Press Releases

Merkley, Mannion Champion Legislation to Make Mental Health Care Accessible for Every Student in America 

Washington, D.C. – During Mental Health Awareness Month, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congressman John Mannion (NY-22) announced the reintroduction of the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act, legislation that would significantly boost the availability of mental health providers in America’s public schools. Mental illness affects nearly 20 percent of American youth. This bicameral legislation would put additional mental health providers in elementary and

Forty-One Senators Push to Keep Harmful Environmental Riders Out of Appropriations Bills

Senators warn that inclusion of poison pills harming the environment would undermine Senate’s ability to pass bipartisan spending bills Washington, D.C. – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior,

Merkley Reaction to President Obama’s Address Before Joint Session of Congress

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement reacting to President Barack Obama’s address before the Joint Session of Congress this evening:  “Over the past few weeks, the Senate has worked with the Obama Administration to address the vicious vortex of economic challenges facing working Americans: the

Merkley Record Unemployment Numbers Show Importance of Investments in Job Creation

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released a statement following the Labor Department’s announcement that almost 5 million workers were receiving unemployment checks, a record high:  “The new unemployment numbers released today are a reminder of the already obvious economic challenge facing the nation.  Five million Americans are collecting

Merkley Working Towards Solutions to Keep People In Their Homes

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley brought together national housing experts, financial professionals, and community members today in Portland to discuss solutions to the escalating mortgage crisis facing millions of American families.    Merkley and other participants at the Mortgage and Foreclosure Solutions Summit discussed ideas including allowing homeowners

Merkley: Economic Growth Package Contains Significant Help For Workers and States

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley expressed his support for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act prior to today’s Senate vote on the final package.  The bill will create jobs, invest in America’s infrastructure, provide assistance to states and promote the production and development of green energy.   “America

U.S. Senate Celebrates Oregon’s Sesquicentennial

Washington D.C. – The United States Senate today unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley celebrating 150 years of Oregon statehood. The action comes two days before Oregon’s sesquicentennial. “Since its first days, Oregon has embodied the pioneering spirit of our nation. It has always

Merkley Joins Effort to Reform and Strengthen Oversight of Credit Card Industry

Washington D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley has co-sponsored legislation to end dangerous credit card practices that have buried many American consumers in debt.  The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, sponsored by Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, will strengthen regulation and oversight of the credit card industry

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