Dear Friend,

Summer has come and gone. As we turn the page to fall, I want to take a moment to look back on a busy season serving the people of Oregon. Read along for some summer highlights!

A Lifeline for First Responders

Oregon has experienced an especially severe wildfire season. In Congress, I introduced a comprehensive plan to strengthen prevention, improve coordination, protect homes and working lands, and help communities recover.

As we confront these fires, we must not neglect our firefighters and first responders on the front lines. I introduced the Lifeline for First Responders Act to create a first-of-its-kind grant to deliver mental health care for our brave firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers. These heroes show up for us when we need it most, and we must show up for them.

Making Your Voice Heard

If you follow my work, you have probably heard me talk about the Roadless Rule — a critical environmental safeguard that ensures the protection of almost 60 million acres of our nation’s most pristine forestlands, including about 2 million acres here in Oregon. Trump wants to repeal this rule, which would threaten the health of our communities, our environment, and the natural wonders that define Oregon.

Earlier this month, I led a coalition of 164 colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to abandon its misguided efforts. Days later, the Forest Service announced they would extend the public comment period, giving folks additional time to make our voices heard. I am pleased the agency listened to our call to extend the comment period, and I will continue to urge them to listen to the demands of every American who wants to protect our wilderness.

I introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act to permanently enshrine the Roadless Rule into law, and I am using every tool I have to fight the Trump Administration’s reckless decision.

Farm Day

Also this summer, I spent time criss-crossing our district to hear directly from farmers and agriculture leaders.

I started at Universal Seed in Independence, where I observed seed processing and testing. I spent time at Lucky Crow Farm in Monmouth learning about their community-minded vegetable production. In Gervais, I visited Pearmine Farms, where I listened to a fourth-generation farmer’s challenges. Finally, I toured Alpha Nursery in Salem to see how a family-run operation cultivates hundreds of plant varieties.

The Willamette Valley has a rich agricultural heritage. As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I am focused on strengthening this tradition for future generations.

A Conversation on Healthcare

Our healthcare system is at a breaking point. In August, I joined Senator Ron Wyden and State Rep. Lesly Muñoz to hear directly from Oregonians who have felt the consequences. It does not have to be this way. Healthcare is a human right, and I am fighting for a healthcare system that puts people over profits so that all Oregonians have access to quality, affordable care.

If you have experiences or ideas you would like to share, please reach out to my office. Your input shapes my work in Congress.

Keeping Our Bridges Safe

More than 126,000 vehicles cross the Boone Bridge in Wilsonville every day. If you cross this bridge on a regular basis, like I do, you know that it is prone to congestion. And in the event of a major earthquake, this bridge is at a high risk of failure.

I visited the bridge to discuss the urgent need for replacement planning with local officials. We must invest now to keep the I-5 corridor reliable and safe, and I am working to secure more federal funding for this project.

More Bills Passed

I want to close with some good news. This summer, I celebrated the passage of two of my bills through the House of Representatives! This legislation will strengthen two of Oregon’s important industries, support our workers, and help the country remain a global leader in energy innovation.

• My Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act invests in research, testing, and workforce development to help meet the need for clean and reliable energy. In addition, I recently formed the new, bipartisan Congressional Geothermal Caucus.
  
  
• My Nucleic Acid Screening for Biosecurity Act establishes stronger standards for nucleic acid screening to help ensure the safety of scientific advancements in biotechnology and healthcare.

Now that you have heard a bit about my summer, make sure you’re staying informed this fall too! Follow me on X, Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram, and visit salinas.house.gov if you want to share an opinion or need assistance with a federal agency. It is an honor to serve you!

Be well,




Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress