Press Releases

Merkley Proposes Housing Downpayment Savings Initiative

Senator leads groundbreaking new legislation to give federal match for money saved by first-time homebuyers for a downpayment on a home Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced new legislation to help support the dream of homeownership for Americans by ensuring working families have a credible path

Merkley, Wyden, Kotek Announce $7.45 Million for Affordable Housing Support in Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek—today announced that $7,450,000 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help people with disabilities access affordable housing and a range of supportive services. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and

Ahead of Xi’s Visit to the United States, Merkley & McGovern Urge Trump Admin to Stand Up to PRC for its Treatment of Political Prisoners, Transnational Repression

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative James P. McGovern (MA-02)—Ranking Members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)—led Congressional Democrats in calling attention to the Chinese government’s treatment of political prisoners and its ongoing campaign of transnational repression. They sent two letters ahead of People’s

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

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

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