As leaders of her own party seek concessions from Republicans with a government shutdown looming, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum reiterated a sentiment in an interview with OPB Tuesday.

“Republicans have control of the House [of Representatives], the Senate, and the presidency,” said Bynum, an Oregon Democrat who was elected in November 2024. “So whatever happens, they own it.”

Business is in my blood. Before being elected to represent Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District, I owned local restaurants with my husband and served in the State House.

So I know firsthand that small businesses aren’t just a lifeline for our local economies, but they’re the heartbeat of our communities, especially in rural areas. They’re where we connect, where our kids get their first job, and where the future of our towns are built.