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: New Power Plant Rules Big Step Forward in Fight Against Climate Change
WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the administration announced new rules that will significantly curb carbon emissions from new power plants: “These rules represent a big step forward in the fight against climate change. With record droughts, floods, storms, fires, and ecosystem changes that threaten
Merkley Applauds Senate Extension of County Payments
WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Senate passed a one-year extension of county payments for Oregon’s timber counties: “This extension is badly needed in Oregon, and I am very pleased that the Senate has acted today. Timber counties are already cut to the bone
Merkley Statement on JPMorgan “London Whale” Settlement
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the SEC declined to bring charges against either the employees at JPMorgan, or the company itself, for misleading investors about the “London Whale” bet. “Although JPMorgan, in its settlement, admitted to failures of internal controls, and is paying
Merkley Holds Senate Hearing on Impact to Families of Flood Insurance Rate Increases
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley held a Senate hearing this week in the Economic Policy Subcommittee of the Banking Committee to raise awareness about families across Oregon whose flood insurance rates are skyrocketing or who are being forced to buy flood insurance even though they weren’t required to
Merkley Reaction to President’s Address on Syria
Washington, DC– Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after President Obama’s address tonight on the situation in Syria. “I share the President’s deep passion that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. The United States must not ignore Syria’s egregious crime against its citizens. “Indeed, America should bring
Merkley Chairs Congressional Hearing in Portland on Plan to Create Jobs through Energy Efficiency Renovations
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, who chairs the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy, held a congressional field hearing today to highlight the job creation impact that energy efficiency renovations of homes and businesses have on our economy. During today’s hearing, Merkley