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 Calls for Crack Down on Oil Speculation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today pushed to corral speculators who’re feverishly trading oil contracts and driving up the price of gas.  Merkley joined more than a dozen U.S. senators to press regulators for an immediate crackdown. The senators are pushing for tougher regulation because new data shows

Merkley Introduces Measure to Boost American Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today put forward an amendment to promote domestic manufacturing and create jobs here at home.  His measure was offered during the debate over legislation to encourage innovation at small businesses. “Over the last several decades, American manufacturing has lost ground, taking good paying

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

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