Risch, Merkley Introduce Bill to Remove Roadblocks for Youth Corps Public Lands Projects
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced legislation to reduce federal cost-sharing requirements for public lands projects performed by qualified youth or conservation corps from 25% to 10%. “Current cost-sharing requirements prevent youth conservation corps from carrying out important public lands projects,” said Risch. “My bill reduces this
Merkley, Kaine Launch Effort to Protect and Strengthen Federal Student Loan Repayment Options
Washington, D.C. – With affordable student loan repayment options at risk under the Trump Administration, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Virginia’s U.S. Senator Tim Kaine today led their colleagues to launch a new effort to protect and expand federal student loan repayment programs. The Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment (SOAR)
Bynum and Merkley Introduce Legislation to Protect the Deschutes River
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2025. The bill reauthorizes the Deschutes River Conservancy’s (DRC) eligibility to receive federal funding for water quality improvement initiatives and conservation efforts. Since its founding in 1996, the DRC and
Merkley Announces Committee Action to Invest in Oregon Transportation, Affordable Housing, and Community Safety
Funding included in fiscal year 2025 government funding bills champion programs and projects to expand affordable housing and transportation options, support renewable energy and energy storage, grow economic development, and more. Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced he secured critical
Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $17 Million in Federal Funding Coming to Oregon for Airport Improvement Projects
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding $17,364,442 to the state under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). “Oregon’s airports connect communities across our state to the rest of the world—supporting local businesses, transporting goods, connecting travelers
Merkley, Wyden Announced $577,943 for Pollution Monitoring to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $577,943 to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) for programs to address environmental and public health concerns related to pollution. “Communities need accurate information
Merkley, Wyden Join Effort to Restore the Chevron Doctrine Following MAGA Supreme Court Ruling
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined the recently introduced Stop Corporate Capture Act after the Supreme Court—stacked with Trump-appointed justices—overturned the 40-year-old Chevron doctrine. The bill codifies Chevron deference and strengthens the rulemaking process to block corporations from hijacking our government. “This MAGA Supreme
Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $2 Million for Portland State University to Curb Marine Microplastics in Coastal Tourism
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that Portland State University (PSU) is receiving $1,976,806 from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Sea Grant Marine Debris Challenge Competition. The federal funding will support PSU’s efforts
Merkley Announces August Town Halls
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced today he will be holding three, in-person town halls on Friday, August 2 for folks in Lincoln, Lane, and Clackamas counties. The events continue Merkley’s 2024 town hall tour of Oregon, where he is holding a community conversation for each of the state’s 36 counties.