Recognizing the essential work of the League of Oregon Cities.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 19
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:56:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 19) formally recognizes the League of Oregon Cities for its century-long contributions to municipal governance and advocacy in Oregon. It highlights the organization's role in supporting local governments and fostering federal-local partnerships, without enacting any new laws or policies.
Key Provisions
- Historical Background: Founded in 1925 by 25 Oregon cities, the League provides support, advocacy, and resources to all 241 incorporated cities in the state, which house about 3 million residents (70% of Oregon's population).
- Achievements and Role: The League has advanced best practices in municipal governance, lobbied on key issues like sustainable development, infrastructure, public safety, community engagement, and home rule authority (the right of local governments to manage their own affairs without state interference). It offers legislative advocacy, professional training, and essential services to address community needs.
- Collaboration with Congress: The League has supported federal actions, including:
- The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167), boosting investment in Oregon's semiconductor industry.
- COVID-19 relief via the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2) and the CARES Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-136).
- The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58), providing over $4.5 billion for Oregon infrastructure.
- Broadband expansion in rural areas through the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program (from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018; Public Law 115-141).
- Resolving Clause: Congress acknowledges the League's past work and its future role in providing research, expertise, and advocacy to strengthen federal-local partnerships for Oregon's municipalities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. As a concurrent resolution, this is a non-binding expression of congressional sentiment and does not amend, repeal, or create any laws. It requires approval by both the House and Senate but does not need presidential signature.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies and Citizens: Symbolic recognition may enhance the League's influence in lobbying for federal funding and policies benefiting Oregon cities, potentially improving local infrastructure (e.g., water systems, roads, housing) and services for residents. It underscores the importance of cities as economic and social hubs, which could indirectly support statewide growth and national economic contributions.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution focuses solely on domestic, state-level advocacy.
- Overall, the effects are primarily morale-boosting and promotional for the League, with no direct enforceable changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- League of Oregon Cities: Primary beneficiary, gaining formal congressional endorsement that validates its advocacy efforts.
- Oregon Municipalities and Residents: The 241 cities and 3 million residents served, who may see strengthened local-federal ties for better community resources and infrastructure.
- Oregon Congressional Representatives: Sponsors (e.g., Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Salinas) and others from Oregon, who introduced the resolution to highlight state priorities.
- Federal Government: Indirectly involved through referenced partnerships, potentially encouraging ongoing collaboration on issues like infrastructure and economic development.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as concurrent resolutions are not legally binding and do not affect the Constitution or statutes. They simply express Congress's view without executive involvement.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support from Oregon's delegation for local advocacy groups, potentially fostering goodwill and cooperation between federal and state entities. It politically affirms the value of home rule and federal investments in local needs, which could influence future legislative priorities without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Bynum, Janelle [D-OR-5], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-03-11: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-11: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the essential work of the League of Oregon Cities. — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (4 pages)