Foreign Affairs and National Security
It is critical that we maintain America’s role as a leader in the international community. The use of force should always be a last resort and diplomacy must be emphasized in all of our relationships around the world. As a member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, I understand the importance of working with other countries to find peaceful solutions wherever possible, maintaining a focus on diplomacy, democracy, human rights, and development.
We have the best military in the world and I am dedicated to supporting our troops. It is important, however, to be realistic about our defense spending and what is truly necessary for our national security. Our spending should focus on what our military needs to keep our country safe—like investments in intelligence and cybersecurity—not what makes good politics.
Terrorist attacks and the growth of ISIL across the globe demand action and collaboration with allies. Unfortunately, however, we have also seen an increase in hateful rhetoric toward refugees and immigrants. We must maintain our focus on keeping our nation safe and secure, but we cannot allow discrimination to dictate our nation’s policies. Any refugee seeking to come to the United States must go through an intensive and lengthy screening process. In our nation, diversity makes us stronger. With that strength we must summon our collective humanity to provide a place for refugees, many of whom are women and children, fleeing war and terrorism.
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The Oregonian/OregonLive asked 7 U.S. Congressional members from Oregon and 89 members of the Oregon Legislature if they'd been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
They concluded by promoting a two-state solution, which they said is the only way to “permanently” end the “hostilities,” and they referenced the “occupation.” The other lawmakers who signed the letter are Reps. Jamie Raskin, Jan Schakowsky, Suzanne Bonamici, David Cicilline, Kim Schier, Sara Jacobs, Steve Cohen, Dean Philips, Alan Lowenthal, Andy Levin, and John Yarmuth.
Oregon U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici tweeted, "I'm hoping the best for the officers and full accountability for the perpetrator.”
"Some schools in Northwest Oregon have been able to reopen, but many have not," said Bonamici, who represents much of the metro area's west side, including Newberg and Dundee. "We all want students and educators back in schools, but they need resources to make sure everyone is safe."
Bonamici represents the First Congressional District of Oregon. She answered voters’ questions for more than 45 minutes. One caller asked how small business owners could afford the proposed minimum wage of $15 an hour, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The caller said the minimum wage was never meant to support families.
The House passed it early Saturday, Feb. 27, on a 219-212 vote. Oregon's Kurt Schrader and Maine's Jared Golden were the only Democrats to oppose HR 1913, along with all 210 Republicans voting. Schrader, a Democrat from Canby, also voted against a much smaller plan that cleared Congress and was signed by then-President Donald Trump at the end of December. The earlier plan contained money for $600-per-person stimulus checks to individuals; the latest plan proposes to add $1,400.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon: The squawk box in my office started making a very, very loud siren-like sound, and I got scared. It had never gone off before. I was glad my staff was here with me. Once we heard that, we received text and email alerts from Capitol police. There was an external threat. That means curtains closed, doors locked, lights down and be quiet.
Representative Suzanne Bonamici also posted a Twitter thread in which she said she was, "deeply disappointed in the outcome, but will continue working to undo the harm that was inflicted on our country and on democracy."