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.
Wyden, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Protect LGBTQI+ Communities from Global Violence
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have introduced a bill to impose sanctions on foreign actors responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI+ communities abroad. “For far too long, the LGBTQI+ community has faced bigotry, hate, and violence all across the globe,” Wyden said. “We can’t
Merkley: Senate Fails Constitutional Test on Trump’s Strikes Against Iran
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—today issued the following statement after the Senate failed to advance Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) War Powers Resolution, which would have required the United States to end unauthorized military involvement in Iran and forcing a debate and
Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Explain Changing VA Hospital Guidelines in Secret
The changes include potentially hiring medical professionals and giving veterans health care based on certain protected traits such as political affiliation and sexual orientation Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., said today they have joined their Senate colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump
Congress has the power to declare war, not the President.
Senator Merkley spoke on the Senate floor in support of Senator Kaine’s war powers resolution on June 27, 2025.
Merkley Slams OMB Director Vought for ‘Unconstitutional Plan to Steal the Power of the Purse’
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee—issued the following statement after a hearing with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought on President Trump’s request to Congress to implement disastrous federal funding cuts: “Director Vought’s testimony clearly outlined his unconstitutional
Merkley Calls for Durable Peace Amid Tentative Israel-Iran Ceasefire
Washington, D.C. – Following President Trump’s unconstitutional strikes against Iran over the weekend and the announcement of a tentative ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley called for sustained de-escalation, a durable peace, and for the United States to use its leverage to lead a renewed