By Marchel DeMersserman
Maxine Dexter, U.S. Congressional Representative for Oregon District 3, joined the Jan. 20, 2026 COIN meeting via Zoom. Laura Allen of North Coast Progressive Action moderated the conversation, sharing questions for the Congresswoman from attendees.
See also the video of this COINversation.
Predictably, the main topic of conversation was the disastrous, cruel and illegal deployment of ICE across the country.
Rep. Dexter thanked us for not keeping silent and encouraged continuing to use our voices to fuel the fight. She confirmed that our loud, persistent engagement keeps her going.
Dealing with ICE
Rep. Dexter talked about a three point plan to hold DJT accountable: elimination of ICE funding, impeachment of Noem, and the banning of masks for ICE agents. She (and presumably other Democratic representatives) want to know what The People think about ICE. Should it be abolished, or reformed in some way?
Holding electeds accountable starts with us. She said pressure works, courage is contagious, keep showing up, and don’t underestimate our power.
There is no serious human resources process to hire ICE agents; they are taking the worst of the worst, including those who enjoy harming others. There are unconfirmed rumors of bonuses being paid for each kidnapping.
Rep Dexter made it clear that she didn’t come to our meeting to paint a “rosy picture” of what is happening in Washington. Democrats are putting forth many bills to reign in this regime, but we do not have the majority; we are not in charge.
But she also said that privately, some Republicans are not happy with the direction of the country. So it is imperative to learn how to work with those who might act in a bipartisan manner. They are not voting their hearts, but rather out of fear of the regime and their misinformed constituents.
ACA Subsidies
On the ACA subsidies bill: while it did pass the House, passing through the Senate is not guaranteed. They are currently focused on the appropriations bill, and there is no timeline for when it will come to the Senate floor for a vote.
Fifteen million Americans are deciding to forego health insurance. Food insecurity is on the rise with SNAP benefit cuts, and massive deportations will negatively affect our economy. Suicide is up among immigrant populations because of fear of being returned to a country with a brutal regime.
We must win the midterms to keep from running the country off a cliff.
Midterms
When asked about the midterm elections, Rep Dexter made it clear that free and fair elections are at risk across the country.
While Oregon’s voting method makes our votes pretty safe, there are states across the country that are already stifling free and fair elections with anti-voter policies.
This next election cycle is of real concern. It will require a national movement of legal observers and judicial oversight. The Trump regime will deny outcomes not to their liking, increasing the risk of a dictatorship.
She said there is little hope of restoring Medicaid until and unless we take back the majority. Since the timeline for Medicaid cuts is set for after the midterms, there is hope they will not take effect.
As a physician, and a self professed “non alarmist,” she is extremely concerned about the impact to hospitals across the country, especially those in rural areas. Hospitals are already closing in anticipation of the cuts, and it’s expected to get much worse.
Other Legislation
Rep. Dexter was proud to be the only freshman congressperson to pass a bipartisan bill to increase job assistance for veterans after active duty.
Going Forward…
Throughout the conversation, she repeated the mantra, “Don’t give into cynicism.” She asked us to stay in the fight, send in those emails (which are easier to track than phone calls), be loud, and continue to peacefully protest.
She acknowledged that it’s exhausting and it can sometimes feel hopeless. She closed with this: “Take a rest, but don’t give up.”
Marchel DeMersserman is a member of the COIN Comms Team, and leader of Dunes City Indivisible.