Foreign Policy and National Security

Jeff is committed to protecting America from those who would do us harm, and to making sure we do so in a way that is consistent with American values and our Constitutional rights.  Indeed, Jeff firmly believes that the measure of our strength isn’t just the power of our military, but that the United States is safer and stronger when we honor our fundamental American values like respect for the rule of law and invest in the hard work of working with our allies.  In a dangerous world, with global threats ranging from terrorism to global warming to nuclear weapons proliferation, Jeff understands that we need to be able to work with other nations to confront these challenges together.

Having worked as a national security analyst at the Pentagon and at the Congressional Budget Office, Jeff has a unique understanding of national security policy.  In both positions, he was immersed in the national dialogue on responsible management of nuclear weapons.  Jeff also remained actively engaged in foreign policy issues as President of the World Affairs Council of Oregon.

Ranking Member Shaheen, Senators Tillis, Rosen, Barrasso, Coons, King, Moran, Merkley, Van Hollen Statement on Russia’s Christmas Bombing of Ukraine

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Angus King (I-ME), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) released the statement below on Russia’s killing of civilians as

Merkley-led Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing 30 Years of U.S.-Vietnam Relationship Passes Senate

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—announced that his bipartisan resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the normalization of relations between the United States and Vietnam unanimously passed the Senate. Merkley led the resolution alongside U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). “Vietnam is a critical partner to

Republicans BLOCK Merkley’s Bill to Prevent War with Venezuela

Senate Republicans blocked Senator Merkley’s Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act, which would block federal funds from being used for a war in or against Venezuela. Read more about this bill: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senate-republicans-block-merkleys-bill-to-prevent-war-with-venezuela/

Van Hollen, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Conflict Zones

WASHINGTON – Today, on Human Rights Day, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to protect humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones. The lawmakers’ legislation, the Commitment to Aid Workers Act, would strengthen U.S. efforts to safeguard those who risk their

Senate Republicans Block Merkley’s Bill to Prevent War with Venezuela

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked consideration of his Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025, which would block federal funds from being used for military actions in Venezuela: “As the Constitution so clearly says, Congress has the power

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