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.

Oregon Delegation Demands Trump Keep Federal Troops out Of Portland

Demand from Oregon lawmakers follows Trump’s pledge to send troops to city with orders to use full military force Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter and Janelle Bynum today demanded the Trump administration keep federal agents

Merkley Leads Senate Recognition of America’s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers 

Marking September 20th as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers & Veterans Day  Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a resolution recognizing September 20, 2025, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day—continuing his longtime work as a champion in Congress to restore full honor to veterans and servicemembers who

Merkley Leads Historic Call for U.S. Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

First-ever resolution in the U.S. Senate to formally recognize a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a historic resolution calling on the President to recognize a Palestinian state. The resolution—the first of its kind in the United States Senate—calls for

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