Press Releases

Oregon Delegation Denounces Trump Administration’s Attacks on Humanities Funding

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation—Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—in slamming federal funding cuts at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) following a majority of the agency’s entire staff being placed on paid administrative leave and cuts to more

Oregon Delegation Urges Reversal of Cuts, Planned Layoffs at Social Security That Hurt State’s Seniors

Letter from Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Bynum, Dexter cites disastrous decisions in Social Security field offices in Warrenton, La Grande and The Dalles Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation – Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) – in urging

Oregon Delegation Demands Immediate Restoration of Critical FEMA Program

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation—Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—in calling for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately restore Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants. These federal grants are critical to ensuring that Oregon’s communities—especially in

Merkley Introduces Measure to Boost American Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today put forward an amendment to promote domestic manufacturing and create jobs here at home.  His measure was offered during the debate over legislation to encourage innovation at small businesses. “Over the last several decades, American manufacturing has lost ground, taking good paying

Senators Snowe, Merkley Introduce the Strategic Petroleum Demand Response Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) today introduced legislation aimed at reducing the federal government’s consumption of oil in emergency situations.  The federal government currently consumes about 1.5 percent of the nation’s energy, which costs taxpayers approximately $25 billion per year.  The Strategic

Merkley Statement on Tsunami Damage to Southern Oregon Coast

Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement in response to tsunami damage along Oregon’s southern coast: “Ports along the southern Oregon coast have seen significant tsunami damage.  My team and I have reached out to Brookings Mayor Larry Anderson, Governor John Kitzhaber and Oregon National Guard

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

en_USEnglish