Press Releases

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

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: Clean Water Bill to Restore Common Sense Approach to Waterway Protection

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined his colleagues on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in approving legislation to protect American waterways and restore the principles of the original Clean Water Act of 1972.  Senator Merkley was an original cosponsor of the Clean Water Restoration Act and

Merkley to Hold Metro Area and Willamette Valley Town Halls

Portland – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley will hold town halls in Multnomah, Clackamas, Polk, Linn and Marion counties in late June. He will update constituents on his work in Washington, DC and answer their questions about the challenges facing Oregon and America. “Advocating for Oregonians is my number one responsibility,”

Wyden, Merkley Tout Newport as New Home for NOAA Fleet

PORTLAND –Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have urged the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration to select Newport as the future home for NOAA’s Pacific fleet. In a letter sent earlier this month to Rear Admiral Jonathan W. Bailey, Director of NOAA’s Office of Marine & Aviation Operations and

Merkley Applauds Recovery Money For Head Start Programs

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded the nearly $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds heading to Head Start programs throughout Oregon. The funds will help programs in a variety of ways including retaining and recruiting teachers, enhancing facilities and hiring support staff. “The foundation for

Merkley: Chrysler to Buy Back Cars From Dealers Forced to Close

Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that Chrysler has revised its strategy for compensating dealers that are losing their franchises.  Last week, Merkley sent a letter to Chrysler and GM taking issue with the lack of assistance.  In the letter to Fritz Henderson, CEO of General Motors,

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