U.S. Senator from Oregon · Class II
Jeff Merkley
Position · −0.45
- In office
- Senate 2009–now
17 years in CongressMore senior than 66% of the Senate - Breaks on
- Energy & environment 4%
- International Affairs 3%
- Committees
- Printing
- Appropriations
- Environment and Public Works
- Bills on
- Health
- International Affairs
- Environmental Protection
- Age
- 69
2026 election
On the November ballot
General election Nov 3, 2026
Facing
- RDavid Brock Smith$121K
Bottom line
Where Merkley has influence
Roles
- Ranking Member · Budget
- Ranking Member · Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (Appropriations)
- Ranking Member · Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight (Environment and Public Works)
- Printing · 2nd in seniority on the minority side
- Appropriations · 5th in seniority on the minority side
- Environment and Public Works · 3rd in seniority on the minority side
- Foreign Relations · 5th in seniority on the minority side
- Rules and Administration · 5th in seniority on the minority side
Bills on the move
- S. 5602 A bill to prohibit the use of Federal funds for the planning and construction of any structure or monument at Memorial Circle at Columbia Island/ Lady Bird Johnson Park in the District of Columbia. · Out of committee
- S. 5603 A bill to prohibit the demolition of Presidential memorials. · Out of committee
- S. 1874 Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2026 · Out of committee
- S. 4259 Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 · Out of committee
Talks most about
Stories in Merkley’s press releases with their latest stance, last three months. Read by AI.
Where Merkley breaks with Democrats
MethodShare of party-line votes on each issue where Merkley voted against most Democrats. The tick is the median for Senate Democrats.
- Energy & environment 4% · 1 of 26 party 4%
- International Affairs 3% · 1 of 31 party 3%
- Armed Forces & National Security 2% · 1 of 42 party 2%
Every issue Pro See all 4 issues where Merkley has broken with Democrats, and filter the voting record to those votes.
Try ProNotable votes
Full record (Pro)Where Merkley broke with their party, close outcomes and final passage votes on named bills, newest first.
| Date | Title | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 28, 2026 | Protect College Sports Act of 2026On Passage of the Bill · This bill establishes requirements for name, image, or likeness (NIL) agreements for college student athletes and provides a limited…Broke w/ party | Nay |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Protect College Sports Act of 2026On the Cloture Motion · This bill establishes requirements for name, image, or likeness (NIL) agreements for college student athletes and provides a limited…Broke w/ party | Nay |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Protect College Sports Act of 2026On the Amendment · This bill establishes requirements for name, image, or likeness (NIL) agreements for college student athletes and provides a limited…Broke w/ party | Nay |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Protect College Sports Act of 2026On the Cloture Motion · This bill establishes requirements for name, image, or likeness (NIL) agreements for college student athletes and provides a limited…Broke w/ party | Nay |
| Sep 17, 2026 | Protect College Sports Act of 2026On the Motion to Proceed · This bill establishes requirements for name, image, or likeness (NIL) agreements for college student athletes and provides a limited…Broke w/ party | Nay |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Protect College Sports Act of 2026On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed · This bill establishes requirements for name, image, or likeness (NIL) agreements for college student athletes and provides a limited…Broke w/ party | Nay |
| Aug 8, 2026 | Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027On the Motion to Table · This bill provides continuing FY2027 appropriations for federal agencies and extends various expiring programs and authorities.Broke w/ party | Nay |
| Aug 7, 2026 | Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026On the Amendment · This bill imposes a variety of sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions related to Russia, extends an Iran-related sanctions law, and expands a…Broke w/ party | Nay |
Yea ■ filled · Nay □ open · Not voting – dash. Party split bars: Democrats left, Republicans right; dark = yea, light = nay.
What Merkley is saying
All 86 statements and posts-
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.”
-
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
-
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”
-
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
-
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
-
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.”
◇ statements (press releases) · ○ posts. When a statement names a bill Merkley voted on, the vote is shown next to it.
Effectiveness, 119th Congress so far
How it’s measuredMeets expectations
Rank 25 of 100 in the Senate · expected = average of 18 minority-party ranking members
How far Merkley’s own bills got, weighted by substance. The average member scores 1.00.
- Introduced 113
- Action in committee 15
- Action beyond committee 10
- Passed chamber 2
- Became law 0
113 bills and joint resolutions sponsored: 2 significant (got a roll call vote), 111 substantive, 0 commemorative. Compare the Senate
Bills, 119th Congress
All 137 sponsored billsSponsored 137 (Senate median 61) · cosponsored 717 (median 308), 430 of them as an original cosponsor · most often on Health, International Affairs, Environmental Protection.
- S. 5673 A bill to restrict car manufacturers and other companies from selling consumer car-related data, to increase transparency regarding data practices, and for other purposes.Introduced Sep 30, 2026 In committee
- S. 5670 A bill to ensure the prudent obligation of budget authority, and for other purposes.Introduced Sep 30, 2026 In committee
- S. 5624 A bill to provide a lump sum death gratuity payment for Federal wildland firefighters killed as a result of duty, and for other purposes.Introduced Sep 30, 2026 In committee
- S. 5606 A bill to authorize the adjustment to lawful permanent resident status for certain permanent residents of Hong Kong who were granted Deferred Enforced Departure.Introduced Sep 30, 2026 In committee
- S. 5603 A bill to prohibit the demolition of Presidential memorials.Prohibits the demolition of Presidential memorials. AI-readIntroduced Sep 29, 2026 Out of committee
- S. 5602 A bill to prohibit the use of Federal funds for the planning and construction of any structure or monument at Memorial Circle at Columbia Island/ Lady Bird Johnson Park in the District of Columbia.Prohibits federal funding for structures or monuments at Memorial Circle in Lady Bird Johnson Park. AI-readIntroduced Sep 29, 2026 Out of committee
- S. 5592 A bill to establish a loan program for first-time homebuyers, and for other purposes.Introduced Sep 29, 2026 In committee
- S. 5575 A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for gratuities given to State and local public officials.Introduced Sep 29, 2026 In committee
Votes by issue
How votes are tagged| Issue | Votes | Yea share |
|---|---|---|
| Nominations | 223 | 1% |
| Economics and Public Finance | 207 | 65% |
| Other | 115 | 0% |
| Armed Forces & National Security | 51 | 18% |
| Immigration | 37 | 70% |
| International Affairs | 36 | 89% |
| Energy & environment | 26 | 4% |
| Congress | 19 | 11% |
| Finance and Financial Sector | 19 | 21% |
| Environmental Protection | 18 | 33% |
Show all 32 issues
| Issue | Votes | Yea share |
|---|---|---|
| Public Lands and Natural Resources | 15 | 0% |
| Taxes, finance & economy | 14 | 0% |
| Government Operations and Politics | 13 | 23% |
| Energy | 12 | 0% |
| Sports and Recreation | 12 | 33% |
| Transportation and Public Works | 12 | 58% |
| Foreign affairs & trade | 10 | 0% |
| Health care | 10 | 0% |
| Housing and Community Development | 9 | 100% |
| Transportation & infrastructure | 8 | 13% |
| Taxation | 7 | 43% |
| Budget & appropriations | 7 | 0% |
| Foreign Trade and International Finance | 6 | 83% |
| Crime and Law Enforcement | 4 | 0% |
| Health | 4 | 75% |
| Education & families | 3 | 0% |
| Education | 2 | 50% |
| Emergency Management | 2 | 100% |
| Science, Technology, Communications | 2 | 0% |
| Immigration & border | 2 | 0% |
| Crime & justice | 2 | 0% |
| Families | 1 | 100% |
How often Merkley voted with Democrats on each issue is part of Pro.
Who votes alike
MethodAgreement on contested votes where both cast yea or nay.
Most aligned
- DChris Van HollenMD Senate99%agreement
- DChristopher MurphyCT Senate99%agreement
- DEdward J. MarkeyMA Senate99%agreement
Full voting network Pro See all twelve closest allies, the members Merkley most often votes against, and the closest allies in the other party.
Try ProCampaign money
MethodIn the 2025–26 cycle Merkley’s campaign raised $4.5M: $3.5M (78%) from individuals and $478K (11%) from PACs and other committees. Cash on hand: $6.8M.
Through Jun 30, 2026; filings lag, so recent gifts can take weeks to appear. Money raised also counts loans and transfers, so the shares need not add to 100%. Source: FEC.gov.
Last cycle, party money, self-funding and debts are part of Pro. See Pro
Who funds Merkley
The largest PACs and other committees giving directly to the campaign this cycle, of 89.
- A New Direction PAC Member’s leadership PAC
- Advancing Democracy and Mobilization PAC Member’s leadership PAC
- Alsobrooks Victory Fund Independent PAC
See how much each organization gave Merkley this cycle and last, the mix of corporate, labor, trade and other PACs, and who else each one funds.
Start with a free account Log inMerkley’s own leadership PAC: Blue Senate PAC, Blue Wave Project, Climate Champions PAC. A separate PAC a member sponsors to give to other candidates.
Record over time
Historical record Pro Compare Merkley’s measures across every Congress on file.
Try ProRésumé and contact
Career in Congress
- U.S. Senate, OregonDemocrat2009–present
Seat
- State
- Oregon
- Seat
- Class 2, junior senator
- Current term
- 2021–2027
- Age
- 69
Committees and roles
- Printing
- Appropriations
- Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
- Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Ranking Member
- Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies
- Energy and Water Development
- State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
- Environment and Public Works
- Foreign Relations
- Rules and Administration
- Budget Ranking Member
Contact
- DC office
- 202-224-3753
531 Hart Senate Office Building - District offices
- Baker City, Bend, Eugene, Medford, Portland, Salem
- Website
- merkley.senate.gov
- jeffmerkley
- senjeffmerkley
- YouTube
- SenatorJeffMerkley
Elsewhere
Wikipedia · Ballotpedia · GovTrack · Congress.gov · OpenSecrets
Oathstar ID osp_3gn8p8mh70
