Press Releases

Van Hollen, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Conflict Zones

WASHINGTON – Today, on Human Rights Day, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to protect humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones. The lawmakers’ legislation, the Commitment to Aid Workers Act, would strengthen U.S. efforts to safeguard those who risk their

Senate Republicans Block Merkley’s Bill to Prevent War with Venezuela

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked consideration of his Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025, which would block federal funds from being used for military actions in Venezuela: “As the Constitution so clearly says, Congress has the power

Senators Blunt Rochester, Merkley, Warnock Introduce Bill to Repair Infrastructure, Bridge Communities

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) today introduced the Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient (REPAIR) Infrastructure Program Act. The bill would reauthorize and expand the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Reconnecting Communities Program as the REPAIR Infrastructure Program,

Wyden, Merkley Join Congressional Members to Introduce “NO HATE” Act

Following a post-election surge in hate crimes, Blumenthal-Beyer legislation would improve reporting and expand assistance for victims Washington, D.C. – Following a national surge in hate crimes, Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined Democratic legislators in the House and Senate to introduce legislation that would strengthen federal laws

Merkley Statement on USDA Budget Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s proposed 26% budget cut to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): “This budget is a shocking and unprecedented assault on rural America. If enacted, it

Merkley Slams Trump Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement in response to the initial budget released by the Trump Administration: “It’s said that a budget is a statement of values. If so, this budget makes it perfectly clear that the Trump Administration values special interests and defense contractors

Sens. Murray, Merkley, Cantwell, Wyden, and Rep. Blumenauer Urge Federal Government to Dedicate Future Funding, Address Unmet Obligations to Columbia River Treaty Tribes

Tribal communities were flooded during the construction of dams along the Columbia River Last month, Army Corps dedicated funding to begin process of rebuilding lost housing, but more is needed to fully meet obligations to tribes The members wrote: “A strong commitment from the Army Corps and Office of Management

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