{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"OR\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-supports-plan-protect-volunteer-firefighters-and-emergency", "Greg Walden supports plan to protect volunteer firefighters and emergency responders from health law mandate", "2013-12-26", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg Walden supports plan to protect volunteer firefighters and emergency responders from health law mandate  December 26, 2013  HOOD RIVER U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) announced today that he has signed on as a co-sponsor of a bill to exempt volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians from the employer mandate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act (H.R. 3685) was introduced in the U.S. House on December 10 with bipartisan support. Volunteer fire firefighters and emergency responders serve their communities every day to protect lives and property and keep their neighbors safe. Their units shouldn't be forced to choose between buying life-saving equipment and complying with IRS mandates under the new health care law. I'm co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to protect these volunteer units from Obamacare's mandate so they can focus on their mission: keeping Oregonians safe, Walden said. Hood River Fire Chief Devon Wellsapplauded Walden for his support. I believe it is critically important that emergency service agencies not be required to offer health insurance to their volunteer personnel. Most of those agencies do not have the financial resources to provide that type of benefit to their volunteers. Also, most volunteers have no expectation of receiving health insurance from their fire agency, Wells said. The financial impact this could have on volunteer agencies would be devastating, potentially reducing the number of volunteers and the level of service provided to the citizens they are sworn to protect. The bill that has been introduced to exempt volunteer emergency service workers from the ACA provides an opportunity for volunteer fire agencies to continue providing exceptional service without worrying about the loss of volunteers or financial difficulties. The IRSwhich is charged with enforcing many of the mandates contained in the new health care lawconsiders volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians working 30 hours per week as full time employees, forcing them to provide health insurance or pay a fine if they are large enough. These IRS regulations could have a big impact on fire departments in Oregon. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 90% of Oregon's 297 fire department are classified as all volunteer or mostly volunteer agencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-fdas-decision-revise-food-safety-rules-victory-common-sense", "Greg Walden: FDA's decision to revise food safety rules is \"a victory for common sense\"", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg Walden: FDA's decision to revise food safety rules is a victory for common sense  December 19, 2013 KLAMATH FALLS U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) reacted today to the FDA's announcement that they would revise draft rules on water quality that would affect Oregon fruit and vegetable growers. This decision by the FDA is a victory for common sense. I repeatedly encouraged the agency to listen to concerns from growers that the draft rules were unworkable and could drive many small farms out of business. I'm glad the agency has listened and agreed to revise these unworkable rules. We can make sure food is safe without putting Oregon farmers out of business. As this process moves forward, I'll continue to encourage the FDA to work with growers to get this right, Walden said. Many farmers have pointed out that the original rules lacked common sense and a crop-specific approach, resulting in many of the proposed provisions being unworkable for growers. In particular, Walden heard concerns from onion growers in Malheur County and pear and cherry growers in the Columbia Gorge. Many growers were worried that grouping over 200 crops together in one category fails to account for differing risk profiles and production practices, which has led to the proposed requirements that may be unworkable or unnecessary for particular crops. Walden and other members of Congress, including Reps. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), twice met with FDA Deputy Commissioner Mike Taylor to discuss growers' concerns with the draft rules. After the first meeting, FDA officials travelled to the Pacific Northwest to hear from farmers first-hand. In November, Walden met with researchers and onion growers at OSU's Malheur County Experiment Station to learn about their research into the scientific basis of the food safety rules the FDA is developing. For example, according to the research conducted at the station, dry bulb onions grown in eastern Oregon pose no risk of E. coli contamination. Walden presented that research to the FDA the following week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=2dd1dbdf-2f55-47c3-9a07-ec0e3b9c58d1", "Merkley: Yellen Right Person to Helm the Fed", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley: Yellen Right Person to Helm the Fed \n\t\n\t\n\tFriday, December 20, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the Senate invoked cloture on Janet Yellen\u2019s nomination as Chair of the Federal Reserve, clearing the way for confirmation in January.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cWith this vote, Janet Yellen is now poised to become the first woman ever to chair the Federal Reserve. She is brilliant, qualified, and has the right values for what is arguably the most important economic position in the country. I was proud to support her nomination, and I am thrilled she will serve our country in this important role. We in DC need to focus on creating jobs and putting our economy back on track for working families. Yellen understands how important a thriving middle class and healthy employment is to our economy, as well as the importance of a safe and sound financial system that has clear rules of the road and won\u2019t blow up due to risky bets. She is the right person to helm the Fed at this critical moment.\u201d\r\n \r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=ce265c27-e691-4148-af94-7b673243168d", "Merkley Introduces Legislation To Clarify Retroactivity Rules For Healthcare", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Introduces Legislation To Clarify Retroactivity Rules For Healthcare \n\t\n\t\n\tFriday, December 20, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley introduced legislation to ensure that Oregonians who try to sign up for health insurance through Cover Oregon can get coverage for the full month of January and any subsidy they are eligible for even if their information is not processed until later in the month.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cNo Oregonian should go without health coverage through no fault of their own,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cHealth care reform is delivering a number of benefits to our families, from financial assistance for middle class families, to eliminating copays on preventive care, to the end of discrimination based on preexisting conditions and gender. However, consumers need to be able to access coverage to get these benefits. Oregonians who have had difficulty accessing insurance through Cover Oregon should still be able to get January coverage so they can avoid a gap in coverage.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nThe bill would allow states to modify the deadline by which consumers need to sign up to qualify for January 1 coverage to any date through January 31, with retroactive coverage and subsidies for those who enroll in the new year. \u00a0It would also ensure coverage for any individual who tried to enroll in a state or federal health exchange before December 23 but did not complete the sign-up process or pay their January premium until after that date, so long as they are fully enrolled and paid up by January 31.\u00a0\r\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Mark Udall (D-CO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND).\r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=d5dfa079-9838-4e82-89dd-56c2285781d7", "Merkley Introduces Legislation to Pilot Innovative Strategy to Help Middle Class Families Pay For College", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Introduces Legislation to Pilot Innovative Strategy to Help Middle Class Families Pay For College \n\t\n\t\t Bill is modeled after Oregon\u2019s \u201cPay It Forward, Pay It Back\u201d Proposal \n\t\n\t\n\tFriday, December 20, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley introduced legislation that would create a new model for college financing to help middle class families pay for college. Merkley\u2019s plan is based on and complements Oregon\u2019s legislation that was passed during the 2013 legislative session and arose from a Portland State University student-led project.\r\nThe bill would fund state pilot programs that replace federal loans with a reduction or elimination of college costs in exchange for the student's commitment to pay a small percentage of their future income.\r\n \r\n\u201cOur economy depends on a strong and growing middle class, and more than ever the road to middle class success runs through college,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cWith students starting their working lives burdened by tens of thousands of dollars in debt, it's clear the old models aren't working anymore. We need bold new initiatives that put opportunity for middle class Oregonians at the heart of our economy.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nThe \u201cPay It Forward\u201d Guaranteed College Affordability Act of 2013 would allow some or all of students\u2019 upfront costs for a two- or four-year college to be covered by program funds. Then upon graduation, students contribute a percentage of adjusted gross income (AGI) for a fixed number of years back into the fund. Put simply, students would draw from program funds while they are in school, and pay into\u2014or pay it forward\u2014when they graduate.\r\n \r\nThe      bill would establish an alternative to undergraduate federal Direct Loans,      providing Federal funding to states that agree to pilot a Pay It Forward      model up to the current Stafford loan limits for each student that      participates.\r\nStates      would select schools to participate in the pilot.\u00a0 Students who      attend those schools could choose to enroll in the program.\u00a0\r\nRather      than forcing students to take on expensive debt obligations with      fluctuating interest rates adding an uncertain ability to repay, this      legislation would open up a new model to guarantee students\u2019 ability to      afford college repayment based on their income after graduation.\u00a0\r\n \r\nThe rising costs of college and lack of assistance have caused students to graduate with enormous debt loads, or in too many cases to drop out because they can\u2019t afford school. In Oregon, students taking out loans for their education face an average debt of $24, 370.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-senator-baucus-nomination-to-be-ambassador-to-china", "Wyden Statement on Senator Baucus’ Nomination to be Ambassador to China", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 20, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement regarding Senator Baucus\u2019 nomination to be Ambassador to China:  \u201cI want to congratulate my friend and colleague Max Baucus on the next step in his career in public service. Like his personal mentor Mike Mansfield, he has served Montana and the nation with great distinction for decades and has left his mark on the Senate and the Finance Committee. Our diplomatic relationships in East Asia are some of the most important of the 21st century. He will be an excellent representative of America\u2019s interests.  The Senate Finance Committee has many important responsibilities which include promoting job creation, ensuring competitiveness and stabilizing the nation\u2019s fiscal health. I also look forward to continuing my work on preserving the Medicare guarantee and protecting retirement security, updating the nation\u2019s tax system with a focus on growth, fairness and efficiency and ensuring that fiscal policy supports keeping jobs here in America.  At the same time, Energy and Natural Resources issues \u2013 from restoring forests and creating jobs in the woods, to streamlining and increasing incentives for lower-carbon energy \u2013 are crucial and I look forward to pressing forward on these issues.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-oregon-county-county-breakdown-shows-harm-not-extending-unemployment", "New Oregon County-By-County Breakdown Shows the Harm of Not Extending Unemployment Insurance", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thousands in Oregon set to lose coverage statewide\n\n\tWASHINGTON Today, Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) released a new county-by-county breakdown of the number of people in Oregon who would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance on Dec. 28 if Congress fails to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Republicans last week blocked an effort by House Democrats to extend the program into 2014.\n\n\tOverall, about 20,000 people in Oregon are set to lose their federal extended unemployment insurance coverage immediately on Dec. 28. While around 2,200 of these individuals are likely to be eligible for state benefits based on their work history, up to an additional 29,000 people in Oregon could lose their coverage in the first six months of 2014 if Republicans continue to block an extension of the program.\n\n\tThis is a gut punch to out-of-work Oregonians right in the middle of the holiday season, said Blumenauer. Families in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties in my district will be the first and third hardest hit, respectively, by this failure to extend unemployment insurance. It's shameful that House Republicans always seem to be able to find time to cut food aid for hungry families or extend giveaways to large agribusiness, but can't find time to help out families when they need it most.\n\n\t\"As the numbers show, this economic downturn has been especially cruel to many of our neighbors, said DeFazio. The bottom line: jobs are still scarce across the state. While we work on long-term plans to create good-paying jobs in the U.S., it is unacceptable for Republicans to turn their backs on our most vulnerable citizens, all while making sure corporate tax loopholes are left intact.\"\n\n\tIt is unconscionable that House leadership did not let us vote on legislation to extend unemployment benefits before adjourning for the year, said Bonamici. Even though the Speaker did not keep the House in session to pass an extension, as many of my colleagues and I requested, I will continue to urge him to take this up immediately upon our return in January. I hope we can extend these benefits and provide certainty to those individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.\n\n\tFederal extended unemployment insurance took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since as Americans continue to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began and long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed is 37 percent, near historic highs.\n\n\tFailure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The CEA estimates that in Oregon alone, failing to extend the program will cost 3,829 jobs. The county-by-county breakdown, based on the total number of people in Oregon currently receiving federal unemployment insurance, is below. The information was provided by the Oregon Employment Department.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCOUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t# of People Losing Coverage Dec. 28\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBAKER COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t64\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBENTON COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t204\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCLACKAMAS COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,705\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCLATSOP COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t146\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCOLUMBIA COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t284\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCOOS COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t369\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCROOK COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t147\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCURRY COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t98\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDESCHUTES COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t863\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDOUGLAS COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t569\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGILLIAM COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGRANT COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t35\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHARNEY COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t40\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHOOD RIVER COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t83\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJACKSON COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,080\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJEFFERSON COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t65\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJOSEPHINE COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t490\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKLAMATH COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t390\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLAKE COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t36\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLANE COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,604\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLINCOLN COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t178\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLINN COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t659\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMALHEUR COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t69\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMARION COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,490\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMORROW COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t29\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMULTNOMAH COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t3,637\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOUT OF STATE(WA, ID, & CA)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t826\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPOLK COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t318\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSHERMAN COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t5\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTILLAMOOK COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t114\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUMATILLA COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t363\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUNION COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t93\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWALLOWA COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t25\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASCO COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t121\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t2,358\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWHEELER COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tYAMHILL COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t482\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOUT OF STATE (other states)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,021\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTotal\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t20,067", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-supports-proposal-replace-changes-military-retiree-pensions", "Greg Walden supports proposal to replace changes to military retiree pensions", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg Walden supports proposal to replace changes to military retiree pensions  December 19, 2013 KLAMATH FALLS U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) announced today that he has added his name as an original co-sponsor of a bill to protect military retirees from changes to their pension benefits that were included in the Ryan-Murray budget agreement passed by Congress within the past week. The bill would replace the pension cuts with a reform to ensure that billions of dollars in tax credits aren't improperly paid to illegal immigrants each year. I supported the budget agreement because it reduces the deficit and keeps the government open without raising taxes. But the agreement contained pension changes for certain military retirees that I would not have supported as a stand-alone plan. Although the pension changes don't take effect for two years, the time to fix this is now. Our common-sense bill replaces those pension changes with a plan to stop illegal immigrants from improperly receiving federal tax credits. This proposal protects military retirees, reduces the deficit, and further targets waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, Walden said. The bill would replace the changes to cost of living adjustments for military retirees with a reform that would stop illegal immigrants from receiving the refundable portion of the child tax credit by requiring tax filers to include their Social Security Number on tax return forms. The Joint Committee on Taxation has estimated that this reform saves $7 billion over 10 years. A 2011 report from the Department of Treasury indicates that $4.2 billion in these tax credits were paid out fraudulently in 2010 alone. For the full text of the plan, please click here. Walden is in Klamath Falls today for a roundtable with small businesses, a meeting with the president of Klamath Community College, and a meeting with Jeld-Wen.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221061236/http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/new-oregon-county-county-breakdown-shows-harm-not-extending-unemployment-insurance", "New Oregon County-By-County Breakdown Shows the Harm of Not Extending Unemployment Insurance", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) released a new county-by-county breakdown of the number of people in Oregon who would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance on Dec. 28 if Congress fails to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Republicans last week blocked an effort by House Democrats to extend the program into 2014.\nOverall, about 20,000 people in Oregon are set to lose their federal extended unemployment insurance coverage immediately on Dec. 28. While around 2,200 of these individuals are likely to be eligible for state benefits based on their work history, up to an additional 29,000 people in Oregon could lose their coverage in the first six months of 2014 if Republicans continue to block an extension of the program.\n\u201cThis is a gut punch to out-of-work Oregonians right in the middle of the holiday season,\u201d said Blumenauer. \u201cFamilies in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties in my district will be the first and third hardest hit, respectively, by this failure to extend unemployment insurance. It\u2019s shameful that House Republicans always seem to be able to find time to cut food aid for hungry families or extend giveaways to large agribusiness, but can\u2019t find time to help out families when they need it most.\u201d\n\"As the numbers show, this economic downturn has been especially cruel to many of our neighbors,\u201d said DeFazio. \u201cThe bottom line: jobs are still scarce across the state. While we work on long-term plans to create good-paying jobs in the U.S., it is unacceptable for Republicans to turn their backs on our most vulnerable citizens, all while making sure corporate tax loopholes are left intact.\"\n\u201cIt is unconscionable that House leadership did not let us vote on legislation to extend unemployment benefits before adjourning for the year,\u201d said Bonamici. \u201cEven though the Speaker did not keep the House in session to pass an extension, as many of my colleagues and I requested, I will continue to urge him to take this up immediately upon our return in January. I hope we can extend these benefits and provide certainty to those individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.\u201d\nFederal extended unemployment insurance took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since as Americans continue to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began and long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed is 37 percent, near historic highs.\nFailure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The CEA estimates that in Oregon alone, failing to extend the program will cost 3,829 jobs. The county-by-county breakdown, based on the total number of people in Oregon currently receiving federal unemployment insurance, is below. The information was provided by the Oregon Employment Department.\nCOUNTY # of People Losing Coverage Dec. 28 BAKER COUNTY 64 BENTON COUNTY 204 CLACKAMAS COUNTY 1,705 CLATSOP COUNTY 146 COLUMBIA COUNTY 284 COOS COUNTY 369 CROOK COUNTY 147 CURRY COUNTY 98 DESCHUTES COUNTY 863 DOUGLAS COUNTY 569 GILLIAM COUNTY 6 GRANT COUNTY 35 HARNEY COUNTY 40 HOOD RIVER COUNTY 83 JACKSON COUNTY 1,080 JEFFERSON COUNTY 65 JOSEPHINE COUNTY 490 KLAMATH COUNTY 390 LAKE COUNTY 36 LANE COUNTY 1,604 LINCOLN COUNTY 178 LINN COUNTY 659 MALHEUR COUNTY 69 MARION COUNTY 1,490 MORROW COUNTY 29 MULTNOMAH COUNTY 3,637 OUT OF STATE(WA, ID, & CA) 826 POLK COUNTY 318 SHERMAN COUNTY 5 TILLAMOOK COUNTY 114 UMATILLA COUNTY 363 UNION COUNTY 93 WALLOWA COUNTY 25 WASCO COUNTY 121 WASHINGTON COUNTY 2,358 WHEELER COUNTY 1 YAMHILL COUNTY 482 OUT OF STATE (other states) 1,021 Total 20,067\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140418214740/http://blumenauer.house.gov/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/2275-new-oregon-county-by-county-breakdown-shows-the-harm-of-not-extending-unemployment-insurance", "New Oregon County-By-County Breakdown Shows the Harm of Not Extending Unemployment Insurance", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "New Oregon County-By-County Breakdown Shows the Harm of Not Extending Unemployment Insurance\t\t \n\n\tThousands in Oregon set to lose coverage statewide\n\n\tWASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013 Today, Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) released a new county-by-county breakdown of the number of people in Oregon who would immediately lose all of their unemployment insurance on Dec. 28 if Congress fails to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Republicans last week blocked an effort by House Democrats to extend the program into 2014.\n\n\tOverall, about 20,000 people in Oregon are set to lose their federal extended unemployment insurance coverage immediately on Dec. 28. While around 2,200 of these individuals are likely to be eligible for state benefits based on their work history, up to an additional 29,000 people in Oregon could lose their coverage in the first six months of 2014 if Republicans continue to block an extension of the program.\n\n\t\u201cThis is a gut punch to out-of-work Oregonians right in the middle of the holiday season,\u201d said Blumenauer. \u201cFamilies in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties in my district will be the first and third hardest hit, respectively, by this failure to extend unemployment insurance. It\u2019s shameful that House Republicans always seem to be able to find time to cut food aid for hungry families or extend giveaways to large agribusiness, but can\u2019t find time to help out families when they need it most.\u201d\n\n\t\"As the numbers show, this economic downturn has been especially cruel to many of our neighbors,\u201d said DeFazio. \u201cThe bottom line: jobs are still scarce across the state. While we work on long-term plans to create good-paying jobs in the U.S., it is unacceptable for Republicans to turn their backs on our most vulnerable citizens, all\u00a0 while making sure corporate tax loopholes are left intact.\"\n\n\t\u201cIt is unconscionable that House leadership did not let us vote on legislation to extend unemployment benefits before adjourning for the year,\u201d said Bonamici. \u201cEven though the Speaker did not keep the House in session to pass an extension, as many of my colleagues and I requested, I will continue to urge him to take this up immediately upon our return in January.\u00a0 I hope we can extend these benefits and provide certainty to those individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.\u201d\n\n\tFederal extended unemployment insurance took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since as Americans continue to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began and long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed is 37 percent, near historic highs.\n\n\tFailure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The CEA estimates that in Oregon alone, failing to extend the program will cost 3,829 jobs.\u00a0 The county-by-county breakdown, based on the total number of people in Oregon currently receiving federal unemployment insurance, is below. The information was provided by the Oregon Employment Department.\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCOUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t# of People Losing Coverage Dec. 28\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBAKER COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t64\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBENTON COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t204\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCLACKAMAS COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,705\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCLATSOP COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t146\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCOLUMBIA COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t284\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCOOS COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t369\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCROOK COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t147\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCURRY COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t98\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDESCHUTES COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t863\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDOUGLAS COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t569\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGILLIAM COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGRANT COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t35\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHARNEY COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t40\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHOOD RIVER COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t83\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJACKSON COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,080\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJEFFERSON COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t65\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJOSEPHINE COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t490\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKLAMATH COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t390\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLAKE COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t36\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLANE COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,604\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLINCOLN COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t178\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLINN COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t659\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMALHEUR COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t69\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMARION COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,490\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMORROW COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t29\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMULTNOMAH COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t3,637\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOUT OF STATE(WA, ID, & CA)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t826\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPOLK COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t318\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSHERMAN COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t5\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTILLAMOOK COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t114\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUMATILLA COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t363\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUNION COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t93\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWALLOWA COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t25\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASCO COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t121\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t2,358\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWHEELER COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tYAMHILL COUNTY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t482\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOUT OF STATE (other states)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,021\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTotal\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t20,067", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/energy-committee-passes-wyden-eastside-forest-bill", "Energy Committee Passes Wyden Eastside Forest Bill", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Creates Jobs, Protects Trees More than 150 Years Old, Promotes Sustainable Restoration Harvests\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 19, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., that would boost timber harvests while protecting and restoring old growth forests in Oregon.\r\n\u201cThe eastern part of my state is down to only a small handful of surviving timber mills,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cYet without them, there\u2019s going to be no restoration of Oregon\u2019s eastside forests, and none of the jobs \u2013 none of the jobs \u2013 that they provide in rural communities. That\u2019s why focusing on projects that stakeholders can agree need to be done and provide greater certainty of timber supply is so important.\u201d\r\nWyden\u2019s Oregon Eastside Forests Restoration, Old Growth Protection, and Jobs Act\u00a0(S. 1301), creates a pilot program for the forests on the east side of Oregon to increase timber harvests and improve the health of old growth forests and watersheds. It is the first legislative protection for trees older than 150 years. It also requires a large-scale environmental impact assessment for projects with similar characteristics and sets targets for the number of acres to be restored.\r\n\u201cSenator Wyden\u2019s Eastside forest bill represents a lifeline for the struggling forest economy of eastern Oregon and the families and businesses that rely on it,\u201d John Shelk, president of Ochoco Lumber Co. in Prineville, said. \u201cThrough his efforts to find common ground on how to improve our forests and keep our mills operating, the Malheur National Forest has quickly become a model for what can be achieved under his bill.\u201d\r\nWyden introduced the bill in July and the committee held a hearing on the bill later that month. The bill now goes to the full Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=f76def69-2d2d-40f5-a898-3f8948194ac0", "Merkley Cosponsors Plan to Replace Military Retiree Pension Changes in Budget Agreement", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Cosponsors Plan to Replace Military Retiree Pension Changes in Budget Agreement \n\t\n\t\t Military Retirement Restoration Act preserves benefits, closes corporate tax loophole \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, December 18, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Today, Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley cosponsored the Military Retirement Restoration Act to safeguard military retirees from changes to cost of living adjustments (COLA) that were included in the bipartisan budget agreement the Senate is expected to pass today. The bill would replace the estimated $6 billion in expected savings from military retiree cost of living adjustments with an estimated $6.6 billion raised by eliminating a tax loophole for offshore corporations.\r\n \r\n\u201cI was disturbed that the budget deal changed the COLA for retiring military personnel. This bill will fix that, restoring the full COLA for service members, while\u00a0cutting a government subsidy for corporations who ship jobs overseas. We should be supporting our men and women who serve overseas, not companies that ship jobs overseas.\u201d\r\n \r\nCurrently, companies that are incorporated offshore but managed and controlled from the United States can claim foreign status that helps them avoid paying U.S. taxes.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-report-from-the-presidents-review-group-on-intelligence-and-communications-technologies", "Wyden Statement on Report from the President’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 18, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement regarding today\u2019s report\u00a0from the President\u2019s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies.  \u201cI was particularly pleased with the Review Group\u2019s finding that the information collected by the NSA bulk phone records collection program \u2018was not essential to preventing attacks and could readily have been obtained in a timely manner using conventional section 215 orders.\u2019* I have been arguing for two years that the program\u2019s effectiveness has been overstated. \u00a0This panel of surveillance experts came to the same conclusion.  There is a lot in this report for a reformer to like. The panel recommends ending the bulk collection of Americans\u2019 phone records by the government and strengthening legal protections for Americans\u2019 personal information. It recommends closing the \u201cbackdoor searches\u201d loophole in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. \u00a0It also proposes significant reforms to the FISA Court, including the creation of a civil liberties advocate to argue major cases before the court.  When combined with the U.S. district court ruling on the likely unconstitutionality of bulk phone collection earlier this week, this report will help to galvanize support for surveillance reforms both with the public and within Congress. It is my hope that the President takes the advice of this panel and supports meaningful surveillance reforms that will protect both privacy and national security.\u201d\r\n* Report and Recommendations of the President\u2019s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies: page 104\r\n \r\nClose backdoor search loophole & end bulk collection - I hope the President implements the panel's recommendations. http://t.co/yxVqrNmAiS\r\n\u2014 Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) December 19, 2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=61a84058-0450-4779-94c9-5228ade64387", "Merkley Statement on Murray-Ryan Budget Compromise", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Statement on Murray-Ryan Budget Compromise \n\t\n\t\n\tMonday, December 16, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Today Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley announced he will vote for the Murray-Ryan budget compromise, which will offer some relief from sequestration for the next two fiscal years.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cFor the last three years, Congress has been governing from crisis to crisis, hurting the economy and the American families who depend on Congress to take on the big challenges we face as a nation. This plan, though not one I would\u2019ve written, will help prevent a government shutdown and provide some relief from the draconian sequestration cuts that have been keeping kids out of Head Start, halting deliveries of meals-on-wheels, \u00a0and stopping cutting-edge research and development.\r\n\u201cI am deeply disturbed\u00a0that the deal changes the cost of living adjustments for retiring military personnel, yet fails to eliminate a single tax loophole for powerful special interests.\u00a0 It is also shameful that this deal does not extend unemployment benefits for our millions of jobless Americans looking for work. \u00a0I hope that we address this issue as soon as possible, preferably before we leave for the year. \u00a0We cannot leave millions of families out in the cold.\r\n\u201cCompromise means we don't get everything we want; instead \u00a0we work with our colleagues across the aisle to get the best deal we can.\u00a0 We must stop governing from crisis to crisis, and we must mitigate the sequester's damaging impacts on programs that are critical for working families. This budget will put us on the path towards doing that.\u00a0 That is why I will vote yes.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t  \n          \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-us-district-court-ruling-on-bulk-collection-of-phone-records", "Wyden Statement on U.S. District Court Ruling on Bulk Collection of Phone Records", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 16, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court\u2019s ruling\u00a0on bulk collection of phone records.\r\n\u201cJudge Leon\u2019s ruling hits the nail on the head.\u00a0 It makes clear that bulk phone records collection is intrusive digital surveillance and not simply inoffensive data collection as some have said. The court noted that this metadata can be used for \u2018repetitive, surreptitious surveillance of a citizen\u2019s private goings on,\u2019 that creates a mosaic of personal information and is likely unconstitutional. This ruling dismisses the use of an outdated Supreme Court decision affecting rotary phones as a defense for the technologically advanced collection of millions of Americans\u2019 records. It clearly underscores the need to adopt meaningful surveillance reforms that prohibit the bulk collection of Americans\u2019 records.\u201d\r\nSignificantly, the judge also noted that he had \u2018serious doubts about the efficacy of the program.\u2019\u00a0 The reason that he and many others have these doubts is that the executive branch\u2019s claims about this program\u2019s effectiveness are now crumbling under public scrutiny.\u00a0 Protecting the country from terrorism is obviously vitally important but the government can do this without collecting the phone records of massive numbers of law-abiding men, women and children.\u201d\r\n \r\nPretty astounding when a fed. judge says \"James Madison...would be aghast\" while describing a surveillance practice http://t.co/TdRLcIILXJ\r\n\u2014 Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) December 16, 2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-bill-promotes-environmental-accountability-through-trade", "Blumenauer Bill Promotes Environmental Accountability through Trade", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) introduced HR 3733, the Trade and Environment Enforcement Act, also known as the Green 301 Act. Green 301 expands the Section 301 provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 to encompass environmental effects. It provides tools to help prevent practices by other countries that cause negative environmental impacts to human, animal, or plant life or health, or to prevent the conservation of exhaustible natural resources domestically or internationally.\n\n\tThe United States has helped create the largest trade network the world has ever seen, said Blumenauer. As we leverage our commercial influence in the global economy, we can also ensure the countries we are doing business with adhere to basic environmental standards.\n\n\tGreen 301 would allow the US government to impose penalties, including the increase of tariffs, on countries that:\n \n\t\tFail to effectively enforce the environmental laws of a foreign country;\n\t\n\t\tWaived or otherwise derogated from the environmental laws of a foreign country or weakened the protections afforded by such laws;\n\t\n\t\tFail to provide for judicial or administrative proceedings giving access to remedies for violations of the environmental laws of a foreign country;\n\t\n\t\tFail to provide appropriate and effective sanctions or remedies for violations of the environmental laws of a foreign country; or\n\t\n\t\tFail to effectively enforce environmental commitments in agreements to which a foreign country and the United States are a Party\n \n\n\tThe promise of an open, mutually beneficial trade relationship with the US is both a carrot and a stick, continued Blumenauer. Green 301, which issupported by the top environmental and conservation groups, lets our trade partners know that, not only does the United States expect our partners to adhere to environmental agreements, but now there could be serious economic penalties for countries that don't hold up their end of the bargain.\n\n\tOregon and other states heavily dependent on international commerce are greatly disadvantaged when trading partners derogate from their environmental laws, which provide them with an unfair advantage and undercuts U.S. companies, which operate under strong environmental protections.\n\n\tOregon's iconic brands wouldn't exist without strong international trading relationships, said Blumenauer. But my support for international trade agreements has always been predicated on the notion that the agreements establish a balanced trading regime. Our companies play by the rules, and we expect others to as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140418194610/http://blumenauer.house.gov/index.php/newsroom/press-releases/2274-blumenauer-bill-promotes-environmental-accountability-through-trade", "Blumenauer Bill Promotes Environmental Accountability through Trade", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Blumenauer Bill Promotes Environmental Accountability through Trade\t\t \n\n\tWashington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) introduced HR 3733, the Trade and Environment Enforcement Act, also known as the Green 301 Act. Green 301 expands the Section 301 provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 to encompass environmental effects. It provides tools to help prevent practices by other countries that cause negative environmental impacts to human, animal, or plant life or health, or to prevent the conservation of exhaustible natural resources domestically or internationally.\n\n\t\u201cThe United States has helped create the largest trade network the world has ever seen,\u201d said Blumenauer. \u201cAs we leverage our commercial influence in the global economy, we can also ensure the countries we are doing business with adhere to basic environmental standards.\u201d\n\n\tGreen 301 would allow the US government to impose penalties, including the increase of tariffs, on countries that:\n \n\t\n\t\tFail to effectively enforce the environmental laws of a foreign country;\n\t\n\t\tWaived or otherwise derogated from the environmental laws of a foreign country or weakened the protections afforded by such laws;\n\t\n\t\tFail to provide for judicial or administrative proceedings giving access to remedies for violations of the environmental laws of a foreign country;\n\t\n\t\tFail to provide appropriate and effective sanctions or remedies for violations of the environmental laws of a foreign country; or\n\t\n\t\tFail to effectively enforce environmental commitments in agreements to which a foreign country and the United States are a Party\n \n\n\t\u201cThe promise of an open, mutually beneficial trade relationship with the US is both a carrot and a stick,\u201d continued Blumenauer. \u201cGreen 301, which is\u00a0supported by the top environmental and conservation groups, lets our trade partners know that, not only does the United States expect our partners to adhere to environmental agreements, but now there could be serious economic penalties for countries that don\u2019t hold up their end of the bargain.\u201d\n\n\tOregon and other states heavily dependent on international commerce are greatly disadvantaged when trading partners derogate from their environmental laws, which provide them with an unfair advantage and undercuts U.S. companies, which operate under strong environmental protections.\n\n\t\u201cOregon\u2019s iconic brands wouldn\u2019t exist without strong international trading relationships,\u201d said Blumenauer. \u201cBut my support for international trade agreements has always been predicated on the notion that the agreements establish a balanced trading regime. Our companies play by the rules, and we expect others to as well.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364316", "Schrader Votes Against Short Term Budget Patch", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Kurt Schrader", "S001180", "schrader.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) today released the following statement after House passage of the short term budget patch for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015:\r\n\u00a0\u201cTo call this a budget deal is making it out to be more than it is,\u201d said Schrader. \u201cIt does reduce the effect of sequestration in the short term, but it pays for it through a budget gimmick by adding an extra two years of sequestration in the long term. We need a budget that injects certainty into our economy so that businesses have a good reason to invest and create jobs. We also need a budget that will fix our failing senior safety net programs. There was a great opportunity for Congress to finally repeal and replace a flawed Medicare physician payment system. Instead, the SGR will only be patched. My hat goes off to Congressman Ryan and Senator Murray for forging a bipartisan compromise, but we\u2019re kidding the American people that this a real budget deal.\u201d\r\n\u00a0The resolution sets spending levels for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015 above the amounts agreed to in the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA). These spending increases over the next two years are offset by extending sequestration an extra two years through 2023. In FY2014 both defense and non-defense spending are increased by roughly $22 billion more than the spending caps established by the BCA. Each of these caps is then increased by roughly $9 billion in FY2015. For FY2016 through FY2023 the sequester remains in place.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-budget-compromise-d-congress-must-face-realities", "Blumenauer: Budget Compromise a D+, Congress Must Face Realities", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I very reluctantly voted for H.J.Res 59, having been quoted accurately that it is a D+ piece of legislation.\n\n\tIt sadly represents what Congress has become. It is now a victory to avoid another government shutdown. It is a victory to temporarily prevent application of the Sustainable Growth Rate that would penalize medical providers and our senior citizens. It is the least we could do to find a tiny bit of budget breathing room so that it may be possible for the appropriations process to resume again.\n\n\tIt is frustrating that, at a time when there are still many unmet needs of our citizens and while our economy is sputtering, people are celebrating legislation that doesn't damage the economy more. It is sad that it has come to this.\n\n\tI am hopeful, however, that this might serve as a point of departure over the next three months to be able to face the realities of what America needs.\n\n\tI, for one, will continue working for the big picture, on the three bills that I have introduced to help rebuild and renew America and on arguing for a grander bargain, rather than the least that we can do. I will fight to build on the platform of healthcare reform so that we get medical providers off the SGR merry-go-round, instead moving towards the promise of healthcare reform. It is shameful that Congress is willing to cut food stamps yet give money to wealthy farmers, while ignoring the plight of the long term unemployed, illustrating the gap between what the American public expects and what we should do. Iam hopeful that the new year will be more constructive.\n\n\tIn the mean time, we will celebrate avoiding another damaging government shutdown and we will celebrate not having a destructive resolution on the floor muddying diplomacy with Iran. I suppose in the holiday spirit we should be thankful for what we can get and then usher this least productive session in Congressional history out of town.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-victory-iraqi-special-immigrant-visa-program-base", "Blumenauer on Victory for Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa Program, Base Improvements, Missed Opportunity for Greater Defense Reforms", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, in the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress extended the Iraqi Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program for 9 months and secured critical reforms for both the Iraq and Afghanistan SIV programs. In addition, the State Department can continue to process SIV applications for as long as it takes, until they hit the new cap of 2,500 SIVs. Some of the essential reforms include greater transparency, authorization for applicants to hire legal counsel to be present during their interview, appointment of senior embassy staff to oversee the reform process, and a requirement for all applications to be completed within 9 months, with an exception for national security concerns.\n\n\tThese Iraqi translators and guides risked their lives to assist American soldiers. In 2007, I worked to create the SIV program to, in some small way, pay back our dedicated allies and show them what kind of country the US is. At that time, we made a promise to take in those who had served us when the American presence was scaled down and they no longer had our protection. Now, at least for the next year, we can keep that promise.\n\n\tStarting tomorrow, the real work begins. I will continue my efforts to extend the Iraqi SIV program further, making sure that every translator and guide that put their life on the line for our troops has a chance to come to the country he or she helped protect. I will also fight until the SIV program for Afghan translators, who risked their lives just as bravely as their Iraqi counterparts, is extended as well so that they and their families are out of harm's way.\n\n\tI'm also pleased that the NDAA includes my amendment that will require all Department of Defense new construction and redevelopment to increase the quality of life for our service members and their families by requiring our military installations to be more livable. Our military families deserve the very best, and ensuring our bases are planned and built in a way that promotes close-knit communities, where you can walk instead of drive your car, and have shared and green spaces to make difficult times more bearable, is essential. \n\n\tOur victories in expanding the Iraqi SIV program and increasing military quality of life, however, were not enough to salvage the entire bill, and I voted against NDAA. This legislation wastes too much money and is a missed opportunity for greatly needed reform. For example, the bill spends $7.9 billion maintaining a nuclear stockpile that is enough to destroy the world several times over. Wouldn't it be better to reduce that arsenal and fully fund SNAP and other programs that help poor and hungry American families? Congress needs to show leadership and prove that we have the ability to make difficult choices. We have to acknowledge that recklessly funding an antiquated military strategy undermines our security. Crumbling bridges and roads, failing schools, and a massive national debt all put us at greater risk than modest and reasonable cuts to defense spending, so I could not support the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221061256/http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-supports-bipartisan-budget-compromise", "Bonamici Supports Bipartisan Budget Compromise", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today released the following statement on the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act for fiscal year 2014.\n\u201cToday I voted for a bipartisan budget package that takes a long overdue first step toward rolling back the devastating sequestration cuts that continue to hurt our constituents.\u00a0 Like so many compromises, this package includes policies I don\u2019t support, and leaves out some I do. We must find a way to continue providing jobless benefits to the long-term unemployed, especially as the unfortunate partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. has inhibited the strong economic recovery that will put Oregonians and Americans back to work. Also I regret that this bill continues the harmful trend of looking to federal employee compensation as a place to save money; it is especially disappointing that this includes some of our retired service members.\u00a0 Federal employees are not the cause of our long-term deficit, and they must stop being used as political pawns.\n\u201cDespite the shortcomings of this deal, it does several important things: it partially repeals sequestration, allows for continued payments to doctors treating Medicare patients, reduces the deficit, and brings two years of certainty to the federal budget process.\u00a0 I hope this is a first step toward a more collaborative budget process and an open dialogue on our shared priorities for federal spending.\u00a0 It is not perfect, and it is not a final solution, but it is a negotiated bipartisan effort that, in the balance, is worthy of support.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chaffetz-wyden-ask-holder-to-release-unredacted-geolocation-memos", "Chaffetz, Wyden Ask Holder to Release Unredacted Geolocation Memos", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lawmakers seek legal clarity for access and use of geolocation information\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 12, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON\u2013 Today, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder requesting the release of the two Department of Justice (DOJ) legal memoranda written in the wake of the 2012 Supreme Court case, United States v. Jones.\r\nIn Jones, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that physically attaching a GPS device to a vehicle constituted a search under the 4th Amendment. However, the Court did not specify whether the government was required to get a warrant for geolocation information, including that obtained from devices or methods such as smartphones or OnStar systems.\r\nThe DOJ memos allegedly give guidance on when GPS devices can be used in the course of investigations, as well as the application of the Jones case to other location-based technologies. DOJ publicly released these memos on February 27, 2012 and July 5, 2012, respectively. However, they were heavily redacted and did not provide sufficient information regarding DOJ\u2019s position on tracking techniques.\r\n\u201cAs Congress moves forward on geolocation legislation, it is critical that members of Congress understand DOJ's precise views on the current state of the law and existing legal requirements and protections,\u201d the lawmakers write.\r\n\u201cThe most significant question, in our view, is whether the Justice Department believes that Jones requires the government to get a warrant when obtaining an individual\u2019s location information from a cell-phone provider or other private company,\u201d the letter continues.\r\nAdditionally, Wyden and Chaffetz have worked together to write the Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance (GPS) Act. This bicameral, bipartisan legislation creates a legal framework designed to give government agencies, commercial entities, and private citizens clear guidelines for when and how geolocation information can be accessed and used.\r\nA copy of the letter can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/grassley-wyden-applaud-sgrs-medicare-payment-transparency-provisions", "Grassley, Wyden Applaud SGR’s Medicare Payment Transparency Provisions", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Medicare DATA Act Language Included\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 12, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today applauded inclusion of language that would make Medicare claims data available to the public as part of legislation aimed addressing the Medicare\u2019s physician payment formula.\r\nBoth the House and Senate versions of legislation addressing the Medicare physician payment formula include the key provisions from Grassley and Wyden\u2019s Medicare Data Access for Transparency and Accountability Act (Medicare DATA Act). This would establish a free, searchable Medicare payment database that would be readily available to the public online at no cost.\u00a0\r\nThe database would include all payments made to physicians by Medicare. Patients\u2019 privacy would be fully protected, and providers would have an opportunity to correct payment information before being posted online.\r\n\u201cTransparency draws in the public and invites analysis of policy and spending,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cMore transparency has made a difference in accountability in the tax-exempt sector, and it does the same wherever it\u2019s applied in health care.\u201d\r\n\u201cHealthcare, particularly Medicare, is notorious for its lack of transparency,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cAllowing the public to finally see where Medicare dollars are being spent creates a powerful check against waste and a valuable research tool for improving care for seniors.\u201d\r\nUnder current law, access to the Medicare payment database is limited to a small number of bureaucrats and academics despite a federal judge\u2019s ruling in favor of greater public access.\r\nThe text of the Medicare DATA Act is available here.\u00a0 Grassley\u2019s statement on the bill introduction is available here. Wyden\u2019s statement on the bill introduction is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-portman-anti-trafficking-measures-move-forward", "Wyden, Portman Anti-Trafficking Measures Move Forward", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act Provisions included in Child Welfare Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 12, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rob Portman, R-Ohio today applauded the inclusion of provisions aimed at fighting domestic child sex trafficking within a larger child welfare bill.\r\nThe Senate Finance Committee today marked up the Supporting At-Risk Children Act, which includes key provisions from the Wyden-Portman Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act of 2013. The Wyden-Portman provisions require state child welfare workers to identify and document victims of sex trafficking within the child welfare system, which would help provide accurate statistics on these crimes for the first time.\r\nFurther, child welfare workers would also be required to immediately report information on missing and abducted children to law enforcement authorities for entry into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).\r\nThe NCIC is a computerized index of information on crimes and criminals that is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). NCMEC is a non-profit organization that receives federal funding from the Missing and Exploited Children\u2019s program and other sources to support law enforcement agencies and families in missing children and child sexual exploitation cases. Additionally, states would be required to detail the specific measure being taken to protect and assist victims of child sex trafficking.\r\n\u201cSome people have called the child welfare system a training ground for sex trafficking, and that is intolerable,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cThese provisions will ensure steps are taken to protect children from becoming victims, identify children who become victims and provide the information needed to develop comprehensive solutions to end sex trafficking in this country.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis bill will help our nation\u2019s most vulnerable children, who far too often fall prey to sex trafficking.\u00a0 These children have been forgotten or disregarded by a system that was established to keep them safe, and this bill is a step in the right direction to ensuring that the goal of these institutions is met,\u201d Portman said.\u00a0 \u201cBy requiring child welfare agencies to report a child missing immediately, our bill will do a better job of keeping track of runaways and missing kids in order to prevent child victims of sex trafficking from falling through the cracks. Our bill also requires states take the necessary measures to protect and provide services to victims of child sex trafficking, ensuring that we treat exploited children as victims, not as criminals.\u201d\r\nSex trafficking remains a serious problem in the United States. According to the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI), there are currently an estimated 293,000 American children at risk of being commercially exploited and trafficked for sex.\u00a0Eighty three percent of sex trafficking victims found within the United States were U.S. citizens and 40 percent of sex trafficking cases involved the exploitation or sex trafficking of children.\r\nAcross the United States, trends suggest that most children victimized by sex trafficking in the U.S. are involved in the child welfare system. In Alameda County, California, 55 percent of sex trafficked children resided in foster youth group homes. In New York, at least 85 percent of trafficking victims had prior child welfare involvement. And in Florida, it\u2019s estimated that more than 70 percent of victims are in foster care.\u00a0According to a 2010 report by the Ohio Attorney General\u2019s Human Trafficking Commission, more than 1,000 Ohio children are sex trafficked every year.\r\nA one-page summary on the Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walden-supports-spending-reduction-plan", "Walden supports spending reduction plan", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walden supports spending reduction plan  Click here or on the image below to watch Walden's video message U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) today announced his support for the bipartisan budget agreement offered by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.): This agreement is not broad in scope, but it's an important step in the right direction towards reducing wasteful spending and getting the federal government's fiscal house in order. It reduces waste, fraud, and abuse, tackles corporate welfare, and reforms programs that have been spending tax dollars on auto-pilot without regular scrutiny. In total, the agreement reduces the deficit by $23 billion without a single penny in tax increases. The plan stops government checks from going to ineligible criminals and the deceased. It stops paying bills that dead-beat parents and insurance companies should be on the hook for. A government research program for private energy companies is eliminated. These are just some of the many real spending reductions in this agreement.  This plan ensures the government will not shut down in January, allowing Congress to remain focused on efforts to grow our economy and reduce the size, scope, and cost of the federal government. While this agreement is an important step, Congress has much more work to do to balance the nation's budget, just like Oregon families do every month. The House is expected to vote on this bipartisan agreement this week, followed by the Senate. For more information on the agreement from the House Budget Committee, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walden-supports-spending-reduction-plan-0", "Walden supports spending reduction plan", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) today announced his support for the bipartisan budget agreement offered by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.): This agreement is not broad in scope, but it's an important step in the right direction towards reducing wasteful spending and getting the federal government's fiscal house in order. It reduces waste, fraud, and abuse, tackles corporate welfare, and reforms programs that have been spending tax dollars on auto-pilot without regular scrutiny. In total, the agreement reduces the deficit by $23 billion without a single penny in tax increases. The plan stops government checks from going to ineligible criminals and the deceased. It stops paying bills that dead-beat parents and insurance companies should be on the hook for. A government research program for private energy companies is eliminated. These are just some of the many real spending reductions in this agreement.  This plan ensures the government will not shut down in January, allowing Congress to remain focused on efforts to grow our economy and reduce the size, scope, and cost of the federal government. While this agreement is an important step, Congress has much more work to do to balance the nation's budget, just like Oregon families do every month. The House is expected to vote on this bipartisan agreement this week, followed by the Senate. For more information on the agreement from the House Budget Committee, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=ce966d5e-a174-4d22-8dfe-e933103dd9ea", "Merkley, Baldwin Introduce Legislation to Level the Playing Field for American Manufacturing", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley, Baldwin Introduce Legislation to Level the Playing Field for American Manufacturing \n\t\n\t\t Legislation Would Help American Manufacturers Compete on Global Playing Field Against Countries With Low Environmental and Wage Standards \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, December 11, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced new legislation that would crack down on unfair trade practices, level the playing field for American manufacturing companies, and help create middle class jobs.\u00a0\r\nThe Level the Playing Field in Global Trade Act would ensure that sub-standard wages, workplace safety practices, and environmental protections are properly accounted for as unfair subsidies by foreign countries when calculating American duties intended to offset cheating. It also rewards companies that meet high standards on a global basis in wages, workplace safety and environmental compliance with streamlined trade and protection from enforcement actions.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cFor far too long, Oregon\u2019s manufacturers and workers have paid the price while companies overseas cut costs by cutting corners.\u00a0These foreign companies should not be allow to gain an advantage over American businesses by treating their workers poorly and polluting their environment,\u201d said Merkley.\u00a0 \u201cIf we don\u2019t make things in America, we won\u2019t have a middle class in America. Oregon\u2019s manufacturers can compete with anyone in a fair fight, and it\u2019s time that they had a level playing field to help them grow and create good jobs in Oregon.\u201d\r\n \r\n \r\n\u201cEven as the national economy is rebounding, businesses and middle-class families in my state remain stuck in neutral.\u00a0 The manufacturing sector that sustained our prosperity for generations has taken a lot of hits so I\u2019ve made it my mission to create a \u201cMade in Wisconsin\u201d economy that revitalizes our manufacturing sector and rebuilds our prosperity,\u201d Baldwin said. \u201cIn Wisconsin, we believe in hard work and have a commitment to make sure that it is respected and rewarded. For decades, we\u2019ve worked to make things: paper, engines, tools, and ships. Give our workers a fair shot, and we\u2019ll compete against anyone.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I\u2019m taking on unfair trade practices and policies and betting on American workers by creating an even playing field and giving them a fair shot to compete and win.\u201d\r\n \r\nIn the past decade, countries like China have reaped the benefits of trade deals without upholding their end of the bargain. This lack of accountability has contributed to the shuttering of tens of thousands of American factories and the loss of millions of American manufacturing jobs.\r\nCurrently, U.S. companies and workers are at a trade disadvantage against companies and countries that do not pay adequate wages or maintain safety standards and environmental controls.\u00a0 This results in countries and companies engaging in a \u201crace to the bottom,\u201d which puts U.S. manufacturing jobs at risk and is fundamentally unfair to American working families.\u00a0 As the recent scandal in Bangladesh made clear, it\u2019s also terribly destructive to workers around the world.\u00a0\r\nCurrent American law and trade agreements prohibit \u201cdumping\u201d of products, where companies export products at prices below the cost of production or cheaper than they sell for in the home country, and allow the U.S. to impose duties to make the sale price in America reflect what the true cost would be without cheating.\u00a0 The Level the Playing Field in Global Trade Act would, for the first time, recognize that egregious environmental and labor practices are a form of illegal subsidy that can be remedied by U.S. duties. It would also reward companies that adhere to high global standards by creating new trade and enforcement incentives.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-kind-blumenauer-tell-boehner-cantor-keep-farm-bill-loopholes", "DeLauro, Kind, Blumenauer Tell Boehner, Cantor: Keep Farm Bill Loopholes Closed", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC--Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Ron Kind (D-WI) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) today implored Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor to keep loopholes for multimillionaires closed in any final Farm Bill. Both the House and Senate-passed versions of the Farm Bill reformed payment limits for commodity programs by capping the total number of active personal management who can receive commodity payments.\n\n\tIt is unconscionable that these conferees would try to reverse the reforms backed by a majority of their colleagues so as to continue the flow of millions of dollars, beyond what they are entitled to, to a relatively few mega farms, the representatives wrote. CBO [Congressional Budget Office] has estimated $170 million in savings if Congress reforms payment limits for commodity programs by placing a hard cap of $250,000 (for married couples) on the total amount of commodity payments that producers can receive.\n\n\tMembers of Congress are currently negotiating a new five-year Farm Bill that could cut billions from nutrition and anti-hunger programs, even as multimillionaires continue to get exorbitant farm subsidy payments. The farm subsidy programs are rife with fraud,as the Government Accountability Office recently detailed.\n\n\tBy contrast, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), has one of the lowest error rates of any federal program. Over 90 percent of all food stamp spending goes to families living at or below the poverty line.\n\n\tThe letter can be read in its entiretyhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/slaughter-blumenauer-push-obama-administration-curb-antibiotic-use-farm", "Slaughter, Blumenauer Push Obama Administration to Curb Antibiotic Use on the Farm", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Letter Urges OMB to Finalize and Strengthen Regulations\n\n\tWASHINGTON  This week, Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and twelve members of Congress sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to finalize a regulation to curb the overuse of antibiotics on the farm, a practice that has contributed to a rise in antibiotic-resistant infections. The proposed regulation, called Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidance #213, recommends that the drug industry and agriculture companies refrain from using antibiotics for growth promotion and requires veterinary oversight of antibiotic sales. Even once Guidance #213 is finalized, its provisions would be voluntary, andalthough the FDA says it will evaluatewhether the Guidance is effective after a three-year period, the FDA has provided no metrics by which they would measure the effectiveness. A draft of Guidance #213 was released in April 2012, but the administration has not yet finalized the guidance.\n\n\tReps. Slaughter and Blumenauer have criticized the voluntary nature of the FDA'sproposal as being toothless, but in lieu of other action from the administration on stopping the overuse of antibiotics in food animals, Slaughter and Blumenauer urged swift action on Guidance #213. Currently 80 percent of the antibiotics sold in America are used on food animals, usually to promote growth and compensate for unsanitary conditions on the farm. Bacteria that are subjected to low doses of antibiotics often become resistant, and then when these bacteria infect humans, those antibiotics are ineffective in treating the infection. Furthermore, antibiotics are used to prevent infection during many routine operations, a practice that could be affected by the uptick in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.\n\n\tRep. Slaughter, the lead sponsor of legislation that would prohibit the routine use of eight critical classes of antibiotics on the farm, said: The longer the FDA drags its feet on stopping antibiotic overuse on the farm, the worse the problem will get. We need federal agencies that put people's health before the interests of the drug companies and agribusinesses. Finalizing this guidance is the least the FDA can do what we really need is a solid regulation that will preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.\n\n\tAmong lawmakers, the medical and scientific communities, conservation groups, members of the agricultural industry, and the public, there is a growing sense of urgency to create a regulatory framework that reduces the overuse of antibiotics in livestock raised for human consumption. The Federal Drug Administration has been working on such regulations for over two years, and they are long overdue. I strongly urge the Obama Administration and FDA to move forward on implementing such a framework without delay.\n\n\tClick here to read the full letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walden-urges-fcc-suspend-work-fairness-doctrine-20", "Walden urges FCC to suspend work on \"Fairness Doctrine 2.0\"", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walden urges FCC to suspend work on Fairness Doctrine 2.0  We were shocked to see that the FCC is putting itself back in the business of attempting to control the political speech of journalists, Walden and other members write  U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and other members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today wrote to Federal Communications Chairman Tom Wheeler urging him to suspend the agency's efforts to conduct a field study that could lead to a revival of the Fairness Doctrine, an intrusion by the FCC into the freedoms of speech and the press. To read the letter, please click here. Given the widespread calls for the commission to respect the First Amendment and stay out of the editorial decisions of reporters and broadcasters, we were shocked to see that the FCC is putting itself back in the business of attempting to control the political speech of journalists. It is wrong, it is unconstitutional, and we urge you to put a stop to this most recent attempt to engage the FCC as the news police,' wrote Walden and the other members. The FCC is conducting a field study of critical information needs in local media markets, and will seek information on how local news media outlets select and prioritize news coverage. The commission has no business probing the news media's editorial judgment and expertise, nor does it have any business in prescribing a set diet of critical information.' These goals are plainly inappropriate and are at bottom an incursion by the government into the constitutionally protected operations of the professional news media, Walden and the other members wrote. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is the beacon of freedom that makes the United States unique among the world's nations. We urge you to take immediate steps to suspend this effort and find ways that are consistent with the Communications Act and the Constitution to serve the commission's statutory responsibilities, the letter concludes. Walden wrote the letter in his capacity as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. He was joined by 15 other members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.). In 2011, Walden and Upton urged then FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to remove the statute from the Code of Federal Regulations in 2011. The doctrine was eliminated in August 2011.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=0e68eeae-e287-4cba-9e64-f8a863779471", "Merkley: Advice and Consent Role Restored in Senate, Praises Millett Confirmation", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley: Advice and Consent Role Restored in Senate, Praises Millett Confirmation \n\t\n\t\n\tTuesday, December 10, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the Senate approved the nomination of Patricia Millett for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia by a simple up or down vote.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote shows that the constitutional concept of \u2018advice and consent\u2019 has been restored in the United States Senate. There is no doubt that Patricia Millett is extremely qualified and will be a valuable addition to the D.C. Circuit Court, which will rule on issues that directly and deeply impact middle class families, like health care, workplace safety, and clean air and water rules. I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed this qualified nominee.\u00a0 We must now confirm the remaining nominees to the D.C. Circuit Court and the Executive Branch without delay.\u201d\r\n \r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t  \n          \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=12586baa-4425-4851-928d-f5bd0789de6b", "Merkley and Levin Statement on Final Volcker Rule", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley and Levin Statement on Final Volcker Rule \n\t\n\t\n\tTuesday, December 10, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Carl Levin (D-MI) released the following joint statement after approval by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission (FDIC) of the final Volcker Rule, a firewall between traditional banking and hedge fund style gambling. Merkley and Levin led the fight to pass the provision during the debate over the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act in 2010.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cWe fought for the Merkley-Levin provision of the Dodd-Frank Act in order to put a strong firewall between banks and hedge fund-style high-risk trading. Today is a big step toward that goal. We are still reviewing the details of the final rule, but early indications suggest that persistence and common sense can prevail in the face of even the fiercest special interest lobbying campaigns: hedging looks tougher, market-making looks simpler, trader compensation remains appropriately structured, and CEOs are required to set the tone at the top.\u00a0 No regulation is ever perfect, and we will carefully monitor implementation and hold regulators and firms accountable. If problems emerge \u2013 for whatever reason \u2013 \u00a0we will quickly press regulators to address them.\u00a0 Overall, though, the final rule looks improved over the proposal from two years earlier. \u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Merkley-Levin Amendment was intended to change the culture and practices at our nation\u2019s largest financial firms, to prevent Wall Street and the big banks from making swing-for-the-fences bets that put depositors and taxpayers at risk.\u00a0 \u00a0The regulators have taken a serious step forward in mandating critical changes.\u201d\r\n \r\nHedge-fund style proprietary trading at our nation\u2019s largest financial firms was a high-risk, conflict-ridden activity that played a central role in the 2008 financial crisis. Banks should be in the business of serving customers \u2013 including taking deposits from and making loans to ordinary families and businesses.\u00a0Speculative investing should be left to hedge funds, private equity funds, and other private investors that, if they get in trouble, won\u2019t imperil the lending so critical to our economic growth.\u00a0\r\nThe Volcker Rule firewall, as embodied in the Merkley-Levin Amendment to Dodd-Frank:\r\n \r\nBars our lending banks and their affiliates and subsidiaries from engaging in the speculative, conflict-ridden activities of making bets on the stock, bond, derivatives, and other markets and limits those activities at systemically important nonbank financial institutions;\r\nAllows for customer-oriented services, such as underwriting and market-making to facilitate capital formation for clients, risk-mitigating hedging activities to permit safe and sound operations, and fund management services for customers.\r\n \r\nEnforcement and public accountability for it will be critical.\u00a0 The provision is implemented by the relevant federal regulator, including the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the FDIC, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).\u00a0\r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=fc73ca17-4724-484a-8c03-c1a8e2e214db", "Merkley Statement on Watt Cloture Vote", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Statement on Watt Cloture Vote \n\t\n\t\t \u201cI am pleased that the Senate has ended the nomination paralysis that has blocked highly qualified individuals, like Congressman Watt, who are essential to rebuilding the middle class.\u201d \n\t\n\t\n\tTuesday, December 10, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Mel Watt, ensuring a final vote on his nomination to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA):\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cSubprime loans and the resulting foreclosure crisis caused a financial meltdown five years ago. Nothing could be a starker reminder of housing\u2019s central importance to our economy and our middle class. Our recovery will not be complete until we can put in place policies that both help current struggling homeowners and ensure that future middle class homeowners have access to affordable, stable home loans. Confirming Mel Watt is key to that effort. I am pleased that the Senate has ended the nomination paralysis that has blocked highly qualified individuals, like Congressman Watt, who are essential to rebuilding the middle class.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nThe FHFA plays a critical role in ensuring access to affordable home loans for middle class families, but has been stymied by not having a confirmed director who was willing to put in place aggressive policies to help middle class homeowners. Senator Merkley led the fight to fix the broken Senate and ensure nominees like Watt received final up-or-down votes so they could get to work rebuilding the middle class.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-thune-introduce-bill-to-promote-strong-rules-to-protect-the-digital-economy-and-global-open-internet", "Wyden, Thune Introduce Bill to Promote Strong Rules to Protect the Digital Economy and Global, Open Internet", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 10, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON\u2014Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness, today introduced legislation to protect the Internet from restrictive measures that obstruct the free flow of data in the global economy. The Digital Trade Act of 2013\u00a0would establish negotiating principles to address several key digital trade matters in future bilateral and multilateral agreements and in multistakeholder settings. Those principles include: preventing or eliminating restrictions on cross-border data flows; prohibiting localization requirements for data and computing infrastructure; ensuring that provisions affecting platform Internet sites are consistent with U.S. law; and recommitting the United States to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. The bill requires the president to prioritize digital trade and ensure it benefits from robust and enforceable rules.\r\n\u201cDigital trade is a driver of the U.S. economy and critical to global innovation and economic growth,\u201d said Thune. \u201cThat growth is threatened by rising digital protectionism by several of our trading partners. It is imperative that the U.S. fight for strong rules to ensure that American businesses have the freedom to compete and innovate all around the world. Our common-sense legislation would establish important negotiating principles for international agreements affecting Internet-enabled commerce. I hope our colleagues will join us in supporting this bill to ensure the digital economy continues to flourish.\u201d\r\n\"America\u2019s trade negotiating objectives must reflect the fact that the Internet represents the shipping lane for 21st Century goods and services,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cTrade in digital goods and services is growing and driving economic growth and job creation all around the country. U.S digital exports are beating imports by large margins, but out-dated trade rules threaten this growth by providing opportunities for protectionist policies overseas. The U.S. has the opportunity to establish new trade rules that preserve the Internet as a platform to share ideas and for expanding commerce and this legislation aims to help achieve these goals.\"\r\nThune and Wyden have been active in calling attention to the growing importance of digital trade issues. Last month, the senators wrote a joint op-ed calling for Congress and President Obama to secure digital trade rules that promote and preserve a global, open Internet.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gas-tax-faq-update-act", "The Gas Tax: An FAQ on the UPDATE Act", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Why are you proposing raising the gas tax now?\n\n\n\tOur roads and bridges are falling apart, and so is the mechanism we use to build them. If we don't take action now, on October 1st, 2014 the Highway Trust Fund, which funds all of our transportation projects, will go broke.There won't be enough money in the fund to pay for the projects that have been approved. \n\n\tTo avoid this, we have three alternatives. Congress can transfer General Fund revenue, which we've done in the past, to the Highway Trust Fund. This keeps the Trust Fund going but increases the deficit, and lets Congress avoid the real problem (sound familiar?).\n\n\tThe other option is to use the user fee that is supposed to fund the Highway Trust Fundthe gas tax. Because Congress didn't index the gas tax to inflation, it has not kept up with spendingsince it was last raise in 1992. By increasing the gas tax by fifteen cents, which is what has been recommended by multiple bipartisan budget commissions, my legislation basically makes the same change that would have occurred had we tied the gas tax to inflation back in the early 1990s.\n\n\tThe third option is that Congress can drastically reduce the number of transportation projects that are funded. This would impact our interstate highway system, bridge reconstruction and maintenance and reduce the ability of local communities to make transportation improvements or fund transit systems.\n\n\tWhy are you focused on this issue?\n\n\tI've cared about transportation and infrastructure issues my entire career. When I was in the Oregon legislature, I worked to create the transportation commission and multimodal statewide transportation plans to make sure that the state was spending money wisely. As the Portland City Commissioner in charge of transportation, I learned firsthand about the challenges of maintaining streets, reducing the paving backlog and the importance of sidewalks so that people would have a safe way to walk in their neighborhood.\n\n\tAs a member of Congress, I've literally talked to thousands of people in Oregon and across the country, attended countless meetings, participated in public hearings, and reviewed numerous reports. I've reached the same conclusion as most transportation, finance, and budget experts: our roads, bridges, highways and transit systems are bad shape and we need more sustainable, long-term funding to maintain our infrastructure and make it work better.\n\n\tDoubling the tax -- do we really need to do that?\n\n\tI don't like raising the gas tax either. But the reality is that it's necessary. If we had pegged the gas tax to inflation back in the 1990s, it would be close to the level I'm suggesting we raise it today. If we raise the gas tax by less than fifteen cents, we will have to transfer money from the general fund to spend on transportation projects. That increases the national debt.\n\n\tHow will this be implemented? Fifteen cents is a lot!\n\n\tThe bill phases in the gas tax increase over three years to help give individuals time to adjust.\n\n\tWon't this hit low income families the hardest?\n\n\tLow income families are hit hardest when they aren't given choices. Generally people in the bottom third of incomes pay more on transportation than they do on housing. They are the ones who are profoundly affected if there is congestion because they work by the hour and if they can't get to work that is money out of their pocket. If the roads are bad and are shaking the cars apart, they can't afford to get it realigned or to replace their tires.Adequately investing in our transportation system enables us to provide transportation choices, so that low income and fixed income individuals can find cheaper options than driving, or can reduce the length of their commute.\n\n\tAlso, investing this extra money in transportation creates jobs. Studies show that for each billion dollars that is spent on infrastructure, 36,000 jobs are created. Most of these are family wage jobs that can't be outsourced overseas. Other impacts ripple down to local coffee shops, bookstores, and cleaners so everybody is better off. This creates more tax revenue from business activity that will end up supporting schools, parks, and police.\n\n\tThis is a serious question that I thought deeply about, but I am absolutely convinced that lower income people have more at stake because they have no choice and they bear the brunt if the transportation system becomes more expensive and more dysfunctional.\n\n\tWhen a big bridge falls down, it always seems to get rebuilt. So why do we need more money?\n\n\tWhen a bridge falls down, states can access emergency federal money to help rebuild a bridge. However, this means some other project doesn't get built, or maintenance in another area is ignored. Over 60% of the bridges in the United States are structurally deficientwe need to provide adequate funding to upgrade and maintain these bridges instead of waiting until they fall down to replace them. That's not safe.\n\n\tThe streets in my neighborhood are full of potholes. How will this help?\n\n\tRight now, states are in charge of road maintenance, but about 40% of the money they use for maintenance comes from the federal government. If the federal government loses 30% of its funding, states will have to cut back on road maintenance, resulting in more potholes, more shaky bridges, and older transit systems. This bill helps us make sure that the bottom doesn't drop out, so that states have enough money to fix the potholes in your neighborhood.\n\n\tWhere is all this gas tax money spent?\n\n\tGas taxes help build new bridges, pave highways, build transit systems, sidewalks, and goes to all the other projects that help people get where they need to go. Most of the money is allocated to the states, who then distribute the money based on local needs and formulas.\n\n\tIf we just spent gas taxes on roads, bridges and highways, would we need to raise the tax?\n\n\tWe would. The gas tax is supposed to help fund our transportation system. The question really becomes about whether we should be building only a highway system, or a transportation system. Data has shown that it's more cost effective to build a transportation system that gives people choices and options about how they get around. This reduces congestion, which decreases the amount of highways we need to build (highways are one of the most expensive projects to build) and uses tax dollars most efficiently.\n\n\tWho supports this?\n\n\tThis bill has support from organizations across the political spectrum. It's supported by the Chamber of Commerce, the American Public Transit Association, Transportation for America, the AAA, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, the American Trucking Association, several labor organizations and many others.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-joined-leaders-transportation-commerce-labor-construction", "Blumenauer Joined by Leaders in Transportation, Commerce, Labor, Construction to Introduce UPDATE Act to Fund Infrastructure", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) along with leaders in the fields of transportation, labor, commerce, and construction introducedH.R. 3636The Update, Promote, and Develop America's Transportation Essentials (UPDATE) Act. This bill would phase in a 15 cent/gallon tax increase over the next three years on gasoline and diesel.\n\n\tThe gas tax hasn't been increased since the beginning of the Clinton administration, said Blumenauer. Today, with inflation and increased fuel efficiency for vehicles, the average motorist is paying about half as much per mile as they did in 1993. It's time for Congress to act. There's a broad and persuasive coalition that stands ready to support Congress, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National AFL-CIO, the construction and trucking industry, cyclists, professional groups, numerous associations of small and medium businesses, local governments, and transit agencies. We just need to give them something to support.\n\n\tIn 2009, the Federal Highway Administration estimated that over $70.9 billion worth of repairs were needed just to maintain safe infrastructure; that number has since increased The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that surface transportation in the US needs over $2 trillion of investment in order to remain economically competitive.\n\n\tIn recent years, Congress has added to the General Fund deficit by transferring over $50 billion of General Fund revenue to the Highway Trust Fund in order to keep it afloat. In order to maintain current funding in the following years, the Highway Trust Fund will need almost $15 billion a year in addition to current gas tax receipts. Continuing down the current path will mean a 30% drop in federal transportation spending by 2024. The UPDATE Act would raise around $170 billion over ten years.\n\n\tInstituting a reasonable gas tax increase now provides the revenues Democrats say they want with a form of a user fee which historically has been acceptable to Republicans including Ronald Reagan, who increased the gas tax by a nickel a gallon in 1982, said Blumenauer. Addressing the infrastructure deficit, stabilizing transportation funding, and helping America's all-too-slow economic recovery is critical if we want a livable and economically prosperous country in the years to come.\n\n\tStatements of Support:\n\n\t\"Strong national infrastructure investment is vital to keep Oregon and the U.S. economically competitive but maintenance and repair needs have risen to a level that threatens a healthy economy. I applaud Congressman Blumenauer for offering the UPDATE Act to stabilize our transportation network and keep Oregon's business climate moving forward.\" -Ryan Deckert, President, Oregon Business Association\n\n\tWe need strong federal investment to fix the infrastructure crisis here in Oregon and across the nation. I support Congressman Blumenauer's Update Act, which will help us rebuild America and create thousands of family wage jobs for working men and women.John Mohlis, Executive Secretary, Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council\n\n\t\"Congressman Blumenauer's UPDATE Act provides a much needed boost to our nation's surface transportation infrastructure. UPS alone travels more than 2.3 billion miles on America's roads each year, connecting businesses, consumers and individuals in every state. Increasing the federal motor fuels tax is a long-overdue proposal to provide the dedicated funding needed to maintain our highways, intermodal connections and other related infrastructure projects. Investing in and growing our nation's transportation infrastructure is essential to remaining competitive in today's increasingly global economy.\" Laura Lane, Global Public Affairs President, United Parcel Service\n\n\tOn behalf of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and our more than 900 member companies, we applaud Congressman Blumenauer for his leadership in finding solutions and building bipartisan support to address our infrastructure needs. The UPDATE Act of 2013 could spur economic growth and competitiveness while improving our nation's ability to efficiently move goods and people. Investing in our national infrastructure is critical to keeping America competitive, and we appreciate Congressman Blumenauer taking these important steps to ensure we can reauthorize the federal highway bill for the long-term.Rick Patek, Group President, Astec Industries, and Chairman, Association of Equipment Manufacturers \n\n\tWith public transit ridership at record highs, and cars and trucks crowding our roads, our nation's transportation network is in dire need of repair and maintenance. As happened in this week's deadly New York commuter crash, more lives will be lost, and the mobility necessary for a thriving economy will be compromised unless we invest heavily in our nation's public transit infrastructure. Congressman Blumenauer has introduced two bills that dedicate critical funding to public transit, which is the lifeblood of our economy. Public transit creates good jobs, safely delivers customers to businesses and people to work, and helps the environment. It literally moves our economy and it's time for Congress to approve these bills to ensure our nation's transportation systems have the critical financial support they need. Larry Hanley, International President, Amalgamated Transit Union\n\n\tOur transportation network is key to the long-term economic competitiveness and growth ofourcities, towns, and suburbs. Communities across the country are stepping up and raising additional revenue to meet their transportation challenges but cannot solvetheseneeds alone. The UPDATE Act takes the important step of ensuring communities will have a strong, reliable federal partner as they invest in their economic future. John Robert Smith, Chair, Transportation for America, former Mayor of Meridian, MS\n\n\t\"Getting America to Work applauds Congressman Blumenauer's efforts to provide a desperately needed increase in funding fortransportation infrastructure--increasing the safety of public transit riders, while also boosting the economy. At a time when ridership is on the rise, while infrastructure investment is on the decline  it's critical that members of Congress follow Representative Blumenauer's lead and work to bring our nation's transit systems into a state of good repair.\" Getting America to Work Coalition\n\n\tFederal investment in transportation infrastructure plays an essential role in protecting public health and safety, promoting commerce and keeping America economically competitive. Unfortunately, transportation funding is not keeping pace with maintenance and improvement needs, and the balance of the Highway Trust Fund will be depleted in Fiscal Year 2015. The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) applauds Congressman Blumenauer for introducing legislation that will avoid debilitating cuts in highway and transit investment with predictable, sustainable and growing revenue from user fees, an effective model that has long enjoyed significant public support. All options must be on the table as Congress considers how to fund our transportation system. The time to act is now, before the crisis worsens. Then we can further study our long-term options, such as a transition to a vehicle-miles-traveled fee or other alternatives. American Council of Engineering Companies\n\n\tIn concurrence with the Highway Materials Group's funding principles for the next highway surface transportation authorization, the group supports Congressman Blumenauer's proposed bills that would continue funding the Highway Trust Fund through user fees, while bolstering awareness about the impending Highway Trust Fund insolvency. Due to the magnitude of importance of the issue, increasing the gas tax and implementing a vehicle miles traveled fee are only two of the numerous options we support to increase revenues into the HTF. We commend the congressman for taking this bold step toward solving the dire problem facing the nation's surface transportation infrastructure in the months and years ahead. Highways Materials Group\n\n\tThe American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) applauds Rep. Blumenauer on his bold leadership and strongly endorses the Update, Promote and Develop America's Transportation Essentials (UPDATE) Act and the Road User Fee Pilot Project.This bill represents a major step forward in addressing how to fix America's surface transportation infrastructure. The nation's infrastructure is facing an increasing number of challenges. In ASCE's2013 Report Card for America's Infrastructure,a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure across 16 sectors, the cumulative GPA for the nation's infrastructure rose slightly to a D+ from a D in 2009. ASCE looks forward to working with Rep. Blumenauer and all members of Congress to advance this important legislation that will ensure long-term, sustainable funding for the Highway Trust Fund. Patrick Natale, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers\n\n\tWe applaud Congressman Blumenauer in strong support of the Update Act, a responsible way to begin addressing the infrastructure crisis in our country. Investing in transportation will help us rebuild America, fire up our economy and increase our global competitiveness  creating jobs and opportunity for tens of thousands of our nation's workers and their families. Terry O'Sullivan, General President, Laborers' International Union of North America\n\n\tThis proposal provides the kind of long-term funding solutions that virtually every commission, including Simpson-Bowles, has said are needed to repair and upgrade our aging transportation network. What the Congressman understands is that simply talking about the need to find new sources of revenue won't help until we actually identify, support and enact them. Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO, Associated General Contractors of America\n\n\tIt is imperative that Congress address the impending shortfall for federal transit and highway programs in FY2015. Our federal government must increase transportation investment to address our aging infrastructure and provide the transportation options that are necessary for our country to prosper and remain economically competitive. Michael Melaniphy, President, American Public Transportation Association", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221061315/http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-tsunami-debris-bills-passed-house-natural-resources-committee", "Bonamici Tsunami Debris Bills Passed by House Natural Resources Committee", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The House Natural Resources Committee today unanimously approved two bills Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced earlier this year to address tsunami debris landing on the Pacific Northwest Coast. The Tsunami Debris Cleanup Reimbursement Act, H.R. 1491, would allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to refund Oregon, other states, and local and tribal governments for tsunami debris cleanup expenses using $5 million in funding donated by the government of Japan. The Marine Debris Emergency Act, H.R. 1425, as amended by the committee, would allow NOAA to give preference to communities facing severe marine debris events when allocating funding through NOAA\u2019s Marine Debris Program. Both bills have strong bipartisan support.\n\u201cThe debris from the tsunami that tragically affected Japan continues to wash up along our coastline,\u201d said Bonamici. \u201cThese bills would help states like Oregon pay for cleanup efforts by allowing expenses already incurred to be reimbursed and by allowing NOAA to prioritize how they allocate funding when severe marine debris events occur. Now that the committee has acted on this legislation it can be considered on the House Floor. I\u2019m working with my friends across the aisle to have a vote scheduled.\u201d\nBonamici testified in May to the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs about the importance of passing the two bills. The committee made slight adjustments to both bills, but the only substantive change was to the Marine Debris Emergency Act. The original version of the bill required NOAA to give preference to communities facing severe marine debris events and expedite applications for funding in NOAA\u2019s Marine Debris Program. The amended version simply allows NOAA to give preference to communities facing severe marine debris events, something it is currently prohibited from doing.\nCommunities in the Pacific Ocean and on the West Coast of the United States began to experience a significant increase in marine debris arriving on their beaches and coastline following the tragic Tohoku earthquake and resulting tsunami that devastated the nation of Japan in March 2011. The first high-profile piece of debris was an abandoned fishing vessel that the U.S. Coast Guard sank off the coast of Alaska. Later, a 66-foot dock covered in potentially invasive marine species landed on an Oregon beach. Similar items have continued to arrive in recent months, and some oceanographers predict that the volume will increase.\nOriginal cosponsors of the the Tsunami Debris Cleanup Reimbursement Act include Reps. Don Young (R-AK), DeFazio (D-OR), Schrader (D-OR), Adam Smith (D-WA), Farr (D-CA), Honda (D-CA), Speier (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Chu (D-CA), Blumenauer (D-OR), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Capps (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Kilmer (D-WA), Huffman (D-CA), Denny Heck (D-WA), and DelBene (D-WA).\nOriginal cosponsors of the Marine Debris Emergency Act bill include: Reps. Herrera Beutler (R-WA), DeFazio (D-OR), Adam Smith (D-WA), Schrader (D-OR), Chu (D-CA), Farr (C-CA), Honda (D-CA), Speier (D-CA), Blumenauer (D-OR), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Capps (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Kilmer (D-WA), McDermott (D-WA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Don Young (R-AK), Reichert (R-WA), Huffman (D-CA), Denny Heck (D-WA), and DelBene (D-WA).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=46249f07-aa18-4ab0-afd5-76d3d39bce21", "Merkley Proposal Leads to New Energy Loan Program for Rural Communities", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Proposal Leads to New Energy Loan Program for Rural Communities \n\t\n\t\t Program Will Create Jobs and Lower Energy Bills in Rural Oregon \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, December 4, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington -- Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the creation of a new $250 million loan fund based on the Rural Energy Savings Program proposed by Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley. The new program will allow rural electric co-ops to offer their customers low-interest loans from USDA to provide affordable financing for energy efficiency improvements. The customers then pay back the loans through the savings on their electric bills. \u00a0\r\nThe program passed the Senate twice in the farm bill, but the U.S. House of Representatives has failed to pass a comprehensive farm bill for the past two years.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cOur number one goal should be creating good, middle class jobs,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cInvesting in energy efficiency renovations, which create good jobs in construction and American manufacturing, is one of the best ways we can do that. Additionally, homeowners and businesses will be able to cut down on wasted energy and save money on their bills. The people and communities who can benefit from this program shouldn\u2019t have to wait any longer for Congress to get their act together. I applaud the USDA for moving forward to put this idea into action.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nSenator Merkley first put forward the idea in 2010 in a bipartisan partnership with Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN). Under the new USDA program, low-cost loans from the USDA\u2019s rural development program will be provided to rural electric cooperatives and utilities, who will then re-lend the money to help homeowners or businesses make energy efficiency improvements. The loans may be used for upgrades to heating, lighting, other appliances, and insulation, and conversions to more efficient or renewable energy sources.\u00a0\r\nOregon has 18 electric co-ops serving communities across the state.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/infrastructure-investment-update-act", "Infrastructure Investment: The UPDATE Act", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Our transportation infrastructure is increasingly outdated and inadequate. In 2009, the Federal Highway Administration estimated that over $70.9 billion worth of repairs were needed just to maintain safe infrastructure; that number has since increased. In order to fund all economically justified projects, the Department of Transportation estimates that Congress would need to provide $83 billion a year in addition to current funding. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that our surface transportation needs over $2 trillion of investment in order to remain economically competitive.\n\n\tInstead of addressing the Highway Trust Fund's insolvency, Congress has added to the General Fund deficit by transferring over $50 billion of General Fund revenue to the Highway Trust Fund in order to keep it afloat. The problem worsens: when the current surface transportation authorization ends at the end of Fiscal Year 2014, Trust Fund balances will nearly be exhausted. In order to maintain current funding in the following years, the Highway Trust Fund will need almost $15 billion a year (in addition to current gas tax receipts). If we do not find a way to make the Highway Trust Fund solvent, the continued disinvestment will mean an over 30% drop in federal transportation spending by 2024.\n \n\tSOLUTION \n\n\tCongress should follow the recommendations of the Commissions it has authorized. We should end the transfer of General Fund dollars to the Highway Trust Fund, phase in a short term gas tax increase, and set the stage for a transition for a long-term, stable funding source that will replace the gas tax. American cannot afford to continue to disinvest in our infrastructure.\n\n\tThe UPDATE Act of 2013 turns the recommendations of the Simpson-Bowles report, the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission, and the National Surface Transportation Financing Commission into proposed law. It phases in a fifteen cent gas tax increase starting in 2014, indexes the gas tax to inflation, and then confirms Congress's intention to replace the gas tax with a more equitable, stable source of funding by 2024.\n\t\t\t\tCommission\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFunding Level Recommendation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLong Term Revenue Options\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNational Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIncrease gas tax by 25 to 40 cents, diesel tax by 15 cents, and index both rates to inflation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tExamine mileage based user fees as a potential replacement for the gas tax\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNational Surface Transportation Financing Commission (2009)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIncrease gas tax by ten cents, the federal diesel tax and commensurate taxes by fifteen cents, and index to inflation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tExamine mileage based user fees as a potential replacement for the gas tax\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNational Commission on Fiscal Responsibility andReform Simpson-Bowles (2010)\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIncrease gas tax by 15 cents per gallon\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNot addressed\n\t\t \n\tTHE HISTORY \n\n\tThe federal gas tax was last raised in 1993 by 4.3 cents (to a total of 18.4 centers per gallon) as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Previous to that, it was raised by a nickel in 1982 during the Reagan Administration.\n\n\tTransportation advocates began raising concerns about the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund in the early 2000s, as increasing fuel efficiency, and deteriorating infrastructure heightened strain on the Highway Trust Fund. In 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (known as SAFETEA-LU) created the National Surface Transportation Financing Commission to recommend options to propose solutions to the looming Highway Trust Fund deficit. The Commission's report, released in early 2009 is consistent with the recommendations of other commissions, think tanks, and policy leaders, all emphasizing the need for increased investment, and the need to shift away from the gas tax to a more stable source of funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-releases-oandc-legislation-that-increases-timber-harvest-creates-private-sector-jobs-protects-old-growth-and-sensitive-areas", "Wyden Releases O&C Legislation that Increases Timber Harvest, Creates Private-Sector Jobs, Protects Old Growth and Sensitive Areas", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Oregon and California Land Grant Act of 2013 Would Also Streamline Environmental Review of Timber Sales; Protect Wilderness Areas, Drinking Water, Streams and Fish; Allow for Consolidation of Lands\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, November 26, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Seeking to improve the management of O&C lands and boost timber harvests while upholding bedrock environmental laws, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) today announced legislation that takes a science-first approach to managing 2.1 million acres of federal land, streamline environmental review of timber sales and protect old growth trees, clean water, fish and endangered species.\r\n\u201cThis new foundation will more than double our timber harvest across 18 timber counties and ensure that harvest continues for years to come. It uses the best available science to mimic natural processes and create healthier, more diverse forests,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cMy philosophy is that forest policy should be dictated by science, not lawyers.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis approach will create a sturdier economic foundation for the O&C counties, centered on new middle class jobs for choker setters and crew bosses working in the woods, jobs for millwrights, sawyers and sawfilers, turning logs into lumber for new homes, and it means jobs throughout rural communities for outfitters and guides, for new lodges and diners, and the plumbers and hardware stores, teachers and deputies who support a strong local economy,\u201d Wyden said.\r\n\"Thanks to Chairman Wyden for his strong leadership on one of the most intractable natural resources issues facing our state,\" said Governor Kitzhaber. \"I am pleased that the Senator\u2019s bill incorporates and\u00a0improves on the many concepts that Oregonians believe are required for long-term solutions to the O&C issue. I look forward to assisting the Chairman, Ranking Member DeFazio, and Congressmen\u00a0Walden and Schrader in their efforts to pass legislation in 2014.\"\r\nWyden\u2019s legislation, called The Oregon and California Land Grant Act of 2013, amends the original Oregon and California Lands Act passed in 1937. Compared to the last ten years it would roughly double timber harvests on O&C lands for decades to come. At the same time, the bill would permanently protect old growth trees, ensure habitat for sensitive species, and put in place strong safeguards for drinking water and fisheries.\r\nThe legislation requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide a sustained yield of timber in forestry emphasis areas, while taking the most controversial harvests off the table, ensuring that old growth stands in moist forests currently over 120 years old and trees over 150 years old across the O&C landscape cannot be harvested.\r\nWhile keeping the O&C lands under the protection of federal environmental laws, the bill proposes streamlining the environmental review of timber sales by:\r\n \r\nImproving timelines for environmental and judicial reviews;\r\nEliminating the individual environmental impact statements for each timber sale and replacing them with two large-scale environmental impact statements \u2013 one each for dry and moist forests \u2013 covering 10 years of timber sales;\r\nRequiring better coordination between federal agencies during environmental reviews; and\r\nRequiring upfront studies of areas to prioritize treatments.\r\n \r\nThe bill would also permanently protect nearly a million acres of conservations areas that would be managed for the benefit of old growth trees, native wildlife, recreation and tourism. In the conservation areas, road building would be limited and mining prohibited. Timber harvests would be limited to improving habitat and forest health.\r\nFinally, the bill provides new ways to consolidate land ownership and reduce the checkerboard of public and private lands across Western Oregon.\r\nSenator Wyden will introduce companion legislation to this bill that will extend long term funding to the counties which currently receive PILT, SRS, and similar payments, ensuring that communities who produce energy, minerals and timber and other resources that benefit the entire country are fairly compensated for the local impacts of that work. The federal government owes these communities, and other resource producing communities too much to allow county payments to end.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-udall-heinrich-use-of-lethal-force-against-anwar-al-aulaqi-was-legal-public-and-congress-deserve-more-info-on-targeted-killing-rules", "Wyden, Udall, Heinrich: Use of Lethal Force Against Anwar al-Aulaqi Was Legal; Public and Congress Deserve More Info on Targeted Killing Rules", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, November 26, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 After considerable review of both the decision to use lethal force against Anwar al-Aulaqi and the rules governing such \u201ctargeted killings,\u201d U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) have concluded that the use of lethal force against al-Aulaqi \u2013 an American -- met legal standards. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, the senators \u2013 all members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence \u2013 said the lethal action against al-Aulaqi was a \u201clegitimate use of the authority granted to the President\u201d but also expressed concern that the limits and boundaries of these authorities are not yet, and should be, public knowledge. \u00a0The Senators pressed for more openness regarding these limits and boundaries, particularly the rules for taking lethal action against Americans, and the rules for preventing harm to civilians. \u00a0    \u00a0    In their letter, the Senators referenced al-Aulaqi\u2019s decision to join an organized fighting force engaged in attacks against the U.S., his leadership role in this organization and his involvement in the planning of ongoing operations and intent to carry them out.    \u00a0    \u201cMr. al-Aulaqi clearly made a conscious decision to join an organized fighting force that was (and is) engaged in planning and carrying out attacks against the United States \u2026,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cBy taking on a leadership role in this organization, involving himself in ongoing operational planning against the United States, and demonstrating the capacity and intent to carry out these operations, he made himself a legitimate target for military action.\u201d    \u00a0    The Senators urged the President to make the rules governing \u201ctargeted killings\u201d available to the American people. They asked the Executive Branch to explain exactly how much evidence is necessary to determine whether an American should be a target for military action. They also seek a public explanation of the requirements governing how an individual is determined to be an \u201cimminent\u201d threat whose capture is \u201cinfeasible.\u201d    \u00a0    \u201cWe have also concluded that the limits and boundaries of the President\u2019s power to authorize the deliberate killing of Americans need to be laid out with much greater specificity,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cThe United States\u2019 playbook for combatting terrorism will sometimes include sections that are secret, but the rulebook that the United States follows should always be available to the American public. \u2026 As we see it, every American has the right to know when their government believes it is allowed to kill them.\u201d \u00a0    \u00a0    The senators also requested additional legal analysis, and called for more details about the rules for protecting civilians to be made public. \u00a0    \u00a0    Click here to read the full letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=0f143561-0251-4ea7-9414-e01d465406f3", "Merkley Announces Trade Bill to Level the Playing Field for Oregon Manufacturing Companies and Create Middle Class Jobs", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Announces Trade Bill to Level the Playing Field for Oregon Manufacturing Companies and Create Middle Class Jobs \n\t\n\t\n\tMonday, November 25, 2013\n\t\n\tOregon City, OR \u2013 Standing in front of the shuttered Blue Heron paper mill, Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley today announced new legislation that would crack down on unfair trade practices, level the playing field for Oregon manufacturing companies, and help create middle class jobs in Oregon.\u00a0\r\nThe Level the Playing Field in Global Trade Act would ensure that sub-standard wages, workplace safety practices, and environmental protections are properly accounted for as unfair subsidies by foreign countries when calculating American duties intended to offset cheating. It also rewards companies that meet high standards on a global basis in wages, workplace safety and environmental compliance with streamlined trade and protection from enforcement actions.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u00a0\u201cIf we don\u2019t make things in America, we won\u2019t have a middle class in America,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cFor far too long, Oregon\u2019s factories and mills like Blue Heron and their workers have been hurt by foreign competition that lower their prices by cutting corners. We can and must bring back jobs to our shores by cracking down on unfair trade practices while rewarding companies that play by the rules and treat their workers well.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nIn the past decade, countries like China have reaped the benefits of trade deals without upholding their end of the bargain. This lack of accountability has contributed to the shuttering of tens of thousands of American factories and the loss of millions of American manufacturing jobs. Oregon is the state with the greatest share of its economy tied to manufacturing, with 29% of its gross state product (GSP) coming from the manufacturing sector in 2011. As such, Oregon stands to gain or lose disproportionately from policies that help or hurt domestic manufacturing.\u00a0\r\nCurrently, U.S. companies and workers are at a trade disadvantage against companies and countries that do not pay adequate wages or maintain safety standards and environmental controls.\u00a0 This results in countries and companies engaging in a \u201crace to the bottom,\u201d which puts U.S. manufacturing jobs at risk and is fundamentally unfair to American working families.\u00a0 As the recent scandal in Bangladesh made clear, it\u2019s also terribly destructive to workers around the world.\u00a0\r\nCurrent American law and trade agreements prohibit \u201cdumping\u201d of products, where companies export products at prices below the cost of production or cheaper than they sell for in the home country, and allow the U.S. to impose duties to make the sale price in America reflect what the true cost would be without cheating.\u00a0 The Level the Playing Field in Global Trade Act would, for the first time, recognize that egregious environmental and labor practices are a form of illegal subsidy that can be remedied by U.S. duties. It would also reward companies that adhere to high global standards by creating new trade and enforcement incentives.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wake-west-burnside-water-break-blumenauer-introduces-water", "In Wake of West Burnside Water Break, Blumenauer Introduces Water Infrastructure Legislation", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) introduced the bipartisan Water Protection and Reinvestment Trust Fund Act of 2013, along with Representatives Tim Bishop (NY-01), John Duncan (TN-02), Donna F. Edwards (MD-04) Richard Hanna (NY-22), Jim Moran (VA-08), Tom Petri (WI-06), and Ed Whitfield (KY-01). This bill would provide a small, deficit-neutral, protected source of revenue to help states and local government replace, repair, and rehabilitate critical wastewater treatment facilities by creating a voluntary labeling and contributory system to which businesses that rely on a clean water source could opt-in. This bill introduction comes in the wake of the break in the West Burnside water main in Portland last month. The street closures and repair work caused significant traffic disruption and economic damage to the surrounding businesses. Southwest Portlanders also received notice this week to boil their tap water due to possible contamination. A loss of pressure in the water system during pipe work may have allowed contaminants that cause illnesses to enter the system without being treated.  \n\t\t  \n\t\tWhile it would take over $9.3 billion a year to maintain a clean-water infrastructure, funding has averaged just over $1.25 billion a year since 2000. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has given US wastewater infrastructure a grade of D in their most recent report card. Last year alone, American communities suffered more than 310,000 water main breaks and saw overflowing combined sewer systems, causing contamination, property damage, disruptions in the water supply, and massive traffic jams.  \n\t\t  Day by day, and year by year, our water infrastructure falls apart, said Blumenauer. This bill allows responsible businesses who are dependent on clean water and effective sewage, to voluntarily contribute to rebuild and renew the system.Over the long term, the bill will save consumers and local governments millions of dollars, while helping maintain and rebuild our clean water system. \"A federal clean Water Trust Fund will leverage billions of public and private dollars to rebuild our nation's water infrastructure and put thousands of Americans to work in the construction and wastewater-support sectors,\" said Bishop, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment. \"Investing now in improvements to publicly-owned water infrastructure will save taxpayer dollars on the local level in the future by reducing long-term operation and maintenance costs and protecting public health. I thank Congressman Blumenauer for his leadership on this critical issue.\"  \n\t\t  \n\t\tEvery day, we see the health, safety, and economic effects of America's crumbling water infrastructure, said Edwards. This legislation is a bipartisan effort to stem the tide. In my state of Maryland, we see the devastating effects of polluted runoff, flooding, and sewer overflows on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and other rivers across our country. We must act now to create a consistent revenue stream, develop this infrastructure, and partner with businesses to keep our water clean for working families now and in the future.  \n\t\t  \n\t\tMaintenance demands on our clean water infrastructure have outpaced the funds available to pay for it for years, said Moran. This bill creates a voluntary, dedicated revenue stream to keep American communities drinking water safe for current and future generations.  \n\t\t  \n\t\tWe are potentially looking at billions of dollars in unfunded liabilities over the next few decades due to poor and crumbling water infrastructure, said Petri. This plan is a viable, long-term solution that will allow us to meet the needs of our nation's pipe, drains, and sewers.  \n\t\t  \n\t\tA modern, reliable infrastructure is vital for economic development, stated Whitfield. I'm pleased to be a part of this important legislation. Businesses could choose to place a small label on their products indicating their commitment to protecting America's clean water. For each unit that displayed such a label, companies would contribute $0.03 to the Water Trust Fund. Most of these funds will be distributed as grants and loans through the existing Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund to provide loans to publicly owned treatment works for wastewater treatment construction. Twenty percent of the funds will support an innovative financing program based on the successful Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. Everyone cares about clean water, but the reality is that the system to protect and maintain water isn't free. continued Blumenauer. This bill doesn't cost the taxpayers a cent, and yet allows businesses and the public to enjoy the benefits of a modern and fully functional water-infrastructure system. It's a straightforward solution to the problem, and passing it swiftly into law would be a good way to show the American people we can move forward on bills that benefit everyone.\n\t Statements of Support: \n\t  \n\t\tAPWA is encouraged by Congressman Blumenauer's efforts to address the infrastructure funding crisis facing wastewater utilities and we applaud Congressmen Blumenauer, Hanna, Duncan and Whitfield on identifying a workable solution to raising new money for wastewater utility investment. Peter B. King, Executive Director of the American Public Works Association.\n\t\t  \n\t\tThe National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) applauds Representative Blumenauer and the bipartisan co-sponsors of this bill - which seeks voluntary contributions to a dedicated trust fund to benefit clean and safe water across the country. This bill's introduction is a key step toward ensuring that the federal government recommits to an enduring partnership with our states and municipalities in meeting the nation's growing clean water infrastructure needs, and we urge Congress to swiftly enact this legislation. Ken Kirk, Executive Director of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies\n\t\t  \n\t\tWe need to step up the nation's commitment to water infrastructure, which is why this legislation is so important. Congress long ago recognized that the needs of our surface transportation and aviation systems were critical enough to warrant tax revenues dedicated to their maintenance and enhancement. We need to take the next logical step and extend this approach to addressing the enormous backlog of water infrastructure needs throughout the country. ACEC strongly supports the Water Protection and Reinvestment Act. Dave Raymond, President and CEO, American Council of Engineering Companies\n\t\t  \n\t\t\"The United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters support the Water Protection and Reinvestment Act because our nation's aging water systemsthe pipes, treatment plants and storage tanks that deliver safe, clean water to our homes and businessesare reaching a tipping point and must be replaced. Investments in water infrastructure will promote American innovation and competitiveness, create thousands of jobs in construction and manufacturing sectors, and ensure our communities have access to safe and reliable water systems. William P. Hite, General President, United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters of the United States, Canada and Australia\n\t\t  \n\t\tThe innovative approaches outlined in Congressman Blumenauer's bill will help us to insure a sustainable clean water future. Kevin Shafer, Executive Director, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District\n\t\t  \n\t\t\"The International Union of Operating Engineers believe that the Water Trust Fund legislation introduced today by Congressmen Blumenauer is a national imperative and we will aggressively pursue its enactment into law. The bill's comprehensive set of innovative financing mechanisms will deliver environmental and economic benefits for future generations, while also delivering immediate economic benefits for the nation by creating thousands of family wage jobs in the hard-hit construction sector soon after its passage. The IUOE appreciates Congressman Blumenauer's focus and hard work on legislation that seriously begins to address the dramatic needs of America's wastewater infrastructure. Thank you for your leadership.\" James T. Callahan, General President, International Union of Operating Engineers  \n\t\tThis bipartisan measure will provide the resources needed to maintain, improve and expand clean water systems across the country, said, the chief executive officer of the Establishing this fund will help provide additional funding municipalities need to plan and finance upgrades to our increasingly aging water systems. Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO, Associated General Contractors of America. Our nation is facing a clean water infrastructure funding crisis - EPA, GAO and WIN have all projected annual shortfalls in funding for clean water infrastructure in access of $20 B for the foreseeable future. Congressman Blumenauer's legislation is a thoughtful approach to funding America's critical water infrastructure that has earned broad bipartisan support on the Hill and the unwavering support of municipal, construction, labor, conservation and engineering organizations from across the country. Water Infrastructure Network.\n\t\t  \n\t\tBy establishing a clean water trust fund, communities will be able to unlock potentially millions of dollars through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund program and a new federal loan program for water infrastructure projects critical to our economy, the environment and the health and welfare of our communities. While municipal bonds help fund three-quarters of infrastructure projects built in the U.S., local governments continue to seek additional financing mechanisms. NLC applauds these leaders on their bipartisan effort to provide new and innovative mechanisms of funding and a reliable, long-term source of capital to meet the growing water infrastructure needs in our communities. Chris Coleman, President, National League of Cities and Mayor of Saint Paul, MN\n\t\t  \n\t\tNACo applauds Rep. Blumenauer, Rep. Hanna, Rep. Duncan, and Rep. Whitfield for introduction of the Water Protection and Reinvestment Trust Fund, said Matt Chase, NACo executive director. Wastewater and stormwater infrastructure provides vital economic, public health and environmental benefits to American communities and the national economy. Without a long-term funding source, future infrastructure projects could be threatened. Matt Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties \n\tWater Trust Fund One Pager(11/21/13 04:06 PM PST)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=0b4c3fff-d066-45ad-916c-7c0447ae9ada", "Merkley: Rules Change a Victory for the American People", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley: Rules Change a Victory for the American People \n\t\n\t\t Ending Abusive Filibuster on Nominations Big Step to Restoring Functionality of the Senate \n\t\n\t\n\tThursday, November 21, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the Senate changed its rules to allow nominations to be confirmed with a simple majority vote as provided for in the Constitution. Merkley, along with Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), has led the effort in the Senate to reform its rules in order for it to become a more functional institution.\r\n \r\n\u201cToday\u2019s rule change is a victory for the American people. The endless abuse of the filibuster on nominations has done great damage to the independence of our courts. The minority party has filibustered too many qualified nominees to our Executive and Judicial branches, not because of any character or qualification issues, but because they were nominated by our current President. That is just wrong. Nominees deserve up or down votes. These filibusters have been contrary to the spirit of our Constitution, which envisions coequal branches of government.\r\n\u201cThe nominees that the Senate minority has blocked over the past year were nominated to positions that affect the American people and the economy in vital ways, including the nominees to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Housing Finance Agency.\u00a0 The judges on the DC Circuit Court rule on issues that directly and deeply impact middle class families, like health care, workplace safety, and clean air and water rules.\u00a0Moreover, the endless filibusters have taken up endless weeks of the Senate\u2019s time, better spent on boosting manufacturing, investing in our infrastructure, and improving education.\u00a0\r\n\u201cEnding the abusive filibuster on nominations is a big step toward restoring the functionality of the Senate, and that matters for all of us. I hope we continue to look at ways to make this legislative body work better. We face big challenges as a nation, and we need a Congress that can take on those challenges.\u201d\r\n \r\nSenator Merkley led efforts to change the rules of the Senate in both January 2011 and 2013. In July, Senator Merkley worked with Leader Reid in an effort to change the Senate rules regarding executive nominations. Out of that effort, a deal was struck in which the Senate approved numerous pending nominations, including Richard Cordray for Chair of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Gina McCarthy for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t  \n          \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=32c555cc-d063-4284-a82c-4e4fb153ddd7", "Senators Merkley and Wyden Introduce Crooked River Collaborative Water Security Act of 2013", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Merkley and Wyden Introduce Crooked River Collaborative Water Security Act of 2013 \n\t\n\t\n\tThursday, November 21, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON, DC\u2014 Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined with Crooked River stakeholders\u00a0 today to introduce the Crooked River Collaborative Water Security Act of 2013, which would provide a framework for improving the management of water in the Crooked River, while creating opportunities for economic growth and new jobs in central Oregon. \u00a0This legislation is based on an agreement that the Senators facilitated among a broad coalition of stakeholders in the region. \u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\u201cThe full potential of the Crooked River and Prineville Reservoir beckoned to central Oregon for decades, but a common agreement has been long out of reach,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cToday I am pleased to join with Senator Wyden and many Crooked River stakeholders to realize that full potential.\u00a0 This legislation will provide water certainty for the stakeholders and help provide more economic security for central Oregon.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis bill addresses all the issues that are important to Central Oregon. It means more jobs, a more secure supply of drinking water for the City of Prineville and ensures clean water for endangered fish,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cIt also has the added advantage of fixing a historic mistake regarding the boundary of the wild and scenic section of the Crooked River and allowing for the development of a clean source of energy at Bowman Dam.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am grateful for the hard work and leadership of Oregon\u2019s Senators and many committed stakeholders who have demonstrated Oregon\u2019s ability to come together and find a solution to one of Oregon\u2019s truly special places,\u201d said Governor Kitzhaber. \u201cThis legislation not only represents a victory for the Central Oregon economy, but provides certainty for communities, fish, wildlife and native people.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThe Crooked River Collaborative Water Security Act of 2013 would provide numerous benefits to water users and the Central Oregon region, by:\r\n \r\nMeeting the municipal water needs for the city of Prineville long into the future so the city can continue to attract new businesses like data centers that require reliable water supplies; \r\nProviding greater certainty for the agricultural community that depends on the Crooked River for irrigation; \r\nAllowing water to be released from Bowman Dam to help maintain a healthy steelhead, salmon and trout fisheries, which are cherished by local fishermen;\r\nAllowing the Bowman Dam to be retrofitted to install a hydroelectric turbine and generate low-cost, clean power and create construction jobs;\r\nCreating a process to help better plan for dry years, in terms of the impact on fish habitat and fishing, as well as boating and other recreational activities.\r\n \r\nThis legislation is endorsed by the City of Prineville, Crook County, the Governor of Oregon, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, American Rivers, Deschutes Basin Board of Control (representing all seven major irrigation districts in Central Oregon), NW Steelheaders, Ochoco\u00a0 and North Unit Irrigation Districts, Portland General Electric, Trout Unlimited, and WaterWatch.\u00a0\r\nStakeholder support\u00a0\r\nCity of Prineville Mayor, Betty Roppe\r\n\u201cWe appreciate Senator Merkley\u2019s work on this legislation. The City of Prineville needs a new law to secure water from Bowman Dam to meet our residential and business water needs. We look forward to working with Senator Merkley, Senator Wyden and Congressman Walden to get this Crooked River legislation enacted into law.\u201d\u00a0\r\nCrook County Commissioner and Judge, Mike McCabe\r\n\u201cThe Senator has worked hard on this bill. We appreciate that it will strengthen agricultural productivity, and create other economic benefits like new hydropower energy, once we have this bill become law.\u201d\u00a0\r\nRobert A. Brunoe, Branch of Natural Resources Manager and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon\r\n\u201cThe Merkley-Wyden legislation is the result of countless hours of deliberation of a diverse group of local stakeholders. \u00a0It helps resolve a decades-long question of how to balance water interests and achieves the maximum mutual benefit for municipal and irrigation users while also ensuring the recovery of salmon, trout and steelhead in the Crooked River.\u201d\u00a0\r\nDavid Moryc, American Rivers\r\n\"By bringing irrigators and conservationists together Senator Merkley has crafted a uniquely collaborative solution to the age-old challenge of water use in the Wild and Scenic Crooked River watershed. The City of Prineville, irrigation districts, the Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs, and conservation groups have come together to support a balanced approach, providing certainty for water users while keeping more water in the Wild and Scenic Crooked River to improve recreation and habitat for trout.\"\r\nNorth Unit Irrigation District General Manager, Mike Britton\r\n\u201cOur District appreciates Senator Merkley\u2019s work. The bill ensures that our district can continue to rely upon small amounts of Crooked River water supplies when circumstances warrant the need for them.\u201d\r\nYancy Lind, President of the Deschutes Basin chapter of the Association of NW Steelheaders\r\n\u201cThe Crooked River is one of the most popular waterways for anglers in Oregon on the east side of the Cascades.\u00a0 It has a healthy population of wild and native redband trout and mountain whitefish.\u00a0 It is also critical spawning habitat for recently reintroduced steelhead and salmon, benefitting anglers throughout Oregon who target these fish as they travel through the Columbia and Deschutes rivers.\u00a0 Allocating water to the Crooked River helps ensure the survival of these fish as well as the beavers, otters, eagles, osprey, deer, and other wildlife that rely on the river.\u00a0 Local anglers are proud to be part of the coalition behind this legislation.\u201d\u00a0\r\nOchoco Irrigation District Chairman, Brian Barney\r\n\u201cSenator Merkley\u2019s bill will be helpful to local farmers and ranchers. It will ensure all of us are able to rely upon the certainty of Bowman Dam water supplies as we have for the past 50 years.\u201d\u00a0\r\nKimberley Priestley, WaterWatch of Oregon\r\n\u201cThis collaborative bill is a blueprint for a healthier Crooked River and a secure water supply for local communities, backed by a broad coalition of irrigation, municipal, tribal and conservation interests. It will bring significant benefits to Central Oregon, and we hope Congress passes this bill without delay.\u201d\u00a0\r\nPortland General Electric Vice President of Public Policy, Dave Robertson\r\n\u201cSenator Merkley and Senator Wyden have crafted a balanced, sustainable bill. This supports the collaborative work of farmers, environmental advocates, government agencies, the Tribes and others \u2013 including Portland General Electric \u2013 to help meet municipal, power generation, and agricultural needs in Central Oregon while improving stream flows and \u00a0facilitating reintroduction of native fish. We look forward to working with the entire Oregon delegation to get this enacted into law \"\r\nKate Miller, Trout Unlimited\r\n\u201cTrout Unlimited and it's local Deschutes chapter support this bill as a balanced and pragmatic solution to meeting multiple water use values - improving reliability for the city of Prineville and local agricultural community, promoting hydropower development and enhancing fish and wildlife values on the Crooked River.\u00a0 Working together, stakeholders are making huge strides to restore salmon and steelhead to the crooked river.\u00a0 This collaborative bill will promote local partnerships and shared solutions for meeting future water challenges, leading to a healthier river and stronger local economies.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-wyden-heinrich-urge-solicitor-general-to-set-record-straight-on-misrepresentations-to-us-supreme-court-in-clapper-v-amnesty", "Udall, Wyden, Heinrich Urge Solicitor General to Set Record Straight on Misrepresentations to U.S. Supreme Court in Clapper v. Amnesty", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "'We Believe a Formal Notification to the Supreme Court of the Government's Misrepresentations ? Would be an Important Step in Correcting the Public Record'\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, November 21, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) urged U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli today to answer a series of questions regarding statements and oral arguments the government made to the U.S. Supreme Court. Statements made in the recent case\u00a0Clapper v. Amnesty International\u00a0inaccurately described how the government collects Americans' private communications, specifically omitting recently declassified collection criteria. Udall, Wyden and Heinrich \u2014 all members of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence \u2014 said it is essential for the federal government to correct the record about facts it failed to clearly state to the court when it considered the case.\r\n\"We are pleased that the Justice Department has now publicly clarified that going forward, its policy will be to inform defendants when evidence against them has been acquired or derived from surveillance conducted under Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act. \u2026 This is an important step, since it will finally provide the courts with the opportunity to adjudicate the constitutionality of the FISA Amendments Act, which the ruling in\u00a0Clapper\u00a0had appeared to foreclose,\"\u00a0the senators wrote in their letter. \"Still, we are concerned that the Justice Department has not gone far enough to correct incomplete or misleading representations that we believe were made by the government to the Supreme Court in\u00a0Clapper v. Amnesty.\"\r\nUdall, Wyden and Heinrich point out their concern about statements in the majority opinion indicating \"the court's view that the only way the plaintiffs' communications could be intercepted under the FISA Amendments Act is if those communications are to or from a foreign intelligence target.\" However, the senators explain that the FISA Amendments Act has been secretly interpreted to allow the collection of communications not just \"to\" or \"from,\" but also \"about\" a foreign, overseas target. This likely results in the acquisition of \"tens of thousands\" of wholly domestic communications every year, according to a declassified Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court opinion.\r\n\"The existence of the 'about' collection clearly increases the likelihood that the respondents' communications would have been collected under the FISA Amendments Act, and thus we are concerned that this collection was not contemplated in the government's arguments or the court's opinion,\"\u00a0the senators wrote. \"In fact, the government's statements and oral arguments were misleading in that they suggested that Section 702 collection only involves communications to and from particular targets.\"\r\nUdall, Wyden and Heinrich have been strong proponents of setting the record straight on U.S. surveillance efforts and the need to strengthen congressional oversight over the National Security Agency and other intelligence agencies. Last month\u00a0the three lawmakers voted against surveillance legislation the Senate Intelligence Committee passed because it not deliver real, substantive reform to better balance Americans' security and privacy rights.\r\n\"We believe that a formal notification to the Supreme Court of the government's misrepresentations in the case \u2014 both relating to its notice policy and relating to its practice of 'about' collection under Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act \u2014 would be an important step in correcting the public record and would be in the interests of the public as well as of the Administration and the Supreme Court,\"\u00a0the lawmakers said in the letter.\r\nTo read the letter, click\u00a0HERE\u00a0or scroll below:\r\nThe Honorable Donald Verrilli Jr.\u00a0  Solicitor General\u00a0  950 Pennsylvannia Ave. NW\u00a0  Washington, D.C. 20530-0001\r\nDear Mr. Verrilli:\r\nWe write to bring to your attention a matter regarding Clapper v. Amnesty, a U.S. Supreme Court case decided earlier this year. On February 26, 2013, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that respondents in the case of Clapper v. Amnesty did not have standing to challenge the FISA Amendments Act. We are concerned that the Court\u2019s decision was not informed by a complete understanding of how the FISA Amendments Act (FAA) has been interpreted and implemented. Official records suggest that the Court was given misleading information that appears to have informed the majority\u2019s decision, and that some of these misleading statements have not yet been acknowledged or corrected.\r\nWe are pleased that the Justice Department has now publicly clarified that going forward, its policy will be to inform defendants when evidence against them has been acquired or derived from surveillance conducted under Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act (FAA). In Clapper v. Amnesty, the government represented to the Court that it provides notice to a defendant of evidence obtained or derived under the FAA, a statement that was then incorporated into the majority opinion in the case. It has become clear, however, that this was not actually the policy practiced in the Justice Department and that the government misrepresented its policy and practice to the Court. Last month, by acknowledging for the first time the use of FAA-derived evidence in a criminal case, the government appears to have at least begun to realign its policy with its representations in Clapper. This is an important step, since it will finally provide the courts with the opportunity to adjudicate the constitutionality of the FISA Amendments Act, which the ruling in Clapper had appeared to foreclose.\r\nStill, we are concerned that the Justice Department has not gone far enough to correct incomplete or misleading representations that we believe were made by the government to the Supreme Court in Clapper v. Amnesty.\r\nIn Clapper v. Amnesty, the majority opinion characterizes as \u201chighly speculative\u201d the plaintiffs\u2019 fear that \u201cthe Government will decide to target the communications of non-U.S. persons with whom they communicate,\u201d and states that the \u201crespondents\u2019 theory necessarily rests on their assertion that the Government will target other individuals \u2013 namely their foreign contacts.\u201d These and other statements in the opinion indicate the Court\u2019s view that the only way the plaintiffs\u2019 communications could be intercepted under the FAA is if those communications are to or from a foreign intelligence target.\r\nYet with the disclosure and declassification in recent months of relevant documents regarding Section 702, the role of \u2018about\u2019 collection under the FAA is now public, although not widely understood. In addition to authorizing the collection of communications to and from foreign, overseas targets, the FISA Amendments Act also has been secretly interpreted to authorize the collection of communications that are merely about a targeted overseas foreigner.\r\nThis form of collection allows the government \u2013 through the \u201cupstream\u201d collection under Section 702 \u2013 to collect any communication whose content includes an identifier, such as an email address, associated with an overseas foreigner who may be a foreign intelligence target. But according to the FISA Court\u2019s October 2011 opinion, the \u2018about\u2019 collection likely results in the acquisition of \u201ctens of thousands\u201d of wholly domestic communications every year. In other words, tens of thousands of emails between law-abiding Americans are likely being collected \u2013 even though these Americans are not actually communicating directly with a foreign intelligence or terrorism target. As FAA collection was intended to target persons \u201creasonably believed to be located outside the United States,\u201d and targeting procedures were intended to \u201cprevent the intentional acquisition of any communication as to which the sender and all intended recipients are known at the time of acquisition to be located in the United States,\u201d the FISA Court in its October 2011 opinion called this expanded FAA collection a circumvention of the \u201cspirit\u201d of the law and a \u201ccause of concern for the Court.\u201d\r\nIn Clapper v. Amnesty, the government\u2019s argument that respondents could not demonstrate that their communications had been collected under the FISA Amendments Act \u2013 in part, because they could not prove that their contacts were targets under the FISA Amendments Act \u2013 was incorporated into the Supreme Court\u2019s majority opinion determining that the respondents did not have standing.\r\nIn the context of Clapper v. Amnesty, the significance of the \u2019about\u2019 collection under Section 702 is that in order to have been a subject of FISA Amendments Act collection, the respondents would not necessarily have had to have communicated with an FAA target. They could also have had their communications collected if they sent international or even wholly domestic emails in which the content included an FAA target\u2019s email address.\r\nWe are not claiming to know whether knowledge of the \u2018about\u2019 collection would have changed the majority\u2019s decision in this case. But we believe that the existence of the \u2018about\u2019 collection clearly increases the likelihood that the respondents\u2019 communications would have been collected under the FISA Amendments Act, and thus we are concerned that this collection was not contemplated in the government\u2019s arguments or the Court\u2019s opinion. In fact, the government\u2019s statements and oral arguments were misleading in that they suggested that Section 702 collection only involves communications to and from particular targets.\r\nWe would appreciate answers to the following questions:\r\n \r\nWas the fact that the communications of Americans might also be collected under the FISA Amendments Act if they are communicating about an FAA target conveyed to the Supreme Court during consideration of Clapper v. Amnesty? If not, why not?\r\nWas the FISA Court\u2019s October 2011 opinion made available to the Supreme Court during consideration of this case? If not, why not?\r\nDo you stand by the statements and oral arguments the government made to the Court in Clapper v. Amnesty, including those concerning the provision of notice to criminal defendants? If so, please explain why.\r\nIf not, can you please provide or describe each statement and oral argument that you no longer stand by and explain how you intend to correct the record with regard to each of those representations made to the Court in Clapper v. Amnesty?\r\n \r\nWe believe that a formal notification to the Supreme Court of the government\u2019s misrepresentations in the case \u2014 both relating to its notice policy and relating to its practice of \u2018about\u2019 collection under Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act \u2014 would be an important step in correcting the public record and would be in the interests of the public as well as of the Administration and the Supreme Court.\r\nWe look forward to your reply.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=5e92bcf2-3613-40be-bdbf-c136efaece7e", "Senators: Congress Should Vote on Keeping Troops in Afghanistan Past 2014", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators: Congress Should Vote on Keeping Troops in Afghanistan Past 2014 \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, November 20, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Today, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rand Paul (R-KY), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Mark Begich (D-AK) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) urging Congressional approval as a condition for any American troop presence in Afghanistan past 2014. \u00a0The Administration is reportedly negotiating an agreement that could keep as many as 10,000 American troops in Afghanistan for another ten years.\r\n \r\n\u201cIt is long past time to end the longest war in American history and bring our sons and daughters home,\u201d Senator Merkley said. \u201cThe American people deserve to weigh in and Congress should vote before we decide to commit massive resources and thousands of troops to another decade in Afghanistan. These are resources that could be used here at home creating jobs, improving education, and cutting the deficit.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\n\"With our military involvement in Afghanistan winding down, it is vital for the elected representatives of the American people to approve or disapprove of further involvement past the 2014 timeline,\u201d Senator Lee said. \u201cThis amendment protects the democratic rights of the American people to shape our foreign and military policy.\"\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\n\u00a0\u201cWhen Congress authorized the war in Afghanistan it was not intended to last forever,\u201d Senator Wyden said. \u201cIt has now become the longest war in American history. \u00a0If the president believes there are compelling national security reasons to require a U.S. military presence in Afghanistan after 2014 he should come to Congress and make that case.\u201d\r\n \r\n \r\n\u00a0\u201cAfter spending over a decade at war in Afghanistan, it is time to transition our troops home,\u201d Senator Paul said. \u201cThis bipartisan amendment reinforces the fact that the president needs to consult the American people and their representatives in Congress before increasing our troop involvement in Afghanistan.\u201d\r\n \r\n \r\n\u00a0\u201cAfter over a decade of war and thousands of American casualties, we need to focus on supporting our veterans and doing some nation-building here at home,\u201d Senator Tester said.\u00a0 \u201cThis amendment makes sure Congress and the American people have a say when it comes to our national priorities.\u201d\r\n \r\n \r\n\u201cAfter years of war in which thousands of soldiers lost their lives and billions of dollars have been spent, Americans have the right to expect checks and balances should the President deviate from the current plan to end combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of 2014.\u201d said Sen. Begich.\u00a0 \u201cThis amendment ensures that the President can\u2019t make unilateral decisions that commit our country to another decade of conflict in Afghanistan.\u201d\r\n \r\nAfter 12 years and nearly $600 billion spent, the Administration has declared that the war in Afghanistan will be wound down by December 31, 2014. However, the Administration is also negotiating an agreement with the Government of Afghanistan that would set guidelines for U.S. troops to remain in training, support, and counter-terrorism roles through at least 2024. \u00a0\r\nIn June, the House of Representatives approved a similar amendment to the NDAA stating that it is the Sense of Congress that if the President determines that it is necessary to maintain U.S. troops in Afghanistan after 2014, any such presence and missions should be authorized by Congress.\u00a0 The House amendment passed by a robust, bipartisan 305-121 margin.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-urges-diplomacy-iran-not-more-sanctions", "Blumenauer Urges Diplomacy with Iran, Not More Sanctions", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Transcript \n\n\tMr. Speaker, in an era of violence in the Middle East, tragedy in Syria, and turmoil in Egypt, there's some encouraging news surrounding Iran.\n\n\tThe most important signal may have been the election of Hassan Rouhani, who is by no means a moderate by any one stretch of the imagination, except in the context of Iran. He was the choice of the Iranian people for change, a different path to reduce the collision course with the United States and the crippling sanctions we've imposed. His Foreign Minister, Mohammad Zarif, is an able and experienced diplomat with strong relationships with the people who've dealt with him for years, both in the United States and Iran. I'm encouraged by the reports in the news and the opinion pages which point out something I've long argued on the floor of this House: the convergence of interests between the United States and Iran. People forget the key role the United States played in the emergence of the modern state of Iran: the constitutional revolution beginning in 1905, where American influence was profoundly felt.\n\n\tUnfortunately, for the last sixty years, we have serially mismanaged our relationship with Iran. How would we have felt if a foreign power worked to overthrow our democratically-elected government and install a dictator? That's exactly what the United States and Great Britain did in 1953, and how the Shah returned to power. It's amazing that the majority of Iranians still have positive feelings towards the United States, which they do. People forget the alignment of interest between the United States and Iran after 9/11 that lead them to help us deal with post-Taliban Afghanistan. And when in the capitals of some of our supposed allies in the Middle East, people were cheering at that tragedy; on 9/11, people in Tehran were standing in solidarity with Americans. This of course, before George Bush recklessly included them in his infamous Axis of Evil' pronouncement.\n\n\tThe Iranian people are distinct from Arabs, proud of their Persian heritage stretching back thousands of years. Iran is an important part of any ultimate solution stabilizing Iraq and resolving the Syrian conflict. Yes, they have advanced nuclear development and we rightly should be deeply concerned with their pursuit of nuclear weapons. That's why one of the Obama administration's greatest foreign policy triumphs has been to marshal support of the world for the stringent, comprehensive regime of sanctions. It's made a huge difference driving down the value of their currency, depleting their foreign reserves and creating extreme inflationary pressures on their economy.\n\n\tNow is the time to see if a solution can be developed. It's decidedly not the time to ratchet up sanctions even further. Nothing would undercut the more moderate forces in Iran and more pressure could be very counter-productive because we are at risk of sanctions fatigue by our partners. Other countries that do not share our same policy positions and deep hostility towards Iranians have gone along with sanctions. To expect that countries like China, India and Russia are going to follow us with even more extreme sanctions, and turn our back on the progress, is questionable at best. At worst, it would end up losing support for the sanctions regime we have now, strengthen the hand of the hard-liners who do hate America, and set back long term prospects for peace, not just for Iran, but Syria, Iraq and throughout the Middle East.\n\n\tMost experts I've encountered feel Iran could have built a nuclear bomb years ago, but they didn't. Recently, they've slowed the pace of their nuclear activities and been open to proposals unthinkable a year ago. The rush to undercut the process is short-sighted, counter-productive and risks accelerating the development of Iranian nuclear weapons. Now is the time to accelerate diplomacy, not walk away. It is decidedly not the time for the United States Congress to throw a monkey wrench in the diplomatic proceedings and ratchet up sanctions. We can always re-impose sanctions but may not be able to recreate this diplomatic opportunity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131123192807/http://bonamici.house.gov:80/press-release/bonamici-appointed-education-and-workforce-help-subcommittee-departs-workforce", "Bonamici Appointed to Education and the Workforce HELP Subcommittee, Departs Workforce Protections Subcommittee", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today announced that she has been selected to serve on the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, & Pensions (HELP). She will depart the subcommittee on Workforce Protections, but remain on the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.\n\u201cI look forward to working with members of the HELP subcommittee to protect and strengthen the employment and labor laws that are essential to well-being of Oregon\u2019s working families,\u201d said Bonamici.\nA description of the HELP subcommittee jurisdiction follows:\nThe\u00a0Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions\u00a0has jurisdiction over all matters dealing with relationships between employers and employees including, but not limited to, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor-Management Relations Act, and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act; the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and employment-related health and retirement security including pension, health, and other employee benefits and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131124123231/http://bonamici.house.gov:80/press-release/bonamici-and-schock-lead-28-house-members-support-stem-steam-founders-congressional", "Bonamici and Schock Lead 28  House Members in Support of STEM to STEAM - Founders of Congressional STEAM Caucus Seek Improvements to America COMPETES", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) are leading an effort to add language to a reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act to recognize and support the value of integrating arts and design into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The duo, along with 26 other House members from both sides of the aisle, today sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology urging inclusion of provisions supportive of STEAM. The America COMPETES Act aims to strengthen American competitiveness through sustained investments in science, innovation, and education.\n\u201cSTEAM should be recognized as providing value to STEM research and programs across federal agencies through\u00a0 \u2018Sense of Congress\u2019 provisions and language clarifying that current research, data collection, and STEM programs may include arts integration strategies and programs,\u201d wrote the members.\u00a0 \u201cAdditionally, we ask that, where appropriate, data collection, surveys, and reporting on STEM activities and grant making in the federal government specifically look at arts integration activities.\u00a0 Finally, current interdisciplinary and inter-agency programs should be strengthened and language added to clarify that arts integration is an avenue for doing so.\u201d\nCosigners of the letter include Reps. Daniel B. Maffei, Mark Takano, Derek Kilmer, Scott Peters, Blake Farenthold, Rodney Davis, David N. Cicilline, James R. Langevin, Jared Polis, Susan A. Davis, Suzan DelBene, Alcee L. Hastings, James P. McGovern, Ann McLane Kuster, Mark Pocan, Jared Huffman, William Keating, Dave Loebsack, Carol Shea-Porter, Louise M. Slaughter, Earl Blumenauer, Gerald E. Connolly, Dina Titus, Lois Frankel, Susan Brooks, and Zoe Lofgren.\nBonamici and Schock announced the formation of the Congressional STEAM Caucus in February. The group hosts briefings and advocates for policy changes that will encourage educators to integrate arts, broadly defined, with traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math curriculum and activities. Their goal is to help develop the creativity and critical thinking skills needed to drive our innovation economy forward. The full text of the letter follows:\n\u00a0\nNovember 19, 2013\n\u00a0\nChairman Lamar Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson  2321 Rayburn House Office Building\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 394 Ford House Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20515\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington, D.C. 20515\nDear Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson:\nAs members of the bipartisan Congressional STEAM Caucus, we are excited to learn that the Science, Space, and Technology Committee is beginning work on legislation to reauthorize the America COMPETES Act.\u00a0 As this legislation is developed, we ask that you recognize the value of STEAM: the integration of arts and design with STEM teaching, research, funding, and federal activities.\nOur ability to innovate is one of America\u2019s strongest assets, and has defined us as a country.\u00a0 There is no doubt that technical skills in the STEM fields are critical.\u00a0 But in order to continue the innovative trajectory our country has set, STEM workers need to be creative, entrepreneurial problem solvers.\u00a0 Employers agree, and according to The Conference Board\u2019s \u201cReady to Innovate\u201d report:\n\u201cInnovation is crucial to competition, and creativity is integral to innovation.\u00a0 U.S. employers rate creativity/innovation among the top five skills that will increase in importance over the next five years, and stimulating innovation/creativity and enabling entrepreneurship is among the top 10 challenges of U.S. CEOs.\u201d\u00a0\nThe report also found that school superintendents and employers name arts study as one of the top two indicators of creativity.\u00a0 Integrating the arts and design into the STEM disciplines is an effective way of fostering these skills and building on the potential for success in our future workforce.\nSTEAM is also an important tool to keep young students interested in STEM subjects at school and encourage them to pursue careers in the STEM fields.\u00a0 A separate recent study found that \u201csustained childhood exposure to and participation in the arts appears linked to college students majoring in science and technology fields, and to later going on to patent inventions.\u201d\u00a0 Further, arts exposure has a clear and positive impact on academic achievement generally: a study by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) found that low-income students engaged in the arts tend to have higher academic achievement and college enrollment rates. \u00a0\u00a0\nIntegration of the arts and design into STEM is already happening at the federal level.\u00a0 The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds the Science, Engineering, Arts, and Design (SEAD) Network to explore the intersections between disciplines.\u00a0 The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory uses artistic renderings in its work and finds new perspectives on projects through collaboration between scientists and its artist-in-residence. Additionally, the NSF has worked with the NEA and National Endowment for the Humanities to leverage research on how the arts and humanities can further develop the fields of science and technology.\nSTEAM should be recognized as providing value to STEM research and programs across federal agencies through \u201cSense of Congress\u201d provisions and language clarifying that current research, data collection, and STEM programs may include arts integration strategies and programs.\u00a0 Additionally, we ask that, where appropriate, data collection, surveys, and reporting on STEM activities and grant making in the federal government specifically look at arts integration activities.\u00a0 Finally, current interdisciplinary and inter-agency programs should be strengthened and language added to clarify that arts integration is an avenue for doing so.\nWe respectfully submit that all innovative, proven strategies to improve STEM, including STEAM, should be included during reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act.\u00a0 We appreciate your consideration and work on this issue.\nSincerely,\nCongresswoman Suzanne Bonamici  Congressman Aaron Schock", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-wyden-heinrich-challenge-effectiveness-of-dragnet-surveillance-program-in-nsa-court-case", "Udall, Wyden, Heinrich Challenge Effectiveness of Dragnet Surveillance Program in NSA Court Case", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators: NSA Program Doesn't Adequately Protect Privacy, Warn Against Excessive, Overbroad Government Powers\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, November 19, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), members of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today challenged the effectiveness of the National Security Agency's bulk phone records collection program. The senators' amicus curiae brief, filed in theFirst Unitarian Church vs. National Security Agency\u00a0U.S. District Court case, questioned a central premise of the government's argument. The brief argues that after extensive review, the senators have seen no evidence the dragnet collection of Americans' private phone records has provided any intelligence of value that could not have been gathered through less intrusive means.\r\nThe senators also pushed back on the government's overbroad interpretation of certain surveillance laws, warning the court that such an expansive reading of the law could potentially support even more intrusive surveillance practices, such as collection of financial or medical records, or even records revealing the location of ordinary Americans.\r\n\"Our number one priority must be to keep Americans safe while keeping faith with the values that make this country great. Yet in recent years the balance between protecting our liberties and ensuring our security has become fundamentally broken,\"\u00a0Udall said. \"The dragnet collection of millions of innocent Americans' private phone records is a clear threat to our constitutional rights, yet we have seen no evidence that this exceedingly intrusive monitoring has provided any uniquely valuable intelligence. The courts should exercise their power and call out the government's position.\"\r\n\"As members of the Senate Intelligence Committee we have a responsibility to conduct vigorous oversight and ensure that there is adequate openness and accountability regarding intelligence policies. \u00a0After spending many years reviewing the bulk phone records collection program I have yet to see any examples of it providing real intelligence value that could not be have been gained by more constitutionally sound means,\"\u00a0Wyden said. \u00a0\"I believe it was important for us to file an amicus brief in this case to ensure that the court is aware of our understanding of the facts as it considers the important constitutional questions raised by this case.\" \u00a0\r\n\"Collecting the daily telephone activity of millions of innocent Americans is a major intrusion to our privacy rights that does little if anything to further the fight against terrorism,\"\u00a0Heinrich said. \"As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I am more familiar than most with this program, and know what is and isn't true about this program. To the extent I can do so without violating my national security obligations, I will do what I can to keep the government honest about what it tells others, including our courts, about this program.\"\r\nThe senators filed their amicus brief with the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Northern California. The case involves a suit filed on behalf of 22 organizations that claim that the government's ongoing bulk phone records collection program has violated their constitutional rights to privacy, free speech and free association.\r\nThe senators' amicus brief can be read by clicking\u00a0HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-continues-to-lead-fight-against-child-trafficking", "Wyden Continues to Lead Fight Against Child Trafficking", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, November 19, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, and U.S. Representatives Ted Poe, R-Texas, and Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation aimed at combatting child trafficking.\r\nThe Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act would support and protect victims of child trafficking with increased resources for law enforcement and victim services that would be funded through fines on offenders. The bill would establish a \u201cDomestic Trafficking Victims\u2019 Fund\u201d to support programs for victims of human trafficking and child pornography with up to $30 million a year funded through fines on offenders. It would also make funding available to support state and local efforts to fight trafficking, and provides new protections for victims.\r\nThis bill is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, D-Minn. A one-page summary of the bill can be found here.\r\n\u201cOne of the biggest challenges in confronting child sex trafficking is finding the resources for that fight in a tough financial environment,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cThis bill provides resources by making the criminals pay for putting their victims\u2019 lives back together. It\u2019s an important step toward finally ending this scourge.\u201d\r\nWyden\u2019s remarks from the today\u2019s press conference announcing the bill can be found here.\r\nWyden has long been a leader in the fight against child trafficking. Earlier this year, key provisions of Wyden\u2019s Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act were signed into law as part of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. These provisions authorize new resources to combat child trafficking, and authorize a pilot program that creates comprehensive residential care facilities throughout the country to provide safe havens for minors who are victims of domestic sex trafficking.\r\nWyden has also introduced the bipartisan Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act of 2013 with U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio. That bill seeks to improve state and national data on the scope and prevalence of child sex trafficking and ensure states have plans in place to address the problem.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-kind-blumenauer-request-gao-report-crop-insurance", "DeLauro, Kind, Blumenauer Request GAO Report on Crop Insurance", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Honorable Gene Dodaro  \n\t\t\t\t\tComptroller General of the United States  \n\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Government Accountability Office  \n\t\t\t\t\t441 G Street, N.W.  \n\t\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. 20548\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDear Mr. Dodaro:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWe write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of farm subsidy payments, in particular crop insurance payments, under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report on November 7, 2012 showing that at least 50 billionaires, or farm businesses in which they had a financial interest, benefited from $11.3 million in traditional farm subsidies between 1995 and 2012. It is of great concern to us that farm subsidies have been paid to such wealthy individuals. Many of the same billionaires may have also received premium subsidies through the federal crop insurance program. However, taxpayers have no way of knowing who has received this support because current federal law prohibits the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from disclosing the identities of crop insurance recipients.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCongress is currently negotiating a new Farm Bill that would reauthorize and possibly reform a wide range of agriculture and nutrition programs, including the crop insurance program. At the same time, Congress is also determining funding and policy for the food stamp program, which provides support to millions of low-income households, including over 21 million children.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 2642) passed in July by the House expanded crop insurance subsidies. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, these crop insurance subsidies will cost taxpayers $90 billion over the next decade. USDA reports it spent $14 billion on crop insurance last year alone.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThese subsidies overwhelmingly flow to the largest and most successful farm businesses. Unlike other farm subsidies, crop insurance subsidies are not subject to means testing or payment limits and farmers are not required to adopt basic environmental protections in exchange for premium support from the taxpayer. While some farms annually collect more than $1 million in crop insurance premium support, the bottom 80% of policyholders annually collect about $5,000.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThis may very likely be lawful, but it underscores the need for agricultural policy reform. Reform begins with accurate information. Accordingly, we would like a report answering the following key questions:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t How many individuals or families with a net worth over $1,000,000 have or will receive farm subsidies under the current farm bill, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Of these individuals, how many meet the active farming requirements as defined in Title I of the current Farm Bill?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Of these individuals, how many are members of Congress?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t How much money are each of these individuals receiving from farm subsidies? Over what time period?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t What programs within the Farm Bill result in the most payments to those with an adjusted gross income greater than $1,000,000?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t How many individuals or families with a net worth over $1,000,000 are benefiting from crop insurance premium subsidies?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Of these individuals, how many are members of Congress?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t How large are the premium subsidies these individuals are benefiting from and how much are these individuals receiving in crop insurance indemnities? Over what time period?\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThank you in advance for your immediate attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact a member our staff. We look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRosa L. DeLauro                \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRon Kind                \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEarl Blumenauer", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=56a51ced-44d2-497c-9c1f-f7d80f382a62", "Merkley: When Will We Say Enough is Enough?", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley: When Will We Say Enough is Enough? \n\t\n\t\n\tMonday, November 18, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after Senate Republicans filibustered another qualified nominee to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, Robert Wilkins. In recent weeks, the Republican minority has also filibustered the nominations of Mel Watt to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency as well as both Patricia Millett and Cornelia Pillard to sit on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cWhen will we say enough is enough? Repeatedly over the past month, a minority of Senators has blocked qualified nominees by abusing the Senate rules. The rules on nominees are not working, and we need to change them.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis court will rule on the critical protections that we put in place to protect hard working families from the predatory practices of Wall Street.\u00a0 We cannot let a minority of Senators block qualified nominees and endanger the important reforms that have been put in place to protect Oregon families.\u201d\r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t  \n          \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-to-hold-curry-coos-town-halls", "Wyden to Hold Curry, Coos Town Halls", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Public is invited to events in Brookings on Saturday, November 23, and Coos Bay on Sunday, November 24\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMonday, November 18, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPortland, OR \u2013 U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will hold his annual Curry and Coos County town halls in Brookings on Saturday, November 23, 2013, and Coos Bay on Sunday, November 24, 2013.\u00a0 Senator Wyden has held town hall meetings in every Oregon county every year since he was elected to the Senate in 1996.\r\nCurry County Town Hall Meeting\r\n\r\nCoos County Town Hall Meeting", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361621", "Schrader Calls On Oracle, Cover Oregon to Fix Website Immediately", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Kurt Schrader", "S001180", "schrader.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) today called on computer technology corporation Oracle and Cover Oregon to fix Oregon\u2019s health insurance marketplace website, CoverOregon.com, immediately and bolster enrollment in new health care plans.\r\n\u00a0\u201cThe implementation of Oregon\u2019s health insurance marketplace has been abysmal,\u201d Rep. Schrader said. \u201cThe current situation is completely unacceptable, and I expect much more from a state with a reputation for being an innovator in the field of health care.\r\n\u00a0\u201cCatastrophic technical failures, insufficient forethought and the complete absence of effective leadership and accountability at Oracle and Cover Oregon have resulted in our state being ranked dead last in enrolling folks in new health insurance plans, which is the heart and lifeblood of the health care law and the only way Oregonians are going to receive better, more affordable care.\r\n\u00a0\u201cI am committed to holding Oracle and Cover Oregon to their word that the Cover Oregon website will be up and operational by the middle of December. Until then, I demand that Congress see Oregon\u2019s enrollment benchmarks for January and March, as well as weekly progress reports of applications submitted, eligibility for subsidies determined and people enrolled.\r\n\u00a0\u201cAfter hundreds of millions of dollars put into this marketplace, Oracle and Cover Oregon must accept responsibility for their failures and owe the people and State of Oregon an explanation and apology. Oracle and every board member at Cover Oregon should be also prepared to work around the clock to get this right, or step aside and allow professionals who can get the job done to do so. Oregonians deserve better.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361671", "Schrader Votes to Allow Existing Health Insurance Plans to Continue Through 2014, Introduces Bill to Delay Penalties", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Kurt Schrader", "S001180", "schrader.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Kurt Schrader today voted in favor of the bipartisan Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013 to allow health insurance companies the option to continue offering all individual-market plans that were in effect as of January 1, 2013 through 2014. Consumers who purchase these plans would be considered as having met the minimum coverage requirement set by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).\r\nAdditionally, Congressman Schrader introduced legislation today to delay penalties for noncompliance until healthcare.gov and other applicable state health insurance marketplace websites are certified as being fully operational by the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. \r\n\u201cThe rollout of health care reform across the country has been nothing short of disastrous,\u201d Schrader said. \u201cThese bills should provide folks who have lost their existing insurance plans with some certainty for the time being. However, the administration, Congress and our states must focus on getting our health insurance marketplaces up and operational to allow people to enroll in new health insurance plans. Enrollment is the most important component to the ultimate success of the ACA and the only way that we can ensure better health, provide more affordable health care and bend the health care cost curve.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-if-you-your-plan-you-should-be-able-keep-it", "Greg Walden: If you like your plan, you should be able to keep it", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg Walden: If you like your plan, you should be able to keep it U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) addressed the House today about concerns he has heard from Oregonians about the new health care law. Last week, Walden was at home for an eight day swing through 12 counties in Oregon's Second District, covering 2,476 miles with 36 meetings. Walden heard numerous stories about cancelled insurance plans, diminished access to health care, and jobs lost or hours cut due to Obamacare. Today, with Walden's support, the House passed the Keep Your Health Plan Act (HR 3350) on a bipartisan basis. This common-sense legislation would allow plans available on the individual market today to be offered next year, providing millions of Americans the opportunity to keep their policies in 2014 and not face a penalty under the health care law. Below is a transcript of Walden's remarks to the House: I rise today as the voice of at least 150,000 Oregonians who have already received their cancellation notices. They've been told that their policy that they liked, that they wanted to keep, they can't have it any longer.  I was out in my district for eight straight days last week. 36 meetings. 12 counties. 2,476 miles on the road, from early in the morning to late at night.  I'm going to tell you, there are people like Chuck and Jan from Medford who went into retirement, had health insurance, until they got a notice their plan is being cancelled. From Mitchell to Bend, from Enterprise to Medford, all over.  Not only are their plans being cancelled, the replacements are coming back with deductibles that are $12,000 to $15,000 when they were paying a couple of thousand. And the premiums are going up, in some cases double or more. Some of them may get a subsidy. A lot of them won't. And now they don't have the plan they were promises they could keep. Another thing that's insidious that's going on below the surfaceI'm hearing it in meeting after meetinghours are being cut back, people are losing their jobs, they are getting less take-home pay because of Obamacare. This is a problem all across America. The promise that you can keep your plan was never going to be kept. And they knew it. They continued to say it, and it wasn't true.  People are losing their plans, they're losing their coverage, and they're losing access to the specialists that may save their lives. That's right. They won't be able to keep their doctors. Well, they may, but if the doctor is out of network, there's no cap on what they will pay in terms of deductible. So, financially, you take away their access to health care, the prices has gone up, the access has gone down, and in many cases, they've lost their jobs or their hours have been cut back.  Last month, the Associated Press reported that 150,000 health insurance plans in Oregon would be cancelled due to the health care law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131118204321/http://bonamici.house.gov:80/press-release/bonamici-votes-no-misleading-%E2%80%9Ckeep-your-health-plan-act%E2%80%9D-calls-bipartisan", "Bonamici Votes No on Misleading \u201cKeep Your Health Plan Act\u201d - Calls for Bipartisan Collaboration to Help Consumers", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Beaverton, Ore.\u2014 Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today released the following statement about her vote against the so-called Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013. \n\u201cThere is no question that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) needs improvement, but the so-called \u201cKeep Your Plan Act of 2013\u201d will not pass the Senate, would be vetoed by the President, and has the potential to result in more Oregonians with policies that do not contain important consumer protections. Instead of working on a serious, bipartisan proposal that will improve the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which is what we should be doing, we have spent time on a bill that is going nowhere.\n\u201cThe President has already granted latitude to states so they can allow policyholders to remain on their current plans through 2014. Under this authority, insurers must inform consumers that they may be giving up protections required by the ACA, that alternative plans may be available, and that they may be eligible for tax credits through the health care exchanges.\n\u201cThe Keep Your Health Plan Act takes the counterproductive step of allowing existing plans that violate the ACA\u2019s consumer protection provisions to be sold to anyone, regardless of whether they ever held the plan in the first place. This would expand the ability of insurance companies to discriminate based on preexisting conditions, establish lifetime limits on coverage, deny payments for essential health services, and drop coverage when someone gets sick and needs it most.\n\u201cAlthough we are all extremely frustrated about the failures of CoverOregon.com and HealthCare.gov, we must keep the focus on our ultimate goal: affordable, high-quality insurance that is available to every Oregonian and every American. The Keep Your Plan Act would move us away from, not closer to that goal.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=73ec5121-73f1-422a-8d0f-a62ca48a089b", "Merkley Launches “Manufacturing Jobs for America” Package in Oregon", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Launches \u201cManufacturing Jobs for America\u201d Package in Oregon \n\t\n\t\t Legislation would create middle class jobs across Oregon  \n\t\n\t\n\tFriday, November 15, 2013\n\t\n\tPortland, OR \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley today visited Portland manufacturing company Indow Windows to launch the Manufacturing Jobs for America package and call on Congress to refocus on creating middle class jobs in America. The Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative aims to build bipartisan support for legislation that will modernize America\u2019s manufacturing sector, help American manufacturers grow and create jobs, and assist American workers in getting the skills to succeed in the next generation of manufacturing jobs. The package includes 40 bills \u2014 many with bipartisan support \u2014 that are divided into four organizing principles: \u00a0\r\n \r\nStrengthening America\u2019s 21st century workforce\r\nOpening markets abroad\r\nCreating the conditions necessary for growth\r\nExpanding access to capital\r\n \r\n \r\n\u201cCongress should be focused on creating jobs for our middle class families not fighting about shutting down the government,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m calling on Congress to pass the Manufacturing Jobs for America package and help Oregon\u2019s working families. Washington can and should do a lot to expand manufacturing, because if we don\u2019t build things in America, we won\u2019t have a middle class in America.\u201d\r\n \r\nWorkers in manufacturing jobs earn 22 percent more in annual pay and benefits than the average worker in other industries, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. Every new manufacturing job created adds another 1.6 jobs to the local service economy, and for every dollar in manufacturing sales, another $1.34 is added to the economy.\u00a0 Investments in manufacturing have a stronger impact than investments in any other economic sector.\u00a0\r\nIn fact, Oregon is in a unique position because of our dependence on manufacturing. Oregon is the state with the greatest share of its economy tied to manufacturing. In 2011, 29% of Oregon\u2019s gross state product (GSP) was from the manufacturing sector.\u00a0\r\nThe package discussed today includes two bills written by Merkley: the BUILD Career and Technical Education Act, which would support career and technical education in middle schools and high schools; and the Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act, which would provide competitive grants to states to fund new or expanded industrial energy efficiency financing programs.\u00a0\r\nThe Manufacturing Jobs for America package has earned the support of the National Association of Manufacturers; AFL-CIO; Alliance for American Manufacturing; American Automotive Policy Council; American Small Manufacturers Coalition; Association for Manufacturing Technology; Bloom Energy; BlueGreen Alliance; Dow; DuPont; Ford Motor Company; General Electric; the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation; National Association of Development Organizations; National Skills Coalition; One Voice - National Tool & Machining Association, and Precision Metalforming Association; Progressive Policy Institute; STEM Education Coalition; Third Way; the United Autoworkers; and the United Steelworkers.\u00a0\r\nFor a full list of the legislation included in Manufacturing Jobs for America, go to http://coons.senate.gov/manufacturing.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-defazio-coble-mccaul-introduce-bipartisan-bicycle-and", "Blumenauer, DeFazio, Coble, McCaul Introduce Bipartisan Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Howard Coble (NC-06), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), and Mike McCaul (TX-10)introduced the bipartisan Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act, which would require the US Department of Transportation to set separate measures for motorized and non-motorized safety. States would be able to set their own safety targets and have the flexibility to choose the best methods to meet them. The legislation encourages states to make their roadways safer without diverting funding from other safety needs. \n\n\tIn 2012, more than 34,000 people died due to traffic accidents  and almost 16 percent of these deaths were pedestrians and bicyclists. Yet, less than 1 percent of safety funding goes to infrastructure to protect those on foot or on bicycle.\n\n\tEveryone is a pedestrian at some point in their trip, said Blumenauer, and the number of individuals commuting by bike has increased by more than 60% over the last decade. As transportation systems adjust to handle different type of road users, the federal government must encourage appropriate standards to ensure road user safety.\n\n\tThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recently reported a 2 percent drop in roadway fatalities, and a 4.6 percent drop for occupants of cars and light trucks between 2010 and 2011. These safety improvements, however, have not helped all road users. Even as driver and passenger deaths have decreased, the percentage of bicyclist and pedestrian roadway deaths has increased in recent years.\n\n\tAs walking and bicycling continues to grow in popularity, it's more important than ever to have accurate safety statistics, said DeFazio. \"I've long been a supporter of alternative modes of transportation and making the roads safer for everyone. This legislation is a step in the right direction.\n\n\tWhile overall traffic deaths are down, the number of bicyclists dying on our roadways has increased by nine percent and pedestrian deaths have gone up by three percent recently, said Coble. This bipartisan legislation strives toreduce the number of bicyclists and pedestrians killed and injured on our roadways. It will help protect all users of our transportation system, while giving states flexibility to enact measures that make sense for them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221142119/http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-oregon-should-implement-administrative-fix-halt-health-plan-cancellations", "Bonamici: Oregon Should Implement Administrative Fix to Halt Health Plan Cancellations - CoverOregon.com Failures Require Immediate Changes", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Beaverton, Ore.\u2014 Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today released the following statement calling on Oregon Insurance Commissioner Laura Cali to implement an administrative fix to halt health insurance policy cancellations related to the implementation of Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards. President Obama today announced that he is granting states the authority to allow existing plans to temporarily continue.\n\u201cOregon\u2019s Insurance Commissioner Laura Cali should take immediate action to allow insurance companies to extend existing health insurance plans into 2014. Cover Oregon is presently unable to enroll individuals through its website. Although Cover Oregon is accepting paper applications, many Oregonians are having difficulty understanding their options and enrolling. Oregonians should not be denied access to plans they already hold when there are impediments to obtaining new plans. The President agrees and has granted states additional latitude.\n\u201cIf Oregon implements this administrative change insurance companies will need to inform consumers that they may be giving up protections required by the Affordable Care Act. Insurers would also be required to inform policyholders that alternative plans are available and tax credits may be available through the health care exchange.\n\u201cAlthough CoverOregon.com is not presently working for enrollment, those who wish to enroll now can submit paper applications and get help by calling Cover Oregon\u2019s hotline at 1-855-268-3767. Constituents of the 1st Congressional District can also call my office at 503-469-6010 for assistance.\n\u201cI strongly encourage Oregon to implement this change, but I also recognize that we must continue to work to ensure that all Oregonians are covered by plans that include the basic consumer protections set out in the ACA as soon as possible. The ACA prevents insurers from discriminating based on gender or preexisting condition, prohibits lifetime limits on coverage, forbids denying payment for essential coverage, and bans companies from dropping coverage when someone gets sick and needs it most. These important changes are some of the most popular provisions of the ACA, but they cannot be fully realized if new plans that meet these higher standards are difficult to access.\n\u201cAlthough I am extremely frustrated about the failures of CoverOregon.com and HealthCare.gov, we must keep the focus on our ultimate goal: affordable, high-quality insurance that is available to every Oregonian and every American. Eventually these websites will work and millions of Americans will benefit. For the time being, it\u2019s important that we offer reasonable flexibility whenever possible.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=01165071-2a90-45b0-9570-08341f067130", "Merkley Applauds President for Health Care Decision", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Applauds President for Health Care Decision \n\t\n\t\n\tThursday, November 14, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the President said he would allow insurance companies to continue providing to their customers the same health plans next year.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cI applaud President Obama for responding to the call I and others have put forward to honor the promise of giving citizens with individual insurance plans the option of keeping their plan. To fulfill this promise, insurance companies must do their part by extending these plans for their customers. I call upon all insurance companies to fulfill their end of this critical partnership.\u00a0 We cannot go back to the old way of doing things on health care and need to see these important reforms through so that every Oregonian has the security of health care they can count on.\u00a0I am determined to work with legislators from both parties to make the health care law successful.\u201d\r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=037c6a3e-df58-4824-b37b-c4cc37851ce8", "Merkley Statement on Yellen Confirmation Hearing", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Statement on Yellen Confirmation Hearing \n\t\n\t\n\tThursday, November 14, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after Janet Yellen\u2019s confirmation hearing for Chair of the Federal Reserve.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cJanet Yellen did a tremendous job today showcasing not only her expertise and qualifications, but also her calm, measured approach to the job. \u00a0The next Federal Reserve Chair will face many challenges: restoring the integrity of our regulatory system; \u00a0implementing a strong loophole-free Volcker Rule firewall; reining in the massive bets on commodities by major financial institutions; as well as fulfilling the dual mandate of keeping unemployment and inflation low. I have no doubt that Janet Yellen is the best person for the job.\u201d\r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t  \n          \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-blumenauer-call-obama-administration-work-congress-fair-tpa", "Thompson, Blumenauer Call on Obama Administration to Work with Congress on Fair TPA Legislation that Creates Jobs and Grows U.S. Economy", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear President Obama:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWe support your stated goal of promoting American exports and eliminating barriers to trade. We are optimistic that such efforts, done correctly, will grow our economy and lead to more well-paying U.S. jobs by expanding access to U.S. goods and services abroad and leveling the playing field for American companies and workers.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTo pursue this goal, we understand that your Administration plans to work with Congress to craft new legislation reauthorizing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). To gain the broadest possible support for TPA in Congress, this proposal cannot just be an extension of earlier trade promotion authorities. Any new proposed TPA must reflect the changing nature of international trade and ensure that Congress plays a more meaningful role in the negotiating process than in the 2002 TPA, which did not receive large bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMoreover, we believe that any proposed negotiating authority should help our country and its workers better compete in the modern global economy. A new TPA should include incentives to help keep well-paying jobs at home, and to help spur new American innovation and job creation across all sectors of our economy. A new TPA should also include a reauthorization of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programs to help retrain workers impacted by changing global trade and by the implementation of trade agreements. Finally, any new TPA should strengthen our trade laws and adequately fund our trade enforcement agencies so that we can hold other countries accountable and ensure they adhere to their commitments and provide fair market access.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWe note that a well crafted TPA can help build on the progress Congress has made to transform American trade policy into more than just a means to eliminating trade barriers, but as a tool for improving the working conditions and environmental protections among our trading partners through enforceable, meaningful standards . For example, the May 10thAgreement, which incorporated significant improvements in labor and environmental commitments into previous agreements, should serve as a baseline for future agreements.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWe believe that TPA must reflect a trade policy that not only creates and strengthens jobs here in the U.S. and improves market access, but also promotes high-quality standards abroad thatprevent a race to the bottom.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThank you for your attention to this letter. We look forward to your response.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMIKE THOMPSON                                             \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEARL BLUMENAUER         \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress   \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCHARLES B. RANGEL                                           \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJIM McDERMOTT  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJOHN LEWIS  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tXAVIER BECERRA  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress                                     \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJOHN B. LARSON  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBILL PASCRELL, JR.  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDANNY K. DAVIS  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDORIS O. MATSUI  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJAMES A. HIMES  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSUZANNE BONAMICI  \n\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-doc-hastings-lead-meeting-fda-push-common-sense-water", "Greg Walden, Doc Hastings lead meeting with FDA to push for common sense in water quality rules", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg Walden, Doc Hastings lead meeting with FDA to push for common sense in water quality rules  Oregon Rep. Greg Walden (second from left, at table) and Washington Rep. Doc Hastings (right) meet with FDA Deputy Commissioner (second from right, at table) Mike Taylor to share fruit and vegetable growers' concerns about new water quality rules.  U.S. Reps. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) today led a meeting with top officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)including Deputy Commissioner Mike Taylorto voice continued concerns about draft water quality rules that could put many farmers out of business in the Northwest and nationwide. The FDA agreed to work to address concerns of growers, and to provide an additional opportunity for farmers to give input prior to the rules being finalized. Common-sense rules will make sure our food is safe without driving Oregon farmers out of business. I am pleased that the FDA has agreed to allow another opportunity for grower input before finalizing the rules and will work to address their concerns about why they are unworkable as currently drafted, Walden said. They have also agreed to take a look at new scientific research I received at OSU's experiment station in Malheur County last week. This evidence-based research is very helpful in showing that the rules as currently drafted just don't make any sense. The current proposed one-size-fits-all food safety regulations are simply unworkable in areas like Central Washington that rely on open ditch irrigation. It only makes sense that the FDA take into account the different ways produce  including apples, pears, and cherries  is grown and harvested, Hastings said. I look forward to working with the FDA to address the significant flaws that our growers have raised during the public comment period, and I am pleased that Deputy Commissioner Taylor pledged to provide growers another opportunity to provide input before any final rule is implemented. Members of Congress originally met with the FDA in July to voice concerns they had heard from fruit and vegetable growers, including onion growers in eastern Oregon and apple growers in eastern Washington. Since then, the FDA officials travelled to the Pacific Northwest to hear from farmers first-hand. The public comment period for the current draft of the rules ends on Friday. Any revision of the draft rules will likely become available after the first of the year. The FDA delegation was led by Mr. Mike Taylor, Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine. Other members of Congress present included Michigan Representatives Dan Benishek and Bill Huizenga. Last Thursday, Walden met with researchers and onion growers at OSU's Malheur County Experiment Station to learn about their research into the scientific basis of the food safety rules the FDA is developing. For example, according to the research conducted at the station, dry bulb onions grown in eastern Oregon pose no risk of E. coli contamination. Walden presented that research to the FDA during the meeting today. Many farmers have pointed out that the proposed rule lacks common sense and a crop-specific approach, resulting in many of the proposed provisions being unworkable for growers. Walden, Hastings, and other Members of Congress have heard from growers who are worried that grouping over 200 crops together in one category fails to account for differing risk profiles and production practices, which has led to the proposed requirements that may be unworkable or unnecessary for particular crops.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-doc-hastings-lead-meeting-fda-push-common-sense-water-0", "Greg Walden, Doc Hastings lead meeting with FDA to push for common sense in water quality rules", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg Walden, Doc Hastings lead meeting with FDA to push for common sense in water quality rules  Oregon Rep. Greg Walden (second from left, at table) and Washington Rep. Doc Hastings (right) meet with FDA Deputy Commissioner (second from right, at table) Mike Taylor to share fruit and vegetable growers' concerns about new water quality rules.  U.S. Reps. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) today led a meeting with top officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)including Deputy Commissioner Mike Taylorto voice continued concerns about draft water quality rules that could put many farmers out of business in the Northwest and nationwide. The FDA agreed to work to address concerns of growers, and to provide an additional opportunity for farmers to give input prior to the rules being finalized. Common-sense rules will make sure our food is safe without driving Oregon farmers out of business. I am pleased that the FDA has agreed to allow another opportunity for grower input before finalizing the rules and will work to address their concerns about why they are unworkable as currently drafted, Walden said. They have also agreed to take a look at new scientific research I received at OSU's experiment station in Malheur County last week. This evidence-based research is very helpful in showing that the rules as currently drafted just don't make any sense. The current proposed one-size-fits-all food safety regulations are simply unworkable in areas like Central Washington that rely on open ditch irrigation. It only makes sense that the FDA take into account the different ways produce  including apples, pears, and cherries  is grown and harvested, Hastings said. I look forward to working with the FDA to address the significant flaws that our growers have raised during the public comment period, and I am pleased that Deputy Commissioner Taylor pledged to provide growers another opportunity to provide input before any final rule is implemented. Members of Congress originally met with the FDA in July to voice concerns they had heard from fruit and vegetable growers, including onion growers in eastern Oregon and apple growers in eastern Washington. Since then, the FDA officials travelled to the Pacific Northwest to hear from farmers first-hand. The public comment period for the current draft of the rules ends on Friday. Any revision of the draft rules will likely become available after the first of the year. The FDA delegation was led by Mr. Mike Taylor, Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine. Other members of Congress present included Michigan Representatives Dan Benishek and Bill Huizenga. Last Thursday, Walden met with researchers and onion growers at OSU's Malheur County Experiment Station to learn about their research into the scientific basis of the food safety rules the FDA is developing. For example, according to the research conducted at the station, dry bulb onions grown in eastern Oregon pose no risk of E. coli contamination. Walden presented that research to the FDA during the meeting today. Many farmers have pointed out that the proposed rule lacks common sense and a crop-specific approach, resulting in many of the proposed provisions being unworkable for growers. Walden, Hastings, and other Members of Congress have heard from growers who are worried that grouping over 200 crops together in one category fails to account for differing risk profiles and production practices, which has led to the proposed requirements that may be unworkable or unnecessary for particular crops.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=4458278d-7ab2-4796-adaf-ecf702544427", "Merkley Cosponsors Bill To Ensure Consumers Can Keep Health Plans", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Cosponsors Bill To Ensure Consumers Can Keep Health Plans \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, November 13, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley announced that he is cosponsoring the Keeping the Affordable Care Act Promise Act, a bill that gives consumers the choice to keep their current health plans if they want to continue them. During the debate over the Affordable Care Act, a promise was made to consumers that if they liked their health care plan, they could keep it. Merkley wants to ensure that this promise is kept for Oregonians.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cOur health care law laid out a vision that those who like their current individual healthcare plan can keep it, and that vision must be honored,\u201d said Merkley.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe original bill had a grandfather provision, but that provision did not work as intended.\u00a0 When insurance companies changed significant provisions on policies, those policies lost their grandfather status.\u00a0 I am sponsoring Senator Landrieu\u2019s bill to fix that.\r\n\u201cThe health care law has many valuable reforms that increase support for prevention, increase competition between insurance providers, and create an insurance consumers\u2019 bill of rights that ends many predatory insurance practices.\u00a0 These are important changes that we must protect and implement as intended. \u00a0As I\u2019ve said from the beginning, I will work on a bipartisan basis with colleagues to keep what works and fix what doesn\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nThis legislation will allow people to keep their current individual health plan as long as policyholders stay up-to-date with their payments and don\u2019t make changes to the policy. \u00a0Insurance companies will be required to notify policyholders about which parts of the policy do not meet minimum coverage standards made available in new plans, such as hospitalization, laboratory services, and prescription drugs, helping consumers to make informed decisions about their health plans.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=5bd897d7-8130-4986-8570-5fa693d3b290", "Merkley: “This Obstruction Is Outrageous”", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley: \u201cThis Obstruction Is Outrageous\u201d  \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, November 13, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after a minority of Senators filibustered the nomination of Cornelia Pillard to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. In recent weeks, the Republican minority has also filibustered the nominations of Mel Watt to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency and Patricia Millett to sit on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cThree times in as many weeks, a minority of Senators has blocked a well-qualified nominee by abusing the Senate rules. This obstruction is outrageous. In baseball, it\u2019s three strikes and you\u2019re out. Republicans have struck out when it comes to keeping their promises on nominees. In January the Minority Leader promised to return to the \u2018norms and traditions\u2019 of the U.S. Senate on nominations, which is to hold an up and down vote with rare exceptions.\u00a0 Given that shattered promise, a majority of Senators must change the rules to restore the Senate to its historic role.\u201d\r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t  \n          \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-democrats-introduce-legislation-to-expand-access-to-high-quality-early-learning-programs", "Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to High-Quality Early Learning Programs", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 13, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee\u2014along with Senators Ron Wyden, (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)\u2014today introduced theStrong Start for America\u2019s Children Act, legislation to expand access to high-quality early learning programs for children from birth to age five. \u00a0Similar legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today by George Miller, senior Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee, and Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY).\r\nBuilding on the framework put forward by President Obama in his 2013 State of the Union address, the bill focuses on four key goals: boosting funding for high-quality preschool programs serving low- and moderate-income families; increasing the quality of infant and toddler care offered by providers; supporting broad-scale quality improvements to child care programs; and encouraging continued support for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program.\r\nThe early childhood education proposal is a 10-year initiative to expand and improve early learning opportunities for children across the birth to age 5 continuum. The bill would fund preschool for 4-year old children from families earning below 200% of the federal poverty level, and encourage states to spend their own funds to support preschool for young children with family incomes above that income level. The legislation would establish a new federal-state partnership with formula funding for 4-year old preschool, with a state match, to all eligible states, based on each state\u2019s proportion of 4-year olds under 200% of the federal poverty level. States would provide sub-grants to high-quality, local providers, including school districts and community-based providers, such as child care and Head Start programs. The bill also authorizes a new Early Head Start partnership with child care to improve the quality of care for infants and toddlers.\r\n\u201cLearning begins at birth, and the preparation for learning begins before birth. The investment we make as a nation in early learning will pay dividends for generations to come,\u201d\u00a0Harkin said. \u201cDecades of research tell us that from infants and toddlers to preschoolers, early learning is the best investment we can make to prepare our children for a lifetime of success. Today, 39 states and the District of Columbia offer state-funded early learning programs, but without stronger investments, millions of children will continue to go without access to these crucial programs. No child should be denied this opportunity because of family income or where they live.\r\n\u201cOur bill will help to build on and accelerate the progress already made in states led by Democratic and Republican governors alike. Expanding access to high-quality preschool and infant and toddler care programs will be a much-needed hand-up for working parents and their children around the country,\u201d\u00a0Harkin added.\r\n\u201cIn order to close the learning gap by kindergarten, all children need and deserve access to high-quality early education,\u201d\u00a0Wyden said. \u201cDespite its value and success, investment in pre-kindergarten has fallen far short of where it needs to be. Improving the American education system has no simple fix, but requires a thoughtful, cradle-to-career approach with access to high quality pre-K as its core. I applaud the leadership of Chairman Harkin in advancing this important goal.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe early learning bill introduced today reflects a growing, bipartisan understanding that, to ensure our nation\u2019s children have the educational and economic opportunities they deserve, we must act early. It\u2019s long been clear that high-quality early learning opportunities produce lasting benefits, including higher high school graduation rates and lower incarceration rates,\u201d\u00a0said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. \u201cNow, a broad coalition is calling for action on President Obama\u2019s plan to make quality preschool available to every 4-year-old in America, drawing on the example of leading states. Earlier today, Democrats and Republicans, including Sen. Harkin, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Hanna stood with leaders from law enforcement, business, the military, and early childhood education advocates to call for action\u2014and to invite others to join this vital effort. This is the most important single step we can take for the future of our young people. Let\u2019s join together to make it happen.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs a former pre-K teacher, I\u2019ve seen in my own classroom that when young children get the attention they need, they\u2019re miles ahead of their peers on the path to success,\u201d\u00a0said Murray.\u00a0 \u201cWhile other countries are investing billions in early education, we can\u2019t allow any American children to fall behind, so I\u2019m thrilled that members of both parties have come together to support access to quality early learning programs for every one of our kids.\u201d\r\n\u201cOne of the most important steps we can take for our economy and our children is to invest in early education,\u201d\u00a0Casey said. \u201cHaving access to pre-K will better prepare our children in an increasingly competitive global economy. Every child deserves a chance to develop their talents, and pre-K is essential to doing that.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs our nation struggles to recover from the worst economic crisis since the great depression, many parents are struggling to provide their children with the high quality early care they need. This legislation would make an historic investment in early childhood education, and ensure that all children, regardless of their family's background, have the educational opportunities that will lead to success later in school and in life,\u201d\u00a0Sanders said.\r\n\u201cAs the father of a 2 year old and a 5 year old, these days I'm particularly aware of the benefits early childhood education provides for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers,\"\u00a0said Murphy. \u201cCountless studies have shown what parents already know: that these early years are critical for a child's development and success in the long run. This bill invests in essential early childhood education for children across the country, regardless of where they live or how much money their parents make. I'm confident that the investments our bill makes will not only greatly improve a child's quality of life in the early years, but will also set them up for educational success as they get older.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn Wisconsin, we have a long history of making strong investments in our schools because we understand that a quality education helps build a strong middle class,\u201d\u00a0Baldwin said. \u201cWe must make it a priority to invest in early education for student and families, so we open the doors of opportunity to every child and help provide them the skills they need to get ahead and realize their dreams. I\u2019m proud to join this effort to strengthen our commitment to the foundation that early childhood education provides our children. This is an important investment in a stronger future.\"\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhen we invest in early childhood education, we\u2019re investing in our nation\u2019s future. Early childhood education helps children grow and learn from the very beginning, and helps make sure all our kids have a fair shot to succeed in school.\u00a0 This legislation will support efforts in Massachusetts and across the country to strengthen early education programs and increase families\u2019 access to early learning opportunities,\u201d\u00a0Warren said.\r\n\u201cEarly learning opens up doors of opportunity for all students, establishing a foundation for success in school and in life. The investments we make in our youngest keiki are paid back in full by enhancing our nation\u2019s competitiveness in the global economy. The\u00a0Strong Start for America\u2019s Children Act\u00a0partners with states to build and expand their support for our youngest learners. I am glad that key elements from my PRE-K Act were included to help states like Hawaii create effective, quality state preschool programs. Mahalo to President Obama, Secretary Duncan, Chairman Harkin and the educators, business executives, military leaders and law enforcement officials who have made early education a priority,\u201dsaid Hirono.\r\n\u201cWe owe it to our children to give them every chance to succeed in school and beyond,\u201dCoons said. \u201cToo often, children enter elementary school already lagging behind classmates who have developed critical skills in prekindergarten programs. This bill will help more children access high quality early-learning programs and enter the classroom prepared to reach their full potential. These are investments in a brighter future for our children, and every child, regardless of income, deserves the opportunity for a strong start.\u201d\r\n\u201cI have always been a believer that investing in early childhood education will pay huge dividends for our children and for our nation as a whole,\u201d\u00a0said Kaine. \u201cAs Governor, I expanded the number of kids served by quality pre-k programs by 40 percent and I am proud to join my colleagues today in strong support of a bill that will expand early childhood education access for children across the country. It is imperative that we continue to make investments in programs that help close the achievement gap between children of all backgrounds.\u00a0 Ninety percent of brain development occurs before a child\u2019s fifth birthday, and we know that by instilling an early joy and respect for learning, we can maximize the potential of every child in our nation.\u201d\r\n\u201cIf we expect our children to walk through the doors of our colleges and universities tomorrow, and succeed in our economy in the years ahead \u2013 we need universal pre-k,\u201dsaid Gillibrand. \u201cHigh quality early learning leads to strong cognitive, social, emotional and language development \u2013 key skills for a bright future. But for millions of children in struggling families \u2013 that is a chance they will never get \u2013 through no fault of their own, and for no other reason, than they were born into a life of less opportunity. The block you live on should not determine what chances you get in life. That\u2019s why we need to make the investment today to bring quality, affordable, pre-k to every child in America.\u201d\r\nSee a summary of the bill here.\r\nSee a fact sheet on the bill here.\r\nSee a list of the national organizations supporting the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-wyden-questions-elmendorf-about-eliminating-flagrant-tax-loopholes-at-budget-conference-meeting", "Video: Wyden Questions Elmendorf about Eliminating “Flagrant Tax Loopholes” at Budget Conference Meeting", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 13, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Below is a transcript as well as links to audio\u00a0and video\u00a0of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden\u2019s round of questioning at today\u2019s meeting of the House-Senate conference committee on the federal budget.  Wyden: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.  Director Elmendorf, I think we know traditionally, when you are trying to find a consensus for a conference like this, you look to both sides in areas where they are on record as supporting changes. For example, Chairman Camp in the House and the President\u2019s Treasury Department have identified among the trillion dollars in tax expenditures, that the tax treatment of derivatives is particularly inefficient and abusive.  Now, you can\u2019t be in the business of advocating specific policies this morning, and we all get that, so let me just put this as a theory. Is it correct to say that, theoretically\u2014theoretically\u2014you could eliminate several of the most flagrant tax loopholes without compromising the broader tax reform agenda? Just in theory.  Elmendorf: Yes, Senator, that sounds right to me.  Wyden: Thank you for that, and the only other thing I wanted to do, Chairman Ryan, is to ask that we put into the record at this point a chart that Director Elmendorf sent you a few weeks ago. I thought it was particularly important because the chart demonstrates that for 2014, Congress adhered to the caps in non-defense discretionary spending and chose to disregard the caps for defense. I would just ask unanimous consent that we put that chart into the record at this point.  I thank you, and I thank the director.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nClick here to download audio.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-introduces-bill-improve-rural-hospital-care-reducing", "Greg Walden introduces bill to improve rural hospital care by reducing government red tape", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg Walden introduces bill to improve rural hospital care by reducing government red tape In Pendleton, Walden visits St. Anthony Hospital about need for legislation to allow small hospitals to provide better care for patients PENDLETON  U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) visited St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton today to announce introduction of bipartisan legislation to provide better health care at small, rural hospitals. The Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Act (H.R. 3444) would change federal regulations for rural hospitals to give them greater flexibility in meeting the needs of patients. No patient should ever be turned away from a hospital because of bureaucratic red tape from Washington, D.C. I served on a community hospital board for five years, and know they have enough challenges in caring for patients without burdensome regulations getting in their way. I have introduced this bipartisan plan to provide flexibility for small, rural hospitals so that patients can get the care they need in the community where they live, Walden said. Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) provide essential health care services to rural communities, including 12 in Oregon's Second District. Federal regulations limit the number of patients per day in CAHs to 25. It's rare, but when a CAH reaches this cap, it must turn away patients, transfer them to another location, remove patients from beds, or do other things that divert attention from patient care. This common-sense legislationintroduced with Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.)would allow CAHs to choose to either meet the current 25 patient per day limit or a limit of 20 patients per day averaged throughout the year. This modest degree of flexibility would permit CAHs to better address situations like unforeseen accidents, public health emergencies, seasonal fluctuations, flu season, or anything else that might arise and hinder a hospital's ability to provide patient care. Click here for the full text of the bill. In February, Walden visited Providence Hood River Memorial, to meet with CEO Ed Freysinger and receive input on the legislation. This week, Freysinger endorsed the legislation. Critical access hospitals such as ours serve communities with large numbers of Medicare, Medicaid and uninsured patients. We also face such seasonal situations as severe winter weather and increased population from the spring to early fall. We know that the flexibility proposed in Rep. Walden's bill would allow smaller, remote hospitals to continue providing vital acute care services in rural areas across the country, Freysinger said. Besides the hospitals in Prineville and Hood River, the legislation could benefit 10 other CAHs in Oregon's Second District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131113100646/http://bonamici.house.gov:80/press-release/23-northwest-lawmakers-bonneville-power-administration-must-remain-independent", "23 Northwest Lawmakers: The Bonneville Power Administration Must Remain Independent", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Warns the Energy Department that Decisions Affecting Northwest Energy Supplies Must be Made in the Northwest\nWashington, D.C. \u2013Every lawmaker representing Oregon, Washington and Idaho urged the U.S. Energy Department to maintain an independent Bonneville Power Administration that puts Northwest power users first, in a bipartisan letter to Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz sent today.\nLed by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings, R-Wash., the 23 members emphasized the importance of correcting discrimination against hiring veterans that occurred at BPA. But that discrimination cannot become an excuse for DOE to take control over Northwest energy policy, they said.\n\u201cBPA decisions must be made in the Northwest for the benefit of the Northwest. While DOE deserves credit for uncovering BPA\u2019s violation of veterans\u2019 preference and other federal hiring rules, on many BPA matters DOE simply has neither the expertise nor the resources to effectively manage the day-to-day operations,\u201d the members wrote.\nThe delegation asked Moniz to publically state that the recent decision by DOE to impose new oversight of Bonneville\u2019s legal and hiring decisions will not become a Trojan horse to dictate policy decisions from Washington, D.C.\n\u201cWe respectfully request that you and Deputy Secretary Poneman clarify that it is not your intent to extend DOE headquarters day- to-day oversight of BPA beyond that necessary to remedy the acknowledged failures of the BPA personnel system,\u201d they wrote.\nThe members formally asked the Energy Department to provide monthly reports to the Northwest Congressional delegation about its oversight of BPA, as long as the increased DOE oversight is in place. They also asked DOE to provide an end date for the oversight process.\nThe members asked Moniz to explain how it will address veteran hiring discrimination cases, as well as how long it will take to resolve the illegal hiring practices.\nThe Bonneville Power Administration is a crucial engine of the Northwest economy. It controls 65 percent of the region\u2019s power generating capacity in the region (an average of 10.7 gigawatts), and half of the baseload power. It controls about 15,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, which is nearly 80 percent of the regional total. It generates clean, renewable power, in the Northwest, for the Northwest, creating a strategic advantage for the region.\nThe full list of signatories is below:\nU.S. Senate: Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.\nU.S. House: Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash., Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., Rep. Jim McDermott, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=2fdd2e91-2b00-4294-8a3b-ffe491cc9a66", "Merkley Celebrates Bipartisan Vote on Historic Civil Rights Legislation", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Celebrates Bipartisan Vote on Historic Civil Rights Legislation \n\t\n\t\t Calls on House to Pass ENDA and Invites Speaker Boehner to Oregon to see how well Anti-Discrimination Works \n\t\n\t\n\tFriday, November 8, 2013\n\t\n\tEugene, OR \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley visited the University of Oregon today to celebrate the Senate\u2019s historic passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and to call on the House of Representatives to vote on this legislation. Senator Merkley also took the opportunity to invite Speaker Boehner out to Oregon to see how well Oregon\u2019s anti-discrimination law is working and how eliminating discrimination is good for business.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cThis week the Senate made a huge stride forward in equality and freedom and it\u2019s time for the House of Representative to step up to the plate,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cIn fact, since Speaker Boehner seems to be confused about how equality impacts workplaces, I invite him to Oregon to see firsthand how well our anti-discrimination law works. The bottom line is that no one should be fired or denied work because of who they are.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nCurrently, there are no laws in 29 states that protect LGBT Americans from being fired simply for who they are. ENDA would change that by creating a federal anti-discrimination law similar to those that already exist on the basis of sex, religion and national origin. Senator Merkley led the fight to pass a state-level version of ENDA when he was the Speaker of the House in Oregon.\r\nThe Senate voted 64-32 on Thursday to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This is the first time the Senate has passed this legislation since it was first introduced in 1994.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/outrageous-farm-payments-billionaires-highlights-urgent-need-reform-ag", "Outrageous Farm Payments to Billionaires Highlights Urgent Need to Reform Ag Policy", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Flake, Reps. Kind, Blumenauer, Petri and DeLauroContinue Push for Ag Subsidy Reforms\n\n\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), U.S. Rep.Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)continued to call for major reforms to current farm subsidy policy in the wake of a report released today that details a long list of billionaires who are profiting from taxpayer-funded farm subsidies.\n\n\tThe report, released by the research and advocacy organization Environmental Working Group (EWG), found that the federal government paid $11.3 million in taxpayer-funded subsidies to 50 billionaires (or businesses in which they have an ownership stake) between 1995 and 2012. EWG compiled the list by matching their Farm Subsidy Database with the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans. According to the list, the billionaires who received these farm subsidies have a collective net worth estimated to be $316 billion.\n\n\tThis perfectly illustrates just how out of control our current agricultural subsidy policies are. The EWG report is further proof that our agriculture programs just aren't working and need immediate reform. If the late Sen. Bill Proxmire were still handing out his Golden Fleece Awards, this would be a first-place winner for sure, said Rep. Kind. This is why I've worked so hard to reform these subsidy programs. They are not responsible to the American taxpayer nor are they helpful to family farmers across the country.\n\n\tThis is unfortunately only the latest report showing that multi-billion dollar agriculture subsidy programs are funneling taxpayer dollars into the pockets of millionaires and billionaires, said Senator Flake. As the House and Senate continue farm bill negotiations, this information should serve as the nail in the coffin of wasteful direct payments, outrageous crop insurance subsidies, and other wasteful agricultural programs that we simply cannot afford to sustain in this time of soaring debt and deficits.\n\n\tThis report by EWG revealing the number of billionaires who are receiving agricultural subsidies should be eye opening for everyone in America, said Rep. Blumenauer.But, while it's shocking, it's just the tip of the iceberg in a Farm Bill that lavishes unnecessary subsidies and handouts on farmers who don't need them and who are better at farming the system than the land. Any report coming out of the conference committee that is going to claim to be fiscally responsible has to include serious reforms, including strict means testing, for all farm payment and crop insurance programs.\n\n\tThis report highlights the need to close these loopholes by having a means testing component, said Rep. Petri.We can't really blame billionaires for taking advantage of these subsidies because the current rules allow it. But giving subsidies to those who don't need it costs the taxpayers millions each year. So, I think we need to take a good look at the program to make sure small, family farmers who truly need the assistance have that safety net and those who don't need the assistance are no longer eligible.\n\n\tThese findings are absolutely outrageous and further evidence that the indefensible practice of subsidizing millionaires and billionaires needs to end, Rep. DeLauro said. Using taxpayer dollars to pad the coffers of the wealthy is reprehensible. I call on my colleagues negotiating a farm bill to do the right thing and end subsidies for America's wealthiest families and agribusinesses, not take food away from the poor and most vulnerable.\n\n\tEWG states that the total amount of farm subsidies sent to the billionaires is likely to be much higher because many of them also received crop insurance subsidies; the names of the recipients of those payments are not disclosed by law.\n\n\t\n\n\tA new farm bill is currently before a bipartisan, bicameral conference committee. While crop insurance premium subsidies are not subject to means testing, payment limits or conservation requirements, proposed changes in both the House and Senate versions of the bill could give millions more in premium subsidies to the same billionaires who are already collecting them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=93a1e850-ebae-4957-8ed2-3f1120e3e581", "MERKLEY: ENDA HISTORIC VOTE FOR EQUALITY", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MERKLEY: ENDA HISTORIC VOTE FOR EQUALITY \n\t\n\t\n\tThursday, November 7, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill he authored.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote was a historic vote for equality and freedom. Deeply embedded in the constitution are notions of freedom and liberty, and discrimination is the antithesis of those founding values. Everyone should have the right to work hard and earn a living. No one should be fired for who they are or who they love. The Senate said today in a strong bipartisan voice that discrimination is just plain wrong. We are one step closer to equality for our LGBT friends and family.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nCurrently, there are no laws in 29 states that protect LGBT Americans for being fired simply for who they are. ENDA would change that by creating a federal anti-discrimination law similar to those that already exist on the basis of sex, religion and national origin. Senator Merkley led the fight to pass a state-level version of ENDA when he was the Speaker of the House in Oregon.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-applauds-senate-passage-of-enda", "Wyden Applauds Senate Passage of ENDA", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 7, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden applauded Senate passage of new workplace protections, and congratulated U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley for successfully shepherding the non-discrimination legislation through the Senate.\u00a0\r\nToday, the Senate voted 64 to 32 to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) with Wyden voting in favor. ENDA would prohibit employers from firing, refusing to hire, or discriminating against those employed or seeking employment, on the basis of their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity.\u00a0 Such protections are already in place to prohibit workplace discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age and disability.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s time for the federal standard to match what Oregonians have come to expect \u2013 that everyone deserves equal protection at work,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cIt\u2019s wrong that employers in most states can fire or refuse to hire someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, and this bill will help bring that discrimination to an end. It is a needed step toward recognizing that employment decisions should be made on the basis of an individual\u2019s ability to perform a job, not on their gender identity or who they choose to love.\u201d\r\nWyden has long been a supporter of equal rights for LGBT individuals and their families. He was one of only 14 senators to vote against DOMA in 1996.\r\nWyden also said he was proud that a fellow Oregonian, Merkley, was the lead sponsor of ENDA. Merkley championed a similar non-discrimination bill in Oregon as a lawmaker in the state House, as well as legislation enacting domestic partnerships in Oregon.\r\n \r\nIt's simple- everyone deserves equal protection at work. Senate passage of #ENDA is a step forward for equality. http://t.co/oY72GGqHeN\r\n\u2014 Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) November 7, 2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-hosts-forum-international-water-and-sanitation", "Blumenauer Hosts Forum on International Water and Sanitation", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week,Congressman Blumenauer convened a forum of community leaders, advocates, and the broader public to discuss our global water crisis and highlight the many organizations in the region who are working to solve this issue.\nThe evening began with an informational fair, as about 200 people crowded into the Mercy Corps Action Center to learn from a host of organizations about how they can be more involved. Representatives from MercyCorps, Riverdale High School, Oregon State University, Living Water International, Engineers Without Borders, Green Empowerment, Portland State University's SWEET Lab, CARE/Every Mother Counts, ONE.org, and Medical Teams International participated in the fair.\nFollowing the information fair, the program kicked off with introductions from Jeremy Barnicle from Mercy Corps and Pastor Rick McKinley of Imago Dei Church, who has worked on global water issues with the Portland Christian community. Blumenauer then praised the bipartisan support in Congress for his Water for the World Act, which would which would build on earlier legislation he passed, the Water for the Poor Act, by refining its provisions, focusing clean drinking water and sanitation U.S. foreign aid spending, and ensuring aid dollars are only allocated to those projects capable of providing lasting benefits to the poorest of the poor. He noted that there is no investment by the federal government that has more impact for the lives and livelihood of people around the globe. There is still work to be done, he said, but it is the people in this room who will do it.\nAfter Blumenauerspoke, a panel of experts talked about their efforts to solve the water crisis. Questions from the crowd ranged from the scientific, about engineering solutions to sinking water tables, to the political, about the dangers of well intentioned development work that all too often fails to be sustainable over the long-term.\nThe evening also honored a local water leader, Riverdale High's Laurie LePore. Ms. LePore has been teaching her H2O for Life class at Riverdale for four years, inspiring the next generation of global water activists. Students in the class fundraise to build wells for schools in the developing world, as well as raise awareness of water health and access issues in the Pacific Northwest and around the globe. Ms. LePore, flanked by her students, thanked her parents and said she looked forward to many more years of success.\nTo find out more information about Congressman Blumenauer's Water for the World legislation,click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131111051339/http://bonamici.house.gov:80/press-release/quigley-bonamici-lead-fight-federal-defender-services-funding", "Quigley, Bonamici Lead Fight for Federal Defender Services Funding", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) sent a letter to Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urging them to prioritize funding for federal defender services in current budget negotiations. Substantial cuts as a result of sequestration have already resulted in furloughs and layoffs in federal defender offices around the country. Further cuts will significantly delay criminal justice proceedings, increase costs to American taxpayers, and severely jeopardize the constitutional right to effective counsel.\n\u201cCongress has a responsibility to the American people and to the Constitution to uphold every American\u2019s constitutional right to counsel by adequately funding of our federal defender program,\u201d said Rep. Quigley. \u201cDevastating cuts to this vital program abdicate our constitutional duty, degrade the integrity of our criminal justice system and erode one of the fundamental principles of American democracy.\u201d Before serving in elected office, Rep. Quigley worked as a criminal defense attorney in Cook County for 10 years.\n\u201cEvery member of Congress takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution, and that includes the Sixth Amendment right to counsel in criminal cases,\u201d said Rep. Bonamici. \u201cUnless funding is restored for the federal public defender program, Congress is shirking its responsibility. The cuts will delay or deny justice for the victims and the accused, and, ironically, cost us more in the long run. Congress must address this problem in the current round of budget negotiations.\u201d\nSequestration has forced federal defenders to cut their budgets by 10 percent. The resulting furloughs and layoffs are delaying criminal court proceedings, including for some of America\u2019s most high profile cases, such as the trial of Osama Bin Laden\u2019s son-in-law, Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, and prosecution Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the suspect of the Boston Marathon bombings.\nSequestration cuts also increase costs to taxpayers. Because the Constitution requires the court to appoint counsel for indigent criminal defendants, the availability of fewer public defenders means the court must employ more costly private attorneys. Delays in criminal proceedings also mean defendants spend more time held in expensive pretrial detention facilities with increased tax dollars supporting overcrowded facilities.\n\"The federal defender program desperately needs adequate funding. We are especially grateful to Representatives Quigley and Bonamici for their leadership on this critical issue,\u201d said Carol Brook, Executive Director of the Federal Defender Program in Chicago. \u201cThis letter reflects the broad support within Congress for fulfilling our Constitutional duty to provide equal access to justice as required by the Sixth Amendment.\"\nIn addition to Quigley and Bonamici, the letter was signed by 56 members of the U.S. Congress.\u00a0\nPlease click here for an online copy of the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=c1e3c1ab-0cc6-4a37-86e7-2ada190ea77b", "Merkley Statement on Yellen Meeting", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Statement on Yellen Meeting \n\t\n\t\t \u201cHer qualifications and priorities for the Federal Reserve are right for the job\u201d \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, November 6, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, released the following statement after meeting with Federal Reserve Chair Nominee Janet Yellen on Wednesday:\r\n \r\n\u201cJanet Yellen and I had a productive discussion about the Federal Reserve\u2019s role in supporting economic growth and in regulating the financial industry.\u00a0Her qualifications and priorities for the Federal Reserve are right for the job. During a time when so many families are still struggling to make ends meet, we need a leader at the Fed who combines a mastery of the details with a hard-headed focus on helping middle class families and bringing down unemployment. That is exactly what Janet Yellen brings to the job, and I am pleased to support her candidacy.\u201d\r\n \r\nPHOTO: http://www.merkley.senate.gov/imo/media/image/110613-18277-0011-jk.jpg\r\n\r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t  \n          \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=db669b38-92f2-4f0d-af67-16b06bd7e05c", "Merkley Statement on White House Meeting", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Statement on White House Meeting \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, November 6, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House about the rollout of the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cI am very frustrated with the rollout of the exchanges. The dysfunction and delays are unacceptable.\u00a0After meeting with the President today, I remain deeply convinced that this is a \u2018show-me\u2019 moment. This will not be resolved until Americans can, day after day, sign on to the health marketplace, review their options, and complete their applications.\u00a0\r\n\u201cPeople should have the full measure of time envisioned in the law to sort through their healthcare choices and sign up. For each day of delay, the window for applications should be extended by a day.\u00a0Moreover, citizens who cannot sign up until after January 1st due to the dysfunction of state or national online health markets should have the ability to establish coverage retroactively to January 1st.\u00a0 No one should experience a gap in coverage through no fault of their own.\u201d\r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-hr-992", "Blumenauer Statement on HR 992", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thank you to those who have been asking why I voted for the Swap Regulatory Improvement Act (HR 992). I admit to being confused when I read your e-mails, tweets and Facebook posts, because I believed that I had voted no on that bill.\nI asked the Clerk's office to research the vote and I was informed that I had in fact voted yes. This was contrary to how I had intended to vote.\nI talkedto people on both sides of this issue whose opinions I respect and ultimately decided that making this change before the regulatory process was completed is premature. My vote should have been recorded as a no and I will be placing the following statement into the Congressional Record as soon as the House of Representative reconvenes.\nThank you again to those who pointed this out to me, so that I could correct this mistake.\nStatement for the Record:\nI wish to correct a vote I made on Wednesday, October 30, on H.R. 992, the Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act. I mistakenly voted for this legislation, when I intended to vote against it. I have a longstanding record of supporting robust banking regulations that protect taxpayers from risky trading activity. Significantly altering provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act before those reforms have been fully implemented is premature. I wish to clearly state for the record that I did not intend to vote for this legislation, and I look forward to continuing working for strong banking protections for the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-hr-992-0", "Blumenauer Statement on HR 992", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thank you to those who have been asking why I voted for the Swap Regulatory Improvement Act (HR 992). I admit to being confused when I read your e-mails, tweets and Facebook posts, because I believed that I had voted no on that bill.\nI asked the Clerk's office to research the vote and I was informed that I had in fact voted yes. This was contrary to how I had intended to vote.\nI talkedto people on both sides of this issue whose opinions I respect and ultimately decided that making this change before the regulatory process was completed is premature. My vote should have been recorded as a no and I will be placing the following statement into the Congressional Record as soon as the House of Representative reconvenes.\nThank you again to those who pointed this out to me, so that I could correct this mistake.\nStatement for the Record:\nI wish to correct a vote I made on Wednesday, October 30, on H.R. 992, the Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act. I mistakenly voted for this legislation, when I intended to vote against it. I have a longstanding record of supporting robust banking regulations that protect taxpayers from risky trading activity. Significantly altering provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act before those reforms have been fully implemented is premature. I wish to clearly state for the record that I did not intend to vote for this legislation, and I look forward to continuing working for strong banking protections for the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-of-support-for-the-usa-freedom-act", "Wyden Statement of Support for the USA FREEDOM Act", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, November 5, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) \u2013 a senior member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a leader of the surveillance reform movement -- issued the following statement in support of the USA FREEDOM Act introduced by Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).  \u201cToday, I am proud to add Chairman Leahy as a co-sponsor of our Intelligence Oversight and Surveillance Reform Act. \u00a0Our bipartisan legislation sets the bar for real, meaningful reforms to surveillance law. \u00a0This includes ending the dragnet domestic surveillance that has infringed on the Constitutional rights of millions of Americans without making our country any safer.  I am equally proud today to add my name to Chairman Leahy\u2019s reform bill, the USA FREEDOM Act. \u00a0As written this bill will also make these vital reforms, and now that the Senate Intelligence Committee has decided to preserve surveillance business-as-usual, Chairman Leahy\u2019s legislation is now our best hope for reform in this Congress. \u00a0I urge everyone who has supported Senators Udall, Paul, Blumenthal and myself in our efforts to lend their support to Chairman Leahy as he works to advance the USA FREEDOM Act. \u00a0I want to thank the Chairman for his important leadership on this issue. \u00a0  I will also continue to work with Senator Paul to ensure that law-abiding Americans who have been harmed by intrusive government surveillance programs have an opportunity to challenge the constitutionality of these programs in court.\u201d\r\n \r\nI urge everyone to lend their support to @SenatorLeahy as he works to advance #USAFreedomAct. RT to support REAL #NSA reform.\r\n\u2014 Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) November 5, 2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=b275db17-2b4f-4c5c-bb12-febf717248d1", "Bipartisan Group of Senators: It’s Time to Pass ENDA", "2013-11-04", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Group of Senators: It\u2019s Time to Pass ENDA \n\t\n\t\t Landmark Gay Rights Bill Will End LGBT Employment Discrimination \n\t\n\t\n\tMonday, November 4, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Today, after the successful cloture vote to start debate on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on the Senate to pass the bill and end LGBT employment discrimination. They said it was time for this bipartisan civil rights bill to move forward.\r\n\u201cEveryone, gay or straight, should have the right to work hard and earn a living,\u201d Merkley said. \u201cUnfortunately, in 29 states you can still be fired for who you are and who you love. That is just plain wrong. This week, the Senate has an opportunity to right this wrong and stand for fairness and equality for all Americans. I urge my colleagues to put in place these commonsense protections for our LGBT friends and families.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\"The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is about civil rights. In Illinois, we aspire to continue Abraham Lincoln\u2019s legacy of fighting for liberty and human dignity,\" Senator Kirk said. \"I measure myself against Senator Everett Dirksen, the Illinois fiscal conservative and social moderate whose passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 stood out as one of his best moments as a Republican leader. The fact that a majority of Fortune 500 companies already have taken steps to stop discrimination in the workplace highlights that our action is overdue. I will maintain the tradition of Lincoln and Dirksen by supporting ENDA to block discrimination in the workplace and maintain our competitive edge in the global economy.\"\u00a0\r\n\u201cDespite the passage of laws at the state and local levels, discrimination in the workplace continues to be all too real,\u201d said Harkin.\u00a0 \u201cForty-two percent of lesbian gay and bisexual workers report having experienced some form of discrimination at work.\u00a0 Even with the progress that has been made at the state and local levels, too many hardworking Americans, whether employed by private companies or by public entities, are being judged not by their ability and qualifications, but by their sexual orientation or gender identity,\u201d Harkin said. \u201cLesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans deserve the same civil rights protections from discrimination as all other Americans.\u00a0 This bill will accomplish that.\u00a0 It will say to millions of LGBT Americans that they are full and welcome members of our American family, and that they deserve the same civil rights protections as all other Americans.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cAll Americans deserve a fair opportunity to pursue the American dream. Over the years, we have rightly taken a stand against workplace discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, age, and disability.\u00a0 It is past time we ensure that all employees are judged on their talents, abilities, their hard work, and capabilities by closing an important gap in federal law as it relates to sexual orientation,\u201d said Senator Collins.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased to be a long-time supporter and original cosponsor of ENDA.\u00a0 This bill deserves support as a matter of fairness and as a matter of civil rights.\u00a0 It is a commonsense solution, consistent with existing federal civil rights laws, and it will not place an undue burden on American employers.\u00a0 Moreover, it is simply the right thing to do.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\"Every American deserves the freedom to work free of discrimination,\u201d said Baldwin.\u00a0 \u201cPassing ENDA is about opportunity \u2013 about whether every American gets to dream the same dreams, chase the same ambitions, and have the same shot at success. I am proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to build a tomorrow where America is more equal, not less.\"\u00a0\r\nThe Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 would prohibit employers from firing, refusing to hire, or discriminating against those employed or seeking employment, on the basis of their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity.\u00a0 Such protections are already in place prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability. \u00a0\r\nMore than 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies already extend workplace protections based on sexual orientation and more than one-third on the basis of gender identity. In July, ENDA was reported out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in a bipartisan vote.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bicameral-task-force-climate-change-applauds-president-obamas-commitment", "Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change Applauds President Obama's Commitment to Climate Change Resilience Preparation", "2013-11-01", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC The Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change strongly supports theexecutive order issued by President Obama todayto enhance climate preparedness and resilience for the United States. This order firmly grounds Administration policy in the realities of climate science and acknowledges the variety of challenges that our country will face in coming years due to increasing erratic and dangerous weather patterns and events.\nIt will encourage increased information sharing on all levels of government in order promote smarter, more climate-resilient investments and will help provide state and local governments the tools to identify and make those investments. The order also requires the Departments of Defense, the Interior, and Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies to compile an assessment of the effects of climate change on communities, economies, and ecosystems across the nation.\nI commend President Obama's continued action on climate change, saidSenator Ben Cardin (D-MD). We are already feeling the effects of climate change through rising sea-levels, devastating wildfires, and deadly superstorms. These harms pose serious risks to the public health, our national security, and our economy. The Task Force the President established today will bring the wisdom and experience of state and local leaders to the challenge of protecting our communities from the worsening impacts of climate change.\nClimate change poses a serious threat to national security, undermines the health and safety of our communities, and represents a substantial risk to taxpayers, saidSenator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).I applaud the Administration for issuing an executive order and forming a task force to help communities across the country prepare for the effects of climate change.\nClimate change is already here, lapping at our doorstep in the form of more extreme weather and rising sea-levels, saidSenator Edward J. Markey (D-MA). That's why we have to deal with the realities of resiliency against these impacts we can no longer avoid, even as we try to cut the pollution that could make climate change even worse.\nClimate change is increasing the severity of droughts and storms and the intensity of wildfires, saidRepresentative Henry A. Waxman(CA-33), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Today the President has taken important steps to ensure that the federal government is a good partner in helping our communities prepare for these serious impacts. This is an important complement to his leadership in fighting for limits on dangerous carbon pollution.\nWith the Republican-controlled Congress refusing to enact any type of legislation, comprehensive or otherwise, that would address the serious impacts of climate change, I applaud President Obama for showing leadership on this critical issue, saidRepresentative Bobby Rush (IL-01). Communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted by the most harmful health and environmental effects associated with climate change. The President's actions will undoubtedly give us a better understanding of how to protect these communities, in particular, and the nation as a whole from the dangerous and more frequent extreme weather events and disasters that the country has been experiencing.\nIn addition to fighting to reverse climate change, we must also ensure that we are as prepared as possible for its inevitable effects, which are already wreaking havoc across our country, saidRepresentative Earl Blumenauer(OR-03). I'm grateful to the President for taking this action and will continue to work toward legislative solutions to combat the man-made sources of climate change and protect our land, soil, and water.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-cuts-to-the-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap", "Wyden Statement on Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)", "2013-11-01", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, November 1, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement on cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cSadly, automatic cuts in food stamp benefits begin today at a time when millions of American families continue to struggle to recover from this long recession. SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger and provides a true safety net. Families in every state will be hit by these $5 billion in cuts, and there\u2019s an ongoing struggle against further reductions that would cut even deeper. Job opportunities are still hard to come by for many Americans, and these further cuts would leave many people without food or work. Cuts to this program should not be made without considering the impacts on our struggling families, children and senior citizens.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-questions-hhs-sec-kathleen-sebelius-about-testing-problems", "Greg Walden questions HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius about testing problems, rate hikes associated with health law", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg Walden questions HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius about testing problems, rate hikes associated with health law  Walden: This is why some of us thought we should delay it so it could be done right to avoid this very collapse that is now upon us  Click here or on the image below to watch Walden's questioning   Today, Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) questioned Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about failures in the implementation and launch of the new health care law at a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Click here to watch Walden ask Secretary Sebelius about testing failures with the website and premium increases faced by Oregonians.  Following up on his line of questioning to healthcare.gov contractors last week, Walden asked Sebelius about assurances that HHS was extremely confident that the healthcare.gov marketplace would open on schedule on October 1, despite a lack of end to end testing. Sec. Sebelius admitted such testing was not adequately performed before launch. Walden also asked Sec. Sebelius about how HHS had written rules about existing insurance plans in such a way that forced countless Americans off their plans. He told her of constituents from around Oregon's Second District who have received letters from insurance companies saying that their plan has been cancelled due to the Affordable Care Act. For more information on today's hearing from the Energy and Commerce Committee, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131104014519/http://bonamici.house.gov:80/press-release/bonamici-visits-tigard%E2%80%99s-durham-elementary-school-calls-budget-negotiators-reverse", "Bonamici Visits Tigard\u2019s Durham Elementary School;  Calls on Budget Negotiators to Reverse Education Cuts", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Beaverton, Ore.\u2014 Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today called on members of the House and Senate Budget Conference Committee to reverse cuts to federal education funding caused by the \u201csequestration\u201d provisions of the Budget Control Act. Bonamici emphasized her disapproval with the cuts during a visit to Tigard\u2019s Durham Elementary School, which receives federal Title I funding to lower class sizes and provide reading interventions for students in need of extra support. Title I funding goes to schools with a high percentage of low-income students.\n\u201cIt is wrong to cut funding for reading programs when schools are already struggling with limited resources,\u201d said Congresswoman Bonamici. \u201cLast year Durham was one of the highest achieving Title I schools in Oregon. Their programs are working. We should be encouraging and supporting the efforts of teachers and administrators at this school and in schools across Oregon. One of my top priorities in the current budget negotiations is to repeal the education cuts triggered by sequestration.\u201d\nLater this week, Bonamici and many of her House colleagues will send a letter urging budget conferees to reverse the across-the-board cuts known as \u201csequestration.\u201d According to the National Education Association, Oregon\u2019s federal education funding was cut by $85 billion for Fiscal Year 2013 as a result of these indiscriminate cuts.\n\u201cA five percent cut may not seem like much, but in light of a 20 percent cut in federal funding that has occurred since 2002, it\u2019s significant,\u201d said Bonamici. \u201cFunding isn\u2019t the only issue we need to address in our schools, but the more we cut, the harder it is for teachers to do their job. Durham is a highly successful school; they\u2019ve been doing more with less for too long. We can\u2019t continue to expect great results if we keep cutting budgets.\u201d\nAccording the Congressional Research Service, funding for Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which includes Title I, has been cut by more than 20 percent since No Child Left Behind took effect in 2002.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=5a6b60d0-626d-4161-a721-768c8e0ccd37", "ENDA Vote Next Week", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ENDA Vote Next Week \n\t\n\t\t Landmark Gay Rights Bill Authored by Merkley will End LGBT Employment Discrimination \n\t\n\t\n\tThursday, October 31, 2013\n\t\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after it was announced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which Merkley authored, will be heading for a floor vote next week.\r\n \r\n\u201cWe have a chance next week to pass a landmark civil rights bill that will enshrine in law an issue of fundamental fairness: no one should be fired for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Discrimination is just plain wrong. Everyone should have the freedom to work hard and earn a living. I am pleased that the U.S. Senate will consider this fundamental issue of equality under the law.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nThe Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 would prohibit employers from firing, refusing to hire, or discriminating against those employed or seeking employment, on the basis of their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity.\u00a0 Such protections are already in place prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability. \u00a0\r\nMore than 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies already extend workplace protections based on sexual orientation and more than one-third on the basis of gender identity. In July, ENDA was reported out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in a bipartisan vote.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=fb142064-19da-45f8-88d5-21340907eb0a", "Merkley Introduces Legislation to Provide Benefits to Families of Fallen Firefighters", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Introduces Legislation to Provide Benefits to Families of Fallen Firefighters \n\t\n\t\t Legislation crafted after Oregon families were denied benefits \n\t\n\t\n\tThursday, October 31, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Fallen Wildland Firefighters Fair Compensation Act\u00a0that would allow aerial and ground contracted firefighters to be covered for death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers\u2019 Benefits Act (PSOB). Currently, these benefits are granted to state and local police, firefighters, EMTs and also federally employed wildland firefighters, but not contracted wildland firefighters, even though 40% of firefighters who battle blazes on federal land are contracted.\u00a0 Senator Merkley crafted this legislation after hearing from families of contracted Oregon firefighters who had been killed in 2008 and were denied death benefits.\r\n \r\n\u201cEvery summer across Oregon, thousands of contract firefighters risk their lives fighting to protect our federal forests, grasslands, and lands,\u201d said Merkley.\u00a0 \u201cIt is past time that we make sure that if the worst happens while on the job, the families of fallen firefighters are granted proper benefits.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nTypically, contracted firefighters account for 10,000-15,000 people each year. While these men and women work and train right alongside of and even receive direction from the U.S. Forest Service, in the unfortunate event of death or traumatic injury, contract firefighters cannot receive comparable benefits to federal employees.\u00a0\r\nThis bill would give the surviving spouses and children of fallen firefighters the same survivor benefits that those of other firefighters and law enforcement receive.\r\n###\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-vote-in-opposition-to-intelligence-committees-fisa-legislation", "Wyden Statement on Vote in Opposition to Intelligence Committee’s FISA Legislation", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, October 31, 2013\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a senior member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement on legislation reported today by the Intelligence Committee. \u00a0\r\n\u201cMore and more Americans are saying that they refuse to give up their constitutionally guaranteed liberties for the appearance of security: the Intelligence committee has passed a bill that ignores this message. \u00a0 It maintains business as usual instead of ending the bulk collection of Americans\u2019 personal records, closing the back-door searches loophole that allows intelligence agencies to search for Americans\u2019 communications without a warrant, ending the government\u2019s reliance on secret surveillance law, and ensuring that courts can adequately review these authorities and the actions taken under them. \u00a0I advocated for these principles in the Intelligence Committee, but unfortunately the bill reported today remains far from anything that could be considered meaningful reform. \u00a0 \r\nInstead, the Senate Intelligence Committee approved a bill that would codify overbroad surveillance practices that infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans without making America any safer. \u00a0I voted against this legislation in committee, and I will strenuously oppose any similar attempts to codify overreaching government surveillance.\"\u00a0\r\n \r\nThe bill reported today from Intelligence Cmte remains far from anything that could be considered meaningful reform http://t.co/6GEX67nqB2\r\n\u2014 Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) October 31, 2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-welcomes-siv-hero-us", "Blumenauer Welcomes SIV Hero to the US", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Last night, Janis Shinwari, a translator who worked with American troops in Afghanistan, finally landed safely in the United States after an extended ordeal as he applied for a Special Immigrant Visa from the US government. Shinwari's story gained national attention following the long campaign by Army Capt. Matt Zeller to bring him to the US, which faced numerous pitfalls and spanned several years.\n\n\t\n\n\tThis is an amazing day, said Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), one of the originators of the Special Immigrant Visa program and author of the recent extension to the program. Mr. Shinwari and his family stepping foot on American soil, free from the deadly pursuit of those who would do them harm for helping US soldiers, embodies a promise kept.\n\n\tBut while he is an example of the SIV program eventually working, Blumenauer continued, there are still thousands of brave translators and their families stuck in Iraq and Afghanistan. Not every applicant is lucky enough to have an effective and perseverant advocate like Matt Zeller. I will continue my efforts in Congress to ensure that the SIV programs are both extended and reformed, and also continue to put pressure on the administration, State Department, and other responsible agencies to make improvements to increase the efficiency and transparency of the programs.\n\n\tBlumenauer was able to amend the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2014 to include reforms for both SIV programs and is in close contact with members of the House and Senate to ensure that these provisions remain in the final bill and properly address the previous shortcomings of the SIV programs. He also introduced and passed a bill to extend the Iraq program through the end of the year, which prevented it from expiring as the House waits for the Senate to pass an NDAA that he anticipates will include a longer-term extension. He recently sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Hagel, Secretary of State Kerry, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Beers, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Comey, and Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Olsen, urging reforms in the SIV programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/jaime-herrera-beutler-earl-blumenauer-introduce-bill-improve-northwest", "Jaime Herrera Beutler, Earl Blumenauer Introduce Bill to Improve Northwest Salmon Habitat Restoration", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Earl Blumenauer", "B000574", "blumenauer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan bill would empower local nonprofit restoration groups to complete habitat improvement projects, protecting northwest salmon\n\n\tWASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) joined with Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) to introduce the Fundamentally Improving Salmon Habitat (FISH) Act today, a bill that would improve efforts to restore salmon habitat in the Northwest. They were joined by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) as original cosponsors of the legislation.\n\n\tIn 2000, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked by Congress to carry out salmon restoration projects in the Northwest. However, small but critical projects are often not undertaken through this programbecause the process is too cumbersome for the large federal agency to carry them out in a cost-efficient manner. Meanwhile, well-established local organizationshave developed significant expertise and experiencein completing small salmon habitat restoration projects throughout Southwest Washington and Oregon. The FISH Act would designate any salmon restoration projects that cost less than $2 million as small' and authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to administer grants to local lead entities' to develop and construct these projects.\n\n\tCongress authorized $30,000,000 in 2000 for ecosystem restoration in the Lower Columbia River and Tillamook Bay estuaries in Washington and Oregon through Section 536 of the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with developing plans for projects in conjunction with states and lead entities. The goal of providing block grants to groups that are better equipped to handle these projects is to ensure than more salmon restoration can be completed.\n\n\tSignificant expertise and experience from local lead entities'\n\n\tOver the last 13 years, more than 450 ecosystem restoration projects have been completed in the Lower Columbia region by these local nonprofit fish enhancement groups. Currently, 13 species of salmon in the Columbia basin are protected by the Endangered Species Act including chinook, coho, and steelhead. Projects to improve salmon restoration include building off-channel refuges, installing woody debris, and removing invasive plant species. \n\n\tThe lead entity group consists of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, the Tillamook Bay Estuaries Partnership, the Lower Columbian Fish Recovery Board, and the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group. In addition to the lead entities support for the FISH Act, groups like the American Land Rights Association and Washington Farm Bureau have expressed their appreciation that the legislation takes care to respect property rights while balancing the need to improve salmon restoration efforts. \n\n\tWild salmon and steelhead play a centrally important role in our economy and our culture here in the Pacific Northwest,said Jaime. It's an honor to team up with Congressman Blumenauer on this issue where we strongly agree -- local groups can play a vital role in federal habitat restoration efforts to protect salmon. Giving local organizations control over smaller recovery projects will complement the Army Corps' large-scale work, ultimately serving the recreational, economic and environmental interests we have in a healthy salmon population.\n\n\tI am pleased to support this legislation, which will allow much needed habitat restoration projects to move forward and help numerous species, including ESA listed salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin,said Rep. Blumenauer. The Army Corps and its local partners will also be able to target resources more effectively and efficiently, which, in an era of federal budget tightening, is a must-do. \n\n\tThis legislation will substantially enhance salmon recovery and ecosystem restoration efforts in the Lower Columbia. It recognizes and retains the important role of the Corps of Engineers in undertaking large and technically complex projects, said Jeff Breckel, Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board.But, it also creates a role for local organizations, such as the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, in implementing smaller, less complex projects. The Board has a proven program of working with federal and state agencies, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, local governments, rural communities, landowners, and non-governmental organizations to get work done on the ground in a timely and efficient manner. Incrementally, these smaller projects make a significant contribution to salmon recovery and ecosystem restoration, build local support and participation, and leverage limited resources. We appreciate Rep. Herrera Beutler and Rep. Blumenauer's initiative and leadership in working with us and others to craft legislation that will strengthen the federal, state, and local partnerships to restore the Lower Columbia ecosystem.\n\n\tThe lower Columbia region and the Estuary Partnership, have come a long way restoring habitat in the last decade.Together, over 100 partners have restored over 20,000 acres of habitat, not yet a quarter of what has been lost since settlement,says Debrah Marriott, Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership.More needs to be done.This change to the Section 536 of the Water Resources and Development Act recognizes that many local entities, like the Estuary Partnership and the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, are ready to move.We have extensive expertise and the track record, as well as organization capacity and the ability to implement projects efficiently and effectively.That is exactly what it will take to protect the species that depend on a healthy watershed and river and we look forward to working with Congress to make that happen.\n\n\tSources of Salmon recovery funds have been shrinking in recent years,this update to the WRDA program will allow organizations such as ourselves to implement critical on the ground Salmon recovery efforts in the Lower Columbia region,said Tammy Weisman, Operations Director of the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group. Salmon recovery is not just essential to our ecosystem- itcreates jobs, increases revenue for numerous local businesses and creates and maintains community ownership of these projects.\n\n\tThe opportunities that this represents for streamlining and getting projects on the ground in Tillamook Bay are wonderful. It representsbothpotential environmental and economic benefits,says Lisa Phipps, Executive Director, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership. \n\n\tAs a property rights advocate, I'm pleased that this bill fully respects the rights of private property owners,said Chuck Cushman, Executive Director of the American Land Rights Association. I'm also a landowner, and I've personally worked with the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group to save riverbanks on my own land that also improved salmon habitat. These organizations do excellent work, and this is a good bill that everyone should support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-wyden-opening-statement-at-todays-conference-committee-on-the-budget", "Video: Wyden Opening Statement at Today’s Conference Committee on the Budget", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Ron Wyden pledged to hold at least one public town meeting in each of Oregon's 36 counties each year. Keeping that promise since 1996, Senator Wyden has held more than 800 town hall meetings across the state. \u00a0Here you will also find information about some of Oregon's most popular sites and attractions,\u00a0Oregon's Congressional Delegation, and more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356966", "House Passes Schrader Bill to Combat Veterans \u2018Pension Poaching\u2019", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Kurt Schrader", "S001180", "schrader.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House of Representatives has passed the Veterans Pension Protection Act to combat financial scams against retired military veterans and strengthen the Veterans Affairs (VA) pension program. The bipartisan bill, introduced by U.S. Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) and originally cosponsored by Congressmen Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Ron Barber (D-AZ), passed as part of a legislative package to reduce the backlog of VA disability claims and improve services for veterans. \r\n\u00a0\u201cThis bipartisan legislation will prevent unethical financial advisors from preying on the pensions of our nation\u2019s warriors, who sacrifice life and limb to guarantee the freedoms we all enjoy,\u201d Rep. Schrader said. \u201cOur veterans deserve our respect when they come home, and it is our duty to protect the benefits they and their families have earned and depend on.\u201d\r\nThe Veterans Pension Protect Act will address a common scam referred to as \u201cpension poaching,\u201d in which:\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Unprincipled financial firms convince veterans to divert their assets into trusts or annuities by promising to help veterans qualify for VA pension benefits. \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Firms profit from those trusts or annuities, though they are often poor investments that leave veterans without access to adequate financial resources. \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Firms further profit by charging veterans exorbitant fees and selling them additional unnecessary and costly services. \r\nSince Veterans Affairs only considers net worth at the time a veteran applies for benefits, the Department cannot determine if an applicant has diverted assets in order to qualify. This legislation would close this loophole by creating a three-year \u201clook-back\u201d period to determine eligibility, similar to those already used to determine Social Security and Medicaid benefits.\r\n\u00a0-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=357113", "Schrader Donates Shutdown Pay to Oregon Food Bank", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Kurt Schrader", "S001180", "schrader.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schrader Donates Shutdown Pay to Oregon Food Bank \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 29, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n'Thank you to everyone for your helpful input and suggestions. After much consideration, I chose to donate my shutdown salary to the Oregon Food Bank. I met with Oregon Food Bank\u2019s Jeff Kleen this afternoon to present him with my donation.' \u00a0-KURT  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-house-unanimously-passes-greg-waldens-central-oregon-jobs-and-water", "U.S. House unanimously passes Greg Walden's Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Greg Walden", "W000791", "walden.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. House unanimously passes Greg Walden's Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act  October 29, 2013  The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Rep. Greg Walden's (R-Ore.) Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act (H.R. 2640), which delivers needed water to Prineville for job creation, paves the way for clean energy at Bowman Dam, and gives life to important water conservation projects in the region. Passing this no-cost job creation plan is just common sense, which is why the House acted quickly to get this done for Central Oregon. The plan will create jobs in Crook County, cut through government red tape, help with clean energy generation, and improve water quality for fish and wildlife without costing taxpayers a penny. The clock is ticking, though. I urge the Senate to quickly consider and pass this legislation to finally get this done for Central Oregon, Walden said. The bill would fix a boundary line error at Bowman Dam, paving the way for construction of a small scale hydropower facility at the base of the dam. It would also provide job-creating water for the city of Prineville to attract additional projects like Facebook and Apple. Walden introduced this common-sense legislation in July 2013. The bill is identical to last year's version which passed the U.S. House unanimously in June 2012. It was not brought before the U.S. Senate for a vote last year. Background on the Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act Water for job creation in Crook County The bill allows Prineville to utilize up to 5,100 acre feet of water from Prineville Reservoir, or about 6 percent of the total unallocated water behind the dam (80,000 acre feet). The water certainty would allow Prineville to entice new technology opportunities like Facebook and Apple, and service all of the homes within city limits. Crook County's unemployment rate of 12.6 percent is the highest in the state. Clean energy and new jobs at Bowman Dam The bill would also clear the way for small-scale hydropower production at the base of Bowman Dam, creating about 50 jobs over the course of two construction seasons. Legislation is necessary to make this happen because of the way the law is writtencurrently. In 1988, Congress designated 17.8 miles of the Crooked River as part of the wild and scenic rivers system, which is charged with preserving rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. But when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) drew up the maps for the new wild and scenic area on the Crooked River after the 1988 designation, they placed one end of the boundary right down the middle of Bowman Dam. There is nothing wild and scenic about a dam,Waldensaid. Hydropower is not permitted in wild and scenic areas, so an act of Congress is required to fix the mistake and place the boundary line below the dam, where it should have been all along. Doing so will allow the hydropower project  and the jobs it would create  to go forward. In a letter sent to Walden in 2008,BLM State Director Ed Shepardsaid, The BLM does not believe that it was the intent of Congress to place the wild and scenic river boundary on the center of the dam or to even include the dam, but rather just below the dam and spillway structures. McKay Creek restoration and other conservation efforts Because Prineville accesses its water from ground sources, the 5,100 acre feet of water would be released downstream, providing additional spilled water into the Crooked River that could benefit the blue-ribbon trout fishery below Bowman Dam. The bill also boosts conservation efforts in McKay Creek to enhance fish habitat.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/media_center/media/view/?id=66b35c2b-9a8a-c25f-4a31-2848fb498732", "Merkley: Washington Must Focus on Manufacturing", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley says its time for Washington to focus on manufacturing and help to create living wage jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=0032f850-c3bd-4341-a811-d745724d5884", "Merkley Joins Effort to Focus Washington on Manufacturing Jobs", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Merkley Joins Effort to Focus Washington on Manufacturing Jobs \n\t\n\t\t Manufacturing Jobs for America plan features 40 bills from 22 senators \n\t\n\t\n\tTuesday, October 29, 2013\n\t\n\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Oregon\u2019s Senator Jeff Merkley joined 21 of his colleagues to launch a campaign to get Washington to refocus on manufacturing jobs. The Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative aims to build bipartisan support for legislation that will modernize America\u2019s manufacturing sector, help American manufacturers grow and create jobs, and assist American workers in getting the skills to succeed in the next generation of manufacturing jobs. Together, the lawmakers have contributed 40 bills \u2014 many with bipartisan support \u2014 to the effort around four organizing principles:\u00a0\r\n \r\nStrengthening      America\u2019s 21st century workforce\r\nOpening      markets abroad\r\nCreating      the conditions necessary for growth\r\nExpanding      access to capital\r\n \r\n \r\n\u201cA living wage job is the best possible foundation for a family,\u201d Merkley said. \u201cThe tax and trade policies of the last few decades have shipped millions of jobs overseas and have been terrible for Oregon\u2019s working families. Washington can and should do a lot to expand manufacturing, because if we don\u2019t build things in America, we won\u2019t have a middle class in America.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nThe initiative\u2019s focus on manufacturing reflects the sector\u2019s reputation for providing high-quality jobs that lead to gains throughout the economy. Workers in manufacturing jobs earn 22 percent more in annual pay and benefits than the average worker in other industries, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. Every new manufacturing job created adds another 1.6 jobs to the local service economy, and for every dollar in manufacturing sales, another $1.34 is added to the economy. Investments in manufacturing have a stronger impact than investments in any other economic sector.\u00a0\r\nThe package of bills includes two bills written by Merkley: the BUILD Career and Technical Education Act, which would support career and technical education in middle schools and high schools; and the Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act, which would provide competitive grants to states to fund new or expanded industrial energy efficiency financing programs.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cThe Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative that supports pro-growth, pro-jobs policies in energy, tax, regulatory and workforce policy and other areas has the potential to provide a critical path towards bipartisan agreement on issues facing manufacturers and their employees,\u201d National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons said. \u201cThe manufacturing sector is still struggling to recover from the 2.3 million jobs lost during the difficult recession of 2008 and 2009. While 500,000 jobs have since been created, we still have a long road to travel. A growth agenda, that includes some of the bills that are part of the Manufacturing Jobs for America effort, is key to creating an environment that encourages job creation.\u201d \u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\n\u201cThe AFL-CIO applauds the Senate Democrats for pulling together this broad legislative package to support domestic manufacturing,\u201d AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said. \u201cThis is an example of the results-oriented approach Congress should be taking to invest in growth and create jobs, rather than engaging in divisive ideological campaigns. We strongly support many of the themes that run through these bills, including action on currency manipulation and evasion of import duties, measures to increase the reshoring of production, more resources for skills and training, improved access to capital, help for start-ups, and domestic content requirements for government purchases. We look forward to working with the Senate to enact much of this legislation. The manufacturing sector in the United States has finally begun to heal, but we must create the conditions for a long-term recovery. A comprehensive approach like this one can move us a long way in that direction.\u201d\u00a0\r\n \r\nIn addition to Senator Merkley, senators contributing policy to the Manufacturing Jobs for America campaign include Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.). \u00a0\r\nIn addition to the National Association of Manufacturers and AFL-CIO, Manufacturing Jobs for America has earned the support of the Alliance for American Manufacturing; American Automotive Policy Council; American Small Manufacturers Coalition; Association for Manufacturing Technology; Bloom Energy; BlueGreen Alliance; Dow; DuPont; Ford Motor Company; General Electric; the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation; National Association of Development Organizations; National Skills Coalition; One Voice - National Tool & Machining Association, and Precision Metalforming Association; Progressive Policy Institute; STEM Education Coalition; Third Way; the United Autoworkers; and the United Steelworkers.\u00a0\r\nFor a full list of the legislation included in Manufacturing Jobs for America, go to http://coons.senate.gov/manufacturing.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n      \n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 521, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "OR", "p1": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 472, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2013&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 49, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2013&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 521, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2013&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "OR", "label": "OR", "count": 521, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 521, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OR", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2013-10-29,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emerkley~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress~2Frelease~2F~3Fid~3D0032f850-c3bd-4341-a811-d745724d5884", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2013&_next=2013-10-29%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emerkley~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress~2Frelease~2F~3Fid~3D0032f850-c3bd-4341-a811-d745724d5884&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 485.0707510486245, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}