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,
Senators Snowe, Merkley Introduce the Strategic Petroleum Demand Response Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) today introduced legislation aimed at reducing the federal government’s consumption of oil in emergency situations. The federal government currently consumes about 1.5 percent of the nation’s energy, which costs taxpayers approximately $25 billion per year. The Strategic
Merkley Statement on Tsunami Damage to Southern Oregon Coast
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement in response to tsunami damage along Oregon’s southern coast: “Ports along the southern Oregon coast have seen significant tsunami damage. My team and I have reached out to Brookings Mayor Larry Anderson, Governor John Kitzhaber and Oregon National Guard
Merkley Statement on Japan Tsunami and Tsunami Surges on Oregon Coast
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement regarding the disaster in Japan and tsunami surges reaching the Oregon coast: “As we learn more about the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost
Merkley Cosponsors Legislation to Support Oregon’s Small Breweries and Create Jobs
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley cosponsored legislation Wednesday that will encourage job growth by reducing the beer excise tax on American small brewers. “Oregon’s brewers are a valuable part of our state’s economy and culture,” Merkley said. “They employ thousands of Oregonians and brew beers recognized the world
Merkley and Wyden Announce Changes to FEMA Flood Mapping Process
Portland, OR – In response to requests by Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, FEMA announced today that they have changed their flood mapping process to take into account all local levees, a move that will help alleviate potential flood insurance costs for some Oregon communities. “FEMA was off
Merkley: Budget Should Create Jobs, Not Add to Unemployment
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted against H.R. 1, the House Republican budget plan: “I voted against the Republican House budget plan today because our number one priority needs to be creating jobs. “Nonpartisan analysts have determined that the House