Tag: Foreign Policy and National Security

Bipartisan Amendment Calls for Accelerated Handover in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, DC – Ten years after the start of the war in Afghanistan, more than one hundred thousand American troops remain in that nation, providing military and security assistance to the Afghanistan government.  A bipartisan group of senators today offered an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill to urge the

Merkley Statement on Iraq Troop Withdrawal

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the announcement by President Barack Obama that the last American soldier in Iraq will be home by the end of the year. “It is terrific to hear that all of our men and women in uniform will come home

Merkley Statement on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001:  “Ten years ago, our nation watched in shock and horror as an unprecedented attack on American innocents was carried out in cold blood. We knew that day the world would

Merkley Statement on Trip to Afghanistan

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after returning from a Congressional Delegation trip to Afghanistan. “You can’t meet with our troops overseas and not be blown away by their skill, dedication, and sacrifice.  They undertake and accomplish amazing things under incredibly difficult conditions every day,

Merkley: It Is Time for a New Direction in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today reiterated his call that the President commit to a sizeable and sustained drawdown of troops from Afghanistan.  President Obama is scheduled to speak about the future of that country later tonight.  Early news reports indicate that Obama will call for small decreases

Senators Call on President to Shift Strategy in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mike Lee (R-UT) and Tom Udall (D-NM) and 24 other senators sent a letter to President Obama today calling for a shift in strategy in Afghanistan ahead of next month’s announced deadline to begin an accelerated transition to Afghan security forces. In the letter, the senators

Merkley: Bin Laden Death Provides Justice for America

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after news that U.S. Special Forces have killed Osama bin Laden: “I salute President Obama and his exceptional team on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice.  The President’s resolute determination and the hard work, perseverance, and bravery of so

Merkley: End violence or aid stops

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley called for an immediate end to violence against protesters in Egypt on Thursday, joining a group of Democrats who said the U.S. should cut off foreign aid to the nation unless a peaceful solution is quickly found. Merkley, D-Ore., said violence by supporters of

Merkley Statement on Failed Plot to Bomb Pioneer Courthouse Square

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the thwarted attempt to bomb Pioneer Courthouse Square: “This is a grim reminder to all of us that there remain individuals and groups that want to inflict terror upon our communities.  We must remain vigilant in our efforts

Senator Merkley, Veterans Release Operation Free Energy Security Report

Washington, DC: U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and top retired military leaders held a telephone press conference today to announce the release of Operation Free’s new report, entitled “Tackling Oil Addiction: Reducing Dependency on Our Enemies.”  The report, co-sponsored by the Truman National Security Project, outlines the security implications of

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