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
Oregon Delegation Urges Sec. Shinseki to Intervene, Redirect Roseburg VA Hospital Study
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-4) and Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) sent a letter to Secretary of the Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki requesting that he intervene and correct a Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) study concerning the future of the Roseburg Oregon VA Medical Center (RVAMC).
Vernonia Schools to Receive $11.2 Million in FEMA Grants
Portland, OR –Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Congressman David Wu announced that the Vernonia School District will receive $11.2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The new grant comes in addition to the $150,000 in funding that the school district received through Congressional appropriations in fiscal
EPA Heeds Merkley’s Call to Clear the Path for Oregon Biomass Energy Industry
Portland, OR – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) responded today to a request from Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley to clear the way for the production of biomass energy in Oregon and other states by announcing that EPA will exempt carbon emissions from biomass facilities from Clean Air Act regulation for
Merkley, Wyden Announce Approximately $44 Million in Emergency Heating Assistance for Oregon Families
PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that that the State of Oregon will receive approximately $44 million to help families who are unable to pay their heating bills during the winter. The funding amount is an estimate from the U.S. Department of Health and
Merkley Statement on the Shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement today on the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and several other victims: “Today is a very sad day for our nation. Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, members of her staff and innocent bystanders were shot today in a despicable
Udall, Harkin, Merkley: Rules Reform Package Gaining Support Among Senators
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Udall (NM), Tom Harkin (IA) and Jeff Merkley (OR) announced today that 26 senators have signed on in support of their resolution to increase transparency, restore accountability and foster debate in the Senate by reforming its rules. In addition to Udall, Harkin and Merkley, the
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