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
Merkley Statement on Japan Tsunami and Tsunami Surges on Oregon Coast
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement regarding the disaster in Japan and tsunami surges reaching the Oregon coast: “As we learn more about the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost
Merkley Cosponsors Legislation to Support Oregon’s Small Breweries and Create Jobs
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley cosponsored legislation Wednesday that will encourage job growth by reducing the beer excise tax on American small brewers. “Oregon’s brewers are a valuable part of our state’s economy and culture,” Merkley said. “They employ thousands of Oregonians and brew beers recognized the world
Merkley and Wyden Announce Changes to FEMA Flood Mapping Process
Portland, OR – In response to requests by Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, FEMA announced today that they have changed their flood mapping process to take into account all local levees, a move that will help alleviate potential flood insurance costs for some Oregon communities. “FEMA was off
Merkley: Budget Should Create Jobs, Not Add to Unemployment
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted against H.R. 1, the House Republican budget plan: “I voted against the Republican House budget plan today because our number one priority needs to be creating jobs. “Nonpartisan analysts have determined that the House
Merkley to Hold Town Halls in Klamath and Jackson Counties
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley will hold town halls in Klamath and Jackson Counties next week. He will update constituents on his work in Washington, DC and answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America. “Traveling across Oregon and
Merkley and Wyden Announce $13.5 Million for Coos Bay Rail Line in Oregon
Portland, OR – Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has officially obligated the $13.5 million in TIGER II funding to the International Port of Coos Bay to rehabilitate the 133-mile Coos Bay Rail Link. “This rail line is essential to
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