Reps. Andrea Salinas and Ted Lieu Visit Easterseals Oregon to Highlight Support for Veterans and People with Disabilities

Reps. Salinas and Lieu with Easterseals Oregon

Salem, OR - Today, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Ted Lieu (CA-36) toured Easterseals Oregon in Salem to highlight how federal housing, workforce, and disability programs are helping veterans and their families build stability, access care, and find meaningful employment. The visit included a tour of Easterseals' program areas and a roundtable with veterans who have received services through the organization.

"Easterseals Oregon is on the frontlines of serving veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities," said Rep. Salinas."Hearing directly from veterans today about what's working and where the gaps are helps me strengthen these programs as I work in Congress. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I know we owe our servicemembers and their families a debt of gratitude. I will never stop fighting to ensure they have access to quality health care, housing, and economic opportunity."

Rep. Lieu, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, joined the event to share his perspective and support.

"The Trump Administration has continually attacked veterans and paused funding for crucial job training programs,"said Rep. Lieu. "This has impacted veterans served by organizations like Easterseals Oregon, which provides housing and employment support to veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and families. Today, I was pleased to sit down with Congresswoman Salinas and veterans who have benefitted from these essential services. We will continue to fight for all those who have served this country."
Easterseals Oregon provides a range of programs, including:

• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention.
• Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP): job readiness training and placement for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): paid community service roles for low-income job seekers aged 55+.
• Connecting Communities: workforce support for people with disabilities whose primary language is not English.

Rep. Salinas underscored her legislative efforts, including cosponsoring the Housing Unhouses Disabled Veterans Act to ensure more disabled veterans can qualify for HUD-VASH housing assistance, and the Feed Hungry Veterans Act to expand nutrition benefits for disabled veterans.

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