Press Releases

Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Demand White House Fire Election-Denial Czar

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined their Senate colleagues in calling for election-denier Kurt Olsen’s removal as Director of Election Security and Integrity at the White House.  The lawmakers emphasized that Olsen has exceeded the legal limit of 130 days as a “special government

Merkley, McBath Lead Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Child Care Workforce Shortage

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA-06) led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce the Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act. The bipartisan bill would address the child care workforce shortage by investing in career and technical education (CTE) programs and incentivizing

Merkley Leads Colleagues in Slamming Trump Putting His Face on U.S. Passport

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Angus King (I-ME) to demand answers from the U.S. Department of State about its reported plans to issue 25,000 special passports featuring Trump’s portrait in commemoration of

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

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