Andrea Salinas is a Democratic Representative from Oregon, born on February 14, 1964, in Fairfield, California. She completed her education at Merrimack High School in New Hampshire and later attended Emmanuel College in Boston, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1992. Salinas has extensive experience in sales and consulting, and she also held positions as a nonprofit executive and a research fellow at the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics at the University of Oregon.

Prior to her election to Congress in January 2023, Salinas served in the Oregon State House of Representatives from 2009 to 2017, where she held the position of majority leader from 2013 to 2015. Following her state legislative work, she was the commissioner of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries from 2019 to 2023. As a member of Congress, Salinas serves on the Natural Resources Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Aviation Subcommittee.

Throughout her congressional tenure, Salinas has sponsored and co-sponsored a variety of legislation focusing on issues such as disaster relief, veterans' services, housing, and environmental protection. Notable bills include:

• Protecting Homeowners from Disaster Act of 2023 (HB318): This legislation seeks to repeal limitations on tax deductions for personal casualty losses, aiming to provide broader tax relief for homeowners affected by disasters, regardless of whether those disasters were federally declared. The bill has the potential to significantly enhance financial recovery for affected individuals, though it raises concerns about its impact on federal tax revenue.

• Battle Buddy Check Week (HB236): This bill designates a week each year for veteran outreach and peer wellness checks, reinforcing the importance of mental health support within the veteran community.

• West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2023 (HB470): This legislation aims to prohibit oil and gas exploration off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, reflecting a commitment to environmental conservation in response to concerns over climate change and marine ecosystem protection. It targets the vital intersection of energy policy and environmental sustainability.

• TRUST in Congress Act (HB345): This act mandates that members of Congress, along with their immediate family, place certain financial investments in blind trusts to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, enhancing transparency and accountability in Congress. This legislation exemplifies Salinas's efforts to promote ethical governance.

Salinas has shown a strong focus on issues affecting vulnerable populations, including veterans, low-income families, and environmental concerns, clearly indicating her Democratic alignment with progressive values. Her support of bills aimed at enhancing veterans' services, promoting disaster relief, and advancing environmental protection aligns with broader party priorities of social equity and sustainability.

In addition to her legislative work, Salinas's background in labor and industries as a commissioner illustrates her commitment to worker protections and fair labor practices. Her political activities and legislative focus suggest a strong advocacy for both community and transparency within governmental operations, aiming to enhance constituents' trust in their elected officials.

Overall, Andrea Salinas represents a blend of practicality and progressive ideals, reflecting her dedication to championing legislative changes that support both her constituents in Oregon and broader national interests.