Dear Neighbor, I've recently introduced two pieces of legislation that will make a big difference to Oregonians. Read on to learn more about bills that would protect Mt. Hood and bring our National Guard home. Mt. Hood Stewardship Legacy Bill More than 4 million people a year visit Mt. Hood, one of Oregon's most beloved icons. To prevent increasing pressure from those who love to ski, hike, bicycle, and fish in Mt. Hood's magnificent forests from conflicting with the preservation of our pristine watersheds, important wildlife habitat, and the health of our forests, Representative Greg Walden and I introduced a bi-partisan Mt. Hood Stewardship Legacy Bill this week to promote long-term stewardship for this natural treasure. The bill adds important Wilderness and Wild and Scenic designations to the mountain and some of its waterways, increases funding and expands opportunities for recreational uses, authorizes a Mt Hood Transportation Plan, and directs the US Forest Service to develop a 10-year Forest Stewardship Plan for the mountain. Click here for more information. First Step to Redeployment Bill Firmly believing that our national security depends on a change of course in Iraq, last Friday I announced the "First Step to Redeployment Bill" to direct the President to redeploy United States Armed Forces from Iraq, beginning with National Guard soldiers currently in the country. We have accomplished our mission in Iraq; now it is time for our National Guard troops to fulfill critical missions at home: fighting forest fires, providing disaster relief, and keeping our communities safe. For more information, click here. Medicare Part D Town Hall This Monday I have heard from many Oregonians about the frustration they have experienced with signing up for the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. On Monday, March 27th from 5:00-6:00 PM, I will join Congressman Peter DeFazio and Congresswoman Darlene Hooley for a town hall meeting on Medicare Part D. If you've been affected by the new Medicare plan, I urge you to participate and help us understand the impact of this new legislation. The town hall meeting will be at: Hollywood Senior Center 1820 NE 40th Avenue in Portland Again, the meeting is next Monday, March 27th, from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. I hope to see you there. (If you need more information, please call my Portland Office at 503-231-2300.) As always, I look forward to your feedback and comments. To send me an email, please click here. Sincerely, Blumenauer Earl Blumenauer