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: GOP Boycott of McCarthy Vote Pathetic Dereliction of Duty

Washington – Oregon’s Senator Merkley released the following statement after Republican members of the EPW Committee boycotted a vote on the confirmation of Gina McCarthy to be EPA Administrator.  “Gina McCarthy is eminently qualified to head the Environmental Protection Agency. She has impeccable credentials and has earned the praise of business

Merkley Applauds Forest Service Action on “Next Generation” Airtankers

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Forest Service announced it would award operating contracts for “Next Generation” airtankers to be used in wildfire suppression:  “I am pleased that the Forest Service is moving forward to get these planes into service. Last

Merkley Announces Bills to Prepare Students for 21st Century Jobs

Eugene, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley visited Churchill High School in Eugene today to discuss his science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education legislation that he introduced last week.  Merkley also unveiled legislation that he is preparing to introduce that would provide grants for career technical education (CTE) to

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