Education
[{"year": 1978, "field": "Legal Assistant Program", "degree": "A.A.", "institution": "Lane Community College"}, {"year": 1980, "field": "Journalism", "degree": "B.A.", "institution": "University of Oregon"}, {"year": 1983, "field": "Law", "degree": "J.D.", "institution": "University of Oregon School of Law"}]
Career History
Consumer Protection Attorney
Federal Trade Commission
1984 - 1986
Worked in the Credit Practices Division protecting consumers from predatory and discriminatory lending
Attorney, Private Practice
Private Law Practice
1986 - 1992
Specialized in representing individuals and small businesses
Legislative Staff
Oregon State House of Representatives
2001 - 2006
Served as a legislative assistant in the Oregon state legislature
State Representative
Oregon House of Representatives
2007 - 2008
Represented Washington County House District 34
State Senator
Oregon State Senate
2008 - 2011
Served in the Oregon State Senate after appointment and subsequent election
Recent Legislation
H.R. 644
· Sponsor
Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025
Jan 23, 2025
H.R. 886
· Sponsor
Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
Mar 12, 2024
H.Res. 407
· Sponsor
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day.
May 19, 2023
H.Res. 225
· Sponsor
Expressing support for the designation of the third week of March 2023 as "National CACFP Week".
Mar 14, 2023
H.Res. 219
· Sponsor
Expressing support for developing supportive, inclusive, safe, and responsive public schools that provide all students with a well-rounded education and prepare all students for success in life and for the exercise of their social and economic rights, fostering parental involvement in education in a manner that builds partnerships and trust between parents and educators, and protecting the civil rights of students and families.
Mar 10, 2023
Committee Assignments
Member
Member
Key Policy Positions
Founder and co-chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus, which integrates arts and design with STEM education. Her Building STEAM Education Act was included in the CHIPS and Science Act.
Passed the bipartisan COAST Research Act to expand scientific research and monitoring of ocean and coastal acidification, helping coastal communities adapt to the climate crisis.
Co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus and Congressional Estuary Caucus, working on solutions to ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, marine debris, and advocating for federal ocean science research funding.
Drawing on her FTC background, advocates for consumer protection policies including financial regulation and predatory lending safeguards.
Fights to strengthen public education, increase access to early childhood education, and support teachers and school staff.
Contact & Resources
Oregon(Oregon)
District
Oregon-1