DeFazio Secures Major Oregon Victories in National Defense Bill

Washington, DC- Today, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee Peter DeFazio (D-OR) announced the inclusion of several critical Oregon-focused bills in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A package of natural resources measures was included in the NDAA after negotiations involving the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Natural Resources and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committees in an effort to clear a years-long backlog.

In addition to provisions sponsored by more than two dozen of his House Democratic colleagues, DeFazio secured the inclusion of the REFI Act, legislation that will save West Coast fishermen millions of dollars by refinancing expensive, high-interest federal loans. DeFazio also included legislation to expand the Oregon Caves National Monument which will boost Southwest Oregon’s economy, and increase tourism and the recreation economy in the area. The NDAA is expected to be approved by the House later this week.

REFI

DeFazio was able to add the bipartisan H.R. 2646, the REFI Act, to NDAA. DeFazio has been working for five years on the issue, and first sparked interest in refinancing unfair government “pay day” loans to West Coast fishermen with a letter to the Secretary of Commerce in 2009.  DeFazio helped draft H.R. 2646, is an original co-sponsor, and earlier this year offered the bill as an amendment to Magnuson-Stevens legislation. H.R. 2646 is sponsored by Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Jared Huffman (D-CA). 

“The West Coast buyback loan has been an albatross around fishermen’s necks. Fishermen have been charged an excessively high interest rate and the tab skyrocketed after their repayment plan was delayed through no fault of their own. The original terms of the loan were bad and implementation was worse. The passage of this bill will allow the fishermen to refinance, save money, and keep the fishery competitive—and the American taxpayers will get a fair shake. This is great news for the entire West Coast. After five years of hard work, I am grateful that it was included in the NDAA authorization to get it across the finish line,” said DeFazio.

Oregon Trawl Commission Director Brad Pettinger, who testified before the House Natural Resources Committee in April in support of the REFI Act, commended DeFazio for his work to pass this legislation.

“I want to thank the entire Northwest Delegation for this bipartisan effort to help West Coast fishermen and their families.  This is a big deal.  In particular, I want to single out Peter DeFazio.  His tireless efforts and advocacy for our fishermen has made the difference in getting this legislation – this relief – through Congress.  We are grateful for his leadership,” said Pettinger.  

Additional background on REFI can be found here.

OREGON CAVES

DeFazio also secured legislation that will expand the Oregon Caves National Monument, which will boost the local economy with additional tourist dollars and create needed jobs in southern Oregon. The legislation, pushed by DeFazio and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), expands the Oregon Caves National Monument by 4,070 acres and designates the River Styx –the underground stream running through Oregon Caves- as the first subterranean Wild and Scenic River in the nation. The expansion will also allow for additional activities, including hiking and other recreational opportunities.

“The Oregon Caves National Monument is a special place that pumps millions of dollars into the local economy.  This expansion will ensure we protect this incredible caves system, from the rustic and charming 1930s Chateau, to the miles of trails with unforgettable views of the Siskiyou Mountains. This legislation will expand the monument to attract more visitors and support local businesses, and protect the first underground river under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. I congratulate the more than fifty local businesses, and the community members who worked so hard on this expansion,” said DeFazio.    

More than 70,000 tourists visit Oregon Caves each year, generating $4.8 million in local revenues and supporting 70 local jobs in economically hard-hit Josephine County and Cave Junction.

Additional background can be found here.

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