In honor of National Police Week (May 14th - 20th), we want to say "Thank you" to all of our dedicated officers across our counties and state. Your continuing dedication to uphold peace and promote safe communities is truly appreciated. We also recognize and honor all law enforcement members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty in service to their communities.

Yesterday, in recognition of National Police Week and in response to Oregon’s drug crisis, House Republicans attempted to withdraw four pieces of legislation to prioritize public safety and Measure 110 reform. Democratic committee chairs never advanced these bills in committee. The Democratic majority voted each bill down on the floor, despite bipartisan support on three of the four votes.

While none of the motions received the required 31 votes to withdraw a bill, three of the four bills had bipartisan support and split evenly in tied 30-30 votes.

• House Joint Resolution 29 – Proposal for a constitutional amendment that would bring Oregon in line with all 49 other states requiring a unanimous verdict if not guilty, as well as a unanimous verdict if guilty. Motion to withdraw from Rules failed - Ayes, 25; Nays, 35.

• House Bill 2135 – Eliminates the current “catch and release” system which allows criminals to commit a crime, get arrested, get released, and then commit another crime after release. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.

• House Bill 3603 – Provides that in cases where a defendant is charged with a sexual offense or domestic violence, evidence of the defendant’s commission of prior sexual offenses or domestic violence is admissible. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.

• House Bill 2310 – Reestablishes criminal penalties for possession and distribution of street drugs, including fentanyl, that were stripped by Measure 110, while still supporting the rehabilitation funds that go towards expanding access to rehabilitation programs. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.

Just this week, Washington lawmakers voted to keep drugs illegal. Yet, yesterday in Oregon, House Democrats voted to keep drugs legal.

The Lewis and Clark Bridge (aka the Rainier Bridge), between Rainier and Longview, Washington will close for up to eight days beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 16, for bridge deck repairs. Before and after the full bridge closure, there will be nightly single lane closures for additional joint work, project staging, and clean-up. This will leave only one lane open for both northbound and southbound traffic to share each evening.

During the closure, crews from Combined Construction, Inc. will replace two bridge expansion joints and a fractured floor beam. Pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency responders will be able to cross the bridge during the closure except during a small window when the floor beam is being replaced.

Closure of the only bridge across the Columbia River between Astoria and Portland may create hardships for communities along the Columbia River and require residents to reschedule medical and other important appointments.

During the closure, all vehicle traffic crossing The Columbia River will detour to use either the Astoria-Megler Bridge or the Interstate 5 Bridge. Pedestrians, bicyclists, those using wheelchairs/mobility scooters and emergency vehicles will be provided access across the bridge during the closure.

The old ferry between Longview and Rainier before the Rainier Bridge was built. Taken in the early twenties.

My staff and I are here to help you! If you have a problem, question or comment, please feel free to email me at rep.brianstout@oregonlegislature.gov. I do ask you to PLEASE include your phone number and your address. This allows me to call you to follow up or ask any questions I might have. Your address lets me know that you're a constituent. I get hundreds of emails every week, but I always make sure that constituents get top priority. If you'd prefer, you can call us at 503.986.1431.

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Thank you so much for this opportunity to be your State Representative.

Sincerely,