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 Offer Measure to Free America from Overseas Oil
Washington, D.C. – Just days before Independence Day, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (OR), Tom Carper (DE), Tom Udall (NM), and Michael Bennet (CO) introduced legislation to eliminate our dependence on overseas oil, strengthen national security, and create jobs. The Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act of 2011 will set
Statement of Senator Jeff Merkley on Passing of Justice Betty Roberts
Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the passing of Justice Betty Roberts: “Justice Roberts has been a giant in Oregon public life for decades. She served in so many roles – from that of a teacher at my alma mater David Douglas High School, to serving in the
Merkley Applauds Release from Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Washington, DC – The Department of Energy announced today that it will sell off 30 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released a statement following the announcement. “I applaud President Obama and the Department of Energy for releasing a small portion of the Strategic
Merkley: It Is Time for a New Direction in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today reiterated his call that the President commit to a sizeable and sustained drawdown of troops from Afghanistan. President Obama is scheduled to speak about the future of that country later tonight. Early news reports indicate that Obama will call for small decreases
Merkley: New Leadership Needed at OCC
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today urged President Obama to appoint a new head to the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC), a position held for the past several year by Acting Comptroller John Walsh. Merkley’s comments came in response to recent statements from Walsh that criticize
Merkley Statement on the Confirmation of Michael Simon as U.S. District Judge for Oregon
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined 63 of his colleagues in voting to confirm Michael Simon of Oregon as a United States District Judge for the District of Oregon. After the vote, Merkley issued the following statement: “Michael Simon is a man of enormous integrity, intellectual breadth and
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