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 Statement on Barron Nomination
WASHINGTON — Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement on David Barron’s nomination to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit: David Barron is an impressive and accomplished attorney and legal scholar, and he will be a strong addition to the federal bench. I am confident that
Merkley, Wyden, Feinstein, Boxer Introduce Klamath Basin Legislation
WASHINGTON – Moving quickly to build on the work done by local ranchers, tribes, and federal and state officials, Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer introduced legislation today that will put into law the Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement that was
Merkley, Wyden Call for Expanded Transparency In Oil Trains Order
WASHINGTON – Oregon Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today urged the Department of Transportation to ensure railroads notify states of all oil shipments moving by train, not just oil from one region of the country, as a DOT emergency order issued earlier this week required. The emergency order announced by the DOT
Merkley Celebrates Landmark Ruling Creating Marriage Equality in Oregon
WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after a judge ruled that marriage equality can no longer be denied to same-sex couples in Oregon: “Today is a momentous day in Oregon’s fight for equality. Lifetime love and commitment should be celebrated and honored, not relegated to second-class
Senator Merkley Marks Military Appreciation Month by Co-Sponsoring Legislation to Prevent Suicide Among Veterans
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today visited Lines for Life to see its military helpline in action and met with veterans and veteran advocates to discuss how to stem the rising tide of suicide among veterans. Senator Merkley also discussed legislation that he is supporting called the Suicide
Merkley Introduces Bill to Make Hospitals Safer for both Nurses and Patients
WASHINGTON – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Registered Nurses Safe Staffing Act, which will help improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients through appropriate levels of staffing, reduction in medical errors, and increases in nurse retention. The bill will require Medicare-participating hospitals to create staffing plans