Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Discusses Timber Issues and Meets with Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez and Sergeant Matt Volker after the ride along with Clark County Sheriff’s Department

CLARK COUNTY – Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) recently rode along on a typical shift with a Sergeant from the Clark County Sheriff’s office, discussing law enforcement challenges and ways she can be supportive of their work.

During her ride with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Matt Volker and Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez talked about her efforts to support the health and wellness of law enforcement officers and provide officers tax relief on federal income tax to encourage more people to get into law enforcement.

“Law enforcement officers are on the front lines on nearly every problem we have, from drug use to truancy to domestic violence. I admire the work these men and women do and am eager to explore ways to make their jobs safer and more effective,” Gluesenkamp Perez said.

Gluesenkamp Perez led introduction of the Fuel the Force Act, which exempts the first $100,000 of ordinary income from federal taxation for full-time officers with at least five years of service. She also cosponsored of the FEND OFF Fentanyl Act and HALT Fentanyl Act, both signed into law, which together expand sanctions on illicit fentanyl traffickers and designates fentanyl as a Schedule I drug to make it easier for law enforcement to get it off the streets. 

The Congresswoman also spoke to leaders at the American Forest Resource Council at the Skamania Lodge. The Congresswoman spoke with loggers, timber mill owners, log truck operators and timber mill workers throughout Southwest Washington. She has worked to limit interference on logging operations as well as exploring ways to get more young people into careers in timber.

“The people in this field know how fundamental our relationship is with the woods and waters here in Washington state,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “Our families work in the woods because we love the woods – and we understand better than anyone how critical good stewardship is in the long work of building a sustainable life in the woods.”

Finally, the Congresswoman attended a  roundtable with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. Attendees included local manufacturers throughout Clark County. The group discussed the importance of trades jobs in schools and the Congresswoman’s BUILD Now Act to encourage cities and towns to streamline permitting and build more housing.  Strengthening domestic manufacturing has been a priority for Gluesenkamp Perez during her tenure in office. She is focused on bringing home investments in local production to make durable goods that support U.S. jobs.