Press Releases

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

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

Bipartisan Group of Senators Call On SEC to Release Crowdfunding Rules

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), as well as Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mark Warner (D-VA), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Jon Tester (D-MT), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) called on U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Mary Jo White to quickly issue rules

Merkley: Time to Stop Manufacturing Crises, Get Back to Rebuilding Middle Class

WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after an agreement was reached to reopen the government and prevent a default on U.S. debt:  “After two and a half long weeks, common sense has finally prevailed in Washington. Although it is a good thing for our economy that Congress

Merkley: Yellen a Great Choice for Fed Chair

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after reports that Janet Yellen would be nominated to be Chair of the Federal Reserve. “We need a Federal Reserve Chair who is both qualified and experienced, and who would look at policy-making through the lens of what’s best

Merkley Praises Senate Plan to End Monsanto Protection Act

Washington, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded the news that the Monsanto Protection Act would expire under the provisions of the Continuing Resolution being drafted by Senate Democrats.   “This is a victory for all those who think special interests shouldn’t get special deals. This secret rider, which

Merkley: New Power Plant Rules Big Step Forward in Fight Against Climate Change

WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the administration announced new rules that will significantly curb carbon emissions from new power plants: “These rules represent a big step forward in the fight against climate change. With record droughts, floods, storms, fires, and ecosystem changes that threaten

Merkley Applauds Senate Extension of County Payments

WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Senate passed a one-year extension of county payments for Oregon’s timber counties:  “This extension is badly needed in Oregon, and I am very pleased that the Senate has acted today. Timber counties are already cut to the bone

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