Oregon Delegation Demands Immediate Restoration of Critical FEMA Program
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation—Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—in calling for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately restore Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants. These federal grants are critical to ensuring that Oregon’s communities—especially in
In Open Letter to the American Public, Wyden, Merkley, Senate Democrats Warn Against Republican Cuts to Health Care to Pay for Tax Handouts for Billionaires
As Republicans Consider Budget Measure to Fast Track Health Care Cuts, Democrats Urge Americans to Stand Up and Speak Out Text of the Letter (PDF) Washington, D.C. – Senate Democrats sent an open letter to the American public today, warning families across the nation about Republicans’ efforts in Congress to
Merkley, Wyden Get Behind Legislation to Strengthen Rights of Public Sector Workers to Join Unions, Bargain Collectively
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined colleagues to reintroduce the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. This
Merkley Statement on VA Secretary Shinseki’s Resignation
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Shinseki announced his resignation earlier today: “Secretary Shinseki has served our country with honor for decades. Though I believe that new leadership is necessary at the VA, I have the utmost
Merkley Calls for VA Secretary Shinseki’s Resignation
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement calling for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Shinseki to resign: “The reports of long wait times and cover ups at the VA are 100% unacceptable, and there needs to be accountability. After yesterday’s inspector general report, it is
Merkley Announces $1.55 Million in Federal Grants to Create Jobs by Revitalizing and Redeveloping Oregon Communities
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today announced that five Oregon communities will receive $1.55 million in new funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redevelop brownfield sites. Communities that were awarded grants include Linn County, Tillamook County, and the cities of Salem, Sherwood and Tigard. These grants will
Senators Merkley and Warren Call on President Obama to Fill Vacant Fed Slots with Strong Financial Reform Advocates
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) – leading voices on the Senate Banking Committee for the Main Street economy and a stronger approach to financial regulation – today sent a letter to President Obama urging him to fill remaining openings on the Federal Reserve Board
Merkley Calls for Congressional Vote on Afghanistan Troop Proposal
WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after President Obama announced a plan to keep nearly 10,000 American troops in Afghanistan after 2014: “After more than a dozen years in Afghanistan, I believe it is time to end the longest war in American history and bring our
Merkley Introduces Legislation to Give Seniors a Raise
WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced the Fair Raises for Seniors Act in the Senate that would increase Social Security benefits for seniors by changing the cost of living adjustment (COLA) formula to keep up with inflation. The current formula fails to account for the fact that seniors spend