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

Merkley Kicks Off “Border to Border: Oil-Free Across Oregon” Tour

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley kicked off his celebration of America’s independence today by beginning his oil-free across Oregon trip and showcasing the need for America to declare its independence from overseas oil. The Senator kicked off his trip today at “Electric Avenue” on the Portland State University

Merkley: Transportation Bill Creates Jobs in Oregon

Washington, DC — Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded the Senate passage of the conference report of the transportation bill, which includes a fix that will stop the doubling of student loan rates, as well a one-year extension of county payments and the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Merkley Statement on Supreme Court Decision

Washington, DC- Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the Supreme Court decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. “Today’s decision creates a clear path forward. We must now focus on how to best deliver affordable, high-quality health care for every American. “In 2009, Congress

Merkley Statement on County Payments Deal

Washington, DC- Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after reports that the amendment to extend county payments he and Senator Wyden shepherded through the Senate will be included in the conference agreement on the transportation bill:  “This news is a huge relief for Oregon’s struggling timber counties. These

Merkley Statement on Reports of Student Loan Deal

WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement today after recent reports on a deal to keep student loan rates from doubling:  “If we want a successful economy and successful middle class in the future, we need to make sure today that the next generation has the

Merkley: Supreme Court Doubles Down on Citizens United

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement in response to the summary reversal of the Montana corporate political donation limits by the Supreme Court.  “Today, the Supreme Court doubled down on its disastrous decision in Citizens United. One hundred years ago, Montanans saw their political system

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