Bonamici Introduces Bill to Rename Post Office After Former Rep. Elizabeth Furse

WASHINGTON, DC [9/16/24] - Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced legislation to redesignate a Hillsboro post office in honor of the late Representative Elizabeth Furse.

Furse represented Oregon's First Congressional District for three terms from 1993-1999 and established her legacy as a champion for human rights and social justice. The post office at 125 South 1^st Avenue in Hillsboro, located in the district Furse served, would be designated as the Elizabeth Furse Post Office Building.

"Eilzabeth Furse dedicated her life to service, enriching the lives of people in NW Oregon by advocating for equal rights, tribal sovereignty, peace, and more," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "I was fortunate to call Elizabeth a mentor and friend, and I am honored to introduce this legislation to recognize her trailblazing contributions to NW Oregon by naming a post office after her so people will be inspired by her example for years to come."

Furse was the first woman elected to represent Oregon's First District and helped secure funding to expand TriMet's MAX Blue Line into Hillsboro. She was a key figure in the restoration of federal recognition for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. Furse also served as Director of the Oregon Peace Institute and founded both the Institute for Tribal Government at Portland State University and nonprofit Clean Water Columbia. She died in 2021 at age 84 at her Hillsboro farm.

The text of the legislation can be viewed here. A statement Bonamici submitted for the Congressional Record after Furse's death can be found here.

All of the Oregon House members are supporting the bill.

###