Press Releases

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: Coos Bay Rail a Lifeline for South Coast

Washington, DC – Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement applauding the Oregon Economic and Community Development Commission’s loan to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay to purchase the Coos Bay Rail Line:   “This loan is a lifeline for Southern Oregon and a jobs boost for Oregon’s

Merkley: Federal Help on the Way For Victims of Winter Storms

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the White House announced that President Barack Obama declared a major disaster for the State of Oregon to help communities recover from the severe winter storm and record snowfall, landslides, and mudslides that occurred in December of 2008.  This designation will release federal funding to help

Merkley: Children’s Health Bill Covers Oregon’s Uninsured and Creates Jobs

Portland, OR – Today Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley toured the Rosewood Family Health Center in Southeast Portland and praised Congressional action to cover more children under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).  Rosewood Family Health Center serves children who are covered under SCHIP.  “The new children’s health bill is

Merkley Statement on Passing of Congressman Wendell Wyatt

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement on the passing of Oregon Congressman Wendell Wyatt: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Wyatt.  Wendell Wyatt truly made his mark on Oregon.  Everyone who has appreciated Cascade Head owes Congressman Wyatt a debt of

Merkley Joins Senate Hispanic Task Force

Washington, D.C. – Today Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley came together with forty-three other Senate Democrats in joining the Hispanic Task Force (HTF), giving it the largest membership in group’s 20 year history. “I’m proud to join a group of Senators who recognize the priorities of the Hispanic community and are

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