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,
CROWDFUND Act to Encourage Safe, Accessible Investing Through the Internet
Washington, DC- Today, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation to provide online funding for startup companies while instituting strong protections for investors. The Capital Raising Online While Deterring Fraud and Unethical Non-Disclosure Act of 2011 (CROWDFUND Act) would legalize and regulate the raising of start-up capital for small businesses
Merkley Amendment Huge Win for Farmers and Ranchers
Washington, DC – Today, the United States Senate passed by voice vote a bipartisan amendment sponsored by Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley that would make it easier for farmers and ranchers to transport their products to market if they operate near state lines. The amendment was cosponsored by Senators Roy Blunt
MERKLEY ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO CRACK DOWN ON PAYDAY LENDERS
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today announced his intent to introduce federal payday legislation to establish strong rules for payday lenders and close loopholes on online and offshore payday lending sites. Today, Merkley also sent a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray to call
Merkley Statement on the Passing of Bob Caldwell
Portland, OR- Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the passing of Robert J. Caldwell, Editorial Page Editor of The Oregonian. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Caldwell. I have appreciated Bob’s leadership of The Oregon Editorial Pages for many years, from my time at
Merkley: Secure Rural Schools Amendment a Lifeline For Rural Counties
WASHINGTON – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Senate voted 82-16 to pass an amendment that will extend the Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs: “Today is a very good day for our timber counties. County payments are a basic
MERKLEY, BAUCUS LEAD BIPARTISAN CALL TO BRING TROOPS HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN
(Washington, DC) – Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus and Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led a bipartisan group of 24 Senators today in calling on the President to bring American combat forces home from Afghanistan. As the Senate considers the 2012 Highway Bill on the floor this week, the