Oregon’s Congressional Leaders Invite Fired Federal Workers and Farmers to Trump’s Speech: A Community Perspective

President Donald Trump will speak to Congress tonight. Each member can bring a guest, and many Oregon politicians have selected guests to make a statement.

This year, the guest list highlights a theme: several of the invited guests are federal employees who were recently fired under the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk. Many Democrats across the country often choose guests to emphasize their political views during important events like this.

For instance, during the 2019 State of the Union, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley invited a Guatemalan mother and her daughter as a response to family separations at the border.

Let’s take a look at who the Oregon representatives are bringing this time:

U.S. Senate:

Sen. Ron Wyden: He won’t attend the address. Instead, he will hold a Facebook Live town hall to engage with Oregonians. He believes hearing from local residents is more important than attending the event in Washington.

Sen. Jeff Merkley: Merkley’s guest is Isabella Isaksen, a former U.S. Forest Service employee who was let go this year. Isaksen, an Olympic pentathlete, worked in the Ochoco National Forest. She emphasized the risks posed by these federal job cuts, stating they hurt community safety and the environment.

U.S. House of Representatives:

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici: Bonamici invited Arielle Kane, another recently fired federal worker who analyzed maternal health policy. Kane pointed out that without the qualified people working on healthcare improvements, the system won’t get any better.

Rep. Cliff Bentz: As the only Republican in Oregon’s delegation, Bentz did not disclose if he would bring a guest.

Rep. Maxine Dexter: Dexter is bringing Alan Ferschweiler, a veteran firefighter and union leader. Ferschweiler has been part of Portland Fire & Rescue for years and is concerned about wildfire impacts on communities. He stressed the need for federal support in firefighting efforts.

Rep. Val Hoyle: Hoyle invited Marie Bowers, a fifth-generation farmer. She mentioned the importance of women in agriculture and how Bowers’ work supports local farming and feeding communities.

Rep. Janelle Bynum: Bynum’s guest is Liz Crandall, a ranger who worked in the Deschutes National Forest. Crandall was among many terminated during recent cuts. She wants to raise awareness about the dangers of these firings, especially concerning public safety during wildfire seasons.

Rep. Andrea Salinas: Salinas is bringing Yamhill County Commissioner Bubba King. He recently took office and is focused on local infrastructure and support for the community and immigrants.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez: Perez will attend the speech but has not yet announced her guest.

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