Oregonians attend town halls to express concerns effectively

Oregon's congressional town halls are seeing high attendance, reminiscent of the early Trump presidency. Many constituents, including laid-off federal workers, are using these forums to express concerns about Trump's policies. This shift from large protests to town halls offers a direct way for citizens to engage with their representatives. Democratic lawmakers are actively participating in these town halls, with some stating that constituent feedback has influenced their positions against Trump. However, the effectiveness of these gatherings remains uncertain, as Democrats face challenges in Congress and may struggle to enact significant changes. Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz has not scheduled town halls during the March recess, following guidance from party leaders to avoid confrontations. Meanwhile, grassroots activists are organizing to ensure that constituents' voices are heard, even if some representatives choose not to engage directly.