Category: In the News

Merkley intros bill to protect patients’ credit scores

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced legislation, the Medical Debt Relief Act of 2019, on Tuesday, saying he wants to make sure Americans’ credit scores are not left in ruin simply because they had the misfortune of needing costly medical care. The Medical Debt Relief Act is cosponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth

Senators win fight for funding

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would restore full Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program payments for counties and schools. Curry County Commissioner Chris Paasch said the county had been notified the SRS money for this year had been released as well,

Senators applaud return of SRS payments for counties, schools

Democratic U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley welcomed the U.S. Agriculture Department decision to restore full Secure Rural Schools program payments for counties and schools. The decision followed Wyden and Merkley’s call for the agency to release the more than $14 million in payments after reports that the agency

More Democrats Accuse Trump of Inflating Iran Intelligence

A mid a tense standoff between the United States and Iran, four lawmakers are sending a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump expressing concern that he was “inflating threats and bending intelligence” on Iran and leading the United States down a “path to another war in the Middle East”—though top

Merkley Urges Action to Prepare for Wildfire Season in oregon

EUGENE, Ore. — Wildfire season is approaching, and Senator Jeff Merkley says the Forest Service isn’t as prepared as it should be. Merkley spoke at the Department of the Interior’s hearing in Washington, D.C. He’s pushing them to use $600 million in savings to treat forests before wildfires strike. “They

Merkley bill seeks 100% shift to zero-emission vehicles

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-OR., and Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA-49) introduced Wednesday in the Senate and House the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2019, which they said presents a bold plan for transitioning the United States to 100% zero-emission vehicles. The lawmakers said their plan will position the United States to lead the world in

Senators Announce Major Grants for Airports

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced nearly $13 million in grants to support rural airport improvements in North Bend and John Day. A release from the senators said in North Bend, $6.6 million will help the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport to construct an aircraft rescue and firefighting

Merkley addresses wildfire prevention

As the weather heats up and forests begin to dry out, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, has wildfires on his mind. As of Thursday three fires — near La Pine, Klamath Falls and Prospect — are already burning in Oregon. Merkley hopes legislation he is sponsoring will help address the growing

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