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Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici hosted an event to discuss the United States Department of Agriculture’s Reconnect Program, which is helping to expand rural access to broadband internet.

The event at Atfalati Ridge Elementary School in North Plains on April 5, welcomed USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres-Small, Senator Ron Wyden and various representatives from north coast organizations involved in and impacted by rural internet challenges. 

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici sat down with FOX 12 on Thursday to talk about about gun violence, the Bill of Rights for Students and Parents, climate change, Former President Donald Trump’s indictment, expanding broadband internet access, and more.

Wyden and Bonamici both said they would take what they heard in North Plains back with them to Washington, D.C. — though they have their own hurdles to clear for lasting policy change, Bonamici added. 

“I heard a lot today that makes me motivated to continue to work with the administration, and with the senator,” Bonamici said. “If we need legislative fixes, that can be a little challenging in a divided Congress, but there are some things we can do in existing law to help.”

As a member of two House committees – Education and Labor, and Science, Space and Technology – Rep. Suzanne Bonamici attached several scientific research programs to the legislation to make it a “science” act. Bonamici represents a district that includes many of the companies in the Silicon Forest.

“We have a skilled semiconductor workforce in Washington County. But it has tremendous potential to grow,” she said. “We know there are a lot of good-paying jobs in this industry, and not all of them require a four-year or advanced degree.”

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo talked up Oregon’s strengths in the semiconductor industry at a roundtable with lawmakers, higher education leaders and industry professionals at Portland Community College’s Willow Creek campus.