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 Passing of Ben Westlund
Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the passing of Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund: I first met Ben in 1997 before I was elected to serve in the Oregon legislature. I was enormously impressed by his earnestnes and command of the issues. That first impression never wavered
Merkley, Pryor Announce Energy-efficiency Renovations Program for Commercial Buildings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley and Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) introduced legislation Thursday to create jobs by promoting the installation of energy-efficient renovations in commercial and multi-family residential buildings. Merkley and Pryor were joined by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Ben Cardin
Merkley Joins Effort to Restore Forest Health and Create Jobs in Rural Oregon
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that he is co-sponsoring Senator Wyden’s Oregon Forest Restoration and Old Growth Protection Act of 2009. The legislation, forged by Senator Wyden, representatives from Oregon’s timber industry and conservation groups, will promote sustainable forest thinning practices in Central and Eastern Oregon
Senators Introduce Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A coalition of United States Senators today introduced legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and enhance our country’s military effectiveness. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 contains three main provisions: it will repeal the law that prevents gay Americans from openly serving in the military,
Merkley Statement on End to Republican Filibuster and Passage of Benefits for Unemployed Oregonians
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after an end to the Republican filibuster and the Senate passage of a 30-day extension of unemployment assistance to millions of Americans who have been hurt by the current recession. “Tonight, Senate Democrats broke the Republican filibuster that has
Merkley, Wyden Announce $8.3 million in Recovery Act Funds for Broadband Infrastructure
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded Oregon $8.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to bring broadband infrastructure to Lane, Douglas and Klamath counties and the Klamath Tribal region. The Broadband
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