Congressman Kurt Schrader is currently serving his seventh term in the United States House of Representatives. He represents Oregon's 5th Congressional District, which includes all of Marion, Polk, Lincoln and Tillamook Counties as well as the bulk of Clackamas and small portions of Multnomah and Benton Counties. Before being elected to Congress, Schrader, a farmer and veterinarian for more than thirty years, established and managed the Clackamas County Veterinary Clinic in Oregon City and operated his farm where he grew and sold organic fruit and vegetables.
I always put Oregon first.
As your representative in Congress, I have worked tirelessly to secure real benefits on behalf of Oregonians throughout our district and our state. It is important that we always put Oregon first, whether it is through the benefits of national legislation or through grant funding aimed at creating local jobs to help put Oregonians back to work.
During my time in Congress, I have helped to secure NOAA’s Pacific Fleet for Newport, resolved geographic disparities in Medicaid reimbursement, completed casework for thousands of residents in the 5th district, acquired funding for the Polk County Readiness Center and Salem’s Mill Creek Employment Center and fought for the Woodburn Interchange Project, in addition to several others.
Having served as a former member of the House Agriculture Committee, and former ranking member of the Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture, it was a main priority for me that Congress pass and implement a 21 st century farm bill that represents the innovative and diverse American agriculture industry and is focused on healthy food production, community building and economic development. In 2014, I was a member of the conference committee that worked on the FARM Bill and I'm proud of what we accomplished to benefit not only Oregonian farmers, but all of America's agricultural communities.
In Oregon, we produce traditional agriculture crops, but we are primarily a state of family farms that grow specialty crops. Specialty crops, like vegetables, fruits, nursery crops and organics, account for less than five percent of harvested crops across the country and receive only a fraction of funding from existing farm bill programs. However, specialty crops represent nearly half of all domestic farm gate crop value. In a twenty first century global economy it is going to be difficult for American agriculture to compete with countries that do not have our environmental standards, pay sub-minimum wages and receive significant national subsidies. However, we can compete by innovating, encouraging value added production and illustrating to everyday folks the dietary and economic value of buying American crops. In the current farm bill, Congress must build on the strengths of American agriculture and promote investments in research, marketing and conservation.
Strong farm policy must pave the way for the future of American agriculture, not revel in the past. If American agriculture is to remain the standard bearer of how agriculture should benefit a society it must present itself in a better light to the American public. We must continue to understand the importance of value added production of specialty crops, and invest in research opportunities and appropriate insurance support for farmers with a suitable amount of skin in the game. The future of American agriculture rests on these ideas to produce the best quality food in the world in the safest manner possible.
Before starting my Congressional career I was a veterinarian for more than thirty years, caring for domestic and farm animals. As one of only three licensed veterinarians in Congress, much of my life’s work has been dedicated to keeping our four-legged friends healthy. My experience as a veterinarian plays a crucial role in my policymaking, and I am proud to be a leader on animal welfare and veterinary medicine issues in Congress. I am a co-chair of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus, and a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus and the House Rodeo Caucus.
For six years I have led the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act which cracks down on the abusive practice of soring. Soring is a practice in which horse trainers apply painful chemicals and insert sharp objects into the hooves of Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses to achieve the exaggerated gait these horses are known for. It is a gross abuse of horses that has been in practice for decades. The PAST Act finally passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support this July. There is a clear and demonstrable need for this bill, which will protect horses from this egregious and ongoing practice, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to finally pass this bill into law.
I am also a cosponsor and supporter of many other pieces of legislation aimed at the health, welfare, and protection of animals. Some of these bills have passed into law – for example, the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act, which expands federal domestic violence protection to include pets; and the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, which criminalizes animal crushing. Other bills continue to work through the legislative process, like the widely-supported Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act. Animal welfare is an important area of bipartisan agreement, and our work here in Congress will help pets, livestock, wildlife, pet owners, farmers, and anyone who values animals.
As a former member of the House Budget Committee, I am committed to passing a balanced deficit reduction and jobs package that puts everything on the table -- including tax and health care reforms and spending cuts -- to put the United States back on a path of fiscal sustainability, instill some economic certainty for our real job creators and ensure that our country is the best place to invest going forward.
The short-term stop gap measures that Congress has been operating under during my time in Congress merely kicks the can down the road and promotes more political brinkmanship. The time has passed for Congress to courageously confront our ongoing fiscal crises with a big, bold and bipartisan approach to strengthen our economy and bolster economic growth and opportunity for our future generations.
My most sacred duty as your representative is to maintain the safety of all Americans and it is a responsibility that I take very seriously.
Throughout most of the 20th century, the U.S. reigned supreme as one of the biggest global superpowers. And during the Cold War with the former Soviet Union, our primary focus on foreign policy was on protecting Americans. Things became more dangerous though after the Soviet nations fell. As we progress through this new century, it is imperative that the U.S. work with our allies and partners around the world to face these challenges and work to integrating nations into the global community.
We can no longer afford to have the mindset that the U.S. is some global cowboy who can ride into complex international situations and fix them single-handedly. Yet we must not remove ourselves from the world stage. The U.S. is still a global leader. Instead, we should be expanding our diplomatic corps and enhancing our soft power tools to win over nations. Working with our partners and allies to solve these problems will help stave off potentially costly conflicts, while saving lives and tax dollars at the same time.
But not everything will turn out so rosy and I recognize that our armed forces must be prepared to respond to threats. I have long supported streamlining the Department of Defense to reduce redundant positions, update technology, and lessen our reliance on outdated weapon systems. DOD’s budget is incredibly bloated after decades of war. They must not be burdened with outdated and unwanted weapon systems only because it benefits some Congressional committee member’s district. Our military must modernize and be adaptable to the challenges our nation faces, both here and in the future. That is why I continue to offer my amendments to the annual Defense Authorization Act. Congress must make sure that the Pentagon focuses on getting their fiscal house in order.
Education is an important issue for Oregonians and the future of our country. A consistent investment in our nation’s education system is necessary to make sure we keep our economy and workforce globally competitive and to ensure the well-being of this country for generations to come.
All Americans should have access to a quality education that prepares them for the challenges they will face throughout their life. Going back to my days in the Oregon state government, I have consistently supported policies that increased investments into education and given educators the resources they need to get their job done.
Unfortunately, for too many years the U.S. has not done its part. Annual education funds as part of the federal budget rarely go over 3 percent. To add further insult, we also don’t fund our share of the Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA) Act. Yet Congress mandates funding levels to states forcing them to make up the difference. That’s why I am proud to co-lead a bipartisan, bicameral effort to ramp up our IDEA funding to make sure we pay what we said we would. That will help free up state education dollars for our educators to provide for other programs.
I also am a strong supporter of career and technical education (CTE) programs to teach kids necessary trade skills. These classes can excite kids by showing them different career paths through hands on learning. Last congress, I proudly cosponsored the bipartisan HR 2353, Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act and was happy to see it signed into law. Now schools and educators will have innovative tools and flexibilities to start and expand successful CTE programs. This will help students learn about new careers that will give them family-wages with no student debt.
But if students do choose to pursue higher education they shouldn’t be saddled with thousands of dollars in debt. Here in Congress, we must put in place policies that increase the affordability and access of higher education to all Americans. That is why I am working with my colleagues to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA) and address this crisis that has hampered thousands of borrowers. So much has changed since the last HEA passed in 2008 and any effort to reauthorize that law must reflect our present challenges.
Every American should have access to a quality education from early education to continuing education efforts. Know that I value the role that the federal government plays in our education system and will work with my colleagues to make sure our communities always have a strong partner.
Climate change is real, and it is caused by human actions – this is indisputable. Climate change is a growing threat to our planet, economy, national security, and to future generations. I have worked hard to maintain US global leadership on climate change by supporting the Paris Climate Agreement, and I am proud to have supported legislation like the Climate Action Now Act to maintain our country’s greenhouse gas reduction commitments. I have opposed attempts to reduce the size of the Environmental Protection Agency, opposed the building of mines in important fish environments, and opposed offshore oil drilling, in addition to supporting renewable energy, healthy forest management, public land conservation, and the preservation of our environment.
I am proud to support the work of communities across the Fifth District as they fight climate change, conserve local public lands and natural resources, and serve as good stewards of our forests. I am proud of the ocean acidification research and prevention happening in coastal communities and I support their work at the federal level. I worked with advocates in Molalla on their twelve-year initiative to designate the Molalla River as a Wild and Scenic River and was proud that our bill to do so was signed into law in early 2019. I am a longtime supporter of permanent and full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which preserves public lands across the state of Oregon. I am also a supporter of the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which would provide additional funds for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to continue their important conservation work.
Climate change threatens our coasts, in particular. Coastal communities rely on clean water and heathy ocean ecosystems, and it is our responsibility to help maintain ocean health. For my entire Congressional career, I have supported the West Coast Ocean Protection Act to prohibit oil and gas leasing on the outer Continental Shelf off the Pacific coast and have advocated against plans to expand oil and gas drilling. I recently voted for moratoriums on offshore drilling in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, and have opposed the proposed open pit mine in the pristine salmon habitat at Bristol Bay, Alaska.
I also believe a strong investment in renewable energy is a key component of reversing global climate change. The key to curbing the effects of global warming is to significantly reduce our carbon emissions. I support significant increases in fuel efficiency standards and strong reduction requirements for carbon emissions. I have a strong, proven record as a supporter of renewable energy. The federal government needs to make a strong investment in renewable sources of fuel that have the capacity to create thousands of new jobs and move our nation towards energy independence. In Oregon, we are fortunate to have many options for alternate forms of energy. We can harness the wind, waves, and sun to produce energy, and we can promote sustainable farming and fishing practices. As a member of the Energy Subcommittee of the Energy & Commerce Committee, I continue to use my position to advocate for renewable energy and for sustainable solutions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Addressing climate change also includes better management of our federal forestry land. Right now, wildfires are wreaking havoc in our forests and releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. There is a need for responsible forest management, which includes thinning forests responsibly. You can see more about my forestry work here.
Our public lands are one of our greatest natural resources and it is one of Congress’ highest duties to protect them and care for their management.
I believe there are lands in this country that should be preserved for public use. I have supported public land packages that expand wilderness and wild and scenic designations. I also support the multiple-use of our public lands, including recreation, active timber management, grazing access, and hunting access.
Earlier this year, Congress passed S. 47, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which I supported and is now law. S. 47 bundles together more than 100 individual public lands bills, including several provisions I have supported since I first came to Congress. The bill permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), adds new land designations for parks and conservation areas, and funds several research and development programs to modernize our current wildfire fighting technology. S. 47 also increases access to federal lands for hunting, fishing, and other recreation, while protecting private property rights. I am particularly excited that S. 47 included language to designate 21 miles of the Molalla River as Wild and Scenic. I have been working on this with members of the Molalla community for my entire Congressional career, and I am glad to finally see this priority of mine signed into law. I am proud that Congress was able to come together and deliver on these important priorities.
I have consistently worked across the aisle with my colleagues on forest management plans that protect Oregon’s natural treasures while providing sufficient revenue for rural communities. In a state like Oregon where 53 percent of the land is federally controlled, the government needs to live up to their responsibility and not leave our rural communities without any options for their livelihood. We have waited more than 25 years for our government to implement a sustainable and legally defensible management plan for Oregon’s federal forest land. They failed and rural Oregon has paid the price. Our rural communities continue to struggle, and our forests are unhealthier due to lack of management. This is why I have collaborated with Congressmen Peter DeFazio and Greg Walden on a federal forest management plans that provides sufficient revenue for our counties, puts jobs back into the woods, and protects old growth and Oregon's most valued natural treasures.
Last Congress we were able to get some real results on forestry issues I’ve been working on since I came to Congress in 2009. The FY2018 Omnibus spending package that I supported and was signed into law included some of our top priorities on forest management, by changing our budget to end the cycle of “fire borrowing” and providing utility companies the authority to remove hazardous trees near transmission lines. This package was a net win for Oregonians and shows what Congress can do when we roll up our sleeves and get to work.
I will continue to be an advocate for public lands and support bipartisan land management plans that preserve essential environmental regulations, which protect our ecosystems, and allow access for multiple-use.
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The time is ripe for this Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform for the sake of our economy, jobs and millions of hopeful Americans.
A bipartisan Senate group is currently working on a comprehensive plan they hope to introduce this spring. The framework they have put forward is fair and sensible.
There needs to be a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Special pathways are needed for the children of immigrants, who were brought to the United States through no action of their own, and for migrant workers, who are integral to the operation of our agricultural economies. The pathway to citizenship should require a background check, followed by a probationary period where immigrants learn English, pay back taxes and work before getting in the line for full citizenship.
The pathway to citizenship should be built upon improvements to border control and the legal immigration system. We have already drastically reduced illegal border crossings with massive investments in border security in the last four years. Investments in technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance, a functional and mandatory employment verification system and better tracking of people entering and exiting the United States is also essential. Many immigrants have simply overstayed their visas.
Additionally, the legal immigration system must be reformed to reflect our values and the needs of our modern economy. The visa system must admit innovative job creators and their families to the United States and also needs a better low-tech guest worker program, especially for agricultural workers. In doing so, we must ensure that the rights of all workers, both Americans and immigrants, are protected.
I am hopeful we can do this because the outline proposed by Senators from both parties includes all those essential elements and has the blessing of the President to move forward. My colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are also optimistic about the prospects of this outline becoming a solid legislative proposal. However, we do not yet have legislative language and there are voices of dissent.
Stabilizing the Individual Marketplace
The Affordable Care Act has helped 20 million people access quality health care, many for the first time in their lives. Medicaid expansion has been an unqualified success in red and blue states. But we have to face facts: some folks in the individual marketplace have seen their premiums and deductibles increase significantly due to an imbalance in the marketplace and uncertainty caused by this new administration. Legislating on health care—an area that’s incredibly personal and complex—takes time and effort. During the 115th Congress, I spent time talking with health care experts, providers, and patients, before leading a bipartisan group of my colleagues in the House to work on real solutions. In July, 2017 we introduced a five-point proposal that aims squarely at stabilizing and improving the individual market—our's was the first plan out of either chamber of Congress with such a goal. If we are serious about making health care affordable for everyone, let’s direct our focus on stabilizing the marketplace.
Read about my Bipartisan Market Stabilization and Innovation Act.
Lowering Drug Costs
Every few months it seems we see new headlines about another extreme drug price hike. Some unscrupulous CEO buys the rights to produce a drug that has been on the market for decades, usually where there are no competitors, and they raise the price astronomically overnight. In so many of these stories, the drug has been off patent for years, but there isn’t a generic version on the market. Generic drug manufacturers may want to bring a generic version to the market, but they face a long approval process, steep costs, and a whole lot of uncertainty. We know that having generic versions on the market keeps the cost of drugs down for everyone, and prevent those unscrupulous actors from reaping exorbitant profit margins. It’s been proven time and again.
That’s exactly why I worked with my colleague from across the aisle, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, to pass legislation to lower drug costs by bringing more generics to market faster by increasing opportunities for quicker FDA approval, especially where there are few alternatives. While there's more work to be done to lower drug costs, I’m very pleased that our bill passed out of Congress, without opposition in the House, and that we were able to take this step closer to bringing down costs and making life-saving drugs more affordable.
As a former small business owner and former member of the House Small Business Committee, I understand that small businesses are America's economic backbone. I am dedicated to helping Oregon's small businesses cut through the bureaucratic red tape of the federal government and provide them with the economic certainty they need to confidently invest, expand and create good, lasting jobs for Oregonians.
Investing in transportation and infrastructure projects in Oregon and across the nation creates jobs and ensures our global competitiveness. Right now, rising nations, like China, India and Brazil are making huge investments in their air, rail, port and ground infrastructure. Investments in those areas here at home play a significant role in the United States economic superiority. For too long, the U.S. has skated by with putting in the bare minimum needed to maintain our transportation sectors.
I strongly support robust infrastructure funding to tackle modern problems. Innovative infrastructure will reduce traffic in our clogged roadways, create good jobs, and spur economic growth in our communities. As Congress once again starts to craft a long-term transportation bill, we must not be afraid to go in bold new directions that give our states the resources and flexibility to update and modernize our many outdated modes.
The last long-term transportation bill, known as the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, is coming up for reauthorization. Congress must use this opportunity to advance a fully-realized and paid for system. It must include increased resources, new oversight models to make sure projects come in on-time and under-budget, and updated regulations that give more flexibility without sacrificing the work we do to mitigate environmental impacts.
Transportation technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. Today’s landscape will be radically different in just five years. Federal policy must catch up and guide these innovative new technologies so that they help move our goods effectively and make sure our citizens arrive safely to their destinations.
Veterans who have served their country honorably deserve to have strong employment opportunities when they return from service and a VA system that is attentive to their needs. It is the least we can do for their years of service for our country. Veterans have unique needs and we as policymakers need to remain aware of that fact as we try to address the challenges they face throughout their lives.
Right now, we face challenges on many fronts. Older veterans are fighting for their rightfully earned health care, while those returning face the difficulty of returning home. Too many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans face continued hardships both personally and professionally as they transition back to civilian life. We must also ensure servicewomen’s access to comprehensive care as they become a larger part of our veteran populations. We have our work cut out for us, but I remain confidant that veterans will remain one of the bipartisan issues that can actually still move in these more partisan times.
Throughout my time in Congress I have introduced and cosponsored many pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of America’s veterans. Three of my amendments were unanimously included in this year’s 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to help protect Oregon veterans, ensure greater transparency with taxpayer dollars given to the Department of Defense, and provide greater notification of service members rights under existing federal law. This Congress I have cosponsored four bipartisan bills to designate more resources to improving existing and implementing new mental health resources for veterans. Locally, I have hosted multiple veterans-focused town halls throughout the district on the newly implemented MISSION ACT. I wanted these forums to be held so we could have experts explain how this new program will impact veteran care in our communities and hear about the challenges veterans are facing with its implementation.
I am committed to helping Oregon veterans by providing one-on-one assistance with accessing their much-deserved benefits. My office has a full time- designated staff member in my Oregon City office who is devoted to helping veterans navigate the VA system. I urge veterans to call my Oregon City office at 503-557-1324 if they need any assistance.
I will continue my support for veterans through legislative action that further improves VA health care and access to housing, education and job placement services earned through their years of sacrifice. No matter when or where they served, veterans deserve the care and support they earned. I am proud to honor that service by working for our servicemen and women and their families here in Congress.
I have a strong, proven record as a supporter of renewable energy. The federal government needs to make a strong investment in renewable sources of fuel that have the capacity to create thousands of new jobs and move our nation towards energy independence. In Oregon, we are fortunate to have many options for alternate forms of energy. We can harness the wind, waves and sun to produce energy. We can grow alternative crops to reduce our carbon footprint and reliance on foreign oil. And we can promote sustainable farming and fishing practices.
I also believe a strong investment in renewable energy is a key component of reversing global climate change.The key to curbing the effects of global warming is to significantly reduce our carbon emissions. I support significant increases in fuel efficiency standards and strong reduction requirements for carbon emissions.
Addressing climate change also includes better management of our federal forestry land. Right now, wildfires are wreaking havoc in our forests and releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. There is a need for responsible forest management, which includes thinning forests responsibly.
In addition, I know far too well the challenges of earth friendly farming. Years ago, I ran an organic farming co-op back home. Despite the challenges we all face, the cost of inaction is far too great. By finding alternative energy sources, managing our forests, utilizing smart agriculture practices, taking care in our recycling practices and putting in place positive legislation, we can help to save our home.
The Internet plays a major role in our personal and professional lives and as such I want to assure you I unequivocally support an “Open Internet.” What I do not support is any attempt to stifle communication of information or access to legal websites and content by an internet service provider (ISP). In the case that an ISP is found to be participating in such behavior, I support the FCC’s ability to investigate and take action against the offending parties.
In an effort to maintain an Open Internet, I believe:
• Consumers are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice;
• Consumers are entitled to run applications and services of their choice, subject to the needs of law enforcement;
• Consumers are entitled to connect to their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network; and
• Consumers are entitled to competition among network providers, application and services providers, and content providers.
TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY:
Comparison of 2002 TPA and 2014 TPA Proposal
EXISTING FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS:
USTR Fact Sheets: http://www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements
TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
USTR Fact Sheets on TPP: http://www.ustr.gov/tpp
STATE DATA:
Commerce Department’s Interactive State Export site: http://tse.export.gov/TSE/TSEReports.aspx?DATA=SED
Commerce Department’s Interactive State Import site: http://tse.export.gov/stateimports/TSIREports.aspx?DATA=
Census Bureau’s prepared state-by-state trade figures: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/state/
Department of Agriculture’s state-by-state ag exports: http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/state-export-data.aspx
LOCAL DATA:
Commerce’s “Metro Area Exports:” http://www.trade.gov/mas/ian/metroreport/
Transport’s Port-by-Port Traffic by Container and Tonnage: http://www.marad.dot.gov/library_landing_page/data_and_statistics/Data_and_Statistics.htm
Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance data: http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/StatMap2012.cfm
NATIONAL DATA:
US International Trade Commission’s “Dataweb”: http://dataweb.usitc.gov/
Census’ Monthly Trade figures: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/
Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Services-Trade Figures: http://www.bea.gov/international/international_services.htm.
Department of Agriculture national ag trade figures: http://www.fas.usda.gov/gats/default.aspx
Treasury Department’s foreign debt by country: http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/tic/Pages/ticsec2.aspx
Census’ trade by mode and weight: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/ft920_index.html
Transport’s Border (NAFTA) trade figures by ‘mode’ (air, truck, pipeline, rail, and shipping for trade with Canada and Mexico): http://transborder.bts.gov/programs/international/transborder/
INTERNATIONAL:
WTO annual trade statistics reports: http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/its_e.htm
WTO country-by-country tariff rates: http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/tariff_profiles12_e.pdf