Merkley’s Bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act Now Law
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley celebrated that his bipartisan bill to provide greater oversight and data transparency for institutional youth treatment programs was signed into law at the end of December. Merkley co-led the bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act with Texas’ U.S. Senator John Cornyn and
Wyden, Merkley: Major Disaster Declaration Issued for 2024 Wildfires in Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco & Wheeler Counties
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they were gratified that President Biden has issued a major disaster declaration for Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco and Wheeler counties that enables those five Oregon counties to receive federal help for wildfires last year between July 10-August 23. The major disaster
Merkley, Wyden Announce $37.4 Million for Critical Central Oregon Irrigation Projects
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the Bureau of Reclamation is sending a total of $37.4 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to three irrigation districts in Central Oregon for piping projects that will boost drought resiliency, conserve almost 5,000 acre-feet of
Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $4 Million for Oregon Universities and Community Colleges to Develop Programs for Disadvantaged Students
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded over $4 million to 15 Oregon universities and community colleges to provide academic opportunities to disadvantaged students. The grants are part of the Student Support Service Program, which
Senate Passes Bill to Strengthen Nutrition Programs and Fight Childhood Obesity
Washington, D.C. – The Senate passed legislation today to reduce childhood obesity and strengthen programs dedicated to improving children’s nutrition. The Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act will provide $4.5 billion to improving the National School Lunch Program, promote the health benefits of breastfeeding, and establish new national nutritional standards to help
Merkley Statement on the Confirmation of Solicitor General Kagan to the Supreme Court
Washington, D.C. – Today the Senate voted to confirm U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as the next Supreme Court Justice. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement following the vote: “Solicitor General Kagan’s thoughtful approach to the law will make her a valuable addition to the Supreme Court. Her
Merkley: Oregon Iron Works’ Brown a Strong Addition to Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that President Obama will appoint Chandra Brown, vice president of Oregon Iron Works and President of United Streetcar, to the Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council. Since 1994, Brown has helped put the Clackamas-based fabrication and manufacturing company in the vanguard of
Merkley: Help on the Way to Prevent Mass Teacher Layoffs
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate cleared a major 60-vote hurdle to move forward with a bill that will prevent mass teacher layoffs and provide medical services to those in need. The bill will provide $10 billion to keep teachers on the job, including $117 million for Oregon school districts.
Livable Communities Act Heads to Full Senate
Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs today passed the Livable Communities Act, sending it to the Senate floor for consideration. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley is an original co-sponsor of the bill and authored an amendment in committee to support community projects that make biking