetings, ranging from healthcare and immigrant family separations, to the environment, Social Security, Medicare and the Trump administration.

Bonamici began by explaining her view on healthcare, a topic she said many are worried about. "I'm interested in strengthening access to health care, not taking it away," she said. "We need to work together to find a way to make sure that people have access to health care."

In addition to quickly lending her office's support in coordinating efforts to engage the Trump administration on the issue, Bonamici also wanted to connect more directly with those who would be hurt by the escalating trade war with China. She had that opportunity Aug. 8 at the Allison Inn and Spa, where local farmers shared their stories and, through the Associated Oregon Hazelnut Industries, honored the congresswoman with its 2018 Legislative Champion Award.

Oregon's hazelnut industry is facing trade anxiety on two fronts: Restricted access to a major customer and low prices offered by a major competitor.

With the annual harvest quickly approaching, there's not much time left for the looming problems to be resolved.

Hazelnuts are caught in the broader trade dispute with China, which has raised tariffs on the crop while limiting opportunities to avoid duties by trans-shipping through neighboring countries.

As SolarWorld Americas Inc. and its Hillsboro workforce await a Trump administration decision that could spell their fate, politicians are staking out unpredictable positions on the company's high-profile trade case.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici will take questions from constituents at a town hall meeting on Sept. 16 at the Jessie Mays Community Center, 30975 N.W. Hillcrest Street, in North Plains.

The Beaverton democrat announced six town halls, visits to North Plains, Tualatin,Yamhill, Columbia City, Portland and Cannon Beach, over the next month.

Democratic lawmakers from Oregon are backing U.S. solar manufacturers, including Hillsboro-based SolarWorld Americas Inc., in a high-profile trade investigation that the wider industry has portrayed as a threat to the solar installation boom.