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 Applauds President Obama’s Decision to Oregon and Other States to Increase Fuel Economy Standards and Reduce Carbon
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on President Barack Obama’s announcement to let states impose stricter fuel standards and reduce greenhouse gas emissions: “President Barack Obama’s announcement will allow Oregon and 13 other states to lead the way in reducing our carbon footprint and promoting
Merkley Statement on Confirmation of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary
Washington, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined a bipartisan majority of his colleagues in supporting the confirmation of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary. Merkley issued the following statement on the vote: “It is abundantly clear that our economy is in serious trouble and things will likely get
Merkley Urges Significant Investment in Green Energy
Washington, DC – As the Appropriations and Finance Committees begin consideration of economic recovery proposals, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley is pushing substantial investment in a range of projects to boost development and production of green energy and an upgrade to the nation’s electricity grid. “The best thing we can do
Merkley Statement on Announced Closure of Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility
In response to President Barack Obama signing a series of executive orders today to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility within one year, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement: “This is absolutely the right thing for the President to do and the first step in restoring America’s reputation
Merkley Adds Banking and Budget to Roster of Committees
Washington, DC – Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley added two new committee assignments to his roster of appointments. He will now serve on the Banking and Budget Committees in addition to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee. “The Banking Committee will play a key
Merkley: Intel Closing Underscores Need For Immediate Economic Recovery Package, Investment in Green Energy
Washington, DC – On the same day Intel announced its decision to close a factory at its Ronler Acres campus, eliminating 1000 Hillsboro jobs, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley urged his new colleagues to include renewed investment in green technology in any economic recovery package. “There is no way around the