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Dear Friend,
As your Member of Congress, I want to share an update on the work I have done for you over the past month.
First, I want to thank everybody who came to my town hall in Wilsonville on Saturday afternoon. Your input informs my work, and I appreciate all your questions about the biggest challenges we face. One key issue we talked about was President Trump’s recent military strikes on Iran. Protecting our country is always a top priority, but the Trump Administration has not made the case that we are at an imminent risk of attack.
This conflict has already claimed American lives. I’m thinking of the brave servicemembers killed and injured in the line of duty, as well as their families. While our troops are in harm’s way, the Trump Administration has still not shared its strategy, goals, or exit plan with the American people, including Members of Congress. Before any more troops are put in danger, Congress must vote to rein in the President. That is why I support Representative Massie and Khanna’s War Powers Resolution. The American people do not want more forever wars.
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Last week, I was in D.C. speaking to several thousand people at the National Association of Counties’ legislative conference, where I had the chance to meet with a few Oregonians in attendance. In my remarks, I told them that as co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that our counties have access to the resources and funding needed to address the mental health crisis. I will not stop working until this becomes a reality nationwide.
Another big concern I hear from you is what I’m doing to hold U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accountable. I want to share three things:
First, Senator Merkley and I introduced brand new legislation to hold ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accountable for violations of our constitutional rights. Our bill would allow citizens who have had their rights violated to sue the federal government, and damages would be drawn from the One Big Beautiful Bill ICE and CBP slush fund. While no amount of money will undo the trauma and harm that ICE has caused, the ability to sue the government for these violations is a key step toward accountability and recognition.
Secondly, I led 27 of my colleagues to demand answers from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott about how they are training ICE agents. The American people deserve answers and full transparency into their training, or lack thereof.
Finally, I led nearly the entire Oregon Democratic delegation in a letter demanding no new ICE detention facilities in Oregon. ICE’s detention facilities raise serious safety, transparency, environmental, and humanitarian concerns, and these issues are not compatible with our values as Oregonians. Opposing this facility was an easy decision.
I am also proud to share that two of my amendments were included in the bipartisan NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026. The first directs NASA to improve coordination between government agencies on wildfire response and mitigation, strengthening preparedness and response to protect our neighborhoods, farms, and natural resources. The second encourages NASA to partner with the private sector to bring more young people into STEM pathways to create more pipelines to good-paying jobs.
I also spoke on the House Floor opposing President Trump’s tariff policies, which have negatively impacted businesses and families. While tariffs can be a helpful tool when used strategically, I highlighted the facts that these ill-thought-out tariffs have raised costs and reduced export opportunities for businesses in Oregon. I am glad that the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's tariffs — but now we must work in Congress to permanently block these harmful policies.
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Finally, I know how expensive life has become. I want you to know that I am working every day to make life more affordable for Oregonians. That is why I have partnered with my New Democratic Coalition colleagues to identify real solutions in five areas of life to help solve the affordability crisis. Take a moment to learn more about our work.
P.S. Make sure to forward my update to one of our neighbors so they can receive this important update.
Check out these clips you may have missed:
Please know that you can always write to my office at salinas.house.gov/contact and you can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Bluesky. I always enjoy hearing from you and our neighbors.
Be well,
Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress
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