Jeff is committed to protecting America from those who would do us harm, and to making sure we do so in a way that is consistent with American values and our Constitutional rights. Indeed, Jeff firmly believes that the measure of our strength isn’t just the power of our military, but that the United States is safer and stronger when we honor our fundamental American values like respect for the rule of law and invest in the hard work of working with our allies. In a dangerous world, with global threats ranging from terrorism to global warming to nuclear weapons proliferation, Jeff understands that we need to be able to work with other nations to confront these challenges together.
Having worked as a national security analyst at the Pentagon and at the Congressional Budget Office, Jeff has a unique understanding of national security policy. In both positions, he was immersed in the national dialogue on responsible management of nuclear weapons. Jeff also remained actively engaged in foreign policy issues as President of the World Affairs Council of Oregon.
Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Urge End of Private Immigration Detention Centers, Demand Closure of Facilities with Inhumane Conditions
Senators’ letter: “We do not support a system that detains people in inhumane conditions that result in long-term medical issues, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. We urge that these facilities be shut down, in a step towards building an immigration system that welcomes and respects migrants.” Washington, D.C. – U.S.
Cardin, Kaine, Merkley, Schatz, Van Hollen Introduce Resolution Recognizing Importance of Press Freedom Around the World
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced a Senate resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the vital role of free and independent
Cardin, Rubio, Kaine, Cassidy, Merkley Introduce Resolution Welcoming Paraguay President, Supporting U.S.-Paraguay Relationship
WASHINGTON – Today, as Paraguay celebrates the 213th anniversary of its independence, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.). Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) are introducing a Senate resolution welcoming President Santiago Peña of Paraguay to the United States, as
Merkley, Schakowsky Lead 24 Senate & House Lawmakers to Urge U.S. to Curb Oil & Gas Influence at COP29
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) led their colleagues today in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House Senior Advisor John Podesta calling for the United States to support the development and adoption of conflict of interest
Merkley: TSA’s Facial Recognition Regime Continues to Lack Proper Congressional Oversight
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today issued the following statement after the Senate voted last night to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act without a vote on his amendment to address the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of facial recognition technology: “Facial surveillance creates the
Merkley Statement on President Biden’s Recent Actions Regarding Offensive Weapons Deliveries to Israel
Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s recent comments that he would not send bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch a major invasion of Rafah: “President Biden’s recent pause on the shipment of 500- and 2,000-pound