Press Releases

Merkley, Schiff, Underwood Lead Push to Increase Nursing Education and Workforce Support

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, California’s U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, and Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced the bicameral Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act. In an effort to address nursing workforce shortages around the country, the FAAN Act would authorize grants to increase the number

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

Merkley: Rejection of DISCLOSE Act is an Assault on Democracy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senate Republicans voted to block Senate debate of the DISCLOSE Act, allowing unlimited secret funding of campaign advertisements by corporations.  Senator Merkley, an original co-sponsor of the DISCLOSE Act, released the following statement after the vote: “Today’s rejection of the DISCLOSE Act is a dagger aimed

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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