Tag: Civil Rights

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—the lead sponsor of the For the People Act—issued the following statement today after every Republican voted to block debate on the bill in an initial procedural vote: “The ballot box is the pulsing heart of any healthy democracy, and we must stand

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), joined by his colleagues U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who chairs the Senate Rules Committee, as well as Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA), introduced new legislation that will ensure the integrity of local elections while also protecting the safety and security

Washington, D.C. – As Juneteenth approaches this weekend, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) have introduced the Abolition Amendment, which would strike the ‘Slavery Clause’ of the 13th Amendment that allows slavery to continue in the United States. This week, Congress passed legislation to establish Juneteenth

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined colleagues to reintroduce legislation that would strengthen the ability of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) and state governments to investigate police departments with a pattern or practice of unconstitutional and discriminatory behavior. During the

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined all 50 Senate Democrats to introduce a Senate resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. The resolution highlights the contributions LGBTQ individuals have made to American society, notes several major milestones in the fight

“Obviously, I’m disappointed by Senator Manchin’s position. The For the People Act is popular among Democrats, Republicans, and independents all across the country.    “It is popular because Americans love the vision of government of, by, and for the People, and that means ending the deep corruption that comes from

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today teamed up with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Senator Wyden (D-OR) to introduce the Freedom for Families Act, which would ensure that no child or family is threatened by detention, separation, or emotional

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement today after President Biden delivered his first joint address to Congress: “What the American people heard tonight was a President offering compassion, resolve, and a commitment to steadfast leadership. In a very short time, that leadership has already given families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley teamed up with Rules Committee Chairwoman U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) today to lead their colleagues in introducing S.1., the For the People Act—a sweeping package of comprehensive reforms that would end special interest corruption

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, the lead Senate sponsor of the For the People Act, released the following statement today following the House passage of this groundbreaking voting rights and anti-corruption legislation: “The beating heart of America’s democracy—access to the ballot box—was under assault long before the deadly insurrection