March 11 (legislative day, March 10), 2025
Mr. Merkley (for himself and Mr. Wyden) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
Recognizing the essential work of the League of Oregon Cities.
Whereas, in 1925, the League of Oregon Cities was founded by 25 cities in the State of Oregon with the mission of providing support, advocacy, and resources to all incorporated cities in the State;
Whereas, since 1925, the League of Oregon Cities has—
(1)
played a pivotal role in advancing municipal governance, promoting best practices, and fostering collaboration among cities, thereby enhancing the quality of life of Oregonians throughout the State of Oregon, from Bandon to Baker City, Medford to Mosier, and Pendleton to Portland;
(2)
lobbied tirelessly in advancement of issues that are vital to all cities in the State of Oregon, including sustainable development, infrastructure improvement, public safety, increased community engagement, and the preservation of home rule authority;
(3)
empowered local governments to effectively address the ever-evolving needs of their communities through initiatives including legislative advocacy, professional development, and the delivery of essential services and resources; and
(4)
worked with its congressional leaders to advance and support Federal policy to match local government priorities;
Whereas 241 cities in the State of Oregon are home to approximately 3,000,000 residents, accounting for 70 percent of the total population of the State;
Whereas the cities in the State of Oregon serve as the economic, cultural, and social hubs of the State, providing essential infrastructure services and opportunities for countless Oregonians;
Whereas continued investment in city infrastructure, including water systems, roads, and housing, is critical to supporting the needs of the State of Oregon, and driving statewide economic growth and contributing to the national economy;
Whereas, in 2022, the League of Oregon Cities supported congressional action to pass Public Law 117–167 (commonly known as the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
) (136 Stat. 1366) paving the way for increased investment in the semiconductor industry critical to the economy and educational focus of the State of Oregon;
Whereas, in 2021, the League of Oregon Cities supported congressional action responding to the COVID–19 pandemic with Coronavirus State and local fiscal recovery funds made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–2; 135 Stat. 4);
Whereas, in 2021, the League of Oregon Cities supported congressional action passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58; 135 Stat. 429) that provided the State of Oregon with over $4,500,000,000 in additional infrastructure investment throughout the State;
Whereas, in 2020, the League of Oregon Cities supported congressional action to provide stimulus funds under the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136; 134 Stat. 281) to help communities facing severe challenges from the COVID–19 pandemic;
Whereas, in 2019, the League of Oregon Cities supported congressional action to expand broadband deployment in rural communities through the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program authorized under section 779 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141; 132 Stat. 399); and
Whereas, across a century of steadfast advocacy, the League of Oregon Cities has made incomparable contributions to the resilience and vitality of communities throughout the State of Oregon and improved the lives of all Oregonians: Now, therefore, be it
That Congress recognizes the essential work of the League of Oregon Cities since 1925 and the role the League of Oregon Cities will play in the future in supporting municipalities in the State of Oregon with unparalleled research, technical expertise, and relentless advocacy as a key partner in preserving and strengthening the Federal-local partnership.