The Beaver State was built by Americans who relied on the land for their livelihood. Natural resource industries like farming, forestry, and salmon fishing remain integral to Oregon’s economy today. Our state has also long been a destination for Americans looking to experience the great outdoors. Oregon’s protected public lands provide valuable habitats, supply clean water, and generate jobs through sustainable harvests, recreation, and tourism. Preserving our natural resources and making smart decisions about economic development will help spur rural growth and ensure that future generations can enjoy Oregon’s wild places and public lands while putting people to work.
Merkley Leads Oregon Lawmakers to Urge Continued Support for Oregon’s Hazelnut Industry
Salem, OR – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led members of Oregon’s congressional delegation in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins that calls on the Department to deliver critical federal support to Oregon’s hazelnut industry under the federal Section 32 purchase program. “The hazelnut
Wyden, Merkley Announce More Than $1 Million to Support Addiction and Recovery Services in Eastern Oregon
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced more than $1 million in federal awards to help combat the opioid epidemic and to support addiction and recovery services in Eastern Oregon. “The opioid epidemic continues to harm communities across the state, especially in rural areas that
New Analysis Shows Federal Government to Save Nearly $2 for Every $1 Invested in Flood Prevention
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, at the request of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report detailing that every $1 the federal government invests in flood adaptations can save taxpayers nearly $2 in disaster spending, as well as reduce
Merkley, Curtis Lead New Bipartisan Bill to Honor Fallen Wildland Firefighters
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT) announced the introduction of the Honoring Fallen Wildland Firefighters Act. This groundbreaking legislation would expand death benefits of fallen firefighters to match the up to $100,000 provided to fallen members of the military, a significant change from the
Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Extend Secure Rural Schools Funding
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., today were joined by their colleagues Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both R-Idaho, in introducing legislation that would extend funding for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program for three years, and clarify congressional intention for distribution of funding
Wyden, Merkley, Bynum Announce $100,000 for Central Oregon Wildfire Recovery
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum, today announced $100,000 in federal awards to support displaced Oregonians and wildfire recovery efforts for Central Oregon communities that lost homes in the 2026 wildfires. “As wildfires in central Oregon and statewide set new