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 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 Inauguration of Barack Obama as America’s 44th President

Washington, DC – Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statements on today’s Inauguration of President Barack Obama.  A telephone-quality actuality of the statement is available. “As I traveled to the Capitol today, I could feel a growing sense of excitement all over this city.  At one point, Mary and

Merkley Statement on Conflict in Gaza

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the on-going conflict in Gaza: “As a stalwart advocate for Israel’s security, I understand Israel’s need to defend itself from terrorism.  No country in the world would tolerate attacks across its border, on its civilians, without responding.  “At the same time,

Merkley Statement on Troubled Asset Relief Program Vote

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate rejected a resolution disapproving of the release of $350 billion for the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP).  The vote clears the way for the funds to be released to the incoming Obama Administration. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley voted to release the TARP funds.  Merkley issued

Merkley Statement on Final Passage of Public Lands Bill

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today overwhelmingly approved legislation to expand protections for public lands in Oregon and other states.  Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley joined 72 of his colleagues in supporting the bill: “From Mt. Hood to Central Oregon to the Siskiyou National Forest, there are few regions of

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