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

Senate Budget Includes County Payments Reserve Fund at Urging of Merkley, Wyden

Washington, DC – The budget under consideration by the Senate Budget Committee today will make significant, long-neglected investments into energy, health, housing and education to rebuild the American economy.  At the urging of Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, the budget also allows for the extension of county payments

Senate Budget Committee Adopts Merkley Amendment to Protect Public Lands

Washington, DC – A range of public lands will be eligible for potential protection under the Senate budget resolution, thanks to an amendment by Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley.  Protective measures could include forest health restoration, fire prevention, or conservation efforts.   “Just this week, Congress approved legislation that will designate

Merkley Praises Final Passage of Public Lands Bill

Washington, DC – After many stops and starts, Congress finally passed a long-awaited public lands bill that will protect almost 200,000 acres of pristine places across Oregon with new wilderness designation.  Last week, Senator Merkley, along with 76 of his colleagues supported the Senate passage of the public lands bill. 

Wyden, Merkley Announce Emergency Funding To Retrain Workers In Eastern Oregon

Portland – Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced today funding to retrain about 150 workers laid off by Northwood Manufacturing in La Grande. The Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development will receive about $438,000 in emergency funds from the U.S. Department of Labor to help workers in

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