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 DENOUNCES SENATE AMENDMENT THAT ATTACKS WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley gathered with women’s health advocates today to denounce a Senate amendment that would deny health insurance coverage to women for birth control and any essential, preventive health care service if their employer has a religious or moral objection.  Senator Merkley stressed that this

Merkley: “Unconscionable” if Americans not Hired for Local Forest Jobs

Washington, DC- Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley sent a letter to Tom Tidwell, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, urging him to take steps to ensure Americans will be hired with the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program projects announced on February 2, 2012.  In particular, Merkley urged the Chief not

Merkley Statement on Payroll Tax and Unemployment Insurance Compromise

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the passage of the conference report of the extension of the payroll tax cut and continuation of unemployment insurance.  “I am pleased that the House and the Senate have come to a deal on the extension of the

Merkley Introduces Bipartisan Amendment to Help Oregon Farmers and Ranchers

Portland, OR– Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced a bipartisan amendment to the transportation bill currently on the Senate floor that would cut red tape for farmers and ranchers transporting their products. The amendment, co-sponsored by Senator’s Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), would allow farmers and ranchers who

Merkley: 2013 Budget Lays Groundwork for Success of America’s Middle Class

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the release of President Obama’s budget for the fiscal year 2013. “The budget put forth by the President lays out a plan for America’s success by prioritizing the success of America’s middle class.  It puts our economic focus

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