Val T. Hoyle

REP. HOYLE INTRODUCES THE SHARED MICROMOBILITY INVESTMENT ACT | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Position: Rep. Hoyle introduced legislation to codify shared micromobility systems (bikeshare and scootershare) as eligible project types under three federal surface transportation grant programs, arguing this formalizes existing practice and removes barriers to federal funding for local communities.

EUGENE, OR – Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-4) introduced the Shared Micromobility Investment Act which would codify shared micromobility, including bikeshare and scootershare, as an eligible project type in three federal surface transportation programs: the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program, and the Carbon Reduction program. The bill was announced at an event hosted by Cascadia Mobility in Eugene, Oregon. Congresswoman Hoyle was joined by Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson and representatives from the North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association. “Eugene and Springfield are a model of a successful multimodal transportation network, and this bill will help more cities expand bikeshare into more neighborhoods, create more jobs and give residents an affordable and accessible way to get around,” said Rep. Hoyle. “Biking is becoming an increasingly important mode of transportation for Americans everywhere. The Shared Micromobility Investment Act makes clear that bikeshare and shared micromobility projects are eligible for more federal funding opportunities where transportation funding has historically treated bikeshare as a lesser form of transportation.” “Shared micromobility is an essential transportation service that is continuing to grow, and federal policy should reflect that,” said Sam Herr, Executive Director of NABSA. “Congresswoman Hoyle’s bill will make federal programs work better for communities across the country. Codifying eligibility for shared micromobility in these programs removes barriers to accessing these critical federal funds. We are proud to support it and grateful for her leadership.” Shared micromobility systems are already being funded through BUILD, STBG, and Carbon Reduction in practice, but that eligibility has never been written into federal statute. The legislation would formalize what communities across the country are already doing, reducing uncertainty for local governments and operators, streamlining the grant process, and sending a clear signal that shared micromobility is a recognized and valued part of the federal transportation system. The North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA) has been advocating for these codifications as part of the upcoming reauthorization of the federal surface transportation law. Shared micromobility is growing across the United States. In 2024, 171 million trips were taken on shared micromobility systems across the United States in communities of all sizes, a 31.7% increase over the previous year. A 2023 study found that shared micromobility increased restaurant spending by approximately 5.2%, representing an estimated $85.6 million in additional economic activity annually across the 371 American cities operating shared micromobility. “This new federal language will make a big difference as Cascadia Mobility continues to invest in bikeshare in Eugene. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Hoyle and NABSA for their work on behalf of shared micromobility and for championing this legislation,” said Brodie Hylton, CEO of Cascadia Mobility. The bill comes as Congress prepares to reauthorize the current surface transportation law, which is set to expire in September of 2026. NABSA has recommended that the reauthorization package expand shared micromobility’s access to existing federal programs, including by codifying eligibility in BUILD, STBG, and Carbon Reduction, all programs where shared micromobility is already an effective and active project type. The North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) industry association with the mission to collaborate across sectors to grow shared micromobility and its benefits to communities. Learn more at nabsa.net. Cascadia Mobility is an independent Oregon public benefit 501(c)(3) professional shared and active transportation operations nonprofit, helping to bridge the gap between the deliberate, purposeful pace of city government and transit agencies, and the fast-paced ever-innovating transportation technology industry, optimizing outcomes for both. They are a “two-wheel transit agency”, working with small to mid-sized cities and equipment providers to plan, launch, and operate shared micromobility and active transportation programs.

MERKLEY, WYDEN, HOYLE CONCERNED ABOUT EUGENE'S PEACEHEALTH TRANSITIONING EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROVIDERS | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Position: The lawmakers express concern about PeaceHealth's decision to transition emergency department physician staffing from local Eugene Emergency Physicians to a Georgia-based staffing firm, citing potential negative impacts on patient care, workforce retention, and emergency services efficiency. They urge PeaceHealth to work transparently with physicians, staff, and the community on staffing decisions.

Eugene, OR – Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), expressed concerns about PeaceHealth’s decision to end its contract with local Eugene Emergency Physicians in favor of Lane Emergency Physicians, which is owned by an Illinois physician and managed by Georgia-based ApolloMD. “We are troubled after hearing of PeaceHealth's proposed changes to emergency department (ED) physician staffing across three Oregon hospitals,” wrote Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle. “These emergency departments are critical to the region, and we are deeply concerned that this approach may negatively impact patient care, workforce retention, and PeaceHealth's ability to maintain the efficiency necessary as the region's primary Level II trauma center.” The change affects three medical centers across Lane County, including PeaceHealth’s Riverbend in Springfield – a Level II trauma center – Cottage Grove Medical Center, and Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence. PeaceHealth Riverbend is the only Level II trauma center – which provides specialized care for severely injured patients – between Corvallis and the California border. The lawmakers pointed out, “Rapid corporate staffing changes, particularly those driven by cost-cutting measures, private equity involvement, and third-party staffing firms, have been associated with increased ED wait times and reduced operational efficiency. Community members, physicians, and hospital staff have shared significant concerns that this decision could lead to inadequate staffing, which would result in serious disruption and deterioration of ED services at these critical PeaceHealth locations.” “We urge PeaceHealth to work in partnership and transparently with physicians, staff, and the community to develop an emergency department staffing plan that ensures continuity of care and maintains the integrity and reliability of emergency services across Lane County,” Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle concluded. Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

OREGON AIRPORTS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL INVESTMENT | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced that 10 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $3.1 million to improve their infrastructure. “Small airports throughout our state need and deserve federal investments so Oregonians can count on them for small business support, emergency response, secure travel and more,” Wyden said. “These federal resources advance those key objectives statewide, and I’ll keep battling for similar infrastructure investments to make all airports in Oregon better and safer.” “Investing in critical airport improvements such as taxiways, helipads, hangars, and more increases safety and strengthens infrastructure across our state,” said Merkley. “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds to improve the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.” “Regional airports are critical to keeping Oregon connected,” said Rep. Bonamici. “In rural communities like Tillamook, investments in transportation infrastructure give small businesses access to markets and make communities more resilient in the event of a disaster. I'm grateful that this funding will support work at the Port of Tillamook Bay.” "Small airports are vital for rural Oregonians,” said Rep. Salinas. “They support local businesses and enable emergency responses when our communities need them most. This $1 million investment in McMinnville Municipal Airport will replace aging infrastructure and improve safety for everyone who uses it. I'm proud to help deliver these federal dollars to the airports that keep Oregon connected, and I'll keep pushing to make sure rural communities keep getting the federal investment they deserve.” "These infrastructure investments across our regional airports in Corvallis, Florence, Gold Beach and Newport are a win for the economic growth of our rural and coastal communities,”said Rep. Hoyle. “We rely on these federal dollars to build up our airports' resilience in the face of worsening wildfire seasons." “Making it easier to get where you need to go keeps our economy strong and makes everyday life more convenient,” said Rep. Bynum. “Regional airports connect our communities, small businesses, and ensure Oregonians don’t have to drive hours just to access reliable transportation. I am proud to work with my colleagues to secure this critical funding for Oregon.” “Investments in small airports are invaluable and will pay dividends for Oregonians in the years to come,” said Rep. Dexter. “This funding will support critical improvements to the Troutdale Airport, a key hub for the Port of Portland and our regional economy. I will keep working to bring federal dollars into high-value projects in our community.” The awards totaling $3.14 million from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows: “The City of McMinnville greatly appreciates the continued federal financial support of safety and security improvements at the McMinnville Municipal Airport,” said airport manager John Paskell. “This important project provides for a significant security upgrade by adding nearly three miles of perimeter security fencing and adds an additional level of safety for pilots by installing a supplement wind cone on the Runway 4 end of the airport’s primary runway. As a developing regional general aviation airport, and as a significant economic asset and job creator in the community, continued federal infrastructure investment in airports is critical in ensuring their viability well into the future, particularly for airports in smaller communities like McMinnville. Those airport improvement dollars go a long way and help protect and preserve the airport’s financial self-sufficiency while also improving the facility.” “This federal investment is crucial as it ensures our airport infrastructure remains fully functional year-round, which is vital for emergency response and general aviation access in Eastern Oregon,” said Burns City Manager Brenda Engebretson. “The City of Florence is excited to receive this FAA funding to support the Beacon & Wind Cone Replacement Project at the Florence Municipal Airport,” the city said in a statement. “This project will help to improve essential airport safety infrastructure, as well as support safe and reliable aviation facilities that serve local and regional users. The Florence Municipal Airport is an economic driver for our area that provides a valuable space for commerce, emergency response, and recreational uses. The City of Florence is grateful for the continued support of this regional asset. “ “Ensuring safe and efficient operations is the Port’s top priority, and this federal investment will help to maintain taxiways at Troutdale Airport,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We are grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued support for our projects to meet the diverse transportation needs of our region.” "The recent FAA award for the Lexington Airport to upgrade our precision approach path indicators (PAPIs), is a major win for a small regional airport like ours,” said Morrow County Commissioner Gus Peterson. “This system will allow us to continue to serve our users with improved safety and efficiency as well as allow us to be able to potentially expand in the future. Morrow County is grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve our small but important regional airport." "We’re grateful to see this investment in Morrow County," said Morrow County Commissioner David Sykes. "Upgrading the lighting systems at the airport is a common-sense move that keeps our pilots safe and ensures one of our important local assets stays in good condition." “Securing funding for a new hangar is significant investment in the future of Newport Municipal Airport,” said Lance Vanderbeck, Newport Municipal Airport Director. “This project will enhance our ability to serve pilots, aircrafts, and improve overall efficiency and safety. Through this funding, we’re better positioned to meet demand and ensure the airport remains a reliable asset for our community." "As Mayor of Gold Beach, I know the port is critical for emergency services and is an economic development engine,” said Gold Beach Mayor Tamie Kaufman. “This work helps make sure the port can continue being an asset to our community.”

REP. HOYLE INTRODUCES THE NO WAR APPROPRIATIONS THROUGH RECONCILIATION ACT | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Position: Rep. Hoyle opposes fast-tracking military funding for the Iran conflict through budget reconciliation without a transparent congressional vote, arguing that Congress must exercise its constitutional duty to authorize or end military action.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) introduced the No War Appropriations through Reconciliation Act, or the No WAR Act, to prevent Congress from fast-tracking funding for a war in Iran through a backdoor budget process. “If Congress is going to spend money to put American boots on the ground in another foreign war for oil, we need to have a transparent process and an up or down vote in Congress,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “While we have spent $45 billion on this war over the past 60 days, Congress has not weighed in.” “This is the very least the American people should expect from Congress: For us to stand up for We the People and exercise our Constitutional duty to either declare war or ensure that we end this expensive, immoral and unconstitutional military action in Iran.” The No WAR Act is endorsed by MoveOn, Council for a Livable World, J Street, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Center for International Policy and Foreign Policy for America. Move On – Katie Bethell, Executive Director of MoveOn Civic Action “The American people are clear: Not another dime for Donald Trump’s war in Iran. MoveOn members applaud those in Congress who will fight to stop Donald Trump from escalating this war, and ensure that the money he wants to spend on war goes toward making healthcare, childcare, housing, and gas more affordable.” Council For a Livable World – John Tierney, Executive Director "Congress should not fund a war it has not authorized, especially through back-door means. Year after year, the Pentagon faces serious questions about its stewardship of American taxpayer dollars. Opening the door to spend billions more for a war that Congress has not authorized and for which the American people have still not received a real explanation is absurd. Council for a Livable World is pleased to support this critical legislation from Rep. Hoyle, which would restrain the Trump administration's unconstitutional, unjustified and unnecessary war in Iran. The American people want and deserve real transparency on how our tax dollars are spent, and attempts to push additional funding through an inherently untransparent process are reckless." J Street – Hannah Morris, VP of Government Affairs "The war with Iran has been an unmitigated disaster. We must ensure that Republicans do not force through additional funds to continue this war of choice via the reconciliation process. We are grateful to Congresswoman Hoyle for introducing this legislation to ensure that our democratic processes are not circumvented in pursuit of this reckless, unauthorized war that has no real end in sight. We urge her colleagues in Congress to support this bill while pushing for a durable ceasefire and diplomatic agreement.” Friends Committee on National Legislation – Hassan El-Tayyab, Legislative Director for Middle East Policy “It’s welcome news that Representative Val Hoyle and her House colleagues have introduced this bill to block funding for unauthorized military operations against Iran through reconciliation or other procedural workarounds. Escalation is already costing civilian lives and shaking the global economy. Congress must not approve another penny for a war of choice that risks mass casualties and regional destabilization. This is about reclaiming Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers and preventing another unauthorized conflict. Members should support this bill and make clear that diplomacy, not war, must guide U.S. policy toward Iran.” The bill is co-sponsored by Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle (PA-02). The full bill text can be found here. The Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 allows Congress to expedite passage of budget-related legislation while bypassing the Senate filibuster, a process known as budget reconciliation. The Trump administration is now requesting $1.5 trillion in military spending for FY2027, $350 billion of which it wants funded through a party-line reconciliation bill. The No War through Reconciliation Act prevents Congress from abusing that process to fund an unauthorized war. Since this war began, 6,000 people have died, including 1,701 civilians, over 254 children and at least 13 U.S. Service Members. Oil prices have increased by 40%, fertilizer costs have risen by almost 50% and Oregonians are spending over $150 million more cumulatively on gas.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS BLOCK REP. HOYLE’S AMENDMENT TO PREVENT IRAN WAR FUNDING | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Position: Rep. Hoyle opposes using the reconciliation process to fund military operations in Iran without full congressional debate and authorization. She argues that decisions of this magnitude require transparent deliberation and recorded votes from members of both parties.

Washington, D.C. – This week, the House of Representatives will vote on S. Con. Res. 33, which will provide up to $140 billion in additional funding for ICE and CBP. Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04) introduced an amendment rejected by congressional Republicans that would prevent reconciliation from being used as a backdoor way to fund the war in Iran without congressional authorization and debate. “We cannot normalize using reconciliation for every party line priority,” said Rep. Hoyle. “A decision this serious requires open debate, transparency for the American people and Members of both parties being forced to take a vote.” The full written testimony can be found here. The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 created the reconciliation process to expedite changes to spending, revenue or the debt limit without being subject to the Senate filibuster. Congressional Republicans are moving ahead with a plan to use reconciliation to fast-track passage of legislation to fund ICE and CBP, and Republican leadership is opening the door to using another reconciliation package for other priorities. The Trump administration has already requested $350 billion in military spending, which could include support for the war in Iran, that would need to move using reconciliation. The American Enterprise Institute’s estimate places the total cost of the war between $25 billion and $35 billion. Since this war began, 6,000 people have died, including 1,701 civilians, over 254 children and at least 13 U.S. Service Members. Oil prices have increased by 40%, fertilizer costs have risen by almost 50% and Oregonians are spending over $150 million more cumulatively on gas.

HOYLE, MERKLEY AND WYDEN ANNOUNCE $11.2 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR PORT OF COOS BAY RAIL PROJECT | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04), announced $11,250,000 in federal funds have been awarded for the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) Terminal Connection Project. This funding will support the Coos Bay Rail Line triplicate track and run-around section of track on the North Spit of Coos Bay, improving the port’s rail operations. "I want to thank Secretary Duffy and MARAD for recognizing the importance of this project,” said Rep. Hoyle. “This award reflects and builds on the tens of millions we've already secured for it, and reflects a serious investment in Coos Bay. We're determined to make the South Coast a place where working people can find good-paying jobs, support their families and build a future. It’s about time we start delivering on the promise that we made after the timber industry died to transition to an economy that provides family wage jobs and the opportunity to build a future for working families on the South Coast." “When I was Speaker of the Oregon House, I helped save the rail line to Coos Bay because I saw how critical the Port of Coos Bay was to all those who call Oregon’s rural South Coast home. Now, we are one step closer to the Port of Coos Bay becoming the first fully ship-to-rail port facility on the West Coast—with the potential to transform the region and our state,” said Senator Merkley. “The Port of Coos Bay project stands to benefit working families across the region by creating good-paying, local union jobs and will continue to work with local and federal partners to get this project over the finish line.” “I’m glad the teamwork with Senator Merkley, Congresswoman Hoyle along with state and local officials has generated this most recent federal investment in the rail line that keeps this transformational Port of Coos Bay project advancing down the tracks,” said Senator Wyden. “This significant investment is great news for the port’s fresh approach to generate thousands of good-paying jobs on the South Coast and to expand supply chain capacity for our entire country. And I’ll keep pressing for the needed additional federal investments to complete this innovative ship-to-rail approach.” This latest funding to the Port of Coos Bay comes from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant program, which supports projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port. Previously, Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle announced over $55 million in federal funds to the Port of Coos Bay.

REP. HOYLE JOINS REP. BALINT FOR THE CPC ENDING CORPORATE GREED TASK FORCE SHADOW HEARING ON

Position: The Congressional Progressive Caucus Ending Corporate Greed Task Force is convening a hearing to examine tax code provisions that enable corporate profiteering and wealth inequality, and to explore policy solutions including wealth taxes on millionaires and billionaires, offshore tax avoidance crackdowns, and tax system rebalancing to benefit working people over high earners.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Ending Corporate Greed (ECG) Task Force, will convene a shadow hearing on “Visions of an Affordable Life: Taxing Corporate Greed” examining how the current tax code fuels corporate profiteering and deepening inequality—and what Congress can do to fix it. At a time when billionaires and large corporations are raking in record profits while working families struggle with rising costs, this hearing will highlight policy solutions to ensure the ultra-wealthy finally pay their fair share. WHAT: ECG Task Force Shadow Hearing — “Visions of an Affordable Life: Taxing Corporate Greed” WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, Gold Room (2168 RHOB) MEMBERS: Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), Chair Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), Co-Chair Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Co-Chair Rep. Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Co-Chair WITNESSES: Elizabeth Wilkins, President and CEO, Roosevelt Institute Kristen Crowell, Executive Director, Families Over Billionaires Zorka Milin, Policy Director, FACT Coalition Corey Husak, Director of Tax Policy, Center for American Progress Liz Watson, Director of Federal Government Affairs, AFSCME This shadow hearing will be livestreamed here. Corporate greed is driving a crisis of affordability in the United States. Under President Trump, wealth inequality has surged, with the ultra-wealthy exploiting loopholes in the tax code while everyday Americans pay the price. This hearing will examine proposals to implement wealth taxes on millionaires and billionaires, crack down on offshore tax avoidance, and rebalance the tax system to work for working people—not just those at the top. The CPC Ending Corporate Greed Task Force is focused on advancing policies to hold corporations and billionaires accountable, including efforts on tax fairness, antitrust enforcement, price gouging, money in politics, and financial regulation.

REP. HOYLE'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP'S THREATS TO IRAN | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Position: Congresswoman Hoyle opposes President Trump's threatened military action against Iran, characterizing it as illegal and a war crime. She calls for Congress to vote on a War Powers Resolution to halt the action.

Eugene, OR – Congresswoman Val Hoyle released the following statement in response to President Trump’s Truth Social post threatening Iran: “This is evil. Plain and simple. Pure evil. The President has stated that he plans to commit genocide against more than 100 million civilians and the infrastructure they rely on—the literal definition of a war crime. This is an illegal war, and the President’s allies in Congress have done nothing to stop it. Mike Johnson should call us back to DC so we can do our jobs and protect the safety and security of our nation. I am once again calling on Congress to vote on the War Powers Resolution and put a stop to this—now.” Congresswoman Hoyle has called to invoke the 25th amendment.

SALINAS, MERKLEY, HOYLE-LED LETTER FORCES ICE TO CONFIRM: NO PLANS TO EXPAND OR BUILD ICE DETENTION FACILITIES IN OREGON | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Position: The representatives oppose expansion or construction of ICE detention facilities in Oregon and call for accountability regarding ICE operations and detention conditions.

Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to an inquiry led by U.S. Congresswomen Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Senator Jeff Merkley and signed by Senator Wyden and U.S. Congresswomen Bonamici, Dexter, and Bynum, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons confirmed that, “ICE is not currently planning to expand current detention facilities or open any new long or short-term detention facilities in Oregon.” “Oregonians never wanted an ICE detention facility in our state, especially as ICE and DHS have repeatedly abused their power and terrorized our communities,” saidSalinas. “I am glad that the Administration confirmed they currently have no plans to build or expand any ICE detention facility in Oregon. I have consistently demanded full transparency and accountability from ICE and the Trump Administration for their misconduct, and I will keep using every avenue available to call out ICE’s overreach and keep our communities safe.” “Again and again, ICE has been caught lying to the American people, so we should be skeptical of anything they tell us,” said Merkley. “Trump is hellbent on deploying his secret police across Oregon, and we won’t stand for it. I say HELL NO to any plans to expand ICE facilities or operations in Oregon, whether it’s office space, detention centers, or anything else the Trump Administration cooks up.” “The President has taken us into war, gas and grocery prices are skyrocketing and people can’t afford health care,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “We need leadership that actually puts the needs of Americans first instead of spending taxpayer dollars to militarize our streets. We don’t need more money wasted on having a larger ICE presence here to harass, intimidate and detain hardworking Oregonians based on the color of their skin. Thanks, but no thanks.” On February 12, 2026, Congresswoman Salinas and Senator Merkley led their democratic Oregon delegation colleagues and ten additional House Members in a letter opposing any plans to open or expand ICE detention facilities in Oregon, including a potential facility in Newport. They also demanded details about the safety and standards of “soft-sided” facilities. On March 26, 2026, Acting Director Lyons responded to confirm that ICE currently does not have plans to build or expand any ICE facility in Oregon. The response indicates that ICE does not plan to move forward with a soft-sided detention facility in Newport, as had previously been reported. The response also provided details about the conditions of their soft-sided facilities. It claims that detainees are provided with three nutritious meals a day, that facilities are subject to inspections and audits conducted by the DHS Office of Inspector General, and that detainees are provided with sufficient clean clothing. These claims are contrary to many reports from detainees inside ICE facilities, and the Members will continue pushing for the truth about conditions in ICE facilities. “Oregonians do not want or need ICE in our state,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “ICE has confirmed that they do not plan to open any additional detention facilities in Oregon, and we will hold them to that while we work to make our communities safer by getting masked, armed ICE agents off our streets.” “ICE should be defunded and dismantled—and it should not be allowed to build new detention facilities anywhere. I’m grateful that in our home state of Oregon, ICE has said there are no plans to expand or build any new detention facilities. Oregonians are united in rejecting the cruelty this agency brings to our communities,” said Dexter. “ICE has already caused so much damage in our community. From tear-gassing kids to tearing families apart, this agency is out of line and has no place in our cities," Rep. Bynum said.“I'm glad that ICE confirmed that they do not have any plans right now to add detention facilities in Oregon. I'll continue to work with my colleagues to keep them out of our city and our state.” Click here or see below for the full letter response from Acting Director Todd Lyons: Thank you for your February 13, 2026 letter to the Department of Homeland Security(DHS). I am responding on behalf of the Department. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is committed to safe, secure, and humane environments for all of those in its custody. ICE continues to evaluate bedspace requirements and availability and is committed to strategically using existing detention beds in a fiscally responsible manner. As part of its detention operations, aliens in ICE custody are housed at a variety of facilities across the United States, including ICE owned and operated facilities; federal, state, county, or local facilities contracted through intergovernmental service agreements; and contractor owned and operated facilities. ICE constantly evaluates its detention needs and contract structures based on changes in immigration patterns, the operational needs of the agency, and the availability of resources. ICE's enhanced enforcement operations have resulted in a significant number of arrests of criminal aliens, requiring greater detention capacity. As part of these efforts, ICE is exploring various options to increase bedspace capacity nationwide working in collaboration with federal partners such as the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of War, and the Bureau of Prisons. ICE will continue to prioritize its resources and work closely with its network of federal, state, local, and private sector partners to ensure the agency can acquire sufficient bedspace to fully achieve its mission. Regarding potential detention facilities in Oregon, ICE is not currently planning to expand current detention facilities or open any new long or short-term detention facilities in Oregon. As for detention expansion outside of Oregon, ICE issued a solicitation under the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command's Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract vehicle to identify vendors to provide comprehensive detention operations and wraparound services including facility, grounds maintenance, and operations services at all newly acquired facilities. ICE anticipates making awards under this solicitation in the coming months and plans to onboard facilities by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. All detention facilities are acquired, constructed, and operated in accordance with federal regulations, court orders, and national detention standards. Unfortunately, ICE cannot provide additional details due to law enforcement sensitivity and operational security maintenance. Additionally, you request information regarding the capacities of ICE's soft-sided facilities. Camp East Montana, located in El Paso, Texas, is an over 72-hour facility with an average length of stay of 10 days. The Krome North Service Processing Center, which includes a soft-sided facility, in Miami, Florida, is an over 72-hour facility with an average length of stay of 23 days. All of ICE's detention facilities, including soft-sided facilities, are contractually obligated to operate in accordance with one of several sets of detention standards. The detention standards describe a facility's immigration detention responsibilities, explain what detainee services a facility must provide, and identify what a facility must do to ensure a safe and secure detention environment for staff and detainees. Specifically, soft-sided facilities operate in accordance with National Detention Standards 2025. To ensure compliance with each contract's terms and conditions and the applicable detention standards, DHS and ICE employ a robust, multilevel oversight and compliance program. At the agency level, Detention Service Managers and Detention Standards Compliance Officers monitor detention conditions through daily on-site compliance reviews to identify deficiencies, areas of concern, contract and facility issues, and to facilitate corrective actions. Additionally, facilities are subject to inspections and audits conducted by the DHS Office of Inspector General, the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the DHS Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the ICE Office of Detention Oversight within ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility. During their immigration proceedings, detainees are afforded numerous procedural protections that ensure they are provided with notice and an opportunity to be heard. In removal proceedings, these protections include, but are not limited to, the right to be represented by an attorney, to contest any charges of removal, to present evidence, and generally to examine evidence against them. While the government does not provide attorneys at the government's expense, all those arrested by ICE and placed into removal proceedings are provided with a list of free legal services and aid resources, including pro bono providers. Additionally, ICE facilities continue to provide detainees with opportunities to meet privately with their current or prospective legal representatives, legal assistants, interpreters, and consular officials. While in-person contact visits remain available at the request of legal representatives, non-contact legal visitation (e.g., video teleconference) is available, wherever possible. This offers an alternative for attorneys to communicate with detained clients in a timely and efficient manner, especially when in-person visitation is not possible or practical. While in detention, detainees reside in temperature-controlled environments at all times. Furthermore, detainees are provided with three nutritious meals a day and meals that support specialized diets, including religious diets and more than a dozen therapeutic diets, as well as cultural preferences. Menus are reviewed and approved on a regular basis by a registered dietitian to ensure appropriate nutrition is provided. Additionally, detainees are provided with clean bedding and "sufficient clean clothing" during their time in detention. Currently, the Office of Professional Responsibility does not inspect state-owned and operated facilities such as the soft-sided facility in Miami, Florida. The Office of Detention Oversight conducts congressionally mandated compliance inspections of ICE detention facilities that house ICE detainees pursuant to contractual obligations. Camp East Montana is currently the only soft-sided facility subject to Office of Detention Oversight inspection. The Office of Detention Oversight inspected Camp East Montana, which is contractually obligated to the National Detention Standards 2025 inspection standard, from February 10 to 12, 2026. The report is currently being drafted. ICE will publish the final report by April 13, 2026, 60 days after the inspection. In your letter, you request "a detailed list of every detention standard that has been waived for a soft-sided facility in CY 2025." As previously mentioned, all of ICE's detention facilities operate in accordance with national detention standards. ICE has not approved any waivers of detention standards for any of the soft-sided facilities. Thank you again for your letter.

Congresswoman Val Hoyle Secures Passage of “Columbia River Clean-Up Act”, Hails Bipartisan Measure Protecting the Basin, its Communities and Tribal Nations | Congresswoman Val Hoyle

Washington, D.C.- Today, Rep. Hoyle’s (OR-4) “Columbia River Clean-Up Act” passed the House as part of “H.R. 6422 American Water Stewardship Act”. The act extends the successful Columbia River Basin Restoration program which funds projects to reduce toxic pollutants and improve water quality in the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers. “Millions call the Columbia River Basin home. Millions more rely on it for their livelihoods and recreation. This bill is an important step to ensure that critical work on the basin is protected and adequately funded. The basin’s long-term health isn’t just for show; it is quite literally a matter of survival for countless critical species and people,” said Rep. Hoyle. “I am proud to have helped pass a bipartisan measure that will protect the basin for generations to come.” Rep. Hoyle’s bill, originally introduced in 2025 is a rare bipartisan win for the environment, and Oregonians. The Columbia River Basin is the second largest watershed in the U.S. and home to more than 8 million people and more than 15 tribal nations. A Senate version of this bill was introduced by Senator Merkley, and it is co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Patty Murray (D-WA). The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program: