Press Releases

Merkley, Schiff, Underwood Lead Push to Increase Nursing Education and Workforce Support

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, California’s U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, and Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced the bicameral Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act. In an effort to address nursing workforce shortages around the country, the FAAN Act would authorize grants to increase the number

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

Wyden, Merkley Tout Newport as New Home for NOAA Fleet

PORTLAND –Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have urged the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration to select Newport as the future home for NOAA’s Pacific fleet. In a letter sent earlier this month to Rear Admiral Jonathan W. Bailey, Director of NOAA’s Office of Marine & Aviation Operations and

Merkley Applauds Recovery Money For Head Start Programs

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded the nearly $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds heading to Head Start programs throughout Oregon. The funds will help programs in a variety of ways including retaining and recruiting teachers, enhancing facilities and hiring support staff. “The foundation for

Merkley: Chrysler to Buy Back Cars From Dealers Forced to Close

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that Chrysler has revised its strategy for compensating dealers that are losing their franchises.  Last week, Merkley sent a letter to Chrysler and GM taking issue with the lack of assistance.  In the letter to Fritz Henderson, CEO of General Motors,

Merkley: Financial Regulation Overhaul Must Include Protections for Consumers

Washington, DC – This week, President Barack Obama will lay out principles for the upcoming debate over modernizing regulations of the financial market.  Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley is urging the White House to include strong protections for consumers in that effort.  The lack of clear regulations and strong protections for

Merkley: Senate Tobacco Regulation Bill A Breakthrough For Public Health

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined a bipartisan majority in the U.S. Senate in passing the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, giving the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products for the first time.  “Over the course of the summer, the

Merkley Announces Legislation to Make it Easier for Working Moms to Breastfeed

WASHINGTON, DC – Joined by House sponsors and nursing moms, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced the Breastfeeding Promotion Act which will help moms continue to breastfeed after they return to work.  The legislation includes elements of a law Oregon passed in 2007 under Merkley’s leadership in the state legislature to

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