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 Praises Confirmation of OSU’s Lubchenco to Lead Oceans and Environment Agency
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement on the confirmation of Oregon State University professor Dr. Jane Lubchenco as Commerce Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere. Dr. Lubchenco will lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “I’m proud that we now have a strong scientific voice
Merkley: Public Lands Bill Moves Forward Preservation of Oregon’s Natural Areas
Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today overwhelmingly approved legislation to expand protections for public lands in Oregon and other states. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined 76 of his colleagues in supporting the bill. He issued the following statement on passage of the bill: “Oregon has a legacy of conserving
Wyden, Merkley Announce 1.2 Million in Federal Stimulus Funds to Help Feed Oregon’s Low Income Seniors
Washington, D.C. – Recognizing that hunger is an often overlooked side effect to a poor economy, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced today that Oregon will receive $1.2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide meals to low income senior citizens. “This money comes at
Senate Health, Education Committee Passes Legislation to Strengthen National Service Programs
WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions today passed legislation to strengthen programs that encourage community service, a major priority of President Barack Obama. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, a cosponsor of the bill and member of the Committee, is working with his colleagues to clarify
Merkley Calls on AIG to Revoke Bonuses or Face Legislation to Recover Funds Through Taxation
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today demanded American International Group (AIG) immediately renegotiate bonuses for employees or face legislation from Congress that would recoup the funds through taxation. In comments at a Senate Banking Committee hearing, he also called for robust regulation of the credit default swaps that
Merkley to Hold Lane and Benton County Town Halls
Portland – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley will hold town halls in Lane and Benton counties on Saturday, March 21. He will update constituents on his work in Washington, DC and answer their questions about the challenges facing Oregon and America. “Advocating for Oregonians is my number one responsibility,”