Press Releases

Merkley Proposes Housing Downpayment Savings Initiative

Senator leads groundbreaking new legislation to give federal match for money saved by first-time homebuyers for a downpayment on a home Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced new legislation to help support the dream of homeownership for Americans by ensuring working families have a credible path

Merkley, Wyden, Kotek Announce $7.45 Million for Affordable Housing Support in Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek—today announced that $7,450,000 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help people with disabilities access affordable housing and a range of supportive services. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and

Ahead of Xi’s Visit to the United States, Merkley & McGovern Urge Trump Admin to Stand Up to PRC for its Treatment of Political Prisoners, Transnational Repression

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative James P. McGovern (MA-02)—Ranking Members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)—led Congressional Democrats in calling attention to the Chinese government’s treatment of political prisoners and its ongoing campaign of transnational repression. They sent two letters ahead of People’s

Wyden, Merkley Tout Newport as New Home for NOAA Fleet

PORTLAND –Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have urged the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration to select Newport as the future home for NOAA’s Pacific fleet. In a letter sent earlier this month to Rear Admiral Jonathan W. Bailey, Director of NOAA’s Office of Marine & Aviation Operations and

Merkley Applauds Recovery Money For Head Start Programs

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded the nearly $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds heading to Head Start programs throughout Oregon. The funds will help programs in a variety of ways including retaining and recruiting teachers, enhancing facilities and hiring support staff. “The foundation for

Merkley: Chrysler to Buy Back Cars From Dealers Forced to Close

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that Chrysler has revised its strategy for compensating dealers that are losing their franchises.  Last week, Merkley sent a letter to Chrysler and GM taking issue with the lack of assistance.  In the letter to Fritz Henderson, CEO of General Motors,

Merkley: Financial Regulation Overhaul Must Include Protections for Consumers

Washington, DC – This week, President Barack Obama will lay out principles for the upcoming debate over modernizing regulations of the financial market.  Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley is urging the White House to include strong protections for consumers in that effort.  The lack of clear regulations and strong protections for

Merkley: Senate Tobacco Regulation Bill A Breakthrough For Public Health

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined a bipartisan majority in the U.S. Senate in passing the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, giving the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products for the first time.  “Over the course of the summer, the

Merkley Announces Legislation to Make it Easier for Working Moms to Breastfeed

WASHINGTON, DC – Joined by House sponsors and nursing moms, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced the Breastfeeding Promotion Act which will help moms continue to breastfeed after they return to work.  The legislation includes elements of a law Oregon passed in 2007 under Merkley’s leadership in the state legislature to

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