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,

Merkley: Rules Change a Victory for the American People

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the Senate changed its rules to allow nominations to be confirmed with a simple majority vote as provided for in the Constitution. Merkley, along with Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), has led the effort in the Senate to reform

Senators: Congress Should Vote on Keeping Troops in Afghanistan Past 2014

Washington, DC – Today, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rand Paul (R-KY), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Mark Begich (D-AK) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) urging Congressional approval as a condition for any American troop presence in Afghanistan past 2014.  The

Merkley: When Will We Say Enough is Enough?

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after Senate Republicans filibustered another qualified nominee to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, Robert Wilkins. In recent weeks, the Republican minority has also filibustered the nominations of Mel Watt to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency as well

Merkley Launches “Manufacturing Jobs for America” Package in Oregon

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today visited Portland manufacturing company Indow Windows to launch the Manufacturing Jobs for America package and call on Congress to refocus on creating middle class jobs in America. The Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative aims to build bipartisan support for legislation that will

Merkley Statement on Yellen Confirmation Hearing

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after Janet Yellen’s confirmation hearing for Chair of the Federal Reserve.  “Janet Yellen did a tremendous job today showcasing not only her expertise and qualifications, but also her calm, measured approach to the job.  The next Federal Reserve Chair

Merkley Applauds President for Health Care Decision

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the President said he would allow insurance companies to continue providing to their customers the same health plans next year.  “I applaud President Obama for responding to the call I and others have put forward to honor the

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