Dear Friend,

Today is Memorial Day, an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

As the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran, Memorial Day is especially important to me and I am so grateful for all the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.

Throughout our nation’s history, countless brave servicemembers have put their lives on the line for our freedom. That is why, beyond showing our gratitude, we also have to do more to keep our promise to America’s veterans.

From expanding access to affordable housing and health care, to ensuring veterans can find good-paying jobs after returning home, I’m committed to helping all those who have sacrificed for our nation.

Notably, veterans who were potentially exposed to toxins or hazards while serving our country can now apply for VA benefits and health care through the PACT Act. Just this month, we reached 1 million veterans and survivors who now have access to these critical benefits! 

Click here to learn more about the PACT Act and how to apply.

I am also working across the aisle on legislation that will make life better for our servicemembers and their families. Here are just a few pro-veteran initiatives I have championed in Congress: 

• I cosponsored a bipartisan bill to increase compensation for the families of servicemembers who died in the line of duty or who passed away from service-related injuries and illnesses.
• I joined a bill that would expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and provide more disabled veterans with access to healthy and nutritious foods.
• I cosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which would ensure that retired veterans receive the full benefits they have earned and deserve. I also supported a bill that would penalize unaccredited claims representatives who break the law by charging unauthorized fees while assisting veterans in filing their VA benefits.
• I supported legislation to expand veterans' access to affordable housing and reproductive health care, improve home care services for elderly veterans, help more veterans afford college by expanding work study programs, and address veteran homelessness.

Finally, if you or a loved one is a veteran who needs help with the VA or another federal agency, please visit salinas.house.gov or give us a call in Salem at (503) 385-0906. My team and I are ready and willing to assist you.

Be well,




Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress