Andrea Salinas

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the LGBTQ community to celebrate Pride Month, and to call out President Trump's reckless decision to shut down the 988 specialized LGBTQ youth hotline. This is a devastating decision that will affect people in every corner of our country. I will put this into perspective: In 2024, 12 percent of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide, while nearly 40 percent seriously considered it. In comparison, the national average for students contemplating suicide is 20 percent, which is still far too large. Additionally, many of these young people are left without critical support from caring adults, leaving them nowhere to turn when a crisis happens. We cannot deny the fact that this hotline is a vital service. Mental health is not a partisan issue, and our children should not be used as pawns in the President's purely political game. As the co-chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, I am committed to expanding access to specialty mental health care by training qualified professionals to provide culturally relevant care and ensuring that high-quality, affordable services are available to all who need them. Mr. Speaker, I will not remain silent in the face of President Trump's targeted attacks, and I will continue to fight for the LGBTQ communities.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Madam Speaker, I rise to sound the alarm about the Trump administration's reported plans to fire nearly 7,000 workers in the U.S. Forest Service. These illegal firings could have devastating consequences for Oregon. Wildfire season is just around the corner, and there is concern that the Forest Service won't actually have enough staff and resources to fight these deadly blazes, putting countless Oregonians at risk. Fewer workers also means fewer people to care for our public lands and less money coming into our local economies. It means taxpayer dollars, which go to recruit and train these highly skilled individuals, will lose out on their investment. That is why my colleagues and I sent a letter to Secretary Rollins and President Trump, demanding the reinstatement of all Forest Service personnel who have been illegally fired. Luckily, our letter resulted in some workers being reinstated, but the threat of more terminations remains. Our public servants deserve better. The American people deserve better. Madam Speaker, I won't be silent as the administration continues to wreak havoc on our country, on our forest, and on our people. With or without my Republican colleagues, I will continue to fight for our vulnerable communities.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize West Salem High School for its commitment to inclusivity in sports. The Titans recently earned two national awards for their inclusive basketball program. In addition to being named a Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics, West was also added to ESPN's Honor Roll, a distinction awarded to only one school in every State per year. Their unique program includes combined gym classes where students with disabilities are paired with other students who can help guide them through activities, as well as special equipment and necessary modifications, like shorter hoops for athletes using wheelchairs. I am so proud of the students and faculty at West for their dedication to ensuring that every one of their peers can participate and make friends through sports, regardless of their abilities. Again, congratulations on these incredible and well-deserved achievements. Keep up the good work, and go Titans.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the inspirational work of the LEAP Youth Alliance in my district. LEAP stands for leadership, education, advocacy, and prevention. This coalition of teens works to educate their friends and peers about how to lead healthy, happy, and substance-free lives. Today's teens confront higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges than previous generations, leading some to use e-cigarettes, alcohol, and other harmful substances in order to cope. It is a disturbing trend, and we must work together, using every tool in our toolbox to reverse it. As a leader in the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, I am working to find solutions and pass legislation that will break the stigma and make healthcare more affordable and accessible for our youth, but I cannot do it alone. That is why I was honored to meet with members of LEAP in my D.C. office where I learned more about how they lead by example and encourage their peers to take control of their lives and health. I am so proud of these young changemakers who truly make a difference in our community. They will keep up the good work, and I look forward to partnering with them to raise awareness and connect teens with the mental health care and resources they need to thrive.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, sports fans across the country will gather to watch the Super Bowl. This great American tradition usually involves watch parties, endless commercials, and lots of chips and guac. These days, sports betting is also a key part of the big game. It is easier than ever to gamble on sports. Americans will wager about $1.4 billion on this year's Super Bowl alone. At the same time, about 7 million Americans suffer from a gambling addiction. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a little gambling myself from time to time, but I also know the pain that comes with addiction. Unlike drugs and alcohol, there is currently no Federal funding devoted to addressing problem gambling. It is time to get off the bench. That is why I am reintroducing the Gambling Addiction, Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act, a bill that would devote existing Federal funds to the study, prevention, and treatment of gambling addictions. This legislation will help get more people into treatment and on the road to recovery. I am committed to building bipartisan consensus on this issue, so no matter who you root for this weekend, I hope you will join me to support the GRIT Act.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to President Trump's unlawful attempt to end birthright citizenship. The 14th Amendment clearly states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the United States. This law has been the law of the land for over 150 years, and it is core to our identity as a nation. Any attempt to change that through executive order is both unconstitutional and un-American. As the daughter of an immigrant, I know the vast majority of immigrants work hard, pay taxes, own businesses, and contribute so much to our country's success. I also agree that we need to secure our borders and fix our broken immigration system, but we can't accomplish any of that by relying on fear tactics and failed, inhumane policies from the past. Instead, President Trump must work with Congress on serious bipartisan solutions that will actually make our communities safer and more affordable for everyone. I am happy to work with the new administration to achieve that goal. However, if the President continues to pursue dangerous and harmful policies, I am prepared to defend the rights of my constituents. Oregon sent me here to fight for them, and that is exactly what I intend to do.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Oregon fire strike teams who have deployed to southern California to help contain the ongoing wildfires. These fires are leaving a historic path of destruction in their wake. Already at least 25 people have died, thousands of homes and businesses have burned to the ground, and many more people have been displaced. As Oregonians, we know firsthand the devastation of wildfires. It makes sense that we would lend a hand to our neighbors to the south. The Oregon fire marshal has sent 21 strike teams and 370 individual firefighters to California to help contain these blazes. We are already hearing stories of their heroism. Just last week, a Marion County strike team was able to quickly act and save a family's home when it caught fire. We owe a debt of gratitude to these courageous men and women who are working 24-hour shifts away from their families and putting their lives on the line to help folks who are suffering right now. I will continue to support our firefighters and deliver the pay and benefits they have earned. I am thankful for these heroes from Oregon and for all those working day in and day out to stop these deadly blazes.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 28. As a mother to a former child athlete, I get the need to keep our daughters safe and ensure our school sports are fair. Sadly, there is nothing in this bill to improve the safety of our daughters or improve fair play. In fact, the bill subjects girls, cisgender and transgender girls, to harm and ridicule, and it strips fairness from players, parents, and school communities. The bill sets up an unfair playing field where any parent can raise a concern that a transgender girl might be playing on a girls' team, and we know this is so very rare. It is unfair to the girls who may be targeted because they grow faster, play harder, or simply may be more talented than their teammates. This bill is unfair to the school districts that can't navigate the threats of lawsuits but also can't afford to lose Federal funding, leaving students without sports or school meals. This bill is unfair to the girl athletes who could be subject to genital inspection and subject to humiliation, leaving them with a legacy of trauma rather than the lessons of teamwork and sportsmanship. Finally, this bill is unfair to the American people, who are demanding that we take their call to address the cost of living seriously. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to leave these decisions in the hands of parents and local sports authorities and vote ``no'' on H.R. 28.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the work that my colleagues in the Mental Health Caucus and I are doing to address America's mental health and addiction crises. When I first took office, my home State of Oregon ranked second to last in the Nation in terms of access to mental health services and dead last for the widespread prevalence of mental illness. It is why I made this issue a top priority and took on a leadership role as co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus, where our Members have introduced around 200 bills during this Congress alone to address various pieces of the mental health puzzle. Personally, I have introduced my own bills related to mental health and cosponsored dozens more. I have held listening tours, roundtables, and townhalls to hear directly from community members, to understand the challenges they face, and establish strong relationships with advocates and treatment professionals to ensure our solutions are guided by lived experiences. These actions have helped raise awareness and reduce the stigma around seeking care, but that is merely just the first step. I know there is still so much more work to be done. I remain committed to reaching across the aisle and working with my colleagues in both parties to continue this work to make strides on this issue in the next Congress.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Rural Health Day. Approximately, one-fifth of America and about one in three Oregonians lives in a rural or frontier community. However, many rural areas do not have enough providers or facilities to meet community needs, forcing residents to travel long distances and requiring time off of work. Your Zip Code should not prevent you from accessing potentially lifesaving care. As a founding member of the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, I have championed several pieces of legislation that will help close these gaps and ensure rural America is not left behind. For example, my Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act would expand access to virtual mental health and substance use treatment services in rural communities. In addition to making it easier and cheaper for folks to see a provider, the bill would also help reduce stigma by allowing people to get care from the comfort and safety of their own homes. This is just one commonsense idea among many I have supported to expand access to healthcare in our rural communities. As we approach the start of a new Congress, I remain committed to working with anyone on both sides of the aisle who is serious about finding solutions to the mental health and addiction crisis. Every American deserves high quality, affordable healthcare regardless of where they live.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tyler G. Brown, an author and constituent from Dallas, Oregon. Not only is Tyler an author, but he is also a corporal with the Grande Ronde Tribal Police Department. Late last year, Tyler published his first book, ``Tribal Honor.'' His story is an inspiring one. This is actually the third novel he has written, as the first two did not make it into print. However, the setback did not stop him from realizing his dream of becoming a published author. In his debut novel, Tyler blends his experience as a law enforcement officer with his passion for thrillers, mystery, and action-packed fiction novels. Unsurprisingly, his first novel quickly climbed the crime action fiction charts. Every year, the Readers' Favorite International Book Award contest announces the top books in a variety of categories, and this year they had a record amount of entries. The contest showcases thousands of authors from around the world, and ``Tribal Honor'' won the gold medal in the action-fiction category. As the daughter of a police officer, I know firsthand the challenges that come with being in law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, I want to let Tyler know how grateful I am for his dedication to keeping the Grande Ronde Tribe safe and how pleased I am to see his novel get the recognition it deserves. I thank him for inspiring people and showing them that they should always chase their dreams. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him and his family. He has made Oregon's Sixth District immensely proud.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor America's brave wildland firefighters and first responders. In Oregon and across the West, we are seeing deadly wildfires on the rise. They are starting earlier and growing larger than in previous years. Throughout this fire season, I have spent a lot of time attending interagency briefings, visiting fire camps, and talking with first responders on the ground. Just last week, I visited a camp near Mount Hood where wildland firefighters are battling through a heat wave to contain the Sandstone fire. These heroes put their lives on the line to keep us safe. In return, we must provide them with the resources and support they need to continue doing their jobs and protecting our communities. I have introduced legislation to do just that, including a bipartisan bill to help the U.S. Forest Service recruit, train, and place wildland firefighters in our communities to expand their firefighting capacity. Understandably, fighting these blazes and being separated from home and family for weeks on end can be emotionally taxing. Another bill of mine would actually connect more firefighters with mental health services and help them cope with the trauma they face on a daily basis. To our brave heroes: Thank you for your sacrifices. I will keep working to deliver the pay, benefits, and support you rightfully deserve.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. As the co-chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus and as a proud Latina myself, I know how important it is to bring culturally relevant, multilingual mental health resources directly to our communities. Between cultural differences, stigma, and language barriers, it makes it so hard for folks to receive potentially lifesaving mental health care. Growing up, I watched my sister fight her battle in complete silence, pushing through her pain until it was so great that she attempted suicide, something that no family should ever have to experience. Her story is like so many others across the Nation. BIPOC and Tribal people face lower rates of mental health treatment yet face higher rates of attempted suicide--22 percent for Hispanic and Latino youth. This is totally unacceptable, and I am committed to working across the aisle to find evidence-based solutions and to prioritize policies that will make mental health care more accessible and affordable. Not just in July but every single day of the year, we must ensure that our BIPOC neighbors and loved ones have access to these resources and know that they are not alone in this fight. Together, we will end the stigma around mental health and put an end to this crisis.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the St. Paul Rodeo. For nearly 88 years, St. Paul, Oregon, has been home to the beloved, longstanding tradition of the Nation's greatest Fourth of July rodeo. They sure do live up to their moniker. Just last year, the St. Paul Rodeo was inducted into the esteemed ProRodeo Hall of Fame as one of the Nation's greatest rodeos. This honor will bring more folks into St. Paul, which is a huge boon to the local economy. The momentum of achievements keeps on coming because for the first time ever, the rodeo will now feature the women's breakaway roping event, an event that requires careful precision and dedication. I know from personal experience how hard they work. When I was a kid, I competed in barrel racing for a hot minute. Though I have since changed my career, I am so proud of these decorated and talented cowgirls who stand as a beacon of excellence, not just in Oregon but across the Nation. Not to mention, celebrating America's birthday among the traditions of our Western heritage feels like an appropriate way to honor our country's freedom and liberty. Here is to another successful rodeo, St. Paul.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Salem High School Class of 1944 and congratulate them on a successful 80th reunion. This incredible group of Oregonians holds a Guinness World Record for the longest running high school reunion, which usually takes place at their favorite Denny's restaurant in southeast Salem, Oregon. Their determination and school spirit are admirable. This is a class that grew up in the shadow of the Great Depression and held its commencement just 5 days before Allied troops stormed the shores of Normandy on D-Day. This is a generation--America's Greatest Generation--that has witnessed some of the highest and lowest points of our Nation's history. They have lived through times of war and peace, raised families during economic booms and downturns, and watched the tides of change sweep over our country. Through it all, they still found time to come together to remember their roots and celebrate their bonds. That is a special kind of fellowship you don't often see today. Again, congratulations to the Salem High School Class of 1944. Here is to many more years of great memories and even stronger friendships. They make our community proud.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a mother and as a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride Month. First and foremost, this month is about joy. It is about recognizing how far we have come in the fight for full equality. Just 20 years ago, gay marriage was still illegal in almost every State and territory. I didn't know it back then, but I was about to become a mom to a beautiful queer child. Thank God things changed and my daughter was able to grow up in a country that recognizes her freedom to love and be who she is. That is reason enough to be proud, but we still have work to do. As a Member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I will keep fighting until every American can live out their truth and fulfill their potential without fear. That is why I have championed bills to combat bullying and create a safer environment for our LGBTQ+ kids in schools, and I will continue to stand up for the trans community and push back against hateful, false narratives. It is on us as elected officials to defend the rights of all Americans, no matter who they love or how they identify. I promise to do just that, not just this month, but every day of the year. Happy Pride.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and the Representative for Oregan's Sixth District, home to nearly 40,000 veterans. These brave Oregonians served our country, and now I have the great honor of serving them in Congress. They are hardworking people, some of whom carry with them scars both visible and invisible of their service. Returning to civilian life can be challenging. Mental health problems are all too common, and many veterans struggle to find stable jobs in housing. They put country first and their own comfort second. As Members of Congress, the least we can do is to show them we care. That is why I was shocked to see House Republicans proposing $30 billion in cuts to SNAP in their farm bill proposal. Cutting SNAP was never on the table for Democrats, yet my Republican colleagues have chosen to move forward with this reckless plan and take away up to 2 days' worth of food every month from hungry veterans, kids, and seniors. Why must my Republican colleagues deprive veterans of food when they fall on hard times? Why the unnecessary cruelty? Instead, we need to protect SNAP and ensure that those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom will have healthy, nutritious food on the table. It is our job--no, our duty and responsibility to pay them back.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share a simple truth: Mental health care is healthcare. We have to start treating it as such because these challenges are more common than people may think. Several members of my own family have struggled with mental health challenges, so I know from personal experience how hard it is to watch the people you love suffer and not be able to help them. It is why I have introduced several bills that would put an end to the stigma, bring down costs, and expand access through peer support programs and telehealth to ensure more Oregonians and Americans get the care they need. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, but raising awareness alone doesn't go far enough. We need bipartisan action on this issue. It is the only way we can put an end to the mental health and substance use crisis in America. As co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus, I am working across the aisle to find consensus and get more policies passed that will actually help people who are struggling, people like my family members and probably yours, too. I invite every single one of my colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, to join me in this fight. My door is always open, and I am open to forging solutions together.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent Clarice Lafreniere, who was just awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her service as a real-life Rosie the Riveter during World War II. I had the honor of meeting Clarice and her granddaughter in my office last week and hearing firsthand her story of courage and conviction during a very dark time in our Nation's history. Clarice gave birth to her daughter just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, but like many Americans, she felt the need to spring into action and support the war effort. So, Clarice went on to work at the Kaiser shipyard in Portland, where she cut and welded steel for ships. She wasn't the only one. In total, about 16 million women across the country served as riveters, buckers, welders, and electricians during the war. These real-life Rosies were critical to ensuring American victory. Today, Clarice is 102 years young, remains very active in her community, and is eager to share her story with younger generations. I can't think of anyone more deserving of our Nation's highest civilian honor, and I am so grateful to Clarice and her family for their service.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the important role that community and school-based health centers play when it comes to Americans' mental well-being. These centers provide a wide range of mental and physical health services, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. I recently visited several community health centers in my district along with SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Tom Coderre. During our visit, we met with staff, providers, and local stakeholders to learn more about how Congress can better support these facilities. What I gained from those conversations is that we simply do not have enough mental health providers to meet community needs, especially in rural areas. Addressing the mental health workforce shortage has to be a top priority. For my part, I have introduced legislation that will help create a strong workforce pipeline and relieve the pressures on individual providers. I will continue to push for more funding for community health centers and other organizations that are truly helping to fill the gaps in mental healthcare because mental health is just as important as our physical health, but we can't expand access to care without also increasing support for providers who are on the ground working to put an end to the mental health crisis in America.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for the recorded vote on Roll Call No. 58. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 58.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight my recently introduced bipartisan legislation, the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act. According to the Oregon Center for Public Policy, rural Oregonians face higher levels of unemployment and poverty. In fact, the poverty rate in rural Oregon sits at 15.6 percent, four points higher than in urban areas. Yet, local governments, nonprofits, and rural development organizations don't have the staff and resources needed to tackle these problems in our communities. Rural America is getting the short end of the stick right now, and it is time we change that. My bill would create a new Federal grant program to help rural communities address urgent needs like childcare, housing, job training, and more. It expands access to existing opportunities by helping local leaders navigate the complex system of Federal grants, and it improves coordination between Federal agencies to make sure we are approaching rural development in the most efficient and effective way possible. The Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that will help us bridge the urban-rural divide in this country. We have to level the playing field for rural America and ensure these communities can thrive for generations to come. My legislation would bring us closer to that goal, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a growing public health problem in this country. It is estimated that nearly 7 million Americans are suffering from a gambling addiction, and while it may not be as visible, it can be just as harmful as any other addiction. About 90 percent of gambling addicts reported having one or more mental health disorders, as well as increased dependence on alcohol and other substances. Problem gambling can also cause deep financial and emotional harm to families when the gambler takes on debt to pay for their addiction or manipulates loved ones to get what they want. Clearly, this is a serious problem that must be addressed. It is why I have introduced the Gambling Addiction, Recovery, Investment, and Treatment, or GRIT Act last week. This legislation would utilize current revenues to devote funding toward gambling addiction, research, and treatment. My bill would give State health agencies and nonprofits the resources they need to study this kind of addiction and get more people into recovery. This is a commonsense solution that would improve mental health and well-being for countless families across America. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the GRIT Act.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. Across America, countless families have lost loved ones to the fentanyl crisis. In my home State of Oregon, it is now estimated that five people die every week from this dangerous drug. We are expecting an epidemic of massive proportions, and in order to stop it, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach. Just last week, I held a roundtable with law enforcement officers, community organizations, and local elected officials to understand how we can confront this crisis head on. I participated in many other discussions like this one, and I always hear a common theme--more resources and more flexibility. Congress needs to deliver more funding to help our communities fight back against fentanyl, and I will keep working to ensure our police and local leaders have the tools they need to get these drugs off the streets and more people into treatment. No more families torn apart by addiction. No more suffering and loss. It is time we put an end to this epidemic once and for all.

Ms. SALINAS

Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great progress my Democratic colleagues and I have made for our constituents this Congress. We worked across the aisle to keep the government funded and ensure our servicemembers continue to get paid. We fought against reckless attempts to cut Social Security and Medicare and restrict reproductive freedom. Despite the endless chaos and political theater, we have never stopped legislating, because at the end of the day, Oregonians sent me here to get things done, and I can honestly say I am sticking to that promise. I have introduced six bipartisan bills and cosponsored dozens more. Just last month, the House passed my first bill to restore land claims and compensation rights to the Grand Ronde Tribe. I am proud of the things we have accomplished in 2023, but there is more work ahead of us. In the coming year, I urge my colleagues in both parties to join me in pushing past the gridlock. Working together, we can deliver real, tangible results for the American people.