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 Introduces Bill to Stop Deceptive Loan Checks
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Deceptive Loan Check Elimination Act Thursday to prohibit companies from sending “live” loan checks to consumers. In these schemes, financial institutions send unsuspecting customers a check made out to them for some amount. Customers often assume that their financial institutions have
Merkley Statement on Confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined 67 of his colleagues in voting to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the newest justice on the United States Supreme Court. After the vote, Merkley issued the following statement: “As as our nation’s first Hispanic Justice, this is a historic confirmation.
Agriculture Appropriations Bill Passed by Senate Includes Funding for Oregon Projects
Washington, D.C. – Working to improve agricultural research capabilities in Oregon, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced that an agriculture appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate contains more than nearly $7 million in projects for Oregon. Included in the bill is funding for
Merkley, Wyden Announce Millions in Recovery Act Funding for Oregon Energy Projects
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced today that the Department of Energy has awarded millions in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create jobs and jump-start energy projects in Oregon. Projects include the production of the next generation of electric
Merkley, Collins, Kennedy, Snowe Introduce Legislation To End Workplace Discrimination
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Jeff Merkley (OR), Susan Collins (ME), Edward M. Kennedy (MA) and Olympia Snowe (ME) introduced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to finally prohibit job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. They were joined in this effort by 34 other members of the Senate. “There
Merkley Statement on Signing of Healthy Kids Bill
Portland – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement to congratulate Oregon leaders on the signing of the Healthy Kids Bill. Merkley, a former speaker of the Oregon House, fought for similar reforms in the state legislature. “Even during tough times, Oregon leaders have found a way to expand