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,

IRS Decision a Victory for Nursing Mothers Everywhere

Washington, D.C. – In response to a request from Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representatives Sander Levin (D-MI) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced they will reverse a ruling that denies equipment used to help women breast feed from being covered as

Merkley, Wyden Introduce Amendment to Promote Oregon’s Economic Growth

WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today offered an amendment designed to bolster Oregon’s ability to attract business investment and create jobs.  The measure, which would amend the Federal Aviation Administration’s reauthorization act, would increase the number of long-distance flights originating from or going to Ronald

Senator Merkley Encourages Nominations for Citizen Service Before Self Honors

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, which recognize and honor extraordinary Americans who have acted with courage and selflessness.  Citizen Honors are exceptional because they are presented to unsung

Wyden, Merkley Amendment Will Protect Residential Through the Fence Agreements

Washington, D.C. – Fighting back against an FAA regulation that seriously devalues homes that have agreements allowing secure, private access to some rural airports, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), as well as Senator Jim Inhofe (R- Okla.) have introduced an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization

Merkley: We Have Just Begun the Fight for Filibuster Reform

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley’s proposal known as the “talking filibuster,” that would have required Senators to remain on the floor in order to block legislation gained 46 votes in the Senate today, short of the two-thirds required, with five Senators absent.  Merkley released the following statement after

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