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 Unveils Legislation Making College More Affordable for Middle-Class Students
Eugene, OR – Calling an affordable path to college a key pillar for a strong middle class, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today unveiled legislation that would create a new model for college financing intended to guarantee affordability. Merkley’s plan is based on and complements Oregon’s legislation that was passed during
Congressional Leaders Tell Wall Street to “Can It”
Portland, OR – Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici visited Hopworks Brewery today to call attention to Wall Street speculation in commodity markets that is driving up the prices of aluminum, copper, gas, and electricity. This speculation is in turn raising the prices of everyday
Merkley Secures Five Year Extension of Stewardship Contracts In Draft Appropriations Bill
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the draft Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2014 includes an extension of forest stewardship contracting, which he worked to include. The authority expires at the end of the fiscal
Merkley Applauds Metsger Confirmation
Washington, DC– Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after former Oregon State Senator Rick Metsger was confirmed by the Senate for the National Credit Union Administration Board. “Rick Metsger is an excellent pick for our National Credit Union Administration Board, with a deep knowledge of the issues faced
Merkley Applauds One-Year Anniversary of Women’s Health Benefit
WASHINGTON – Today marks the one-year anniversary of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s women’s preventive health benefit. Because of this, nearly all health insurance now includes well-woman visits, contraception and other critical services for women, all without a co-pay. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement applauding
Merkley: Tax Reform Should Put Middle Class First
Washington, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee outlining his priorities in a potential reform of the tax code. In the letter, Senator Merkley made clear that our tax code should help rebuild and strengthen the