Bonamici Statement on Earl Blumenauer Retirement

WASHINGTON, DC [10/30/23] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) released the following statement after Congressman Earl Blumenauer announced his retirement:

I have been fortunate to call Earl Blumenauer a mentor and a friend since I first ran for Congress. 

The Portland region, the State of Oregon, and the country have all benefitted enormously from Earl’s vision and leadership. From his start in public service 50 years ago, he has moved the region, state, and country forward through his vision, tenacity, and an absolute belief that we can solve the problems we face by gathering experts from different backgrounds, getting creative, and empowering people to implement good ideas. 

When Earl was first elected, some of his ideas about things like curbside recycling, bicycle lanes, and safe, accessible transit may have seemed far-fetched. Now they are expected – and appreciated - in our region. He is known across the country for his visionary work on sustainability, transit, animal rights, and cannabis.

Earl is a big picture thinker, and a wonk at heart. He’s willing to ask important questions and ask us, as a community and a country, if there is a better way to do things. He’s done it on tax policy, transportation, the farm bill, Mt. Hood Wilderness, and aging (and dying) with dignity. 

When I was a newly-elected member, Earl gave me a letter that included some of the best advice I’ve received about how to serve effectively. He is thoughtful, kind, and not afraid to find levity, even in challenging times. His comedy events in DC have been an absolute highlight, and like so many things he does, have brought people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives together to find common ground.

I will miss serving with Earl tremendously, and I wish him well in his next chapter.

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