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.

Merkley Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Create African Diaspora Heritage Month

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined fellow committee member, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in the introduction of a bill authorizing the formal designation of a national African Diaspora Heritage Month. The legislation would cement this celebration by recognizing and reaffirming the significant

Merkley, Van Hollen Joint Statement on Upgrading U.S. Relationship with Vietnam

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Maryland’s U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollenissuedthe following joint statement after the announcement of the establishment of a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between the United States and Vietnam, during a visit by President Biden to Vietnam: “The foundation to a strong working relationship

Merkley Statement on Anniversary of Rohingya Genocide

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement on the sixth anniversary of the Rohingya Genocide:  “Today, we commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Burmese military’s horrific crimes against the Rohingya. I’ll never forget the painful stories from members of the Rohingya community when I traveled

WYDEN, MERKLEY, COLLEAGUES PUSH TO AUDIT THE PENTAGON AND END WASTEFUL SPENDING

Monday, June 26, 2023 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and Senate colleagues announced today they introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Defense to pass a full, independent audit in fiscal year 2024. Last year, the Department of Defense failed its fifth audit and was

MERKLEY, SULLIVAN ANNOUNCE COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING VITAL IMPORTANCE OF THE MEKONG RIVER, MEKONG-UNITED STATES PARTNERSHIP

Friday, June 9, 2023 Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Alaska’s U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan announced their bipartisan resolution bringing awareness to the environmental, humanitarian, and economic issues facing the Mekong River cleared a key hurdle by passing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Mekong River, which

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