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 Statement on Inauguration of Barack Obama as America’s 44th President

Washington, DC – Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statements on today’s Inauguration of President Barack Obama.  A telephone-quality actuality of the statement is available. “As I traveled to the Capitol today, I could feel a growing sense of excitement all over this city.  At one point, Mary and

Merkley Statement on Conflict in Gaza

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the on-going conflict in Gaza: “As a stalwart advocate for Israel’s security, I understand Israel’s need to defend itself from terrorism.  No country in the world would tolerate attacks across its border, on its civilians, without responding.  “At the same time,

Merkley Statement on Troubled Asset Relief Program Vote

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate rejected a resolution disapproving of the release of $350 billion for the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP).  The vote clears the way for the funds to be released to the incoming Obama Administration. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley voted to release the TARP funds.  Merkley issued

Merkley Statement on Final Passage of Public Lands Bill

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today overwhelmingly approved legislation to expand protections for public lands in Oregon and other states.  Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley joined 72 of his colleagues in supporting the bill: “From Mt. Hood to Central Oregon to the Siskiyou National Forest, there are few regions of

Merkley Urges Use of Financial Service Funds to Help Troubled Homeowners

Washington, DC – As the incoming Administration seeks the release of $350 billion in funds designated to help financial service firms, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley is urging President-Elect Barack Obama to use half the funds to directly aid troubled homeowners. Last fall, Congress passed a $700 billion bailout of the

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