Statements and posts
86 press releases and posts, newest first.
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Led bipartisan group of senators pressing Trump administration to declassify side letters of U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal.
“Transparency and open debate are cornerstones of our democracy. Congress and the American public must have a meaningful opportunity to review and debate the key components of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal before it potentially enters into force. To that end, we call on you to declassify and release the two side letters…”
International AffairsAI-read
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Introduced bipartisan resolution recognizing National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day.
“Every parent who experiences a stillbirth deserves support and clear action. Stillbirth remains a heartbreaking and preventable public health crisis, with Black, Native, and Hispanic families facing disproportionately high rates of loss.”
Cancer AwarenessAI-read
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Curtis, Merkley Wildfire Emissions Prevention Bill Unanimously Passes Committee
Senate committee unanimously passed bipartisan wildfire emissions prevention bill.
“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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Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Agricultural Water Access Amid Worsening Drought in Oregon
Introduced bill to upgrade water infrastructure for agricultural resilience amid drought.
“As climate chaos fuels hotter and drier summers, we must ensure that we have reliable, resilient water infrastructure that every farmer, Tribe, and community in our state can count on.”
Water InfrastructureAI-read
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Released CBO report showing Trump's Iran war cost DoD nearly $40 billion.
“After months of the Trump Administration hiding the true cost of his illegal war of choice with Iran, the American people are finally getting independent and objective answers on the cost of the conflict.”
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Announced $7.7 million in federal funding for Portland-area airport infrastructure.
“Portland’s airports connect our communities, businesses, and travelers to the rest of the world.”
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Merkley, Williams, Booker Lead Push to Close Constitutional Loophole Allowing for Slavery
Reintroduced constitutional amendment to eliminate slavery exception in 13th Amendment.
“For over 160 years, the 13th Amendment has sought to ensure our democratic republic lives up to the principles of equality and justice that America was founded on, but our work still remains to fully confront the horrific legacies of slavery and white supremacy.”
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Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting
Urged Supreme Court to block Trump administration postal service rule limiting mail-in voting.
“Millions of Americans cast their ballots with vote-by-mail, and Donald Trump is trying to make it harder for folks to vote just weeks before an election.”
Voting AccessAI-read
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Merkley Statement on 25th Anniversary of September 11 Terrorist Attacks
Remembered victims and first responders on the 25th anniversary of September 11 attacks.
“On this anniversary, we hold those memories close and renew our commitment to one another. The spirit of service, community, and common purpose we witnessed that day and the days that followed remains a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together. May we continue striving to build a country worthy…”
September 11 CommemorationAI-read
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Merkley, Wyden Tout Nearly $10 Million For Oregon Tribes’ Affordable Housing Efforts
Announced nearly $10 million in HUD funding for Oregon tribal affordable housing.
“It’s critical that Tribal families have affordable, safe places to live that will foster community and connect them to their land.”
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Merkley Statement on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III
Praised Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III's leadership and legacy.
“Lonnie’s legacy will be standing up for the Smithsonian’s independence and dedication to telling the whole American story. I congratulate Lonnie on an incredible career – including nearly 40 years at the Smithsonian – and thank him for his leadership and wisdom in telling the complete American story.”
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“America in Jeopardy” Puts Spotlight on Trump’s Corruption, Chaos, and Costs to American Families
Criticized Trump administration corruption and its costs to American families.
“Donald Trump has turned the White House into a cesspool of corruption. ‘America in Jeopardy’ names just a handful of ways that American families are paying the price while Donald Trump pads his own pockets.”
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Announced $650,000 federal loan for Anthony Lakes ski area rental shop and safety improvements.
“Anthony Lakes is a treasured part of Eastern Oregon, bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors and supporting the small businesses in surrounding rural communities.”
Sports and RecreationAI-read
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Questioned Education Secretary on lack of transparency in $1 billion student loan administration fund spending.
“(T)he agency has displayed a worrying lack of public transparency about what this vast sum of money has been spent on or will be spent on in the future.”
Government SpendingAI-read
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Requested Homeland Security briefing on Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act implementation and trade law enforcement.
“Congress enacted these laws to ensure that illegally traded goods, particularly those made with forced labor, do not enter U.S. commerce and do not make American consumers complicit in atrocities, including genocide, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).”
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Merkley Bringing ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meetings’ to Portland, Springfield, Medford
Announced town hall meetings to discuss government corruption and restoration of democratic governance.
“Our democratic republic works best when elected officials work for the public good, not the elected official’s personal profit.”
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Merkley’s Response to Trump’s Submission of U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal to Congress
Criticized Trump's U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal as weakening nonproliferation safeguards and triggering Middle East arms race.
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Wyden, Merkley Urge Netanyahu to Immediately Halt Settler Violence in West Bank
Urged Netanyahu to halt settler violence in West Bank and investigate deaths of American citizens.
“Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that…”
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Demanded Trump administration reverse cuts to school-based mental health services funding.
“We insist that the Department honor the statutory funding directives enacted by Congress, resolve the administrative barriers affecting the pipeline of mental health professionals in our nation’s schools, and ensure that students have access to these crucial services. To cut, delay, and otherwise obstruct these grants…”
HealthAI-read
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Investigated federal student loan servicer MOHELA for sending false delinquency notices to borrowers.
“It is currently unclear how many borrowers received these false notices, whether any borrowers paid the incorrect amounts, and to what extent the issue has been fixed”
Fraud EnforcementAI-read
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Announced $5.9 million federal investment to Portland State University for startup commercialization.
“Institutions of higher education like PSU are at the forefront of Oregon’s innovation—supporting and growing small businesses across our state.”
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Opposed Bureau of Land Management rescission of oil and gas leasing and waste prevention rules.
“We strongly urge BLM to reject this proposed rescission and maintain the 2024 Waste Prevention rule. The oil and gas resources on these lands belong to the American public and Tribal nations, and they deserve to benefit from the full value and benefits of responsible resource stewardship.”
Oil and Gas RegulationAI-read
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Merkley Joins Effort to Help State, Local, Tribal Agencies Monitor Air Pollution from Wildfires
Introduced legislation to help agencies monitor air pollution from wildfires.
“When the 2020 Labor Day fires swept across Oregon, I drove over 600 miles and never once escaped the smoke that blanketed our state. Oregonians are facing yet another deadly fire season this year, and it is essential that our communities have all the necessary tools to respond to wildfires and smoke-related threats.”
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179 Members of Congress Urge Supreme Court to Protect Preschoolers from Discrimination
Led 179 members of Congress filing amicus brief opposing religious exemption from preschool nondiscrimination policy.
“Discrimination against preschoolers and parents who are part of the LGBTQ+ community has no place in America.”
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Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bicameral Bill to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors from Gun Violence
Introduced bill to prohibit domestic violence abusers from obtaining firearms.
“Common-sense measures to ensure abusers and violent offenders are barred from accessing firearms are the least we can do to protect the safety of both domestic abuse survivors and our broader communities.”
Crime and Law EnforcementAI-read
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Merkley, Senators Call on Watchdog to Probe Tax Subsidies for LNG Exporters
Called for investigation into IRS tax breaks for LNG exporters.
“We would further urge the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate the extent to which Secretary Bessent was involved in any decision to make LNG tankers eligible for the AFET, who Secretary Bessent may have discussed this issue with at the IRS, whether Secretary Bessent communicated with any…”
EnergyAI-read
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Wyden, Merkley Demand Federal Agencies Stop Sharing Medicaid Data With ICE
Demanded HHS, DHS and CMS stop unlawfully sharing Medicaid data with ICE for deportation campaigns.
“Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the personal health information of the tens of millions of people who rely on Medicaid is protected and that HHS and CMS comply with federal court orders,.”
Privacy and SurveillanceAI-read
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Merkley, Wyden Secure Federal Funding to Expand Pollinator Habitat Along Oregon Highways
Secured $150,000 in federal funding to expand pollinator habitat along Oregon highways.
“Pollinators need healthy habitats to survive and benefit Oregon’s farms, forests, and natural landscapes.”
Environmental ProtectionAI-read
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Demanded answers after unqualified organization received $244 million no-bid contract for migrant children legal services.
“This award is concerning given the incredible lack of details provided in the award notice, the nonexistence of legal services provided by your organization, the Trump Administration’s continued use of no-bid awards…and the Trump Administration’s staggering disregard for the welfare of children in immigration…”
Immigration EnforcementAI-read
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Announced $15.1 million in federal grants for Oregon wood products industry and rural economies.
“Oregon has the best wood products in the world, and federal support helps keep our state at the forefront of timber innovation while uplifting our rural communities.”
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Pressed Forest Service on proposed closures of 57 research and development facilities.
“Since announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility.”
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Called for audit of White House ballroom project's funding and authorization.
Protecting Presidential Memorials ActGovernment SpendingAI-read
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Merkley, Matsui, Kiggans Champion Bipartisan Legislation to Keep America’s Nurses and Patients Safe
Reintroduced bipartisan Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act.
“We know that when truck drivers or pilots are pushed past the point of exhaustion, lives are put at risk. The same is true for nurses, and they should not be forced to work to the point that patient safety is jeopardized.”
HealthAI-read
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Merkley, Risch Lead Bipartisan Push to Strengthen the United States’ Commitment to Tibet
Led bipartisan introduction of bill to strengthen U.S. commitment to Tibet and Central Tibetan Administration.
“Human rights and basic dignity for the people of Tibet cannot be ignored. Our bipartisan bill sends a clear message that the United States will stand with Tibet in its fight for these fundamental freedoms and the promise of tomorrow.”
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Merkley, Morelle Champion Bill to Expand Summer Learning Opportunities and Meal Access for Kids
Reintroduced bill to expand summer learning and meal access for low-income students.
“Far too many children lose access to both nutritious meals and valuable learning opportunities when school lets out for the summer.”
EducationAI-read
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Merkley Statement on Russia Sanctions to Bolster Ukraine’s Fight for Democracy
Praised Senate passage of bipartisan legislation to impose sanctions on Russia and cut off funding for its war in Ukraine.
“Ultimately, the overriding consideration in this debate is standing with Ukraine and diminishing Russia’s ability to prosecute its war with every tool at our disposal.”
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Introduced bipartisan legislation to impose ethics requirements on U.S. officials negotiating with foreign governments.
“There should be no question that officials representing the United States overseas are serving our national interests, not lining their own pockets.”
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Merkley, Correa Launch New Effort to Fix Misleading Recycling Labels
Introduced bipartisan legislation to establish federal guidelines for accurate recycling and compostability labeling on consumer products.
“Most of us have been taught the three Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle; but too often the reality with plastics is the three Bs—buried, burned, and borne out to sea.”
Environmental ProtectionAI-read
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New EPA rule would roll back federal protections for clean drinking water Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste…
“As far back as the 1950s, scientists observed that PFAS compounds could accumulate in human bloodstreams. It took decades of advocacy and heroic scientific research to reach the historic moment in 2024 when EPA finally promulgated the very first national drinking water standards for PFAS compounds. We cannot afford to…”
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Murkowski, Merkley Seek Information on Executive Order Targeting Smithsonian
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Interior Subcommittee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum requesting…
“For the past 180 years, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to sharing objective historical evidence through research and education, not political narratives.”