Bynum Votes No on Bipartisan Fraud Enforcement Bill, Draws Criticism From Opponent Patti Adair

Oregon — U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Oregon) voted against legislation that would establish a National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice, prompting criticism from Patti Adair, her Republican challenger in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.

The House passed H.R. 9576 on Sept. 16 by a vote of 352–72. Bynum joined the 72 Democrats who voted no. Another 139 Democrats voted yes, along with 212 Republicans and one independent.

The House-passed bill would place the division under the attorney general and have it led by an assistant attorney general designated by the president. The attorney general would determine that official’s duties. The bill itself does not set out specific fraud offenses for the division to investigate or provide a new funding amount. It has passed the House but would also need Senate approval and the president’s signature to become law.

In a Sept. 21 campaign statement, Adair, a Deschutes County commissioner, called the proposal an “easy yes vote” and said Bynum had sided with the most extreme members of her party. Adair pointed to the bill’s broad bipartisan support and said she planned to raise Bynum’s record when the candidates debate on Oct. 14.

The roll call confirms Bynum’s opposition and the bipartisan majority for the bill. It does not establish why Bynum voted no. No explanation from Bynum for this vote was located, so Adair’s characterization of her motive remains a campaign claim.