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, Kaine: No Funds for War Against Venezuela
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Virginia’s U.S. Senator Tim Kaine today teamed up to introduce the Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Venezuela without explicit Congressional authorization. “Congress cannot stand by while
Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Cleanup Toxic Waste to Protect Military Families and Local Communities
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined their colleagues in urging the Trump administration to reverse its decision delaying cleanups of toxic chemicals at hundreds of military installations in Oregon and nationwide. The senators also sought protections for military families and nearby communities
Blackburn, Merkley Urge FIFA to Recognize Afghan Women United as Afghanistan’s Women’s Football Team
‘Despite [FIFA’s] stated human rights standards, the body has too often failed to enforce them consistently’ NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) sent a letter to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino urging FIFA to formally recognize Afghan Women’s United as Afghanistan’s national women’s football team and to
CURTIS AND MERKLEY WORK TO CODIFY TAIWAN SIX ASSURANCES
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Six Assurances to Taiwan Act, a bipartisan bill to formally codify the Six Assurances as foundational U.S. policy toward Taiwan, reinforce congressional oversight, and prevent any unilateral change in America’s longstanding position without legislative review.
Merkley, Cruz Lead Bipartisan Group of Senators to Urge U.S. Action to Free Wrongfully Detained Pastor Jin, Support Religious Freedom in China
Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Texas’ U.S. Senator Ted Cruz led a bipartisan effort to push for immediate action from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in response to the Chinese government detaining Pastor “Ezra” Jin Mingri and dozens of other Zion Church leaders for
Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle Demand Trump Administration Explain Big Coast Guard Changes in Newport & Reports of New ICE Facility
Oregon lawmakers urge DHS Secretary Noem to immediately provide the Oregon congressional delegation and state and local officials with a clear explanation of DHS’s actions and intentions in Newport Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Val Hoyle said today they are