Dear Friend,

I just wrapped up a very busy week in Oregon’s Sixth District. As I head back to Washington, D.C. for votes, I wanted to give you a quick recap of what I’ve been up to over the last few days. 

From a roundtable with local veterans to conversations with everyone from farmers to firefighters, I’ve enjoyed speaking to so many of you and getting your thoughts on important issues.

I started my week in Salem, where I hosted a roundtable with Oregon veterans and veteran groups. We discussed how Congress can be a better partner to local organizations and help ensure that our nation’s heroes receive the full benefits and resources they deserve.

Since coming to Congress, I have proudly supported bills that would expand veterans' access to affordable housing and health care, improve home care services for elderly veterans, help more veterans afford college by expanding work-study programs, and address veteran homelessness. And I will continue to do everything that I can to support our brave men and women in uniform.

Later in the week, I headed off to Tigard where I had the opportunity to speak with the Tigard Rotary Club and share an update on the critical work that I am doing in Congress. It was also really inspiring to learn more about their tireless efforts to make life better for everyone in the Tigard community. Clearly, these folks take the Rotarian motto of “Service Above Self” to heart. Thank you for having me!

A highlight of the week was getting to discuss two new bills of mine that will expand access to peer support programs. Peer support specialists are experts with lived experience of substance abuse or mental illness who are now trained to help others on their recovery journey. First, I met with the Salem Fire Department to learn more about their successful peer support program. My first bill, the Peer Support for Firefighters Act, would help prioritize these types of programs under federal law and make it easier for fire departments to provide more mental health support and resources. Given that our firefighters deal with extremely stressful situations and are consistently putting their lives on the line, their mental health can be greatly affected. 

I also met with peer support advocates in our district to hear directly from them about their lifesaving work. My second bill, the bipartisan PEER Support Act, would break down barriers in the profession and make it easier for folks to become certified peer support specialists. It would also create more support for those who are already practicing. 

As you can probably guess, I couldn’t possibly fit my entire week in one recap email! If I missed you this week, don’t worry – you can always send me an email and let me know what issues matter most to you and your family.

Also, be sure to visit my website and follow me on X, Facebook, and Instagram for regular updates on events in the district and to stay up-to-date on the work that I am doing in Congress.

Be well,




Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress