Creating a More Affordable, Secure Oregon

Amid rising housing, utility, health care, and grocery costs, it’s no wonder that Oregonians are concerned about their personal finances and feel less secure in the economy. We need to grow Oregon’s economy and ensure that we’re fighting inflation, addressing income inequality, and creating good-paying jobs.

These efforts are even more important in light of tariffs, essentially taxes on consumers, causing economic instability. Tariffs can be a valuable tool to protect our domestic businesses and workers from unfair and illegal practices by other countries, but they should be used like a scalpel, not a sledgehammer. Imposing blanket tariffs on foes and friends alike raises the costs of household goods for everyday Americans and puts Main Street out of business.

I will continue fighting back against the mismanagement of our economy by challenging the legality of blanket tariffs, supporting legislation that will expand our renewable energy infrastructure to lower energy bills, and ensuring farmers have access to federal support that will reduce grocery prices. As housing prices have continued to rise, I have also supported multiple efforts that would increase affordable housing availability throughout our country.

Spurring economic development also means that our economy creates a fair shot that empowers working people to contribute to a growing middle class.

I support a variety of proposals that would bring quality jobs back to the Sixth District and preserve them for generations to come, including fixing the tax code to ensure corporations are not financially incentivized to outsource jobs to foreign nations. As unemployment increases, it is more important than ever that we prioritize keeping American jobs in America.

I am also focused on ensuring that Oregon is a leader in the innovation economy of the future. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am focused on ensuring that Oregonians are able to contribute to and benefit from emerging industries. Federal research investment drives innovation, creates jobs, and builds lasting economic opportunities in our communities. I have consistently worked in a bipartisan manner to advance legislation promoting research and development in emerging fields with an emphasis on building diverse workforce development pathways.

As we embrace forward-looking economic opportunities, Congress must ensure that workers have a seat at the table so that new technologies are deployed in a way to build a future economy that benefits everyone, not just corporate shareholders. 

Finally, there are a number of common-sense proposals that Congress should enact that will improve all Americans’ economic prospects. Congress must raise the federal minimum wage to at least $17 an hour. We must pass legislation that significantly strengthens protections for unions and workers’ ability to collectively bargain.

I am committed to building an economy that works for all of us, not just the ultra-wealthy.