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: $50 Million for Foreclosure Assistance Will Help Unemployed Oregonians Stay in Their Homes
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that Oregon will receive nearly $50 million in additional funding to assist homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments due to the loss of a job. In recent days, Senator Merkley has spoken about foreclosure assistance with
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.
English 
Spanish