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State Sen. Betsy Johson, D-Scappoose, widely agreed to have been a driving force behind the OMIC initiative, praised the political support for OMIC, including backing from U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Columbia County commissioners. "It has been terrific when prospects or businesses that want to become members say 'what's the level of political support you have?' And we can say without fear of contradiction, it's 100% and we're damn proud of it," Johnson said.

"Oregon will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all who call our state home – including and especially our immigrant and refugee communities," Gov. Brown said. Several Oregon leaders have also released statements after the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban as well, including U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden.

Oregon's entire congressional delegation on Monday urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, to help the state cope with the latest surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, by providing medical personnel. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Kurt Schrader, Suzanne Bonamici and Cliff Bentz all signed a letter sent to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. The lawmakers were following up on a request sent to FEMA by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown last Friday, when she also requested medical personnel.

"I'm extremely concerned about the dire situation in Afghanistan. It is alarming and disturbing that the Afghan forces didn't put up a stronger defense, and I expect the Biden administration to provide additional answers in the coming days. We must do all we can to get Americans out of the country safely, along with Afghan people who assisted our troops or who are at risk because they advocated for or supported women's rights. I have been contacted by constituents who have family or friends trying to get out of the country safely, and I share their concern and sense of urgency."

Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici has released details about an extension to the federal eviction moratorium. Several months ago, Congress provided funding to help renters get through the pandemic. Many Oregonians are still trying to access the assistance, which is also available to landlords, a release from Bonamici's office states. Bonamici said just by applying for assistance, Oregon renters are protected from eviction for an additional 60 days, and in Multnomah county it's an additional 90 days. Renters and property owners can check eligibility here.