Dear Friend,

I hope you and your family had a safe and happy Fourth of July! This past weekend, our nation celebrated 250 years since its founding. As we mark this anniversary, we remember the enduring promise set out in the Declaration of Independence — that all people are created equal — and the generations who sacrificed to make that promise real. Beyond fireworks and barbecues, this milestone is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to a more perfect union for all.

The Big Ugly Bill… One Year Later

There was a second, more somber anniversary last week as well. One year ago, Donald Trump and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill became law.

This bill gutted Americans’ health care, led to the closure of hospitals and health centers, and slashed food assistance for hungry families, seniors, and veterans. And it made these cuts while giving tax breaks for big corporations and the ultra-wealthy. A year later, Republicans’ signature piece of legislation has only made Oregonians sicker, hungrier, and poorer.

An Expanded Food Bank

For nearly 50 years, when folks in Polk County hit a rough patch and needed a little help putting food on the table, the Ella Curran Food Bank has been there for them. On Tuesday, I was honored to speak at the groundbreaking for their new facility, for which I worked alongside our senators to help deliver $775,000 in federal funding.

This new facility will give Ella Curran the space it needs to serve this community for decades to come. It could not come at a better time. Families are feeling the pressure of the affordability crisis, so our food banks are seeing record numbers of people coming through their doors. These food banks do incredible work, but they should not have to carry this burden alone. Hunger is a policy choice, and we need federal policies that help families put food on the table.

That's why I'm working in Congress to strengthen the Emergency Food Assistance Program, while fighting to restore funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs that children, seniors, veterans, and working families rely on.

A New Public Library

This week, I also celebrated the Keizer Community Library officially becoming a public library — the newest in our state, and likely the country. I was honored to speak at the grand opening and cut the ribbon. I’ve carried a library card my whole life, and one of my favorite things to do as a parent was to take my daughter to the library every Saturday. Watching her curiosity grow through those visits was a reminder that libraries impact lives by fostering a lifelong love of learning. From helping children discover the joy of reading, to connecting neighbors, increasing literacy, and providing access to technology, libraries enrich communities.

A New Public Park

On Wednesday, I spoke at the grand opening of another new public space — this time a park in Dundee! Sander Estate Park is a project rooted in our history, shaped by our neighbors, and made possible through partnership at every level of government.

In 2023, the U.S. National Park Service awarded more than $630,000 to develop Sander Estate Park. I was proud to support this grant because, as Oregonians, we know just how vital the outdoors are to the overall well-being of our communities. They give families a place to gather; they promote healthy activity; and they strengthen the environment of the places we call home.

A Family Shelter and Housing Legislation

I also toured ARCHES Nest, a family shelter in Salem, to learn more about the families it serves and the programming they offer. The homelessness crisis is tied to our nation’s severe housing shortage. That is why I was proud to support the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — bipartisan legislation aimed at giving all Americans a fair shot at homeownership. The bill passed in Congress with huge support from both parties, but President Trump has refused to sign it. I joined some of my colleagues to relay a simple message to the President: Sign the damn bill!

A Conversation About Civics

Finally, I sat down with Unidos Bridging Community, a Latino-led nonprofit serving Yamhill County, to talk about the importance of civic engagement. For families who face language barriers or are simply unsure how to get involved, government can feel like something that happens elsewhere. It doesn’t have to be that way.

As an elected official, I want to hear directly from constituents. Please reach out to my office at salinas.house.gov or (503) 385-0906. And make sure to follow me on X, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date on the work that I am doing for you.

Be well,




Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress