Washington D.C. – U.S. Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) today lead several members of the Oregon delegation in calling for an extension of the public comment period and additional community hearings into the Navy’s planned expansion of military exercises off the Oregon coast.

In a letter to Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter, Congressman Schrader joined with Congressmen Blumenauer, DeFazio, Wu as well as Senators Wyden and Merkley to argue that:

“…many citizens who live in potentially affected areas along the Oregon coast have expressed concern and frustration at the lack of public notice and the limited time to provide official comments to the U.S. Navy.”

The Oregon delegation is calling for an extension to the public comment period until April 11th, and calling for at least 2 additional public meetings to provide additional opportunities for members of the community to discuss the new proposals.

“We believe that successful and innovative projects in Oregon require an open, fair communication process between private businesses, government and citizens,” continued the delegation.

Congressman Schrader represents the 5th Congressional District of Oregon which includes the counties of Benton, Clackamas Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk and Tillamook. He is the chair of the Finance and Tax Subcommittee of the House Committee on Small Business. He also serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Budget Committee. The full letter is attached.