A Busy Few Weeks!

Dear Neighbor, I hope that each of you are doing well! I spent the past two weeks in Washington, D.C., working with my colleagues in Congress to take action on issues that matter most to the hardworking people of Colorado’s 2nd District. We are focused on solving real challenges, including lowering costs, creating better paying jobs, and building safer communities. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve been up to: 

Last week, I joined my friend and colleague, Republican Congressman John Curtis of Utah, as well as U.S. Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Steve Daines (R-MT), to reintroduce the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus. I created this congressional caucus after the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires to elevate awareness and bipartisan consensus around wildfire management, mitigation, preparedness, and recovery. Together, we will build on past efforts and take further action to prevent and recover from wildfires. I also launched the bipartisan Colorado River Caucus this month, which includes members from the Upper and Lower Basin States, and will focus on working to support water conservation efforts and address the water crisis facing the West. 

Caucuses are made up of members of Congress, and they offer a unique opportunity for collaboration and discussion. Read CPR’s article Want to get something done in Congress? Having the right caucus can help, to learn more. 

This past week, we also introduced several bills that will make a real difference in our communities, including the Affordable College Textbook Act to assist students at CSU, CU and Front Range, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act to expand broadband from Granby to Longmont, and Ally’s Act, which our 11-year old constituent Ally from Broomfield inspired us to introduce. Each of these bills work to expand access to critical lifelines—whether it is higher-education, broadband connectivity for rural communities, or health care coverage. 

See daily updates of our work by following @RepJoeNeguse on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

PROTECTING ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS

As Ranking Member of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, I had the opportunity to participate in a hearing on several outdoor recreation bills. For Coloradans, we know that access to the outdoors is a way of life, and my colleagues and I are fighting to protect our state’s robust and thriving outdoor recreation industry, workforce, and recreation opportunities. Learn more about the bills we considered here.

WHAT ELSE HAVE WE BEEN WORKING ON?

• I joined Boulder’s local nonprofit Resource Central in celebrating the powering up of their new solar panels! Thanks to recent investments made by the Inflation Reduction Act we are making major advancements nationwide in energy efficiency and climate solutions. 

• Colorado Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, and I introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of ‘Clela Rorex Day,’ honoring the contributions of former Boulder County Clerk, Clela Rorex – a pioneer for civil rights and same-sex marriage. 

In closing, I also wanted to extend my support to all those impacted by the tragic shooting in Nashville. This devastating loss of life highlights the heartbreaking reality of gun violence in America, and I will keep working, each and every day, to enact gun violence prevention legislation at the Federal level. For those in our community in need of support, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. 
 
Please stay safe, stay healthy, and stay hopeful!