On September 28, 2023, Senator Merkley chaired a Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight hearing titled “Examining Solutions to Address Beverage Container Waste,” the latest hearing in his series of hearings investigating plastic production and pollution and its impact on human health, the climate, and the environment.

Senator Merkley’s full statement on the hearing: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-to-chair-hearing-examining-beverage-container-waste/

Watch the full hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZznLtX1Gfqo

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There is no excuse for putting profits over public health—it’s way past time we banned the importation and use of asbestos in manufacturing. We need to pass Rep. Bonamici's and my Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act!

More on the Ban Asbestos Now Act: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/ahead-of-global-asbestos-awareness-week-merkley-bonamici-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-ban-asbestos-and-save-lives/

Senator Merkley co-chaired a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing titled “Countering China’s Global Transnational Repression Campaign” on September 12, 2023. His opening statement focused on the growing issue of transnational repression and the steps the United States needs to take to address this troubling trend.

Earlier this year, Senator Merkley introduced the bipartisan Transnational Repression Policy Act, which would hold foreign governments and individuals accountable when they stalk, intimidate, or assault people across borders, including within the United States.

More about the Transnational Repression Policy Act: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-rubio-cardin-hagerty-take-a-stand-against-foreign-governments-trampling-human-rights-within-the-united-states-and-beyond/

Link to full hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur6CGgE1A2o

 
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Senator Merkley highlighted the pressing issue of contaminated private well water in rural Oregon communities during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (@EPWCmte) hearing titled “Implementing IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act): Perspectives on the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, Part II” on September 7, 2023.

Senator Merkley visited with folks in Morrow County earlier this year and has been a strong advocate for funding to make sure every Oregonian has access to clean, safe water. Read more about his visit: https://www.eastoregonian.com/news/local/sen-jeff-merkley-visits-morrow-county-discusses-high-nitrate-levels-in-water/article_c0aa506a-9375-11ed-8c45-63843fb0709b.html

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Senator Merkley’s remarks from a press conference announcing the introduction of the Fair College Admissions for Students Act, which would ban the practice of giving preference to children of donors and alumni in the college admissions process on July 26, 2023.

Read more about the bill: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-bowman-no-more-legacy-admissions-at-colleges-and-universities/


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On July, 27, 2023, Senator Merkley chaired a Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee hearing examining solutions for reducing single-use waste and expanding refill and reuse infrastructure.



Link to Full Hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg67n76sNsg&t=11s



Witnesses Include:

Dacie Meng, Policy and Institutions Senior Manager (North America), Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Clemence Schmid, General Manager, Loop Global

Tim Debus, President and CEO, Reusable Packaging Association

Senator Merkley was at Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday, July 28, 2023 and recounts his experience with TSA’s use of facial recognition technology.

Read more about Sen. Merkley’s previous encounter with TSA facial recognition technology: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/07/11/tsa-airport-security-facial-recognition/

CONNECT WITH SENATOR MERKLEY:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SenJeffMerkley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffmerkley/
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On July, 27, 2023, Senator Merkley chairs a Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee hearing examining solutions for reducing single-use waste and expanding refill and reuse infrastructure.

Witnesses Include:
Dacie Meng, Policy and Institutions Senior Manager (North America), Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Clemence Schmid, General Manager, Loop Global
Tim Debus, President and CEO, Reusable Packaging Association
 
CONNECT WITH SENATOR MERKLEY: 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SenJeffMerkley 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffmerkley/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senjeffmerkley

Senator Merkley was back at Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday to hold the TSA accountable for their practices on using facial recognition technology, which the agency claims is “voluntary.”

Know that you can refuse to use facial recognition technology at the airport and you should be easily accommodated by an agent checking your physical ID.

Read more about Senator Merkley’s experience with facial recognition technology at the airport: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/07/11/tsa-airport-security-facial-recognition/

You ARE allowed to take photos and videos at a security checkpoint. From TSA’s own website:
“TSA does not prohibit photographing, videotaping or filming at security checkpoints, as long as the screening process is not interfered with or sensitive information is not revealed.

Interference with screening includes but is not limited to holding a recording device up to the face of a TSA officer so that the officer is unable to see or move, refusing to assume the proper stance during screening, blocking the movement of others through the checkpoint or refusing to submit a recording device for screening.

Additionally, you may not film or take pictures of equipment monitors that are shielded from public view.”

Link: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/can-i-film-and-take-photos-security-checkpoint


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