Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici represents the First Congressional District of Oregon, which includes Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Columbia counties and part of Multnomah County.
Strengthening public education is one of Suzanne's top priorities and one of the reasons she got involved in public service. Suzanne spent hundreds of hours volunteering in public schools before serving in the Oregon State Legislature, where she passed legislation to reduce duplicative testing. In Congress, she is a leader on the Education and Labor Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services.
The First Congressional District is home to some of our country’s most innovative companies including technology leaders like Intel, which developed the world’s first microprocessor more than 40 years ago, Nike, a trailblazer in footwear innovation, and multiple, innovative small businesses. Companies in the First District are continually developing new and exciting products. As a Member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I will do everything I can to partner with our local innovators—in the tech sector and beyond—to support their efforts and advance projects that benefit our communities.
In 2013 I founded and now Co-Chair the bipartisan STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) Caucus to promote creativity and innovation by integrating art and design into STEM education programs. I frequently meet with business leaders and innovators and hear about the need for collaborative problem solvers who can communicate and come up with new ways to solve problems. Additionally, STEAM education builds a more inclusive environment that supports a greater diversity of students while fostering an entrepreneurial approach that strengthens our workforce.
Efforts to dismiss and disrespect science will have chilling consequences for every person who benefits from clean air and clean water, particularly and disproportionately young children, seniors, and the health-impaired. As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am doing everything that I can to fight efforts to undercut scientific integrity and stand up for science and research.
Net Neutrality
Net neutrality is about keeping the internet open and fair for everyone. I’m fighting in Congress to protect net neutrality, and I’ll continue to urge the Federal Communications Commission to maintain Title II protections and a level playing field for consumers, innovators, and small businesses.