Andrea Salinas is a Democratic Representative serving Oregon's 6th Congressional District, having been elected to the United States Congress on January 3, 2023. Salinas was born in San Mateo County, California, on December 6, 1969. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1994 and has a diverse professional background, including roles as a consultant, public advocate, and trade unionist. Prior to her congressional tenure, Salinas served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023, where she held the position of majority whip in 2021. In addition, she has worked as a staff member for notable politicians such as former U.S. Senators Harry Reid and Darlene Hooley.

In Congress, Salinas is a member of several committees, including the Agriculture Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, as well as the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee and the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, reflecting her engagement with issues related to agriculture and technology.

Salinas has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation that highlight her legislative priorities, particularly in the realms of child protection, education, and healthcare. Among her notable proposals is the Native American Child Protection Act (HB 663), which seeks to amend the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. This bill aims to enhance protections for Native American children through cultural sensitivity and improved process for handling cases of abuse and neglect. Another significant bill she co-sponsored is the Student Loan Borrower Safety Net Act of 2023, which focuses on safeguarding the interests of student loan borrowers amidst changing educational policies.

Furthermore, Salinas is dedicated to healthcare initiatives, as seen in her co-sponsorship of the Building Capacity for Care Act, which aims to enhance the resources available for mental health treatment in the United States. She has also shown commitment to addressing various societal issues through her support for the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, and initiatives related to social equity such as the Yes in My Backyard Act.

Salinas's legislative agenda indicates her progressive stance on social issues, focused on protecting vulnerable populations, enhancing educational opportunities, and improving healthcare accessibility. Her commitment to these issues aligns her with the Democratic Party's broader efforts to address questions of equity and social justice. Balancing her advocacy with the practical challenges of funding and implementation, she remains engaged in dialogues centered on cultural appropriateness and community engagement regarding legislative impacts on Native American populations. As a woman leader in Congress with diverse experiences, Salinas is positioned to influence important policy debates within her district and beyond.