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
Senators Introduce Legislation To Expand Vote By Mail, Save Money and Increase Voter Participation
Washington, D.C. – Looking for ways to expand voter participation and reduce the growing cost of elections, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Thomas Carper (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced a package of bills today that would make it easier for
Merkley, Wyden Announce USDA Designation of Klamath County as Primary Natural Disaster Area
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Klamath County as a primary natural disaster area due to severe drought conditions affecting Oregon farmers and ranchers. The designation extends disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers in Deschutes, Douglas,
“Shepherds Flat Wind Farm Will Move Forward”
Washington, D.C. – A months-long stand-off came to a close today after the Deputy Secretary of Defense informed U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) that the Pentagon would no longer block construction of the Shepherds Flat Wind Farm in Oregon’s Gilliam
Merkley, Wyden Applaud Department of Interior’s Decision to Award $2 Million for Klamath Basin Drought Relief
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today applauded Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar’s decision to award an additional $2 million to the Klamath Water and Power Authority for water bank and land idling. Today’s decision comes as many farmers and ranchers are facing a
Wyden/Merkley: $5 Million Award Cements Oregon’s Role as Leader in Green Technology
Washington, D.C. – A White House announcement that a soon-to-be Oregon company will receive $5 million in Recovery Act money to develop batteries for hybrid and all-electric cars further establishes Oregon’s reputation as a center for green technology, Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today. “Oregon is already
Merkley: The Fight Continues to Bring Accountability to Wall Street
Washington DC – Today, a minority of Senators voted to block the Senate from beginning debate of the Wall Street reform bill. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement: “Today, Senators showed the American people where they stand. And, unfortunately, some Senators voted to stand alongside the executives and