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: Drought Relief Headed to Southern Oregon

Washington, D.C. – This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an emergency supplemental spending bill that includes $10 million in drought relief for farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin.  The bill passed the Senate earlier and will now go to the President for his signature.  Senator Merkley released

Merkley Statement on 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this week: “Twenty years ago, our nation took a stand for opportunity and inclusion by passing the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Before that time, millions of Americans living

Merkley Statement on Senate Plan for Energy Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid outlined the energy bill he intends to bring to the Senate floor next week.  Senator Merkley released the following statement: “This proposed energy and oil spill legislation laid out this afternoon is an enormous disappointment and a huge missed opportunity.  Our

Merkley Statement on Hexavalent Chromium Registry for Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that they will be establishing the Hexavalent Chromium Registry to track the special health concerns of veterans who may have been exposed to hexavalent chromium during their military service. Senator Merkley released the following statement: “The establishment of this

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