Statements and posts
55 press releases and posts, newest first.
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Pressed FAA for answers on pause of UAS testing operations at three Oregon sites.
“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 bill to extend Secure Rural Schools funding for three years.
“A three-year extension of the program and these common-sense updates are critical to ensuring the federal government upholds its promise to our communities and that local governments can reliably access these important resources.”
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Celebrated Senate's unanimous approval of Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act.
“The Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act is the direct result of years of bipartisan work.”
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Led senators demanding Trump administration abandon plan to strip tax credits from 700,000 immigrants.
“According to your own estimates, the proposed rule change could affect up to 700,000 taxpayers.”
ImmigrationAI-read
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Wyden, Merkley, Bynum Announce $100,000 for Central Oregon Wildfire Recovery
Announced $100,000 in federal funding for Central Oregon wildfire recovery efforts.
“As wildfires in central Oregon and statewide set new records every year in size and intensity, the rural communities on the front lines of these fights are the most in need of resources for recovery efforts.”
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Demanded Trump administration end expedited immigration hearings lacking due process protections.
“This unwarranted blitzkrieg of assaults on justice and fair treatment raises serious constitutional concerns and is unworthy of the oaths you swore to uphold.”
ImmigrationAI-read
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Wyden Introduces Bill to Ban Data Centers on Public Lands
Introduced bill to ban development of data centers on federally-owned public lands.
“Public lands belong to the taxpayers, not corporations, and especially not Donald Trump.”
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Senate Republicans Block Wyden Bill to Ban Data Centers on Public Lands
Sought to pass bill banning data center development on public lands; blocked by Senate Republicans.
“Donald Trump and his allies have taken every opportunity to chip away at what belongs to the American people. All in an effort to boost profits for corporations and secure bigger campaign support for themselves.”
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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.
“Benjamin Netanyahu’s disgraceful policy of expanding West Bank settlements crosses a clear red line and makes Palestinian statehood and lasting peace even more difficult.”
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Secured $14.6 million in federal funding for tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Oregon.
“Ensuring that Oregon’s coastal communities have access to health care in the wake of natural disasters is absolutely essential.”
Emergency ManagementAI-read
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Warned that an all-Republican FCC could violate federal law and sought legal opinion.
“The U.S. communications sector represents hundreds of billions of dollars in economic valuation, and relies on the legal validity of these FCC actions.”
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Supported Oregon governor's request for federal assistance for East Evans Creek Fire.
“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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Merkley, Wyden, Kotek Announce $7.45 Million for Affordable Housing Support in Oregon
Announced $7.45 million in federal funding for affordable housing support for people with disabilities in Oregon.
“Housing is a human right, and it’s crucial that federal investments support that statement with action in Oregon and nationwide.”
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Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Release Energy Bill Assistance for Low-Income Americans
Urged HHS to release all available LIHEAP funds before November deadline.
“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…”
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Wyden, Merkley Demand Investigation into Trump Administration Voter Data Misconduct
The senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations and potential impacts on eligible voters and other lawfully present noncitizens, such as directing USCIS personnel to make false certifications to access sensitive voter information,…
“The DHS Office of Inspector General’s mission is ‘[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS,’”
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Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and former Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee,…
“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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U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said today they are pressing Flock for information regarding allegations of abuse of its surveillance platforms and whether its existing protocols are failing to protect Americans’…
“Despite a professed public commitment to responsible governance, Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans’ civil liberties.”
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Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Dexter Announce $12 Million to Oregon for Habitat Restoration Projects
Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) today to announce $12 million in federal funds for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects through…
“Salmon and steelhead are a huge part of what makes Oregon recreation and our state’s natural wonders renowned around the world.”
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Projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties to benefit.
“Every Oregonian deserves access to clean, reliable drinking water and an affordable place to call home.”
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Resolution comes amid efforts by Donald Trump and Republicans to upend vote-by-mail and make voting harder for Americans Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-Texas, announced today they…
“Trump is doing everything he can to disenfranchise American voters in this year’s midterms because he’s afraid his platform of jacking up costs is about to lose Republicans the midterms.”
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Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Agricultural Water Access Amid Worsening Drought in Oregon
Legislation would help upgrade outdated water infrastructure systems to support agriculture Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced legislation that would help improve water resilience in communities…
“Water scarcity in the West isn’t a question of if, it’s when.”
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Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03), announced that the Port of Portland has been awarded $7,657,874 in federal funding for Hillsboro Airport…
“These two metro-area airports play an essential role in building an even stronger quality of life for Oregonians and for economic development statewide.”
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Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting
261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined a…
“Donald Trump is plotting in plain sight to rig the upcoming election by weaponizing the Postal Service to undermine vote-by-mail in Oregon and nationwide.”
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Wyden Requests AI Camera Firm Explain Use of Portland Footage In Promotional Video
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked Portland technology firm Sightline Intelligence to answer questions raised by Oregonians about how it trains AI software it produces for use in high-resolution cameras, in a letter sent this week.
“Companies like yours are producing cutting-edge technologies to advance America’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry and supply chain, which help the United States reduce its reliance on foreign sources for UAV technologies utilized in search-and-rescue missions and military operations.”
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Wyden Presses Trump Administration on Lack of Firefighting Resources During the 2026 Wildfire Season
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he and four other senators are calling out the Trump administration’s failures to prepare and adequately respond to the ongoing 2026 fire season throughout the West.
“[...] Record-breaking high temperatures and historic drought have led to catastrophic fires across the West, destroying thousands of homes, wreaking havoc on the economies of rural communities, stressing the budgets of local governments, and leading to the loss of four wildland firefighters and two pilots.”
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Bipartisan Members of Congress Warn the Secret Order Threatens UK-US Relationship; Weakening Encryption Puts Americans’ Safety and US National Security at Risk WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Warren Davidson,…
“The U.K. government’s unprecedented demands for secrecy in this matter undermine democratic governance in both the United States and the U.K., and needlessly strain the relationship between our two nations.”
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Bipartisan Members of Congress Urge Secretary Lutnick to Take Action Against Three Indian Companies Linked to Hacks of Thousands of Americans and U.S. Companies; Hacking Companies Silenced U.S. Journalists, News Outlets and Technology…
“Several India-based cyber-mercenary groups have spent more than fifteen years conducting targeted espionage against U.S. citizens, businesses and the lawyers representing them.”
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Merkley, Wyden Tout Nearly $10 Million For Oregon Tribes’ Affordable Housing Efforts
Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding a combined nearly $9,917,680 to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Warm Springs…
“Housing is a basic human right, and Tribal communities across Oregon urgently need safe, affordable places for families to live and grow.”
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Joint Investigation Reveals New Details About US Military Policies Intended to Stop Sales of Troop Data; Raises Questions About How Adversaries are Obtaining Location Data of American Personnel in Combat Zones WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S.…
“We commend these service branches for implementing this cybersecurity defensive best practice on government devices.”
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U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal loan of $650,000 for the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA) to build a new rental shop to support ski programs and the local economy.
“Anthony Lakes is a crown jewel of Eastern Oregon drawing skiers, snowshoers, and outdoor enthusiasts whose visits directly fuel the local economy in Baker and Union counties.”
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Wyden Calls on NSA to Update Federal Cybersecurity Guidance for VPNs
Following a CRS memo, Wyden presses the NSA for answers on protecting Americans’ communications from foreign surveillance Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today urged General Joshua M. Rudd, the Director of the National…
“Americans facing advanced foreign threats—including government personnel, defense contractors, journalists, and human rights defenders—deserve clear, honest advice about how best to protect their communications from surveillance by foreign adversaries.”
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Surveillance Ad Tracking Tools Collect Users’ Sensitive Information by Default, Big Tech Tracking Tools Won’t to Follow Universal Opt-Out required by Oregon California and Colorado WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., urged…
“By making privacy-invasive tracking that is banned in several states the default, your platforms shift the entire burden of legal compliance onto small businesses, non-profits, and local organizations that lack the specialized legal teams or engineering resources to recognize their legal peril.”
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Private companies and other entities often receive subpoenas from federal law enforcement containing vague, boilerplate nondisclosure provisions that can carry threats of legal consequences for noncompliance Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator…
“While these secrecy demands carry no force of law, their coercive effect is extremely successful.”
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Amid record wildfire season in Western U.S., top Trump official at USDA diverted scarce firefighting resources to a 7 acre fire near his private ranch in Idaho Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Ranking Member of the Senate…
“Mr. Boren’s actions constitute potentially a misuse of taxpayer funds and put American families at further risk by diverting scarce resources from high-priority wildfires threatening communities elsewhere in the region and country.”
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Wyden, Merkley Urge Netanyahu to Immediately Halt Settler Violence in West Bank
Oregon Senators call for those responsible for violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, to be held accountable Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with 45 of their Senate colleagues,…
“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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U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues to demand the Department of Education disburse funds that were abruptly and unlawfully canceled for School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service…
“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…”
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Federal award to Portland State University will help turn academic research into commercial products, startups, and community solutions.
“Oregon’s public universities produce top-tier scientific breakthroughs, and lab discoveries shouldn't sit on a shelf when they could be creating good-paying jobs and growing our local economy.”
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Wyden, Brown Seek GAO Investigation Into DOT Failure to Protect Airline Passenger Data
Following Major Privacy Incidents Affecting Hundreds of Millions of Air Travelers, Lawmakers Demand Answers on DOT Backtracking on Pledge to Act To Enforce Passenger Data Privacy and Security Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden,…
“DOT’s abdication of its role as a privacy regulator has left the sensitive personal information of hundreds of millions of Americans exposed to corporate exploitation, warrantless government surveillance, and warrantless seizure of money and other property.”
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U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle and Maxine Dexter, today opposed the recent rescission of two key Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas rules on leasing and waste…
“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.”
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Wyden, Cornyn, Welch, Harrigan, Jacobs and McCaul Urge Secretary Lutnick to Implement Rules Passed by Congress in 2022 to Stop American Companies and Citizens from Supporting Intelligence Agencies in Foreign Countries of Concern Washington,…
“Implementing these crucial enhancements to fully close this loophole is vital to preventing foreign adversaries from leveraging American tools and expertise against the U.S. government, our citizens and strategic interests.”