Janelle S. Bynum

Bynum Demands Immediate Assistance for Oregon Doctor and 16 Americans Aboard the Hantavirus Cruise Ship

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya, demanding repatriation, medical support, and consular assistance for the 17 American citizens, including one of her constituents, aboard the Oceanwide Expeditions cruise ship MV Hondius. Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, a constituent from Bend, OR, stepped up to provide medical attention and treat passengers aboard the ship who have come in contact with the hantavirus due to the primary doctor on board getting sick. Rep. Bynum spoke directly to Dr. Kornfeld and learned he has not received any guidance on returning home safely or disembarking the ship. “The Americans on board deserve action,” wrote Rep. Bynum. “Four days is more than enough time for the federal government to establish a coordinated response, communicate clearly with those affected, and ensure that U.S. citizens are not left stranded in a deadly outbreak overseas. The seventeen Americans on board, including my constituent, are being abandoned by their government. They have no guidance and no support to ensure their safe return home.” Currently, three individuals have reportedly died from the hantavirus and more than 145 passengers and crew remain aboard the ship. Many of the non-U.S. citizens have received support and guidance from their governments, but the 17 Americans on board have not. Read the full text of the letter HERE and below. Dear Secretary Marco Rubio and Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya, I write with urgent concern regarding the reported hantavirus outbreak aboard the Oceanwide Expeditions cruise ship MV Hondius, currently located in or near Spain, where American citizens, including one of my constituents, remain onboard and in need of immediate medical attention, evacuation support, and consular assistance. I urge your agencies to assess the situation and develop a repatriation plan by the end of the day. At the time of this writing, three individuals have reportedly died from hantavirus, seventeen Americans are onboard and in need of assistance, and more than 145 passengers and crew remain aboard the vessel. This outbreak was first publicly reported at least four days ago. Despite the severity of the situation, my office has seen no evidence of a sufficient federal response to protect the Americans on board or to ensure their safe return home. On Thursday, May 7, my office made contact with a constituent from the district I represent who is currently aboard the ship. The information we received about the conditions facing passengers and crew is deeply alarming. These Americans are trapped in a dangerous and deteriorating public health situation, and they deserve more than passive monitoring or delayed coordination. The Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each have clear responsibilities in this situation. The Department of State is responsible for protecting American citizens overseas, particularly when they face life-threatening medical conditions and have limited ability to leave. The CDC is responsible for providing public health guidance, coordinating with domestic and international health authorities, and supporting appropriate disease-control measures to protect Americans during serious outbreaks. The continued lack of clear action, public communication, and direct support for these Americans is unacceptable. Accordingly, I request immediate answers to the following questions: 1. When exactly did the Department of State, the Secretary’s office, the U.S. Embassy in Spain, the CDC, or any other federal agency first become aware of this outbreak? 2. Since becoming aware of the outbreak, what specific actions has the federal government taken to assist the seventeen Americans on board? 3. Has the Department of State directly contacted each American citizen on board or their families? If not, why not? 4. Has the Department of State, CDC, or any other federal agency requested or coordinated medical evacuation, quarantine support, hospitalization, public health guidance, or transportation for the affected Americans? 5. Which federal agencies are currently involved in the response, and who is the lead official responsible for coordinating assistance? 6. Have the Department of State and CDC engaged with Spanish authorities, the cruise operator, local hospitals, or public health officials to secure medical care, safe disembarkation, appropriate infection-control measures, and safe return travel? 7. What is the current plan and timeline to ensure these Americans receive medical treatment and are returned safely to the United States? The families of these Americans deserve answers. The Americans on board deserve action. Four days is more than enough time for the federal government to establish a coordinated response, communicate clearly with those affected, and ensure that U.S. citizens are not left stranded in a deadly outbreak overseas. The seventeen Americans on board, including my constituent, are being abandoned by their government. They have no guidance and no support to ensure their safe return home. I urge the Department of State and CDC to act immediately and provide my office with a written response no later than 5:00 pm ET on Thursday, May 7, 2026. ###

Bynum Leads Wildfire Preparedness Events in Deschutes County

As part of Wildfire Awareness Month, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) met with local leaders, small business owners, and community members today to discuss wildfire preparedness for the upcoming wildfire season in Deschutes County. Rep. Bynum held a roundtable and a press conference with fire chiefs as well as state and federal partners at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station to discuss Central Oregon’s wildfire preparedness and prevention efforts. She also met with local business leaders to discuss the impacts wildfires have on Central Oregon businesses. “Wildfires pose more and more of a threat every year for Oregonians,” said Rep. Bynum. “I’ve been working to make sure that we’re equipped to prevent and respond to wildfires in Congress. I know that’s just one piece of the puzzle, so today, I sat down with leaders and community members across Deschutes County to ensure our communities have what they need to stay safe.” You can watch Rep. Bynum’s remarks from the press conference HERE and read them below. I want to begin by thanking all of the people we have here today who are working to keep us safe from wildfires. As we all know, wildfires are no longer seasonal. They are year-round threats that are growing more intense, more destructive, and more dangerous for the communities we serve and the first responders we rely on. And here in Central Oregon, we’re entering the summer with heightened risk. That means we need more training, stronger mitigation efforts, increased public education, and deeper regional coordination. It is my hope that meetings like the one we had today will leave us better prepared and better protected from wildfires. On top of days like today, I’m also fighting in Congress to help our first responders save lives and property. I just requested over $300,000 for THIS fire district to expand their wildfire resiliency programs. I also requested over $2 million for the Redmond Fire District to invest in its firefighting equipment. I’ve also been working to make sure our firefighters don’t face unnecessary delays. I introduced and passed the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act to ensure that our aerial wildfire response is not just fast, but safe, coordinated, and effective. And that work doesn’t stop when the fires are out. We have to help our communities rebuild, help families who’ve lost their homes, and help businesses recover. That’s why I introduced and also passed the Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act. The bill makes sure that when families are trying to rebuild, the federal government isn’t taking a cut of their relief. Together, we will do everything we can to defend Central Oregon from the destruction of wildfires. I’m committed to continuing this work alongside all of you. I’m grateful for your partnership, your expertise, and your dedication. Thank you. ### Issues: Environment

Congresswoman Bynum Stands up for Rural Communities, Votes Against Republican Bill to Sell Out Farmers

Position: Rep. Bynum opposes H.R. 7567, the Republican Farm Bill, citing cuts to USDA programs, reduced conservation funding, and harm to farmers and rural communities. She introduced 13 amendments to address issues including tariff relief, specialty crop support, affordable housing access, and environmental protections, all of which were rejected.

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) voted against H.R. 7567, the Farm Bill. The bill, put forth by House Republicans, includes massive cuts to key programs funded through the Department of Agriculture, hurting farmers, leaving specialty crop growers behind, and reducing conservation funding. During consideration of the bill before the vote, Rep. Bynum introduced 13 amendments in an effort to make it less harmful to Oregonians, including by protecting immigrants, lowering the cost of housing, and ensuring farmers get their money back from Trump’s illegal tariffs. “I am a strong supporter of Oregon’s farms and farmers, but this bill did the opposite, ” said Rep. Bynum. “It leaves Oregon’s farmers, producers, and families behind by cutting critical funding and programs that help lower costs for Oregonians. I tried to fix some of the issues with my amendments, but Republicans rejected them out of hand and instead went forward with this trash. I’ll never vote to hurt our farmers or our rural communities.” The amendments introduced by Rep. Bynum, which were all rejected by Republicans, are as follows: An amendment to protect immigrants that would make it illegal for the federal government to require the disclosure of personal information for immigration enforcement purposes to receive USDA funding; An amendment to limit the use of USDA programs or data for immigration enforcement to protect immigrants; An amendment to prohibit the USDA from using funds to implement any Forest Service reorganization, relocation, office closure, research station closure, workforce reduction, or transfer of functions unless the Secretary certifies to Congress that the action will not increase wildfire risk; An amendment to protect specialty crop growers by authorizing $5 billion in emergency tariff relief from Trump’s illegal tariffs; An amendment to protect jobs to keep the USDA Rural Development sufficiently staffed; An amendment to protect staff positions at the USDA Rural Housing Service. This would decrease operational delays and ensure rural communities are getting the support they need; An amendment to minimize environmental and safety risks from fires by establishing a $300 million annual fund for prescribed fire; An amendment to raise the income cap for the Direct Housing Loan Program. This would increase access to affordable homeownership; An amendment to support the production of specialty crops by increasing funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to $100 million; An amendment to provide authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to waive the local match for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program for low-capacity rural communities recovering from wildfires; An amendment to require the Secretary of Agriculture to study the impact that tariff increases from 2025 to 2026 have had on the agricultural sector; An amendment to include the RELIEF Act in the legislative package to ensure business owners are fully repaid from the president’s illegal tariffs; An amendment to exempt capital gains taxes up to $5 million dollars for family-owned farmland. This would help ensure that family farmers stay in business and continue to thrive generationally. ###

Bynum’s Bill to Support Wildfire Victims Passes House

Yesterday, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) voted to pass the bipartisan Doug LaMalfa Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act, as part of a broader package, through the House, making it one step closer to becoming law. This bill exempts wildfire relief payments made to victims from federal income tax. The bill is co-led by Reps. Tom McClintock (CA-05), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Blake Moore (UT-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), and Vince Fong (CA-20). This is the sixth bipartisan bill Rep. Bynum has passed through the House. “When wildfire survivors are trying to rebuild after a massive tragedy, the federal government shouldn’t be taking a cut of their relief,” said Congresswoman Bynum. “This bipartisan bill ensures that survivors aren’t taxed on the money meant to help them pick up the pieces. Now, we’re one step closer to doing right by wildfire survivors.” This bill allows for wildfire victims who receive disaster aid incurred from a qualified wildfire disaster to have that payment exempted from gross income filings. This excludes wildfire recovery payments – including compensation that covers living expenses, lost wages, personal injury, death, or emotional distress – from federal income taxation. Without this bill, victims of catastrophic wildfires would again have their wildfire relief payments subject to federal income tax obligations. Having been passed by the House of Representatives, this bill will now move to the Senate for consideration. “In California, we are all too familiar with the devastation caused by wildfires,” said Congressman Fong. “After these disasters strike in our community, survivors shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will have to pay burdensome federal taxes as they work to recover and rebuild. Doug was a steadfast champion of rural California; it is an honor to continue his legacy and further this legislation in his memory so we can provide a lifeline to families as they navigate the most difficult of times. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law and urge the Senate to Act quickly to ensure wildfire survivors receive the help they need without facing additional financial barriers.” “Californians are constantly under threat of wildfire,” said Congressman Tom McClintock. “This bill reauthorizes commonsense protections and ensures victims are supported when tragedy strikes.” “Californians are all too familiar with the devastation caused by wildfires. In the wake of losing their homes and livelihoods, it is wrong to tax survivors on settlement money that is meant to help them rebuild their lives. Survivors can't afford to wait around for retroactive relief,” said Rep. Thompson.“Our late colleague Doug LaMalfa knew this well. I was proud to work with him to pass tax relief for fire victims in our communities in 2024, and I am proud we passed this bill now to honor his work and to extend our tax relief so more victims can be compensated.” “After a catastrophic fire destroys their homes and livelihoods, the last thing wildfire victims should worry about is whether they will have to pay taxes on the disaster aid they receive to rebuild and recover,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “I am thrilled to see the Doug LaMalfa Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act, aptly named after my friend and a champion for rural Americans, pass the House. This bill extends support for wildfire victims and ensures their recovery payments are exempt from federal taxes.” “The horrific wildfires in the West have cost families their property, homes, and in some cases, their jobs,” said Congressman Cliff Bentz. “Until late last year, the United States Tax Code added insult to injury by taxing settlement funds meant for recovery. People who lose their homes and wages due to wildfire should not be taxed on the funds they received as result of these disasters. By extending such protections through 2032, we are helping victims get at least a little closer to recovery from their losses.” ### Issues: Environment

Bynum Introduces Two Bills to Protect Food Assistance and Rural Healthcare

Position: Rep. Bynum introduced two bills: the Save SNAP Act to protect federal food assistance funding to states regardless of cost-sharing compliance, and the Rural Health Resilience Act to provide low-interest loans to rural health centers to prevent closures and service reductions.

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced two bills with Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02). The Save SNAP Act would protect access to federal food assistance programs across the country, and the Rural Health Resilience Act would provide financial assistance to rural health centers. Both pieces of legislation ensure that Americans everywhere have what they need to thrive. “Access to necessities like healthcare or food shouldn't be dependent on where you live,” said Rep. Bynum. “I am proud to introduce these two bills to make sure rural health centers get the support they need, and Americans across the country have access to the food assistance they rely on.” Under the Republicans’ budget bill, states could eliminate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if they cannot or do not meet the new cost-sharing requirements. Congresswoman Bynum’s Save SNAP Act would ensure that federal SNAP dollars still go to the states in the event that states cannot meet the new requirements. Congresswoman Bynum also introduced the Rural Health Resilience Act, which creates a low-interest loan program to help rural health centers avoid closures or reductions in essential services, preserving access to care in underserved areas. Read the full bill text of the Save SNAP Act HERE. Read the full bill text of the Rural Health Resilience Act HERE. ### Issues: Costs & Jobs Healthcare

Bynum Introduces Amendments to Protect Americans from the Harmful Republican Farm Bill

Position: Rep. Bynum opposes the Republican Farm Bill as currently drafted and advocates for 13 amendments to protect immigrants from USDA data-sharing with immigration enforcement, increase funding for specialty crops and rural housing, provide tariff relief to farmers, and strengthen conservation and wildfire prevention programs.

This week, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced 13 amendments to the Republicans’ Farm Bill. The amendments would protect immigrants, lower the cost of housing, and ensure farmers get their money back from Trump’s illegal tariffs. “There are so many opportunities to help our farmers and our communities in the Farm Bill, and somehow Republicans managed to do the opposite,” said Rep. Bynum. “The Republican Farm Bill leaves Oregon’s farmers, producers, and families behind by cutting critical funding and programs that help lower costs for Oregonians. That’s why I introduced 13 amendments that actually support our agricultural industry and help all Americans, not just get by, but get ahead.” The Farm Bill is the primary piece of legislation that sets federal policies for the U.S. agricultural sector. Republicans are threatening to include massive cuts to key programs funded through the Department of Agriculture (USDA), leaving specialty crop growers behind and reducing conservation funding. This could have damaging impacts on Oregon, which is home to nearly 40,000 farms and ranches. Rep. Bynum’s amendments are as follows: An amendment to protect immigrants that would make it illegal for the federal government to require the disclosure of personal information for immigration enforcement purposes to receive USDA funding; An amendment to limit the use of USDA programs or data for immigration enforcement to protect immigrants; An amendment to prohibit the USDA from using funds to implement any Forest Service reorganization, relocation, office closure, research station closure, workforce reduction, or transfer of functions unless the Secretary certifies to Congress that the action will not increase wildfire risk; An amendment to protect speciality crop growers by authorizing $5 billion in emergency tariff relief from Trump’s illegal tariffs; An amendment to protect jobs to keep the USDA Rural Development sufficiently staffed; An amendment to protect staff positions at the USDA Rural Housing Service. This would decrease operational delays and ensure rural communities are getting the support they need; An amendment to minimize environmental and safety risks from fires by establishing a $300 million annual fund for prescribed fire; An amendment to raise the income cap for the Direct Housing Loan Program. This would increase access to affordable homeownership; An amendment to support the production of speciality crops by increasing funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to $100 million; An amendment to provide authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to waive the local match for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program for low-capacity rural communities recovering from wildfires; An amendment to require the Secretary of Agriculture to study the impact that tariff increases from 2025 to 2026 have had on the agricultural sector; An amendment to include the RELIEF Act in the legislative package to ensure business owners are fully repaid from the president’s illegal tariffs; An amendment to exempt capital gains taxes up to $5 million dollars for family-owned farmland. This would help ensure that family farmers stay in business and continue to thrive generationally. ###

Bynum Fights for Education Programs in Rural Communities

Position: Rep. Bynum opposes proposed changes to the TRIO grant application process that would reduce funding and eliminate up to two-thirds of existing college-access programs, particularly affecting rural communities. She advocates for the Department of Education to rescind the changes and reissue guidance that protects TRIO's original mission of supporting low-income and first-generation students' access to higher education.

Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) led Oregon Delegation members in a letter requesting that the Department of Education rescind and reissue a grant application for two TRIO programs, the Talent Search program and the Educational Opportunity Centers program. These help teens and adults, particularly in rural communities, get access to college preparation services. Recent changes to their grant applications would result in the loss of most programs nationwide. Cosigners of the letter included Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, and Maxine Dexter. “We cannot leave our students behind,” said Rep. Bynum. “These programs play a key role in helping people pursue higher education. The proposed changes take resources away from students, and have an even greater impact on rural communities, where such resources are already limited. I’m not having it. All of our students deserve programs that provide stability and support in accessing education.” In January, in an effort to confront the rising economic pressures on young Americans, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR) launched her signature “K-30” agenda – a platform focused on supporting young Americans by improving access to education, housing, and the job market. This effort is in line with Rep. Bynum’s work to support Oregon’s children and young families. You can read the full text of the letter here and below: Dear Secretary McMahon, We write to express our strong opposition to the Education Department’s proposed changes to the TRIO program in this year’s TRIO Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) grant applications. The changes outlined in these applications represent a significant departure from TRIO’s long-standing mission of college access and success, and they would have serious consequences for students across the country. We urge the Department to immediately withdraw the current applications and issue new guidance that reaffirms and protects this mission. As currently written, the applications would make major structural changes that could eliminate up to two-thirds of existing programs, reduce future grant awards, and ultimately limit students’ access to higher education support services nationwide. Even more troubling is the broader shift these changes signal: moving TRIO away from its core purpose of helping low-income and first generation students access and complete college, and toward becoming an employment focused training pipeline. When Congress created TRIO in the Higher Education Amendments of 1968, its goal was not to make another workforce development program. While workforce development is an important priority, there are already other established federal programs that focus on job training and placement. For nearly 60 years, TRIO has filled a critical and distinct role by opening the doors to higher education for underserved students and giving them the resources they need to complete their education. Today, TRIO Talent Search serves around 300,000 middle and high school students each year through academic advising, career and financial counseling, and encouragement to graduate high school and pursue postsecondary education. If the changes proposed in this year’s application were implemented, up to two-thirds of existing Talent Search programs could be cancelled, and the remaining awards would face 16% budget cuts. In Oregon alone, over 6,000 6th through 12th grade students could lose access to college readiness services, including in rural areas where TRIO is often the only resource available. For the programs that do survive, the proposed cuts would drop per pupil spending from $580 to $500. At a time when higher education costs are skyrocketing, housing is unaffordable, and wages are not keeping pace, our young people need more support, not less. Cutting funding for TRIO programs is entirely the wrong approach. The impacts on EOC programs are equally alarming. EOC plays a vital role for adult learners who want to begin or return to postsecondary education, offering academic counseling, career workshops, college application assistance, and financial aid guidance. The proposed program changes would slash the number of EOC awards nationally from 160 to 55 and significantly reduce award amounts, forcing the remaining 55 programs to cut services. The application also favors a small number of state entities while providing no assurance that existing high performing programs will be renewed. This not only impacts existing EOC programs but also discourages new applicants from proposing additional programs that could reach more adult learners. In Oregon, where there is currently only one EOC program in the state, this means the majority of adults who could benefit from EOC will be unable to access these critical services. TRIO works. It is a strong federal investment in the 817,000 students who rely on its services. Talent Search participants are 22 percent more likely to enroll in college than their peers, and 73 percent of eligible EOC participants apply to college. These are the results of a program fulfilling its mission. We urge you not to undo this progress by pulling the rug out from under existing TRIO programs. The Department of Education must rescind the 2026 Talent Search and EOC applications and remove the unsupported changes that would cut funding and disadvantage smaller programs. We also urge you to extend current Talent Search and EOC grants to ensure there is no lapse in services before new guidance is issued. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt action to protect the future of these vital programs and the students they serve. ### Issues: Education

Bynum Says “It’s About Time” for Refunds on Trump’s Reckless Tariffs

Position: Rep. Bynum supports refunding tariffs imposed under IEEPA authority, which she characterizes as illegal. She introduced the RELIEF Act to ensure small businesses receive full refunds without requiring individual applications.

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) released the following statement after the announcement of the first phase of tariff refunds for small business owners following the Supreme Court’s February ruling that the President does not have authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). It’s about time,” said Rep. Bynum. “Small businesses have faced higher costs for over a year now for no reason aside from Trump’s ego and recklessness. We always knew the tariffs were illegal, now it’s time to get your money back. That’s why I introduced the RELIEF Act to make sure small businesses get the refund they deserve. This is a big win for so many small business owners who have had to pay the price of Trump’s incompetence.” Background Earlier this year, Congresswoman Bynum introduced the RELIEF Act with Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) to make sure every small business impacted by the illegal tariffs received full refunds. The legislation takes steps to ensure that small businesses are on even footing with large corporations in getting their money back. The RELIEF Act would: Require refunds within 90 days of enactment; Apply to covered tariffs collected since January 1, 2025; Eliminate the need for individual applications or formal protests. ### Issues: Costs & Jobs

Bynum Rejects Republican “Gaslighting,” Votes Against Bill Celebrating Billionaire Tax Break

Position: Congresswoman Bynum opposes the tax bill, arguing that it disproportionately benefits billionaires and the wealthy while providing minimal relief to working families, and that promised tax breaks for tips, overtime, and Social Security are limited or temporary.

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) released the following statement after voting against H.Res. 1156. “This vote is just window dressing. The only people benefiting from Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill are billionaires. The rest of us are just getting the crumbs. This was an easy no. Stop trying to gaslight working families and let’s actually lower their costs.” Background: The average tax cut for people making under $50,000 a year was $247. For taxpayers in the top 0.1%, it was $309,000. Trump promised an additional $1,000 in tax refunds due to his “Big Beautiful Bill,” but families are getting 65% less on average than advertised. Trump and Republicans promised no tax on tips, on overtime pay, and on Social Security. The tax on tips is capped and temporary. Two-thirds of overtime pay is not eligible for the deduction, and it’s also temporary. Millions of seniors still need to pay tax on Social Security. The bill allowed a full write-off for the purchase of corporate jets. ###