In the News
Last week, the House of Representatives joined the Senate in giving final approval to a five-year renewal of the programs and services of the Older Americans Act (OAA). This represented a strong bipartisan reaffirmation of the value of the law to maintaining the independence of people 60 and older. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the legislation soon.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Hours after announcing Oregon schools would stay open, Gov. Kate Brown changed her mind and closed them Thursday night.
The COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act intends to resolve that issue. Sponsored by Representatives James Comer (R-Kentucky) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon), the bipartisan bill "will create a nationwide waiver authority, allow school officials to distribute food in any number of settings across all nutrition programs, and allow for flexibility on meal components if food supply or procurement is disrupted."
For the first time since a federal gag order prohibiting staff and students at Chemawa Indian School from speaking publicly about abuse allegations was lifted, leaders of the Native American boarding school are sharing their side of the story.
In that same vein, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Kentucky Rep. James Comer unveiled a bipartisan bill to protect students' access to school meal benefits during school closures related to COVID-19.
"As we continue to take necessary precautions because of the coronavirus, we must make sure that students can access nutritious meals if their schools are closed," Bonamici said in a statement. "School meals are often the only source of wholesome food for students, and this bill will make it easier for schools to continue serving the meals students rely on to stay healthy."
Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici joined Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky Wednesday, March 11, to introduce the COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act. The bill creates a nationwide waiver authority allowing school officials to distribute food in any setting for students and their families during emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic.
As more people across the country test positive for the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, Oregon leaders are encouraging people to stay calm, take care of themselves and verify information about the virus with government resources.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said she is working with Gov. Brown to make sure local groups receive the resources they need.
"Aging Americans have cared for us and supported our communities throughout their lives – now it is our turn to care for them. I'm proud to have led a bipartisan effort to revitalize these programs and services that support nearly 11 million aging Americans and their caregivers. The Dignity in Aging Act reauthorizes the Older Americans Act (OAA) and increases funding for social services and community-based programs like Meals on Wheels." - Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici
A push for a federal conversation about reparations for slavery in America is receiving unprecedented support in Congress.
Now sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), the resolution currently has the support of 125 co-sponsors in the House. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici signed on in April, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer in May.
A father who had just put his two children on a school bus was arrested last week by Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents near Portland, officials said.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, has proposed legislation that would limit ICE enforcement actions at locations deemed sensitive, such as school buses and school bus stops.
"Targeting arrests where children gather is deeply concerning and does not make our communities safer," Bonamici told the Tribune. "It only terrifies kids who must now worry about their parents instead of focusing on school."