Dear Friend,

My father came to this country from Mexico as a child. He worked in the cotton and tomato fields of the Rio Grande Valley before serving our country as a Marine in Vietnam and then as a police officer. His story is the American story. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to honor the stories of the countless Latino families whose hard work and hope have shaped our great state and nation.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Across generations, Hispanic Americans have played a vital role in every part of the American story. Whether in farms, classrooms, small businesses, or the halls of Congress, their talents and contributions have enriched the country we share.

Oregon’s Sixth District is home to the largest Latino population in our state. As a leader in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I am so proud of this community and eager to champion its needs in Washington, D.C.

That includes legislation focused on issues that affect our families, such as the Mental Health for Latinos Act, the Disaster Relief for Farmworkers Act, and the Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act. For all our success, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to expand opportunities and representation for the Latino community and keep the American Dream alive for all.

This month comes at a difficult moment for many Latino and immigrant families. President Trump has launched targeted attacks on these communities. I will not stay silent in the face of these attacks. We must put a stop to this before another family is ripped apart, another person loses their life, and another child has to endure unimaginable trauma.

As a Latina, the daughter of an immigrant, and your Representative in Congress, I am using every tool at my disposal to end this chaos. I am calling attention to these abuses, demanding accountability, conducting oversight, and introducing legislation.

Here are a few of the ways I am fighting for transparency and justice:

• I have conducted oversight visits to ICE facilities in Portland and Tacoma.
• I am standing firm against efforts to undermine birthright citizenship.
• I voted against giving any more money to ICE and CBP.
• I am demanding answers on DACA renewal delays.
• I introduced legislation to hold ICE and CBP agents accountable for violating people’s civil rights.
• I challenged the Trump Administration’s efforts to obstruct congressional oversight.
• I amplified the stories of those suffering from Trump’s cruel immigration enforcement.
• I took to the House floor to condemn the Administration’s inhumane treatment of immigrants.
• I introduced a bill to restrict the president’s ability to use the National Guard for immigration and domestic law enforcement purposes.

Resources

I want to leave you with two important resources. First, bookmark and share the "Know Your Rights" page on my website. This page offers important information on what to do if you encounter immigration enforcement. Second, if you or a loved one needs assistance with any federal agency, know that my office is here to help you. I have Spanish-speakers on staff who are ready to assist.

The impact of our Latino communities cannot be confined to a single month. It shapes our state and our nation every day. Just as that proud heritage endures year-round, so too does my commitment to be a constant, unwavering voice for Latinos — and all Oregonians — in Congress.

Also This Week

On the legislative front, here is a look at what happened this past week in Congress.

• Iran War: This week, I voted in favor of ending U.S. involvement in the war in Iran for the sixth time. After more than six months of Trump’s war of choice, Americans have been shouldering both human and economic costs. Republicans must join Democrats to end this war and ensure federal resources reflect the needs of the people we represent.
  
  
• Roadless Rule: Earlier this month, I led a coalition of 164 colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to abandon its proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule. Days later, the Forest Service announced they would extend the public comment period on the proposal, giving folks additional time to weigh in. Oregonians deserve a real opportunity to make our voices heard before the Trump Administration makes a decision that could jeopardize millions of acres of our public lands. I’m glad the agency listened to our demands to extend the comment period, and I urge them to listen to every American who demands that we protect our wilderness.
  
  
• Energy Bills: Oregon families and small businesses should not be stuck paying for the massive energy infrastructure needed to power new data centers. Lowering costs for Oregonians is one of my top priorities, and that’s why I just voted in favor of the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which would ensure large data centers pay for the costs they create for our electric grid.

It is an honor to serve you. To stay up to date on my work, don’t forget to follow me on X, Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram. Click here if you would like to share an opinion or need assistance.

Be well,




Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress