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,
Senators Coons, Merkley introduce bill to expand ACA small business tax credit
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced legislation on Thursday to help small business owners who want to provide health insurance to their workers. The Small Business Tax Credit Accessibility Act would expand and simplify the Affordable Care Act’s small business tax credit, making it
Merkley: Stronger Net Neutrality Rules Are Huge Step Forward for Consumers and American Innovation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after FCC Chair Tom Wheeler announced his proposal for stronger net neutrality rules, classifying the Internet as a telecommunications service under Title II of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, and allowing for an open Internet. Merkley had pushed Wheeler to
Following Institute of Medicine Study Confirming Agent Orange Exposure, Bipartisan Group of Senators Calls on VA Secretary to Ensure Post Vietnam Air Force Veterans Receive Proper Benefits and Compensation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan group of senators led by Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) today called on VA Secretary Robert McDonald to ensure that veterans long denied care for exposure to Agent Orange receive timely and proper benefits and compensation. The letter follows a
Merkley-Backed Executive Order Delivers Big Impact as Exxon Mobil Changes LGBT Discrimination Policy
WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after it was reported that Exxon Mobil will change its nondiscrimination policies to include protections for LGBT workers. The news follows a 2014 executive order backed by Merkley that will soon require all federal contractors to include nondiscrimination protections for
Merkley Leads Senate Group Urging FDA to Regulate Electronic Cigarettes
Washington, DC – Today, Senator Jeff Merkley joined with Senators Boxer (D-CA), Blumenthal (D-CT), Brown (D-OH), Durbin (D-IL), Markey (D-MA) to send a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner urging the FDA to finalize its plan for regulating e-cigarettes. The Senators pointed to a new study from
Merkley Announces New State Director
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that Jessica Stevens has been promoted to state director, replacing Jeanne Atkins, who retired. Stevens has worked with Merkley since 2012, when she joined the team as State Field Director. “Jessica brings tremendous management skills and has strong relationships with Oregonians