Statements and posts
86 press releases and posts, newest first.
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Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Merkley Unveil Ban Flock Act to Protect Americans’ Right to Privacy
Introduced the Ban Flock Act to prohibit federal use of AI-powered surveillance cameras.
“Your right to privacy includes the freedom to move around your community without every move being monitored.”
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Merkley Relaunches Effort to Protect Driver’s Privacy
Reintroduced the Car Privacy Rights Act to protect consumers from vehicle data collection.
“Folks shouldn’t have to give up their privacy every time they get behind the wheel.”
Privacy and SurveillanceAI-read
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Sent letter to FAA requesting update on unmanned aircraft system testing site suspension.
“Our constituents have expressed concerns about how the ongoing pause affects the local economies across the state where UAS testing takes place, and they seek a timely resolution”
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Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Extend Secure Rural Schools Funding
Introduced bipartisan bill to extend Secure Rural Schools funding for three years.
“The SRS program provides crucial payments that are a lifeline for rural communities here in Oregon and across America—keeping schools open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and providing funding for police officers and firefighters to keep families safe.”
EducationAI-read
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Merkley Blasts Senate Republicans for Blocking His Bill to Ban Congressional Stock Trading
Criticized Senate Republicans for blocking bill to ban congressional stock trading.
“There should be no question about whether a lawmaker is voting on or writing legislation in the best interest of their constituents or the best interest of their investments. We need a real ban on Congressional stock trading, and I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to work with us on meaningful and…”
Congressional Stock TradingAI-read
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Wyden, Merkley, Bynum Announce $100,000 for Central Oregon Wildfire Recovery
Announced $100,000 in federal awards for Central Oregon wildfire recovery and displaced residents.
“When disaster strikes, Oregon’s communities show up to help each other. These federal funds will help NeighborImpact provide critical support to Warm Springs families recovering from the devastating July wildfires, including emergency shelter, relocation assistance, and essential household supplies.”
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Sent letter to Trump administration demanding end to expedited immigration hearings lacking due process.
“This unwarranted blitzkrieg of assaults on justice and fair treatment raises serious constitutional concerns and is unworthy of the oaths you swore to uphold.”
Immigration EnforcementAI-read
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Senate Unanimously Passes Merkley-Curtis Bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act
Senate unanimously passed bipartisan bill streamlining prescribed fire use to prevent wildfire emissions.
“As climate chaos fuels longer, hotter, and more dangerous wildfire seasons, our communities need to have all the necessary resources to mitigate wildfire threats. Prescribed fire and cultural burning on the landscape are one such tool by reducing hazardous fuels.”
Wildfire Emissions Prevention ActEnvironmental ProtectionAI-read
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Criticized Trump administration for illegally clawing back nearly $1 billion in congressionally authorized funds.
“GAO has previously concluded that the [Impoundment Control Act] does not permit the withholding of funds past their date of expiration. The plain language of the ICA provides that amounts proposed for rescission must be made available for obligation unless Congress completes action on a bill rescinding them. The…”
Government SpendingAI-read
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Supported amicus brief in federal court cases overturning EPA elimination of $7 billion Solar for All program.
“Solar for All is critical to connecting families in Oregon and across the nation with the affordable, renewable energy of the future.”
Solar Energy ExpansionAI-read
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Merkley Renews Push to Crack Down on State and Local Corruption
Reintroduced legislation to strengthen federal anti-corruption laws banning corrupt gratuities to state and local officials.
“Gratuities that change hands after the completion of an official action are bribes, plain and simple.”
Fraud EnforcementAI-read
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Merkley, Pingree Lead Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Demolition of the Kennedy Center
Introduced bipartisan bill to prohibit demolition of presidential memorials without congressional authorization.
“Trump’s threats to tear down the Kennedy Center—all because the law says he can’t put his name on the building—are straight out of the authoritarian playbook and should infuriate every American who values our history and the rule of law.”
Protecting Presidential Memorials ActGovernment Operations and PoliticsAI-read
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Merkley Applauds GAO for Reaffirming that Trump’s Pocket Rescissions Are Illegal
Criticized Trump's pocket rescissions as illegal withholding of congressionally appropriated funding.
“It is past time that my Republican colleagues speak up and tell the President that we will not stand for this basic disregard of Congress and the separation of powers. The law is not a suggestion, the Constitution is not optional, and the President is not a king.”
Government SpendingAI-read
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Wyden, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Impose Sanctions of Israeli Settlement Construction
Introduced legislation to impose sanctions on Israeli E1 settlement construction.
“In my visits to the West Bank, I’ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinians. The Netanyahu government, meanwhile, continues to rubberstamp this dangerous agenda, and these settlements in the West Bank are designed to destroy the…”
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Senate Blocks Merkley, Murkowski Bill to Prevent Trump Tearing Down Presidential Memorials
Blocked by Republicans on bipartisan bill preventing presidential memorial demolition.
“Trump’s threats are straight out of the authoritarian playbook and should infuriate every American who values our nation’s history and the rule of law. Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars putting Trump’s name on memorials and monuments as if he is a king, we should be focused on putting money back into the pockets of…”
Protecting Presidential Memorials ActGovernment Operations and PoliticsAI-read
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Merkley Slams Senate Republicans for Rubberstamping Trump Arch
Criticized Republicans for blocking bill preventing federal funding for Trump Arch.
“The Trump Arch is a monumentally bad idea, and it is abundantly clear there is no authorization from Congress for this massive arch. I’ll keep fighting back against Trump’s efforts to use our tax dollars to fund his arch and to instead invest in the four foundations that families need to thrive—health care, housing,…”
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Merkley, McBath, Brown Champion Legislation to Improve Educational Outcomes and Experiences
Introduced legislation to increase federal funding for schools to reduce class sizes.
“Every student deserves the chance to learn, participate, and get the individual attention they need to thrive.”
Teacher RecruitmentAI-read
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Secured $14.6 million in federal funding for tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Oregon.
“You can’t wait for a disaster to happen to start preparing, and this funding finally moving forward will be transformative for disaster resiliency along the North Coast. Thanks to the partnership of state and local leaders, we held the Trump Administration accountable to deliver on the promise of this common-sense…”
Disaster ResponseAI-read
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Reintroduced legislation to prohibit government use of facial recognition and biometric technology.
“Every American who values their right to privacy, stands against discrimination, and believes people are innocent until proven guilty should be concerned about facial recognition technology fueling a national surveillance state.”
Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium ActPrivacy and SurveillanceAI-read
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Sent letter demanding Trump administration abandon nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.
“President Trump launched an unconstitutional war against Iran claiming it was necessary to stop Tehran from enriching uranium. Yet, his Administration is now seeking to give Saudi Arabia access to the very technologies it says Iran must never possess. That hypocrisy undermines any chance of reaching a durable agreement…”
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Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Announce $1 Million for Lane County Emergency Communications Infrastructure
Announced $1 million in federal funding for Lane County emergency communications infrastructure.
“When an emergency strikes, first responders need to know they can reach each other and coordinate a response.”
Emergency ManagementAI-read
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Merkley Condemns More Pocket Rescissions by Trump Administration
Condemned Trump administration's illegal pocket rescissions clawing back nearly $1 billion in appropriated funding.
“It is time for my Republican colleagues to finally stand up to the Administration and reaffirm that what Congress passes—and the President signs—is the law of the land, and the funds cannot be clawed back without Congress’ approval. Enough of these Executive Branch power grabs. The law is not a suggestion, and the…”
Government SpendingAI-read
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Led 25 colleagues opposing Education Department changes allowing political appointees to cancel education grants.
“This proposed rule is unnecessarily broad and vague, would undermine the stability of educational programs, and does nothing to improve educational outcomes for students.”
EducationAI-read
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Urged FEMA to reconsider denial of fire assistance grant for East Evans Creek Fire in Oregon.
“This fire placed significant and sustained demands on local firefighting and emergency management resources, with personnel working for weeks on end to secure and protect property and human life. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1, State Fire Marshal Blue Team, local fire…”
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Criticized Senate Republicans for blocking bipartisan resolution condemning China's transnational repression.
“I’ll keep making the case to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we must oppose all acts of transnational repression—no matter the perpetrator.”
China Religious Persecution ConcernsInternational AffairsAI-read
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Merkley Proposes Housing Downpayment Savings Initiative
Introduced bill creating federal matching accounts to help first-time homebuyers save for down payments.
“Working families should be able to afford a decent home in a decent community.”
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Merkley, Wyden, Kotek Announce $7.45 Million for Affordable Housing Support in Oregon
Announced $7.45 million in federal funding for affordable housing for people with disabilities in Oregon.
“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and these funds will support public housing authorities across Oregon in better serving people with disabilities.”
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Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Release Energy Bill Assistance for Low-Income Americans
Urged HHS to release all LIHEAP funds for low-income heating assistance.
“As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that…”
LIHEAP Funding DistributionAI-read
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Urged Trump to raise Chinese political prisoners and transnational repression with Xi Jinping.
“Even a single mention of a detainee’s name by a senior U.S. official, let alone by yourself, can significantly increase that individual’s chances of clemency or improved treatment. We urge you to be their champion during President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit.”
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Wyden, Merkley Demand Investigation into Trump Administration Voter Data Misconduct
Demanded DHS Office of Inspector General investigate alleged illegal voter data access.
“The DHS Office of Inspector General’s mission is ‘[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS,’”
Election SecurityAI-read
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Joined bipartisan effort urging Interior Department to block Yosemite land transfer to Trump donor.
“At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans.”
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Merkley, Randall Lead Bicameral Resolution to Honor America’s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers
Introduced resolution recognizing September 20 as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day.
“America’s servicemembers and veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share a common commitment to serve our nation.”
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Led bipartisan letter urging USDA to support West Coast fishermen through Pacific whiting purchases.
“Over the last several years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has worked with the West Coast seafood industry to support domestic distribution of surplus product and ensure that our food supply chain and fisheries operations aren’t wholly disrupted by fluctuations or complete loss of markets abroad. We ask the…”
Agriculture and FoodAI-read
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Urged Trump administration not to deport asylum seekers facing persecution in China.
“Many people who have fled persecution in the PRC come to the United States with an expectation that they can find refuge.”
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Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Dexter Announce $12 Million to Oregon for Habitat Restoration Projects
Announced $12 million in federal funding for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects.
“Thanks to the Community-based Restoration Program, $12 million in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help protect and improve critical habitat for native Oregon fish, including the iconic coho salmon.”
Environmental ProtectionAI-read
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Merkley, Salinas, Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act
Introduced bill to transfer 18,626 acres of federal land to Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
“With the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act, we will enable the Grand Ronde to enhance their self-determination and ability to sustainably steward ancestral lands, while boosting economic opportunity across the region.”
Native AmericansAI-read
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Introduced bipartisan bill to establish respiratory protections and health monitoring for wildland firefighters.
“As climate chaos fuels an even more ferocious fire season, our wildland firefighters are on the front lines, battling deadly blazes to protect our communities.”
Labor and EmploymentAI-read
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Announced $9.1 million in federal awards and loans for water infrastructure and affordable housing in Oregon.
“This federal investment will help support both housing and water infrastructure – two critical needs that I’ve heard about time and time again from Oregon’s rural communities.”
Water InfrastructureAI-read
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Introduced bill to ban corporate practice of medicine and restrict private equity control of physician practices.
“Billionaire corporations are using sick patients to turn healthy profits, and Americans are fed up.”
Health Care CoverageAI-read
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Co-led bipartisan bill advancing through Senate Commerce Committee to enhance air traffic controller training and tools.
“Oregon’s small and regional airports are an important partner in keeping the flying public safe. Our simple bipartisan bill—which just cleared a key hurdle—will unlock resources for these airports to make critical safety upgrades if they need them, something we should all get behind.”