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 Leads New Bill to Prevent LNG Exports from Raising Costs on American Households, Businesses
Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee—introduced new legislation that would lower prices for American households by ensuring new liquefied fossil gas (also known as LNG) exports will not result in higher costs for families and businesses.
KAINE, VAN HOLLEN, AND MERKLEY INTRODUCE BILL TO STRENGTHEN STATE DEPARTMENT WORKFORCE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the State Department Integrity and Transparency Act, legislation to strengthen the State Department workforce and ensure senior State Department officials are selected based on merit.
Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Press Trump to Justify His Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Ended
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues in refuting the Trump administration’s claim to Congress that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, in Iran have “terminated” and requested President Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting his claim. The
Merkley, Wyden, Lawmakers Urge Nonpartisan Congressional Scorekeeper to Determine True Cost of War in Iran
Trump Administration has provided inconsistent and incomplete estimates that contradict external experts, raising questions about true cost of war Senators: “The American people deserve to know the true costs of this conflict, and they deserve transparency and honesty when their government commits the nation to war.” Text of Letter (PDF)
Merkley Leads Colleagues in Slamming Trump Putting His Face on U.S. Passport
Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Angus King (I-ME) to demand answers from the U.S. Department of State about its reported plans to issue 25,000 special passports featuring Trump’s portrait in commemoration of
Senate Moves to Curtail Iran War Powers
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate advanced a War Powers Resolution to force an end to President Trump’s war with Iran. The resolution was led by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tammy