Press Releases

Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $1.1 Million for Oregon Fish and Wildlife Conservation Efforts 

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a total of $1,059,961 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to support state fish and wildlife agencies. This funding comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) State Wildlife Grant program, which supports state agencies’ conservation efforts.   “Our state’s lands and waters are integral to

Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Bynum, Salinas Announce Over $7.5 Million to Strengthen and Defend Oregon Communities Facing Wildfire Threats 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), announced $7,538,176 is coming to four projects in Oregon to help make communities more resilient to severe wildfires. These investments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will support disaster relief efforts and mitigate wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Oregon.  For

Kiggans and Merkley Continue to Support our Nursing Workforce in Light of the Recent Department of Education RISE Committee Final Rule 

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) expressed concern following the Department of Education’s release of its final rule defining which healthcare professions qualify as “professional degrees.” The rule, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, excludes post-baccalaureate nursing programs from this designation. As

Merkley Blasts “Too Big to Jail” Policy for Lawbreaking Banks

WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley today blasted the U.S. Department of Justice for its policy of offering “deferred prosecution” for large financial institutions that break federal criminal laws, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and sanctions violations, calling the policy “too big to jail” and demanding explanations.   In a

Merkley to Join Powerful Senate Appropriations Committee

Washington, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced that he will be joining the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senate Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill, is responsible for deciding how the federal government spends money. “I am thrilled to join the Senate Appropriations

Merkley Statement on Clackamas Shooting

WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after reports of a shooting at a mall in Clackamas County: “I am shocked by today’s horrific and deeply disturbing events at Clackamas Town Center. To lose even one Oregonian to violence is heartbreaking. To have an ordinary December

Merkley and Bennet call upon SEC to Quickly Release Crowdfunding Rules

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) sent a letter to SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro to request that rules governing crowdfunding activities be issued quickly. Merkley and Bennet were lead sponsors on the CROWDFUND Act, which was passed on April 5, 2012 and legalizes the

Merkley Saddened by Senate Vote Against Equal Opportunity

Washington, DC– Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities failed in the Senate.  “Plain and simple, the U.S. Senate voted against equal opportunity today. I am frustrated and saddened by the failure of the U.S. Senate to ratify

SENATE PASSES MERKLEY, PAUL AMENDMENT TO END WAR IN AFGHANISTAN

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S Senate passed a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act led by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rand Paul (R-KY) that would bring an end to America’s longest war and get our troops home from Afghanistan. The amendment calls on the Administration to end

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