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 BILL WOULD CREATE JOBS REPAIRING VITAL DRINKING WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS

Washington, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). This bill would create jobs and help local communities upgrade or replace aging and damaged water and sewer systems.  Low cost financing would save homeowners and businesses money and spur construction jobs as repairs

Merkley and Levin: Finish Stronger, Simpler Volcker Rule Without Delay

Washington, DC – Today,  Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Carl Levin (D-MI) called on regulators to end the delay in issuing a final version of the Volcker Rule. In a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and other regulators, the Senators expressed frustration that months after the deadline has

Merkley Statement on Solar Trade Decision

Washington, DC– Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the U.S. Commerce Department announced today’s decision on tariffs for Chinese solar exports:  “We know that on a level playing field, Oregon workers and businesses can compete with any company in the world. However, if China continues to cheat

Senator Merkley to Travel to Israel

Washington, DC– Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley is traveling to Israel over the Senate recess period as part of a Senate delegation. The group, which also includes Senators Kay Hagan and Mark Begich, arrived in Jerusalem today. “This visit to Israel is an opportunity to meet with some of the region’s

Merkley Statement on Kitzhaber O&C Announcement

WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after Governor Kitzhaber announced a new panel representing county officials, forest products industry representatives, and conservation leaders to address the challenges facing O&C counties in Oregon: “I applaud the Governor’s effort to bring together Oregonians to help find a

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