Press Releases

Merkley, Mannion Champion Legislation to Make Mental Health Care Accessible for Every Student in America 

Washington, D.C. – During Mental Health Awareness Month, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congressman John Mannion (NY-22) announced the reintroduction of the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act, legislation that would significantly boost the availability of mental health providers in America’s public schools. Mental illness affects nearly 20 percent of American youth. This bicameral legislation would put additional mental health providers in elementary and

Forty-One Senators Push to Keep Harmful Environmental Riders Out of Appropriations Bills

Senators warn that inclusion of poison pills harming the environment would undermine Senate’s ability to pass bipartisan spending bills Washington, D.C. – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior,

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

Merkley to Hold Town Halls in Klamath and Jackson Counties

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley will hold town halls in Klamath and Jackson Counties next week. He will update constituents on his work in Washington, DC and answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America. “Traveling across Oregon and

Merkley and Wyden Announce $13.5 Million for Coos Bay Rail Line in Oregon

Portland, OR – Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has officially obligated the $13.5 million in TIGER II funding to the International Port of Coos Bay to rehabilitate the 133-mile Coos Bay Rail Link.   “This rail line is essential to

Senators Ask Obama for Swift Action to Lower Gas Prices

Washington, DC – With gas prices skyrocketing across the nation, a group of six senators, including Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, called on President Obama to sell off a small portion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to help bring down the price at the pump.  The senators called for investing

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