Senate Committee Advances Two Wyden Bills Key to Oregon’s Future
One bill benefits Owyhee in Eastern Oregon; other bill reauthorizes signature Wyden legislation that’s secured nearly $4 billion for counties statewide
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today released the following statement applauding the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for advancing his Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act (CEO Act) and his Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2023:
“The ENR Committee has advanced two of my bills key to Oregon’s future.
“The Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act preserves both a treasured way of life and a treasured landscape. The bill helps our state’s ranchers and the small businesses in Eastern Oregon who call this breath-taking and nationally recognized area home. This legislation is the product of years of hard work with Malheur County ranchers, Tribes, conservationists and recreation lovers who all came together to develop what I believe should be a framework for conservation nationwide. It encapsulates a shared vision that leaves Eastern Oregon in effect as the CEO of one of America’s most spectacular landscapes.
“The Secure Rural Schools program has proven a vital lifeline for rural counties in Oregon and nationwide, but lapses in Congressional action leave counties dangling on an annual fiscal cliff. Reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act is critical and necessary to support education, road maintenance, forest and watershed health, fire prevention, search and rescue, and other essential services in rural communities.
“Today’s action brings my two bills closer to full Senate consideration. I applaud my colleagues on the ENR committee for their partnership and hard work to get us here.”
The Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act would preserve the Owyhee and introduce more flexibility into the established grazing management system. The legislation is informed by Eastern Oregon ranchers, tribes and environmental organizations convened by Wyden.
The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2023 would continue investment in rural communities across Oregon and the nation for essential services such as education, road maintenance, search and rescue, wildfire prevention and watershed restoration. Since Wyden first authored the program in 2000, Secure Rural Schools has provided nearly $4 billion to Oregon counties. To preserve this vital lifeline for rural communities, Secure Rural Schools must be reauthorized in fiscal year 2024.
Both bills now move to the full Senate for consideration.
Watch a video of Wyden’s remarks here.
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