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 Applauds One-Year Anniversary of Women’s Health Benefit
WASHINGTON – Today marks the one-year anniversary of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s women’s preventive health benefit. Because of this, nearly all health insurance now includes well-woman visits, contraception and other critical services for women, all without a co-pay. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement applauding
Merkley: Tax Reform Should Put Middle Class First
Washington, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee outlining his priorities in a potential reform of the tax code. In the letter, Senator Merkley made clear that our tax code should help rebuild and strengthen the
Merkley: NLRB Key for Workplace Fairness
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the confirmation of Kent Hirozawa and Nancy Schiffer as Commissioners of the National Labor Relations Board. The confirmation of these nominees was part of the deal struck two weeks ago during the debate Merkley helped spark about changing
Merkley Announces $1.3 Million Federal Grant for Homeless Veterans in Portland Metro Region
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today announced $1.3 million in new funding for Transition Projects Inc., to help homeless veterans and their families find housing and other services to get them back on their feet. This funding comes from the Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) program within
Merkley Introduces Bills to Help Middle Class Families with New Home Refinancing Options
WASHINGTON – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Rebuilding American Homeownership Act to help middle class families by providing new refinancing options for homeowners. The bill would allow underwater homeowners who currently have no option to refinance to lock into a lower interest rate and reduce their monthly payments,
Merkley Statement on Student Loans Deal
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the Senate passed a deal to keep student loan rates from doubling. “Access to affordable higher education is one the main pillars of restoring and strengthening the middle class. Anyone who is talented and hardworking, regardless of