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
Senators Call on McConnell to Put Jobs First in “Super Committee”
WASHINGTON – One day after Republicans in the House and Senate announced their picks for the Joint Select Committee (JSC), Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley and 22 of his Democratic colleagues sent a simple message to Republican lawmakers: Put jobs first. In a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the
Merkley, Wyden, DeFazio, Blumenauer, Schrader Express Concerns Over Potential Oregon Post Office Closures
Washington, D.C. – Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-4), Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), and Representative Kurt Schrader (OR-5) sent a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe Monday expressing concern over the possibility that as many as 41 post offices in Oregon could be closed
Merkley Statement on the Passing of Senator Mark Hatfield
Portland – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement on the passing of former Governor and Senator Mark O. Hatfield of Oregon. “I am deeply saddened to hear about Senator Hatfield’s death. “Senator Hatfield took courageous positions of conscience — from opposing the Vietnam War to advocating for the
Merkley, Wyden Announce Grants for Veterans Job Training
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced two grants from the Department of Labor that will assist homeless veterans with job training for civilian careers. The grants, which were awarded on a competitive basis to state and local organizations, will go to Easter Seals in
MERKLEY HELPS EXPOSE MORTGAGE SCAMS THAT COST FAMILIES THEIR HOMES
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley held a press conference in Northeast Portland today to help expose mortgage modification scams that are affecting homeowners in Oregon. Merkley was joined at today’s event by victims of mortgage modification scams who shared their painful experiences and urged Oregonians to be extremely
Merkley: Debt Deal Will Undermine Success of Our Families
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States Senate voted on legislation to increase the debt ceiling while imposing deep cuts on programs important to many middle class families. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley voted against the bill. He issued the following statement: “I have spent the last several days immersed in
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