Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,945 rows where chamber = "Senate" and state = "OR" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-bonamici-wyden-oregon-leaders-unlock-14-million-in-federal-funding-for-oregon-coast-project/ | Merkley, Bonamici, Wyden, Oregon Leaders Unlock $14 Million in Federal Funding for Oregon Coast Project | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi announced that, thanks to their efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $14,567,624 in federal funds for Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people. CMH had received an award for the expansion under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—which provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities—but faced roadblocks to accessing the funding after the Trump Administration suspended the BRIC program in 2025. Following legal challenges and advocacy by Oregon lawmakers, CMH’s BRIC funding has finally been released. “You can’t wait for a disaster to happen to start preparing, and this funding finally moving forward will be transformative for disaster resiliency along the North Coast. Thanks to the partnership of state and local leaders, we held the Trump Administration accountable to deliver on the promise of this common-sense project to help Oregonians prepare for disasters and save lives,” said Senator Merkley. “I’ll keep pushing to get this project over the finish line and to deliver critical funding for disaster resiliency efforts in Oregon and communities across the country.” “This grant funding is long overdue for Columbia Memorial Hospital and everyone who lives on or visits the Oregon Coast,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The BRIC grant for this lifesaving vertical evacuation structure should never have been jeopardized, and we’ve fought long and hard for it to be released. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this important project with the community in Astoria.” “Ensuring that Oregon’s coastal commun… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-mcbath-brown-champion-legislation-to-improve-educational-outcomes-and-experiences/ | Merkley, McBath, Brown Champion Legislation to Improve Educational Outcomes and Experiences | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-07) and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) teamed up to reintroduce the Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act, bold legislation that would make investments to address overcrowded classrooms and set students up for success. Research shows students achieve better academic results with more individualized attention from instructors, especially in kindergarten through third grade. However, the continued strain on our public education system from staff shortages and tighter budgets has meant class sizes have continued to grow. Merkley, McBath, and Brown are making a bicameral push for better student outcomes with their legislation to boost funding for schools to reduce class sizes and increase individualized attention from instructors—improving the overall school experience for both students and educators. “Every student deserves the chance to learn, participate, and get the individual attention they need to thrive,” said Merkley. “Growing up as an Oregon public school student, I remember having around 20 children in my first-grade class. When I dropped my son off for his first day of school, his class had 34 children, and I wondered how his teacher could organize and teach such a large group. It’s time to make sure our schools have the resources they need to support educators and help every child receive a quality learning experience.” “Smaller class sizes help personalize education in ways that can fuel a child’s love of learning. When teachers have more opportunities for one-on-one time with their students, they can provide tailored instruction, individualized feedback, and the support each child needs to thrive,” said McBath. “I am deeply appreciative of Senator Merkley for his continued leadership on this important legislation and his advocacy for students and educators. Investments like these, which strengthen learning environments and support teacher well-being, are essential to improving educational outcomes … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-slams-senate-republicans-for-rubberstamping-trump-arch/ | Merkley Slams Senate Republicans for Rubberstamping Trump Arch | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked his bill to prevent the Trump Administration from using any federal funds for the planning and construction of the Trump Arch: “Trump’s Arch is a monument to his own ego—a waste of our taxpayer dollars. “This vanity project distorts our history while destroying historic views, disregards the Constitution’s separation of powers, disrupts the safety of planes in the sky and cars on the road in our nation’s capital, and disrespects the sacrifices of our veterans and their families. “The Trump Arch is a monumentally bad idea, and it is abundantly clear there is no authorization from Congress for this massive arch. I’ll keep fighting back against Trump’s efforts to use our tax dollars to fund his arch and to instead invest in the four foundations that families need to thrive—health care, housing, education, and good-paying jobs.” As the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the Interior Department and National Park Service, the agencies that manage many of our public lands in Washington, D.C., Merkley took to the Senate Floor in an attempt to pass the No Funds for Trump’s Illegal Arch Act, which would have blocked the Trump Arch. Full text of the bill can be found by clicking here. In addition to Merkley, the No Funds for Trump’s Illegal Arch Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Throughout Trump’s second term, Merkley has led the charge to hold the Administration accountable for its vanity projects and corruption—including putting Trump’s face on gold coins, park passes, a $250 bill, and the U.S. passport. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senate-blocks-merkley-murkowski-bill-to-prevent-trump-tearing-down-presidential-memorials/ | Senate Blocks Merkley, Murkowski Bill to Prevent Trump Tearing Down Presidential Memorials | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) blocked Merkley’s bipartisan bill with Alaska’s U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski to prohibit the demolition of any national memorial to honor a U.S. president—like the Kennedy Center—without an act of Congress: “Our congressionally authorized memorials to former presidents are a tribute to their accomplishments and service to our nation. Perhaps the greatest living memorial for a president is the Kennedy Center, in honor of our slain president who championed the arts. But now President Trump—without authorization from Congress—is trying to tear it down. First, he destroyed its programming, and now, he wants to destroy the building itself. All because the law says Trump can’t put his name on the building. “So today, I asked for unanimous consent on a one-page bipartisan bill with Senator Murkowski to defend this extraordinary institution, the Kennedy Center, saying no memorial to any president can be torn down without explicit authorization from Congress. Unfortunately, a colleague objected to this common-sense bill. “Trump’s threats are straight out of the authoritarian playbook and should infuriate every American who values our nation’s history and the rule of law. Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars putting Trump’s name on memorials and monuments as if he is a king, we should be focused on putting money back into the pockets of working families and honoring America’s greatest cultural institutions, not destroying them.” Merkley and Murkowski serve as the Ranking Member and Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, respectively, which oversees funding for the Kennedy Center. Merkley took to the Senate Floor in an attempt to pass the Protecting Presidential Memorials Act, a one-page bill which would have blocked the demolition of any national memorial honoring a U.S. president—including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial—without an act of Congres… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-introduce-legislation-to-impose-sanctions-of-israeli-settlement-construction/ | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Impose Sanctions of Israeli Settlement Construction | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Sanctions would target settlement construction within the E1 area of the West Bank Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. “Benjamin Netanyahu’s disgraceful policy of expanding West Bank settlements crosses a clear red line and makes Palestinian statehood and lasting peace even more difficult,” Wyden said. “The United States must stand up against Netanyahu’s campaign of violence and aggression against Palestinian civilians and sanction individuals and companies that are complicit in this unlawful action.” “In my visits to the West Bank, I’ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinians. The Netanyahu government, meanwhile, continues to rubberstamp this dangerous agenda, and these settlements in the West Bank are designed to destroy the possibility of a future Palestinian state living peacefully alongside the state of Israel,” said Merkley. “This is unacceptable, and our bill holds the Netanyahu government accountable for its illegal, reckless, and inhumane actions in the West Bank.” Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced proposals to let companies bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement o… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-bonamici-wyden-oregon-leaders-unlock-14-million-in-federal-funding-for-oregon-coast-project | Merkley, Bonamici, Wyden, Oregon Leaders Unlock $14 Million in Federal Funding for Oregon Coast Project | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi announced that, thanks to their efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $14,567,624 in federal funds for Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people. CMH had received an award for the expansion under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—which provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities—but faced roadblocks to accessing the funding after the Trump Administration suspended the BRIC program in 2025. Following legal challenges and advocacy by Oregon lawmakers, CMH’s BRIC funding has finally been released. “You can’t wait for a disaster to happen to start preparing, and this funding finally moving forward will be transformative for disaster resiliency along the North Coast. Thanks to the partnership of state and local leaders, we held the Trump Administration accountable to deliver on the promise of this common-sense project to help Oregonians prepare for disasters and save lives,” said Senator Merkley. “I’ll keep pushing to get this project over the finish line and to deliver critical funding for disaster resiliency efforts in Oregon and communities across the country.” “This grant funding is long overdue for Columbia Memorial Hospital and everyone who lives on or visits the Oregon Coast,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The BRIC grant for this lifesaving vertical evacuation structure should never have been jeopardized, and we’ve fought long and hard for it to be released. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this important project with the community in Astoria.” “Ensuring that Oregon’s coastal commun… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-legislation-to-impose-sanctions-of-israeli-settlement-construction | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Impose Sanctions of Israeli Settlement Construction | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Sanctions would target settlement construction within the E1 area of the West Bank Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. “Benjamin Netanyahu’s disgraceful policy of expanding West Bank settlements crosses a clear red line and makes Palestinian statehood and lasting peace even more difficult,” Wyden said. “The United States must stand up against Netanyahu’s campaign of violence and aggression against Palestinian civilians and sanction individuals and companies that are complicit in this unlawful action.” “In my visits to the West Bank, I’ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinians. The Netanyahu government, meanwhile, continues to rubberstamp this dangerous agenda, and these settlements in the West Bank are designed to destroy the possibility of a future Palestinian state living peacefully alongside the state of Israel,” said Merkley. “This is unacceptable, and our bill holds the Netanyahu government accountable for its illegal, reckless, and inhumane actions in the West Bank.” Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced proposals to let companies bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement o… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-condemns-more-pocket-rescissions-by-trump-administration/ | Merkley Condemns More Pocket Rescissions by Trump Administration | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the below statement after President Donald Trump and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russ Vought issued more illegal pocket rescissions, this time clawing back nearly $1 billion in congressionally appropriated funding. “Once again, President Trump and Russ Vought have violated the law by sending Congress more illegal pocket rescissions in the dark of night. “We have seen this show before. Trump and Vought have a habit of ignoring Congress. That is why I have put forth several amendments that would have prevented the Trump Administration from undermining bipartisan agreements. “It is time for my Republican colleagues to finally stand up to the Administration and reaffirm that what Congress passes—and the President signs—is the law of the land, and the funds cannot be clawed back without Congress’ approval. Enough of these Executive Branch power grabs. The law is not a suggestion, and the President is not a king,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley. ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-hoyle-announce-1-million-for-lane-county-emergency-communications-infrastructure/ | Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Announce $1 Million for Lane County Emergency Communications Infrastructure | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Eugene, OR – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), announced $1 million in federal funding for Lane County’s Emergency Communications Resiliency and Interoperability Project. The funding will support a key portion of the project to replace aging radio communications infrastructure at Bear Mountain. “When an emergency strikes, first responders need to know they can reach each other and coordinate a response,” said Merkley, who helped secure funding for this project as a key member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Community-initiated projects like this one are rooted in the fact that no one knows the unique needs of communities across Oregon quite like the folks who are a part of them, and that’s why I fight so hard to deliver them back to Oregon. These federal dollars will help Lane County replace aging infrastructure and build a more resilient communications network, strengthening the ability of firefighters and other emergency personnel to keep Oregonians safe when they need help most.” “First responders being able to reliably communicate can be the difference between life and death when emergencies hit rural communities,” said Wyden. “This federal investment will replace outdated radio equipment and deploy modern network technology so rural Oregon fire agencies can maintain uninterrupted contact during crises. I’ll keep fighting to deliver the federal resources that Oregon’s local emergency crews need to stay safe and protect our communities.” “Supporting our rural communities means investing in resilient infrastructure and modernization projects so no one gets left behind,” said Hoyle. “This $1M grant will invest in new radio systems to strengthen regional connectivity, limit service interruptions and advance emergency response capabilities across Lane County.” The project was developed by Lane County and supported by Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle as part of the FY24 agriculture funding bill. The $1 million federal investment will … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senators-markey-and-merkley-lead-colleagues-to-demand-trump-administration-abandon-reckless-saudi-nuclear-deal/ | Senators Markey and Merkley Lead Colleagues to Demand Trump Administration Abandon Reckless Saudi Nuclear Deal | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Trump deal caves to Saudi demands, fails “Gold Standard” test Letter Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding that the Trump administration abandon its reckless nuclear deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which fails the Gold Standard nonproliferation test by surrendering two key conditions: the strictest inspection standards under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Additional Protocol and denying Saudi Arabia the means to produce weapons-grade nuclear materials through uranium enrichment and/or plutonium reprocessing. The letter was signed by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). As a U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio was among the most consistent voices warning about the dangers of giving Saudi Arabia, whose leaders have repeatedly threatened to pursue nuclear weapons, access to sensitive nuclear technology without proper safeguards. In the letter, the senators wrote, “With this deal, the Trump Administration is departing from precedent, adopting looser restrictions, and caving to Saudi demands by agreeing to a process that is all but certain to allow Riyadh to acquire the means to enrich uranium and possibly develop nuclear weapons. If the Administration is serious about preventing that outcome, it should require Riyadh to meet the Gold Standard. And likewise, if Saudi Arabia genuinely has no intention of pursuing a nuclear weapon, it should have little objection to accepting the same commitments that the UAE and other states have made: implementing an Additional Protocol and banning enrichment and reprocessing.” The senators continued, “Although not included in the agreement, media reports have suggested that the Saudi government would not have access to a U.S.-supplied and operated enrichment plant on Saudi soil. While there is no ev… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/sens-markey-merkley-and-reps-jayapal-tlaib-pressley-reintroduce-legislation-to-halt-government-use-of-facial-recognition-and-other-biometric-technology/ | Sens. Markey, Merkley and Reps. Jayapal, Tlaib, Pressley Reintroduce Legislation to Halt Government Use of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric Technology | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), announced the reintroduction of the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act, legislation to prohibit the government from using facial recognition and other biometric technologies. The legislation responds to the federal government’s growing use of biometric recognition technology, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mobile facial recognition app, which has been used to target immigrants and intimidate communities across the country. Research shows that nearly half of U.S. adults’ faces are already stored in facial recognition databases, and that Black, Brown, and Asian individuals are up to 100 times more likely to be misidentified by a facial recognition algorithm than white men. “Facial recognition and other biometric technologies in the hands of government agencies have become tools of authoritarianism. Agencies such as ICE and CBP are using this technology to track, target, intimidate and surveil communities across the country,” said Senator Markey. “Black and Brown communities — already subject to the most aggressive policing and immigration enforcement — are disproportionately affected and more likely to be wrongly flagged, detained, or targeted by a faulty facial recognition match. We must stop the Trump administration’s growing web of surveillance technology, and that starts with a moratorium on dangerous, discriminatory biometric recognition.” “Every American who values their right to privacy, stands against discrimination, and believes people are innocent until proven guilty should be concerned about facial recognition technology fueling a national surveillance state,” said Senator Merkley. “Enacting a federal moratorium on this technology is critical … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-warns-an-all-republican-fcc-could-violate-federal-law-and-cause-partisan-fcc-actions-to-be-overturned-in-court | Wyden Warns an All-Republican FCC Could Violate Federal Law and Cause Partisan FCC Actions to be Overturned in Court | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Wyden Seeks Legal Opinion From Commissioner Gomez on Whether the Communications Act Permits the Federal Communications Commission to Operate With Only Republican Commissioners Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore. asked Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez to issue a legal opinion addressing whether the Communications Act permits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to legally operate with members from a single political party. Wyden warned that federal law prohibits an all-Republican RCC and that any action taken by a partisan FCC could be overturned in court, based on the statutory history of the Communications Act. President Trump recently nominated Danielle Thumann Severs to serve as FCC Commissioner. If confirmed, she would become the Commission's third Republican. Given that the Communications Act sets a quorum at three members, there is concern that Trump will fire Commissioner Gomez, the remaining Democrat on the FCC, after Severs is confirmed, leaving the agency with an all-Republican panel. In anticipation of Trump’s actions, Wyden’s letter to Gomez highlighted amendments enacted in 1982 that require the FCC to have political balance at any operational size: if there are three commissioners on the FCC, only two can be from the same political party. Before 1982, the Communications Act stated that “not more than four” commissioners of a then-seven member FCC could be from the same political party. Similar language has consistently been used with other bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the International Trade Commission. But in 1982, when resizing the FCC, Congress considered and rejected this numeric limit for the FCC. It instead enacted a novel mathematical formula for political balance: “The maximum number of commissioners who may be members of the same political party shall be a number equal to the least number of commissioners which constitutes a majority of the full membership of the Commission.” Congress did so in the same bill that it maint… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-baldwin-leads-25-colleagues-in-rejecting-the-trump-admins-latest-move-to-politicize-and-undermine-education-funding/ | Merkley, Baldwin Leads 25 Colleagues in Rejecting the Trump Admin’s Latest Move to Politicize and Undermine Education Funding | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | New effort would allow Trump appointees to cut off funding to states, colleges, and schools, even after grants have been awarded, with no justification WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, led 25 of their Senate colleagues in slamming the Department of Education’s (ED) latest move to further undermine the Department and jeopardize billions of dollars in funding for schools. Specifically, the Senators outlined their concerns with ED’s proposed changes to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) that would allow the President’s political appointees to cancel grants to local schools for any reason – putting everything from school-based mental health programs to teacher training programs under constant threat of being defunded at any point. The Senators also raise concerns that, if implemented, the rule would lead to weaker evidence-based standards for programs that serve students, hinder student achievement, and defy Congressional intent. This rule comes on top of a tumultuous funding process under the Trump Administration, which has continued to try to entirely shut down the Department of Education. “This proposed rule is unnecessarily broad and vague, would undermine the stability of educational programs, and does nothing to improve educational outcomes for students,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary McMahon. “As the Trump Administration continues its illegal attempt to dismantle the Department, this proposed rule will only serve to increase chaos and uncertainty for schools, states, institutions of higher education and families across the Country.” Specifically, the Trump administration’s proposed rule allows the department to terminate a grant “for convenience.” This would allow Trump’s political appointees to terminate grants, even ones that have been awarded, with no jus… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-decries-senate-republicans-opposition-to-his-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-prcs-transnational-repression/ | Merkley Decries Senate Republicans’ Opposition to His Bipartisan Resolution Condemning PRC’s Transnational Repression | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and past Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)—released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked his bipartisan resolution condemning the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for engaging in repression, coercion, and intimidation beyond its own borders, targeting citizens of other nations, including in the United States: “Journalists, activists, and everyday people who have spoken truth to power about China’s oppression are being bullied, intimidated, and targeted far beyond China’s borders. As long as the PRC continues this campaign of oppression, the United States cannot remain silent. “Senate Republicans, however, blocked my resolution to condemn the Chinese government for this repression, which targets Americans too. Donald Trump is rolling out the red carpet for Xi Jinping as he visits the U.S. this week, and this rejection absolutely sends the wrong message. “I’ll keep making the case to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we must oppose all acts of transnational repression—no matter the perpetrator.” Merkley has led the charge to strengthen U.S. policy to hold foreign governments and individuals accountable when they stalk, intimidate, or assault people in America and across borders. He leads the Transnational Repression Policy Act—bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would tackle the growing threat of transnational repression, elevate countering transnational repression as a key U.S. foreign policy priority, and promote diplomacy that addresses it as part of a broader strategy to advance democratic principles and human rights at home and abroad. Full text of Merkley’s bipartisan resolution that passed out of committee can be found by clicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-bonamici-hoyle-salinas-dexter-bynum-support-kotek-demanding-emergency-federal-assistance-for-east-evans-fire/ | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Dexter, Bynum Support Kotek Demanding Emergency Federal Assistance for East Evans Fire | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Medford, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) to support Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urgently reconsider the agency’s denial of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the East Evans Creek Fire north of Rogue River, OR. At the time of the initial application earlier this year, the fire had reached more than 15,700 acres with over 3,100 structures threatened, one unoccupied structure lost, and hundreds of homes at a Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation. In addition to homes, the East Evans Creek Fire posed a direct threat to commercial structures, natural resources, and additional and critical public infrastructure. “This fire placed significant and sustained demands on local firefighting and emergency management resources, with personnel working for weeks on end to secure and protect property and human life. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1, State Fire Marshal Blue Team, local fire departments, law enforcement, emergency managers and other responders worked extended hours throughout the incident,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their efforts included supporting residents during evacuations, maintaining emergency services, protecting homes and property from advancing fire, and providing assistance to those evacuating and to protect their homes and property from threat of both fire and other risks during the many weeks of evacuation orders.” The State of Oregon requested financial assistance from FEMA through the FMAG program, which helps cover costs relating to emergencies and firefighting activities for fires that have the potential to become major disasters. FEMA’s decision to deny this specific FMAG came as Oregon was facing a record-setting 2026 fire season, ultimately resulting in firefighters responding to 1,873 distinct fires that burned more than 2.5 million acr… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bonamici-hoyle-salinas-dexter-bynum-support-kotek-demanding-emergency-federal-assistance-for-east-evans-fire | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Dexter, Bynum Support Kotek Demanding Emergency Federal Assistance for East Evans Fire | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Medford, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) to support Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urgently reconsider the agency’s denial of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the East Evans Creek Fire north of Rogue River, OR. At the time of the initial application earlier this year, the fire had reached more than 15,700 acres with over 3,100 structures threatened, one unoccupied structure lost, and hundreds of homes at a Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation. In addition to homes, the East Evans Creek Fire posed a direct threat to commercial structures, natural resources, and additional and critical public infrastructure. “This fire placed significant and sustained demands on local firefighting and emergency management resources, with personnel working for weeks on end to secure and protect property and human life. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1, State Fire Marshal Blue Team, local fire departments, law enforcement, emergency managers, and other responders worked extended hours throughout the incident,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their efforts included supporting residents during evacuations, maintaining emergency services, protecting homes and property from advancing fire, and providing assistance to those evacuating and to protect their homes and property from threat of both fire and other risks during the many weeks of evacuation orders.” The State of Oregon requested financial assistance from FEMA through the FMAG program, which helps cover costs relating to emergencies and firefighting activities for fires that have the potential to become major disasters. FEMA’s decision to deny this specific FMAG came as Oregon was facing a record-setting 2026 fire season, ultimately resulting in firefighters responding to 1,873 distinct fires that burned more than 2.5 million ac… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-proposes-housing-downpayment-savings-initiative/ | Merkley Proposes Housing Downpayment Savings Initiative | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator leads groundbreaking new legislation to give federal match for money saved by first-time homebuyers for a downpayment on a home Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced new legislation to help support the dream of homeownership for Americans by ensuring working families have a credible path to save up for a downpayment sufficient to purchase a modest home by age 30. Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden cosponsored the legislation. The Homeownership Promise Act would create Homeownership Promise Accounts, a basic new standard for Americans that would allow any first-time homebuyer who saves $1 for a downpayment on a house to get a $5 match from the federal government. As young Americans struggle to purchase their first home—with the median age of first-time homebuyers rising to 40 years old in 2025—Merkley’s legislation is essential to restoring the dream of homeownership for millions of families nationwide. “Working families should be able to afford a decent home in a decent community,” said Merkley. “For millions of young Americans, homeownership remains further out of reach than ever before, keeping them from establishing the foundation that has enabled middle-class families to build equity for generations.” “My new Homeownership Promise Act would restore the promise of homeownership—one of the foundations that working families need to thrive—by allowing all Americans to save for a home and live that piece of the American Dream,” Merkley concluded. The Homeownership Promise Act would: Direct the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create a matching downpayment grant, called a Homeownership Promise Account, that supports first-time homebuyers purchasing a median-priced principal residence. Establish an overall maximum contribution limit of $60,000 ($10,000 maximum combined personal, employer, and nonprofit contributions in addition to $50,000 maximum federal matching funds). Merkley, earlier in his career, led Portland Habitat for Humanity and has con… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-kotek-announce-7-45-million-for-affordable-housing-support-in-oregon/ | Merkley, Wyden, Kotek Announce $7.45 Million for Affordable Housing Support in Oregon | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek—today announced that $7,450,000 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help people with disabilities access affordable housing and a range of supportive services. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and these funds will support public housing authorities across Oregon in better serving people with disabilities,” said Senator Merkley. “As communities across our state face the biggest housing affordability crisis in decades—with rents dramatically outpacing incomes—we must do everything we can to ensure our families have a decent roof overhead. I’ll keep fighting to deliver critical resources to help ease the burden on all Oregonians searching for a place to call home.” “Housing is a human right, and it’s crucial that federal investments support that statement with action in Oregon and nationwide,” said Senator Wyden. “These resources help advance toward that goal in our state by investing in public housing that’s affordable and accessible for people with disabilities. And I’ll keep battling for similar housing investments throughout Oregon for all communities.” “This funding is one more win for providing more affordable housing and supportive services for Oregonians with disabilities and their families,” said Governor Kotek. “We’re staying true to our values by making sure all of our neighbors have access to core basic needs that make life more affordable and create opportunities to thrive.” The federal funds are being awarded to the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (OHCS) in the form of new Section 811 Housing Choice Vouchers. Known as Mainstream Vouchers, they enable people with disabilities to access both affordable housing and supportive services—provided through partnership agreements between public housing authorities and local agencies—to enable individuals to live independently in the community. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-kotek-announce-745-million-for-affordable-housing-support-in-oregon | Merkley, Wyden, Kotek Announce $7.45 Million for Affordable Housing Support in Oregon | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek—today announced that $7,450,000 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help people with disabilities access affordable housing and a range of supportive services. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and these funds will support public housing authorities across Oregon in better serving people with disabilities,” said Senator Merkley. “As communities across our state face the biggest housing affordability crisis in decades—with rents dramatically outpacing incomes—we must do everything we can to ensure our families have a decent roof overhead. I’ll keep fighting to deliver critical resources to help ease the burden on all Oregonians searching for a place to call home.” “Housing is a human right, and it’s crucial that federal investments support that statement with action in Oregon and nationwide,” said Senator Wyden. “These resources help advance toward that goal in our state by investing in public housing that’s affordable and accessible for people with disabilities. And I’ll keep battling for similar housing investments throughout Oregon for all communities.” “This funding is one more win for providing more affordable housing and supportive services for Oregonians with disabilities and their families,” said Governor Kotek. “We’re staying true to our values by making sure all of our neighbors have access to core basic needs that make life more affordable and create opportunities to thrive.” The federal funds are being awarded to the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (OHCS) in the form of new Section 811 Housing Choice Vouchers. Known as Mainstream Vouchers, they enable people with disabilities to access both affordable housing and supportive services—provided through partnership agreements between public housing authorities and local agencies—to enable individuals to live independently in the community. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/ahead-of-xis-visit-to-the-united-states-merkley-mcgovern-urge-trump-admin-to-stand-up-to-prc-for-its-treatment-of-political-prisoners-transnational-repression/ | Ahead of Xi’s Visit to the United States, Merkley & McGovern Urge Trump Admin to Stand Up to PRC for its Treatment of Political Prisoners, Transnational Repression | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative James P. McGovern (MA-02)—Ranking Members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)—led Congressional Democrats in calling attention to the Chinese government’s treatment of political prisoners and its ongoing campaign of transnational repression. They sent two letters ahead of People’s Republic of China (PRC) President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States this week and his expected meeting with President Donald Trump. The lawmakers urged Trump to use this summit as an opportunity to secure the release of those wrongfully detained in China, including American citizen Min Zin, and stressed, “Even a single mention of a detainee’s name by a senior U.S. official, let alone by yourself, can significantly increase that individual’s chances of clemency or improved treatment. We urge you to be their champion during President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit.” Joining McGovern and Merkley in signing this letter were U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), as well as U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03). Full text of the letter to President Trump on political prisoners can be found by clicking here. In a separate letter to Trump Administration officials on transnational repression, the lawmakers wrote, “President Xi’s visit comes at a time when China’s transnational repression has intensified. It is therefore essential that your agencies work together to prevent and respond to any effort by the Chinese government and its agents to use these tactics to interfere with the speech and advocacy of those living in the United States or to retaliate against relatives inside the People’s Republic of China.” Joining Merkley and McGovern in signing this letter were U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03). Full text of the letter to the Trump Admi… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-demand-trump-administration-release-energy-bill-assistance-for-low-income-americans/ | Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Release Energy Bill Assistance for Low-Income Americans | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Key federal heating assistance program targeted for budget, staffing cuts by Trump administration as energy costs soar Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to release all available funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ahead of the November 1, 2026 deadline as cold weather sets in. LIHEAP is a lifeline that provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners and renters to help cover the cost of energy bills. This program is more important than ever as energy costs continue to skyrocket under Trump’s war in Iran, and cancellation of new wind and solar energy projects. Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to undermine LIHEAP. Last year, he fired the federal employees overseeing the program. The previous two years, Trump’s budget has zeroed out funding for the program entirely. Earlier this year, legislators appropriated roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds available for the coming year that must be released no later than November 1, 2026. “As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline,” the senators wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year, and more households may need heating assistance this winter as temperatures drop while the cost of oil, gas, propane, and other residential fuels rise. Heating oil costs are projected to soar by 31.3 percent this winter, the largest increase among the major heating fuels. Overall, the average U.S. household is projected to spend an average of $1,030 … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-trump-administration-release-energy-bill-assistance-for-low-income-americans | Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Release Energy Bill Assistance for Low-Income Americans | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Key federal heating assistance program targeted for budget, staffing cuts by Trump administration as energy costs soar Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to release all available funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ahead of the November 1, 2026 deadline as cold weather sets in. LIHEAP is a lifeline that provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners and renters to help cover the cost of energy bills. This program is more important than ever as energy costs continue to skyrocket under Trump’s war in Iran, and cancellation of new wind and solar energy projects. Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to undermine LIHEAP. Last year, he fired the federal employees overseeing the program. The previous two years, Trump’s budget has zeroed out funding for the program entirely. Earlier this year, legislators appropriated roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds available for the coming year that must be released no later than November 1, 2026. “As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline,” the senators wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year, and more households may need heating assistance this winter as temperatures drop while the cost of oil, gas, propane, and other residential fuels rise. Heating oil costs are projected to soar by 31.3 percent this winter, the largest increase among the major heating fuels. Overall, the average U.S. household is projected to spend an average of $1,030 … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/mcgovern-merkley-duckworth-walkinshaw-urge-trump-administration-do-not-deport-people-back-to-persecution-and-torture-in-china/ | McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth, Walkinshaw Urge Trump Administration: Do Not Deport People Back to Persecution and Torture in China | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers Make Letter Public So Attorneys Can Use It to Support At-Risk Uyghur, Hong Konger, Tibetan and Chinese Asylum Seekers Held in ICE Detention WASHINGTON—Yesterday, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA), sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on the Trump Administration to protect people who have fled repression in China and could face persecution or torture if they are sent back. McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth, and Walkinshaw all serve on the CECC—a congressional commission that monitors and documents human rights violations in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In the letter, the lawmakers called on the U.S. government to stop the practice of detaining at-risk individuals, release those currently in detention, prohibit them from being deported to the PRC, and give fair and timely consideration of their applications for asylum. “Many people who have fled persecution in the PRC come to the United States with an expectation that they can find refuge,” the Members wrote. “They should be given every opportunity to apply for asylum if they have not yet done so and given fair and timely consideration of such application for asylum or other protection. Under no circumstances should at-risk individuals be deported to the PRC.” The Members also made the letter public so immigration attorneys and advocates can use it in cases involving Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Tibetans and others who fear persecution if returned to China. “There are likely many more detainees at ICE facilities, perhaps lacking representation, who fear deportation to a country run by a government that seeks to do them harm,” the Members continued. “There are perhaps others who have already been sent back to the PRC who are now experiencing persecution, torture … | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-leads-oregon-washington-lawmakers-to-urge-continued-support-for-west-coast-fishermen-and-oregons-seafood-industry/ | Merkley Leads Oregon, Washington Lawmakers to Urge Continued Support for West Coast Fishermen and Oregon’s Seafood Industry | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led a bipartisan group of Oregon and Washington lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins that calls on the USDA to deliver critical federal support to West Coast fishermen and seafood harvesters, processors, and distributors by purchasing Pacific Hake (whiting) fillets under its Section 32 purchase program. “Historically, Pacific whiting exports to Ukraine, one of the largest whiting fillet markets, reached up to nearly $95 million per year, but instability in the region as a result of war has put that market in jeopardy and caused significant impacts to the supply chain. Compounded by trade embargoes, increased imported competition from low-cost proteins, inflationary pressures, rising operational costs, and more, these factors threaten the long-term stability and viability of this once-booming market and create uncertainty for coastal economies that rely on the whiting fishery’s success for their livelihoods,” wrote the lawmakers. The lawmakers’ bipartisan letter calls on USDA to include whiting in this year’s Section 32 purchases, supporting harvesters, processors, and coastal economies along the West Coast during a period of significant market disruption and strengthening the resiliency of America’s food systems by supporting domestic protein production and distribution. They stressed, “Over the last several years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has worked with the West Coast seafood industry to support domestic distribution of surplus product and ensure that our food supply chain and fisheries operations aren’t wholly disrupted by fluctuations or complete loss of markets abroad. We ask the USDA to continue that partnership by addressing these sustained market losses that have created vast economic strains and challenges for our seafood industry.” In addition to Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Repre… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-randall-lead-bicameral-resolution-to-honor-americas-lgbtq-veterans-and-servicemembers/ | Merkley, Randall Lead Bicameral Resolution to Honor America’s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Marking September 20th as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers & Veterans Day Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Emily Randall (WA-06) introduced a resolution recognizing September 20, 2026, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day. National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day falls on the anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2011 and recognizes the courage and contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans who have served our nation. It is estimated that more than 100,000 servicemembers were discharged from the Armed Forces on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity between World War II and 2011. “America’s servicemembers and veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share a common commitment to serve our nation,” said Merkley. “These heroes put on their uniform knowing their country would likely ask them to hide who they are, deny who they love, or punish them simply for living openly. For generations, LGBTQ+ Americans have answered the call to serve, and we should honor their service and acknowledge the discrimination they endured.” “Service members and Veterans who’ve proudly served our country deserve respect and care no matter who they are or who they love. But this Administration continues to push out trans and queer service members using discriminatory policies that don’t make our military more prepared or our nation more secure. Unacceptable,” said Randall. “Today, on the 15-year anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ – the long-standing policy that kept LGBTQ+ service members in the closet – we honor all LGBTQ+ Americans who have bravely served our country. Today we recommit to fighting for every veteran to receive the dignity, support, and benefits they’ve earned.” The resolution calls for greater awareness of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, including discriminatory military policies, unjust discharges, and bans on transgender military service a… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-join-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/ | Merkley, Wyden Join Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and former Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, respectively, joined a bipartisan group of over 150 lawmakers in urging DOI to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” The letter was led by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-demand-investigation-into-trump-administration-voter-data-misconduct/ | Wyden, Merkley Demand Investigation into Trump Administration Voter Data Misconduct | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Oregon senators seek “thorough and objective” investigation into new whistleblower disclosure revealing DHS officers were directed to illegally access sensitive voter data and create law enforcement records based on unreliable data compiled with “supplemental magic” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately and independently investigate wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower’s disclosure alleging DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as part of its effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for Donald Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.” “The DHS Office of Inspector General’s mission is ‘[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS,’” wrote Wyden, Merkley along with 16 other senators. “We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower’s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity.” The senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations and potential impacts on eligible voters and other lawfully present noncitizens, such as directing USCIS personnel to make false certifications to access sensitive voter information, create erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records,” require reckless performance quotas of reviewing 40 subjects per day, and rely on unreliable source data compiled with “supplemental magic.” In addition to opening an investigation, the senators urged the OIG to take immediate action to prevent additional wrongdoing, writing: “In addition to your investigation, please use every tool at your disposal, including a management alert, to address this immediately and pre… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-join-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor | Merkley, Wyden Join Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and former Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, respectively, joined a bipartisan group of over 150 lawmakers in urging DOI to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” The letter was led by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-investigation-into-trump-administration-voter-data-misconduct | Wyden, Merkley Demand Investigation into Trump Administration Voter Data Misconduct | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Oregon senators seek “thorough and objective” investigation into new whistleblower disclosure revealing DHS officers were directed to illegally access sensitive voter data and create law enforcement records based on unreliable data compiled with “supplemental magic” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately and independently investigate wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower’s disclosure alleging DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as part of its effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for Donald Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.” “The DHS Office of Inspector General’s mission is ‘[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS,’” wrote Wyden, Merkley along with 16 other senators.“We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower’s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity.” The senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations and potential impacts on eligible voters and other lawfully present noncitizens, such as directing USCIS personnel to make false certifications to access sensitive voter information, create erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records,” require reckless performance quotas of reviewing 40 subjects per day, and rely on unreliable source data compiled with “supplemental magic.” In addition to opening an investigation, the senators urged the OIG to take immediate action to prevent additional wrongdoing, writing: “In addition to your investigation, please use every tool at your disposal, including a management alert, to address this immediately and prev… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/dexter-merkley-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-comprehensive-legislation-to-protect-wildland-firefighters-health/ | Dexter, Merkley Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Comprehensive Legislation to Protect Wildland Firefighters’ Health | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act establishes first-of-its-kind respiratory protections, strengthens health monitoring and improves care for federal wildland firefighters. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (D-OR), Reps. Huffman (D-CA) and Gallagher (R-CA), and Sens. Merkley (D-OR), Padilla (D-CA), Curtis (R-UT), Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect wildland firefighters from the serious health risks associated with smoke, toxic substances and other hazards they encounter on the job. For nearly 30 years, federal agencies have had data documenting the serious health risks wildland firefighters face. Structural firefighters began using respiratory protection in the 1970s, yet wildland firefighters are still routinely sent into dangerous conditions without adequate respiratory protection. Developed in partnership with firefighters, unions and health experts, Dexter’s legislation would establish federal respiratory protection standards, strengthen long-term health monitoring, improve decontamination practices and ensure firefighters have better support when seeking federal workers’ compensation for job-related illnesses. “As a pulmonologist and critical care physician, I’ve cared for firefighters with acute smoke and burn injuries, as well as chronic lung disease and cancer caused by repeated smoke exposure,” Congresswoman Dexter said. “It is devastating, and it is preventable. Our wildland firefighters deserve more than our gratitude—they deserve a government that protects them as fiercely as they protect all of us. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act is legislation that will finally close critical gaps in protecting wildland firefighter health. It is built upon a simple principle: protecting firefighters’ health must be an operational priority, not an afterthought.” “As climate chaos fuels an even more ferocious fire season, our wildland firefighters are on the front lines, battling … | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-salinas-oregon-lawmakers-introduce-grand-ronde-land-transfer-act/ | Merkley, Salinas, Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led their Oregon Congressional Delegation colleagues—including Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—to introduce the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act. The bicameral bill would transfer 18,626 acres of federal land from the U.S. Forest Service into trust for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. The Tribe will maintain all public and recreational access to the area. “With the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act, we will enable the Grand Ronde to enhance their self-determination and ability to sustainably steward ancestral lands, while boosting economic opportunity across the region,” said Merkley. “This is long-overdue, and I’ll keep pushing to ensure the federal government upholds its commitment to Tribal communities across Oregon.” “For too long, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has faced historic injustices that stripped them of their ancestral lands,” said Salinas. “This legislation is a meaningful step towards righting those wrongs. By transferring these 18,626 acres to the Tribe’s stewardship, we honor their deep connection to this land and their leadership in strengthening forest health, wildfire resilience, and community safety for all Oregonians.” “This bill takes a big step toward helping the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde to support services and provide opportunities that will enhance quality of life in the surrounding community,” said Wyden. “I’m proud to support this legislation and will keep battling for all Tribes in Oregon to have the federal government working with them every step of the way as they exercise their sovereignty.” “Oregonians know that responsible conservation and resource stewardship improve ecosystem health, reduce wildfire risks, and preserve healthy forests for future generations,” said Bonamici. “This land transfer will enhance long-term forest health, expand public access… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-hoyle-dexter-announce-12-million-to-oregon-for-habitat-restoration-projects/ | Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Dexter Announce $12 Million to Oregon for Habitat Restoration Projects | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) today to announce $12 million in federal funds for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects through the Community-based Restoration Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program provides technical assistance and funding to partners implementing habitat restoration projects in coastal communities around the country. These projects will recover and sustain our nation’s fisheries by ensuring fish have access to high-quality habitat. “Thanks to the Community-based Restoration Program, $12 million in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help protect and improve critical habitat for native Oregon fish, including the iconic coho salmon,” said Merkley. “Oregon’s native fish are the lifeblood of our state, supporting the health and vitality of our communities, local economies, and Tribes who have been here since time immemorial. I’ll keep pushing for necessary federal investments to protect Oregon’s ecosystems for generations to come.” “Salmon and steelhead are a huge part of what makes Oregon recreation and our state’s natural wonders renowned around the world,” said Wyden. “This $12 million federal investment will help ensure those native fish keep flourishing along the coast and in the Sandy River Basin. I’ll always keep battling for resources just like these that are so vital for economic well-being and Tribal traditions.” “Salmon sustain fishing jobs, support Tribes and help our local economies thrive,” said Hoyle. “NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program supports habitat preservation up and down the Oregon coast. This funding will support habitat restoration for Coho Salmon right here in the 4th Congressional district.” “I’m deeply grateful our community is receiving $6.1 million in NOAA funding to support habitat restoration for salmon and steelhead in the Sandy River Basin,” said Dexte… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-hoyle-dexter-announce-12-million-to-oregon-for-habitat-restoration-projects | Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Dexter Announce $12 Million to Oregon for Habitat Restoration Projects | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) today to announce $12 million in federal funds for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects through the Community-based Restoration Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program provides technical assistance and funding to partners implementing habitat restoration projects in coastal communities around the country. These projects will recover and sustain our nation’s fisheries by ensuring fish have access to high-quality habitat. “Thanks to the Community-based Restoration Program, $12 million in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help protect and improve critical habitat for native Oregon fish, including the iconic coho salmon,” said Merkley. “Oregon’s native fish are the lifeblood of our state, supporting the health and vitality of our communities, local economies, and Tribes who have been here since time immemorial. I’ll keep pushing for necessary federal investments to protect Oregon’s ecosystems for generations to come.” “Salmon and steelhead are a huge part of what makes Oregon recreation and our state’s natural wonders renowned around the world,” said Wyden. “This $12 million federal investment will help ensure those native fish keep flourishing along the coast and in the Sandy River Basin. I’ll always keep battling for resources just like these that are so vital for economic well-being and Tribal traditions.” "Salmon sustain fishing jobs, support Tribes and help our local economies thrive," said Hoyle. "NOAA's Community-based Restoration Program supports habitat preservation up and down the Oregon coast. This funding will support habitat restoration for Coho Salmon right here in the 4th Congressional district." “I’m deeply grateful our community is receiving $6.1 million in NOAA funding to support habitat restoration for salmon and steelhead in the Sandy River Basin,” said Dexte… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-schiff-press-flock-ceo-for-answers-on-troubling-abuse-of-technology-amid-surveillance-network-concerns-push-to-protect-americans-privacy | Wyden, Schiff Press Flock CEO for Answers on Troubling Abuse of Technology Amid Surveillance Network Concerns, Push to Protect Americans’ Privacy | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said today they are pressing Flock for information regarding allegations of abuse of its surveillance platforms and whether its existing protocols are failing to protect Americans’ privacy. The inquiry follows increasingly troubling and documented reports of law enforcement officials abusing Flock’s nationwide license plate readers, camera network and sensors to carry out extensive, unauthorized surveillance. “Despite a professed public commitment to responsible governance, Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans’ civil liberties,” Wyden and Schiff wrote Flock CEO Garrett Langley. Multiple organizations and news reporting have revealed alarming concerns of unauthorized surveillance by Flock cameras. Organizations have come forward to express concern that states restricting reproductive health care access are using Flock data to track down patients traveling to other states for care while other reports indicate Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are conducting immigration-related searches of Flock databases to pursue individuals without warrants. An analysis of police and court reports by The Washington Post revealed that at least 50 law enforcement officers have been charged or accused of misusing Flock’s surveillance system for unauthorized purposes. In their inquiry, the senators express concern over how Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans’ civil liberties and demand answers on how the company is protecting against misuse by law enforcement and others, as well as its compliance with existing privacy laws. They also direct Flock to preserve all records between the company, employees, consultants, and state, local, and federal agents regarding Flock cameras. Wyden has been a staunch advocate for privacy rights and holding Flock accountable. In October 2025, Wyden questioned Flock regarding its massive license plate recognit… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/curtis-merkley-wildfire-emissions-prevention-bill-unanimously-passes-committee/ | Curtis, Merkley Wildfire Emissions Prevention Bill Unanimously Passes Committee | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today applauded the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee’s unanimous passage of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA), bipartisan legislation to streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. The bill—led by Senator Curtis—is cosponsored by EPW Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). “Today’s unanimous approval by the Committee brings us one step closer to addressing the glaring irony in our current environmental regulations: They deter prescribed burns due to pollution concerns, practically guaranteeing catastrophic wildfires that emit far more carbon than proactive management ever would,” said Senator Curtis. “I thank my colleagues for their work and support and look forward to the bill’s passage by the full Senate.” “As climate chaos fuels longer, hotter, and more dangerous wildfire seasons, our communities need to have all the necessary resources to mitigate wildfire threats. Prescribed fire and cultural burning on the landscape are one such tool by reducing hazardous fuels,” said Senator Merkley. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the use of prescribed burns and establish the Smoke Ready Communities Program, which is based on provisions from my Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act. As our Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act moves closer to becoming law, we are on the way to supporting more prescribed fire on the landscape—an essential forest management activity—while giving our communities the resources to plan and prepare for smoke events, protecting public health and saving lives.” “The unanimous passage of the WEPA through the EPW Committee represents a key step toward implementing common-sense solutions that will help states more effectively prevent wildfires and protect their land and communities. I … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-booker-grassley-hinson-and-adams-lead-bipartisan-push-for-stillbirth-prevention-and-awareness/ | Merkley, Booker, Grassley, Hinson, and Adams Lead Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) partnered with U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day. With almost one-fourth of stillbirths being potentially preventable, this resolution stresses the importance of advancing evidence-based stillbirth prevention efforts in the United States. “Every parent who experiences a stillbirth deserves support and clear action. Stillbirth remains a heartbreaking and preventable public health crisis, with Black, Native, and Hispanic families facing disproportionately high rates of loss,” said Merkley. “Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we cannot let up. This National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we must keep pushing for necessary action to save lives and spare families this devastating loss.” “Every year, more than 20,000 families in the United States experience a stillbirth, and too many of these losses may be preventable,” said Booker. “Losing a baby to stillbirth is devastating, and on National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we stand with the families who have experienced this profound loss and recommit ourselves to preventing stillbirth wherever possible. By investing in research, improving data collection, raising awareness, and strengthening access to high-quality maternal health care, we can better understand the causes of stillbirth, reduce preventable losses, and support healthier pregnancies.” “No family should have to endure the heartbreak of a stillbirth. While states like Iowa have made progress at reducing stillbirths, there’s still much more to be done to strengthen maternal healthcare, especially in rural areas, to help prevent these tragedies. Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness and promotes research to help target contributing f… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-markey-bipartisan-group-of-senators-trump-administration-must-release-all-documents-from-u-s-saudi-nuclear-deal/ | Merkley, Markey, Bipartisan Group of Senators: Trump Administration Must Release All Documents from U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Massachusetts’ U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey led a bipartisan group of Senators to press the Trump Administration to declassify and publicly release the two side letters accompanying the proposed U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear cooperation agreement, referred to as a “123 agreement.” The Trump Administration recently submitted the 123 agreement to Congress—as is required by law—but while the agreement references the side letters, the letters themselves are classified at the lowest possible level, which is unprecedented. Because the side letters affect the obligations and operation of the underlying agreement, Congress and the public cannot fully assess what the United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed to without seeing them. “Congress has a statutory responsibility under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act to review the proposed nuclear deal, which seeks to facilitate nuclear cooperation with significant implications for U.S. national security interests. Access to the full text is required for the Senate and the public to have a clear understanding of the commitments being made on the nation’s behalf and those being made by Saudi Arabia to the United States,” wrote the bipartisan group of Senators in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The side letters affect the obligations and operations of the underlying agreement and cannot be viewed in isolation from it; the President’s own transmission letter to Congress states that the agreement ‘…was concluded with two accompanying side letters.’ Their public release would also allow civil society, independent experts, and other affected stakeholders to scrutinize the deal.” They emphasized, “Transparency and open debate are cornerstones of our democracy. Congress and the American public must have a meaningful opportunity to review and debate the key components of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal before it potentially enters into force. To that end, we call o… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/sheehy-merkleys-air-traffic-situational-awareness-enhancement-act-advances-through-senate-commerce-committee/ | Sheehy, Merkley’s Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act Advances through Senate Commerce Committee | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. SENATE – Senator Tim Sheehy’s Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act today advanced out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill, co-led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), provides air traffic controllers more tools and training to keep American airspace safe. It now heads to the Senate floor for full consideration. “America has long set the gold standard in aviation, but a lack of resources and outdated technology puts public safety at risk. It’s crucial that we ensure our Air Traffic Controllers in airports across the country, including regional and rural airports, have the training and tools they need to enhance their situational awareness and keep our airspace safe. This practical, bipartisan legislation makes sure our technology is upgraded to meet our modern aviation safety needs, and I’m pleased to see it head to the Senate floor,” said Senator Sheehy. “Oregon’s small and regional airports are an important partner in keeping the flying public safe. Our simple bipartisan bill—which just cleared a key hurdle—will unlock resources for these airports to make critical safety upgrades if they need them, something we should all get behind,” said Senator Merkley. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) joined Sheehy and Merkley in introducing the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act in February. The bill is supported by the Regional Airline Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Airlines for America, and National Business Aviation Association. Background: Many airports, particularly smaller and rural ones under the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program, still lack modern situational awareness technology such as Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or other radar-integrated displays. Of the 266 Federal Contract Towers, more than 90 lack any surveillance tools. In towers at these airports, controllers rely on visual observation and radio calls, tools that can become strained during periods of high traff… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/warren-hoyle-wyden-merkley-ocasio-cortez-subramanyam-introduce-bill-to-ban-the-corporate-practice-of-medicine/ | Warren, Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Ocasio-Cortez, Subramanyam Introduce Bill to Ban the Corporate Practice of Medicine | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “Patients want to know that decisions about their health are being made by their doctors, not by Wall Street investors,” said Senator Warren. “If we’re going to lower costs and un-rig the health care system, we need to stop the corporate takeover of medicine.” “Billionaire corporations are using sick patients to turn healthy profits, and Americans are fed up,” said Senator Merkley. “In Oregon, we passed one of the most comprehensive corporate practice of medicine laws in the country, standing up for patients and health care providers. It’s time we take on corporate greed in health care at the federal level by passing our Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act, cracking down on these takeovers that are destroying our health care system.” “Americans want medical decisions to stay between patients and their doctor, not dictated by corporate actors and private equity firms focused on maximizing profits,” said Senator Wyden. “I’m proud of Oregon’s pioneering state law that has been used by doctors to protect their independence, and it’s time to take that model to the federal level. Corporate medicine is making health care more expensive for everyone, and safeguards must be put in place to ensure health care decisions stay in the hands of physicians.” “80% of doctors in the U.S. are employed by corporate entities, up from 62% in 2019,” said Representative Hoyle. “Healthcare should not be a line item in a spreadsheet. The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act will ensure proper protections are in place, so our healthcare systems serve the best interests of our patients, not corporations.” “Americans want medical decisions to stay between patients and their doctors, not dictated solely by the pursuit of maximizing profits. States have passed laws to protect the independence of physicians, and it’s time to take that model to the federal level. Corporate medicine is making health care more expensive for everyone, and safeguards must be put in place to ensure health care decisions stay in the hands of physician… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-hoyle-salinas-announce-9-1-million-for-affordable-housing-and-water-infrastructure-upgrades/ | Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas Announce $9.1 Million for Affordable Housing and Water Infrastructure Upgrades | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties to benefit. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas, today announced $9.1 million in federal awards and loans for water infrastructure and affordable housing projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties. “Every Oregonian deserves access to clean, reliable drinking water and an affordable place to call home,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will directly support rural communities across our state by upgrading critical water infrastructure in Brookings, and preserving affordable housing for working families and seniors in Newberg and La Grande. This is good news, and I’ll keep fighting to secure similar federal resources that improve everyday life for all Oregonians.” “This federal investment will help support both housing and water infrastructure – two critical needs that I’ve heard about time and time again from Oregon’s rural communities,” said Merkley, the former top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA. “These funds from USDA will help ensure seniors and families in rural Oregon have access to affordable housing and clean, safe drinking water.” “It’s a great day when we see strong investments on the ground in our communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “This funding directly invests in our water infrastructure and expands affordable housing. In Congress, I’ll continue fighting for funding that reinvests in our communities and brings taxpayer dollars back to Oregon.” “Oregon is already about 140,000 homes short of what we need. That shortage is driving up costs and making it harder for families to find a home they can afford,” said Rep. Salinas. “We need to build more housing while preserving the affordable homes we already have. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to renovate these homes in Newberg that will improve living conditions for families and make sure rural Oregonians can continue to live with dignity in the communities they call home.” The … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-hoyle-salinas-announce-91-million-for-affordable-housing-and-water-infrastructure-upgrades | Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas Announce $9.1 Million for Affordable Housing and Water Infrastructure Upgrades | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties to benefit. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas, today announced $9.1 million in federal awards and loans for water infrastructure and affordable housing projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties. “Every Oregonian deserves access to clean, reliable drinking water and an affordable place to call home,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will directly support rural communities across our state by upgrading critical water infrastructure in Brookings, and preserving affordable housing for working families and seniors in Newberg and La Grande. This is good news, and I’ll keep fighting to secure similar federal resources that improve everyday life for all Oregonians.” “This federal investment will help support both housing and water infrastructure – two critical needs that I’ve heard about time and time again from Oregon’s rural communities,” said Merkley, the former top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA. “These funds from USDA will help ensure seniors and families in rural Oregon have access to affordable housing and clean, safe drinking water.” "It's a great day when we see strong investments on the ground in our communities," said Rep. Hoyle. "This funding directly invests in our water infrastructure and expands affordable housing. In Congress, I'll continue fighting for funding that reinvests in our communities and brings taxpayer dollars back to Oregon." “Oregon is already about 140,000 homes short of what we need. That shortage is driving up costs and making it harder for families to find a home they can afford,” said Rep. Salinas. “We need to build more housing while preserving the affordable homes we already have. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to renovate these homes in Newberg that will improve living conditions for families and make sure rural Oregonians can continue to live with dignity in the communities they call home.” The … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-williams-booker-lead-push-to-close-constitutional-loophole-allowing-for-slavery/ | Merkley, Williams, Booker Lead Push to Close Constitutional Loophole Allowing for Slavery | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-05) today teamed up with New Jersey’s U.S. Senator Cory Booker to reintroduce the End the Exception Amendment. The bicameral resolution would strike the ‘Slavery Clause’ of the 13th Amendment, a constitutional loophole that allows slavery “as a punishment for crime” in the United States. “For over 160 years, the 13th Amendment has sought to ensure our democratic republic lives up to the principles of equality and justice that America was founded on, but our work still remains to fully confront the horrific legacies of slavery and white supremacy,” said Merkley. “For too long, the sinister Slavery Clause in our Constitution has denied the dream of a more perfect union, stripping millions of people—particularly people of color—of their most basic human rights and preventing true justice and equality for all. We must pass the End the Exception Amendment to eliminate the loophole that drove legal slavery long past passage of the 13th Amendment.” “Slavery was wrong from day one, and we should have abolished it when the 13th Amendment was ratified,” said Williams. “I will keep pushing, no matter how long it takes, for Congress to close the Slavery Loophole in the Constitution, finally ending slavery in America in every form, once and for all. It’s been one hundred sixty years since we passed the 13th Amendment. We’ve waited long enough. The time to pass the End the Exception Amendment is now.” “Over one hundred and sixty years after Congress passed the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery and involuntary servitude, the law has failed to fully fulfill its promise of freedom for all. A loophole in the Thirteenth Amendment allows individuals to be sentenced to forced labor as ‘punishment for a crime,’” said Booker. “We cannot claim to be a free country while allowing people to be enslaved—it is a violation of our founding principles that continues to disproportionately impact Black Americans. It is time we eliminate sla… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-bonamici-dexter-nearly-8-million-coming-to-portland-area-airports-for-infrastructure-improvements/ | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Dexter: Nearly $8 Million Coming to Portland-Area Airports for Infrastructure Improvements | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Portland, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03), announced that the Port of Portland has been awarded $7,657,874 in federal funding for Hillsboro Airport and Portland International Airport (PDX). “Portland’s airports connect our communities, businesses, and travelers to the rest of the world,” said Merkley. “As Hillsboro Airport and PDX continue to grow, we must invest in critical airport improvements—such as runways, taxiways, and innovative groundwater management—to allow these hubs to keep driving our economy forward and growing local tourism.” “These two metro-area airports play an essential role in building an even stronger quality of life for Oregonians and for economic development statewide,” said Wyden. “Vital infrastructure such as Portland International Airport and Hillsboro Airport requires investments just like these that keep them safe for travelers and modern for years to come.” “I’m grateful for the federal funding going to the Portland and Hillsboro airports,” said Bonamici. “These investments will help maintain and update critical infrastructure and keep the runways safe.” “PDX is the best airport in the country,” said Dexter. “I am grateful to have fought for this funding to improve airport infrastructure and secure a transformative groundwater management system to keep our travelers, workers, and communities safe.” “From the terminal to the taxiways, we work to keep every inch of our airports safe and efficient,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “These federal investments will fund essential runway and taxiway maintenance at Hillsboro Airport and support a pilot program for an innovative groundwater management system for construction projects at PDX. Projects like these are core to maintaining smooth airport operations, and I’m grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued commitment to keeping our critical infrastructure first-class.” The awards—totaling… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/new-trumps-war-in-iran-cost-dod-nearly-40-billion-and-drove-nearly-half-of-inflation-according-to-cbo-report/ | NEW: Trump’s War in Iran Cost DoD Nearly $40 Billion and Drove Nearly Half of Inflation, According to CBO Report | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Text of Report (PDF) Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to an inquiry led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, along with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released new data on the cost of President Trump’s war in Iran. The major findings include: Trump’s war with Iran cost the Department of Defense (DoD) nearly $40 billion as of Aug 1 – without including the cost of damage to “hundreds of buildings and structures at U.S. bases” in the region. The U.S. military will not be able to replace munitions destroyed in the war for at least five years. CBO estimates that more than 40% of inflation from the second quarter of 2026 is a consequence of Trump’s war. CBO estimates that inflation will be 0.5 percentage points higher in the first quarter of 2027 than it would have been without the war—ultimately driving interest rates higher and increasing borrowing costs for American families and businesses. CBO estimates that it will take “at least five years—even if production was increased” to replace the munitions destroyed. CBO’s estimate did not include $113 million in costs incurred by State, including $79.2 million “to respond to contingencies stemming from the Iran conflict.” Additionally, given that the macroeconomic projections were based on data through August 17, 2026, and global oil prices and futures have increased since then, it’s likely that these estimates do not capture the full extent of the war’s continued impact on inflation. “Trump’s illegal war with Iran is a one-two punch that’s burning a hole in Americans’ pockets and burning a hole in our munitions supply, hurting our military readiness,” said Senator Warren. “This war is a betrayal of the American people, and it needs to end.” “After months of the Trump Administration hiding the true cost of his illegal war of choice with Iran, the American people are finally getting independent and objective answers on the cost… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-protect-agricultural-water-access-amid-worsening-drought-in-oregon/ | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Agricultural Water Access Amid Worsening Drought in Oregon | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Legislation would help upgrade outdated water infrastructure systems to support agriculture Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced legislation that would help improve water resilience in communities across Oregon and the West as drought in the region persists after last year’s record-low snowpack. “Water scarcity in the West isn’t a question of if, it’s when,” Wyden said. “The federal government needs to get serious about protecting water resources before it’s too late, and my legislation will help Oregon’s farmers and producers remain even more resilient against growing drought conditions.” “As climate chaos fuels hotter and drier summers, we must ensure that we have reliable, resilient water infrastructure that every farmer, Tribe, and community in our state can count on,” said Merkley, whose Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act is included in this bill. “Passing this bill will provide more opportunities for crucial investments and innovative solutions to support communities facing persistent drought conditions.” The Western Water Reinvestment Act would improve water access for agriculture and conservation by supporting projects that improve dam safety, create more resilient watersheds and benefit agricultural and urban water users. Most regions of Oregon have just one-third of their average annual snowpack, and many parts of the state remain under extreme drought conditions. Legislative text is here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bonamici-dexter-nearly-8-million-coming-to-portland-area-airports-for-infrastructure-improvements | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Dexter: Nearly $8 Million Coming to Portland-Area Airports for Infrastructure Improvements | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Portland, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03), announced that the Port of Portland has been awarded $7,657,874 in federal funding for Hillsboro Airport and Portland International Airport (PDX). “Portland’s airports connect our communities, businesses, and travelers to the rest of the world,” said Merkley. “As Hillsboro Airport and PDX continue to grow, we must invest in critical airport improvements—such as runways, taxiways, and innovative groundwater management—to allow these hubs to keep driving our economy forward and growing local tourism.” “These two metro-area airports play an essential role in building an even stronger quality of life for Oregonians and for economic development statewide,” said Wyden. “Vital infrastructure such as Portland International Airport and Hillsboro Airport requires investments just like these that keep them safe for travelers and modern for years to come.” “I'm grateful for the federal funding going to the Portland and Hillsboro airports,” said Bonamici. “These investments will help maintain and update critical infrastructure and keep the runways safe.” “PDX is the best airport in the country,” said Dexter. “I am grateful to have fought for this funding to improve airport infrastructure and secure a transformative groundwater management system to keep our travelers, workers, and communities safe.” “From the terminal to the taxiways, we work to keep every inch of our airports safe and efficient,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “These federal investments will fund essential runway and taxiway maintenance at Hillsboro Airport and support a pilot program for an innovative groundwater management system for construction projects at PDX. Projects like these are core to maintaining smooth airport operations, and I’m grateful for the Oregon delegation's continued commitment to keeping our critical infrastructure first-class.” The awards—totaling… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-protect-agricultural-water-access-amid-worsening-drought-in-oregon | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Agricultural Water Access Amid Worsening Drought in Oregon | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Legislation would help upgrade outdated water infrastructure systems to support agriculture Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced legislation that would help improve water resilience in communities across Oregon and the West as drought in the region persists after last year’s record-low snowpack. “Water scarcity in the West isn’t a question of if, it’s when,” Wyden said. “The federal government needs to get serious about protecting water resources before it’s too late, and my legislation will help Oregon’s farmers and producers remain even more resilient against growing drought conditions.” “As climate chaos fuels hotter and drier summers, we must ensure that we have reliable, resilient water infrastructure that every farmer, Tribe, and community in our state can count on,” said Merkley, whose Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act is included in this bill. “Passing this bill will provide more opportunities for crucial investments and innovative solutions to support communities facing persistent drought conditions.” The Western Water Reinvestment Act would improve water access for agriculture and conservation by supporting projects that improve dam safety, create more resilient watersheds and benefit agricultural and urban water users. Most regions of Oregon have just one-third of their average annual snowpack, and many parts of the state remain under extreme drought conditions. | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-veasey-introduce-resolution-recognizing-september-as-national-voting-rights-month-ahead-of-midterm-elections | Wyden, Veasey Introduce Resolution Recognizing September as National Voting Rights Month Ahead of Midterm Elections | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Resolution comes amid efforts by Donald Trump and Republicans to upend vote-by-mail and make voting harder for Americans Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-Texas, announced today they have introduced a bicameral resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” “Trump is doing everything he can to disenfranchise American voters in this year’s midterms because he’s afraid his platform of jacking up costs is about to lose Republicans the midterms,” Wyden said. “Access to the ballot and the right to vote are the bedrock of our democracy, and Congressman Veasey and I will continue fighting to protect this fundamental right for all Americans.” “Over the past year, we’ve seen our fundamental right to vote eroded and access to critical information about the voting process worsen. In my home state alone, we’ve seen efforts to redistrict mid-decade, introduce restrictive voter ID laws, and reduce the number of polling locations available to voters,” said Representative Veasey. “Now more than ever, it is essential for Americans to understand their voting rights, stay informed about what is happening around them, and help to keep their communities informed. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a resolution alongside Sen. Wyden to designate September 2026 as National Voting Rights Month - a step towards raising awareness, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring that Americans have the information they need to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard in November,” Representative Veasey continued. Since the start of his second term, Donald Trump has tried at every opportunity to undermine election systems nationwide. From appointing election deniers to key positions, to firing all members of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, and attempting to limit mail-in voting. Wyden and Veasey’s resolution encourages voter registration in the month of September and calls on Congress to preserve the right to vote by passing the Fre… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-colleagues-urge-supreme-court-to-block-postal-service-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting/ | Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | 261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 current and former Members of Congress challenging the legality of President Trump’s Executive Order and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “Millions of Americans cast their ballots with vote-by-mail, and Donald Trump is trying to make it harder for folks to vote just weeks before an election,” said Merkley. “At Trump’s bidding, this new USPS rule would upend procedures that states and voters rely on and create confusion about whether ballots will be delivered and counted. Trump doesn’t have unilateral authority to rewrite the rules for voting, and we’re urging the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional role of Congress and states in administering our free and fair elections.” “Donald Trump is plotting in plain sight to rig the upcoming election by weaponizing the Postal Service to undermine vote-by-mail in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “Vote-by-mail has long proven to be fair and effective, which of course means Trump hates it and is scheming to create confusion weeks before ballots go out. His actions are illegal, and our court brief asks the Supreme Court to follow the clear language of the Constitution and protect elections throughout America.” The coalition of 261 current and former Members of Congress filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the USPS. The court case challenges a final rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification l… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-colleagues-urge-supreme-court-to-block-postal-service-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting | Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | 261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 current and former Members of Congress challenging the legality of President Trump’s Executive Order and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “Millions of Americans cast their ballots with vote-by-mail, and Donald Trump is trying to make it harder for folks to vote just weeks before an election,” said Merkley. “At Trump’s bidding, this new USPS rule would upend procedures that states and voters rely on and create confusion about whether ballots will be delivered and counted. Trump doesn’t have unilateral authority to rewrite the rules for voting, and we’re urging the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional role of Congress and states in administering our free and fair elections.” “Donald Trump is plotting in plain sight to rig the upcoming election by weaponizing the Postal Service to undermine vote-by-mail in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “Vote-by-mail has long proven to be fair and effective, which of course means Trump hates it and is scheming to create confusion weeks before ballots go out. His actions are illegal, and our court brief asks the Supreme Court to follow the clear language of the Constitution and protect elections throughout America.” The coalition of 261 current and former Members of Congress filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the USPS. The court case challenges a final rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification l… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-statement-on-25th-anniversary-of-september-11-terrorist-attacks/ | Merkley Statement on 25th Anniversary of September 11 Terrorist Attacks | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement in remembrance of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001: “I will never forget that day 25 years ago: the clear blue morning sky, the billowing black smoke, the clouds of white ash, and everywhere, the confusion and fear. Our nation watched in shock and horror as an unprecedented act of terrorism on Americans was carried out in cold blood. Nearly 3,000 people were taken from us, including courageous first responders who raced toward danger to save others. “But alongside the devastation, we witnessed extraordinary acts of courage and compassion. Police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers put their lives on the line for strangers. Passengers aboard Flight 93 fought back against the hijackers. Across the country, neighbors reached out to one another, gathering in communities and at candlelight vigils to share their grief and offer comfort. While facing unimaginable tragedy, Americans came together. The divisions that so often separate us fell away as people helped one another simply because help was needed. “September 11 will always be a solemn day of remembrance. We honor the irreplaceable lives lost, the families and loved ones who continue to carry those losses, and all those whose bravery and service offered hope amid darkness. “On this anniversary, we hold those memories close and renew our commitment to one another. The spirit of service, community, and common purpose we witnessed that day and the days that followed remains a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together. May we continue striving to build a country worthy of the sacrifice of those we lost, guided by the enduring values of freedom, equality, justice, and care for our fellow Americans.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-davidson-to-uk-spy-court-let-apple-tell-congress-about-reported-uk-secret-demand-for-encryption-backdoor | Wyden and Davidson to UK Spy Court: Let Apple Tell Congress About Reported UK Secret Demand for Encryption Backdoor | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bipartisan Members of Congress Warn the Secret Order Threatens UK-US Relationship; Weakening Encryption Puts Americans’ Safety and US National Security at Risk WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, urged a U.K. court to lift the secrecy around a reported order from the U.K. government that Apple create a secret backdoor in its products to allow surveillance. Wyden and Davidson urged the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which oversees government surveillance in the UK, to allow more transparency in the matter, in a letter sent today. “The U.K. government’s unprecedented demands for secrecy in this matter undermine democratic governance in both the United States and the U.K., and needlessly strain the relationship between our two nations,” Wyden and Davidson wrote. In their letter, Wyden and Davidson revealed that Apple informed Congress that it is challenging the U.K. government’s authority to issue surveillance directives and that it was denied permission to discuss the issue in detail with both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. Apple informed congressional staff that the U.K. government granted the company permission to brief the U.S. Attorney General, the Vice President and key staffers, but blocked the company from discussing the issue in detail with Congress. The U.K. has reportedly sought to weaken security features of Apple’s iCloud service, which stores private messages, passwords, photos and other files, since last year. While the U.K. government’s first order would have impacted American Apple users, it reportedly revised its request in response to pushback from the U.S. government, including a letter by Wyden and Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that warned of the risks to privacy and national security. The full scope of the current request is unknown, both to the public and members of Congress, due to secrecy mandated by the U.K. government. Wyden and Davidson echoed a warning from the prior Director of National Intelligence that… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-presses-trump-administration-on-lack-of-firefighting-resources-during-the-2026-wildfire-season | Wyden Presses Trump Administration on Lack of Firefighting Resources During the 2026 Wildfire Season | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he and four other senators are calling out the Trump administration’s failures to prepare and adequately respond to the ongoing 2026 fire season throughout the West. A record 2.5 million acres-plus have burned in Oregon so far this year, and temperatures for much of Oregon next week are forecast to be in the 80s. “[...] Record-breaking high temperatures and historic drought have led to catastrophic fires across the West, destroying thousands of homes, wreaking havoc on the economies of rural communities, stressing the budgets of local governments, and leading to the loss of four wildland firefighters and two pilots,” Wyden and the other senators wrote Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Between July 18 and September 4, 2026, the national firefighting force was at preparedness level 5 with federal resources fully committed to combating wildland fires across the country. So far this year, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service has dedicated more than $6 billion to fire suppression budget authority, spending nearly the entire fire suppression budget as of September 2, 2026. The West is expected to remain in peak fire season with hot, dry, and windy conditions for at least the next two months, raising concerns that federal wildfire resources and suppression funds could run out entirely. “In light of these concerns, the capacity of the federal government to sustain operations is critical. We are concerned that the agencies simply do not have enough highly qualified personnel, Incident Management Teams, and supervisory staff to sustain operations,” the senators wrote. “Our offices have received reports that teams have worked more fires than is safe, using temporary supervisory structures because fully qualified personnel are not available. We have also heard that locally-led initial attack was affected by national mobilization, and that personnel have worked repeated or extended assignments. This is exceptional… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-requests-ai-camera-firm-explain-use-of-portland-footage-in-promotional-video | Wyden Requests AI Camera Firm Explain Use of Portland Footage In Promotional Video | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked Portland technology firm Sightline Intelligence to answer questions raised by Oregonians about how it trains AI software it produces for use in high-resolution cameras, in a letter sent this week. Constituents raised privacy concerns about the firm’s actions after footage of Oregon Health and Science University was included in a promotional video posted by Sightline, without permission of the institution. Sightline representatives have said the company did not use the footage to train its AI models. Fostering high-tech jobs in Oregon that reduce dependence on foreign drone technology is beneficial to America’s economy and security, Wyden said, but companies need to ensure Americans’ privacy is protected. “Companies like yours are producing cutting-edge technologies to advance America’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry and supply chain, which help the United States reduce its reliance on foreign sources for UAV technologies utilized in search-and-rescue missions and military operations,” Wyden wrote in his letter. “While the development of these technologies is beneficial to the United States, it is also ripe for abuse, and I have heard firsthand in my town halls that Oregonians are particularly concerned about the misuse of such technologies to surveil Americans, harm civilians, and enable human rights abuses. Wyden requested Sightline respond to the following questions in writing by no later than September 30: Will you confirm that footage retained by Sightline Intelligence of the OHSU tram, or any other footage filmed in Oregon, was not used in the development of any technologies, including in training, tuning, or testing models for object classification? Will you commit to permanently deleting the OHSU tram footage and any other footage that Sightline Intelligence retains of Oregonians who did not consent to filming? I recognize Sightline Intelligence creates AI-video processing software for target recognition, utilized in autonomous aircraf… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-tout-nearly-10-million-for-oregon-tribes-affordable-housing-efforts/ | Merkley, Wyden Tout Nearly $10 Million For Oregon Tribes’ Affordable Housing Efforts | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding a combined nearly $9,917,680 to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Warm Springs Housing Authority to build more affordable housing for Tribal members. “It’s critical that Tribal families have affordable, safe places to live that will foster community and connect them to their land,” said Merkley. “This nearly $10 million in federal funding will help Tribes work to overcome their affordable housing shortage. I will keep working to deliver the necessary housing resources to ensure everyone in our state can thrive and live safe, healthy lives.” “Housing is a basic human right, and Tribal communities across Oregon urgently need safe, affordable places for families to live and grow,” Wyden said. “I applaud the Warm Springs Housing Authority and the Cow Creek Band for winning this federal investment that will support constructing new homes and building out essential infrastructure. I will keep fighting to ensure Tribal nations in Oregon and across the nation have the federal resources required to support their citizens and build strong futures.” The Warm Springs Housing authority is receiving $5 million for the new construction of seven three-bedroom homes for low-income families. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is receiving $4,917,680 for the new construction of seven single-family homes and the infrastructure needed to support another new construction housing project. The nearly $10 million announced today comes from the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program, which provides federal funds to eligible Tribes and Tribally Designated Entities to support affordable housing projects in Tribal communities. Priority is given to new construction and housing rehabilitation projects. “We are grateful for HUD’s significant investment in our Nation that will help us provide new affordable housing for Warm Springs families who need… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-harrigan-and-whitehouse-call-on-commerce-department-to-sanction-mercenary-foreign-hacking-firms | Wyden, Harrigan and Whitehouse Call on Commerce Department to Sanction Mercenary Foreign Hacking Firms | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bipartisan Members of Congress Urge Secretary Lutnick to Take Action Against Three Indian Companies Linked to Hacks of Thousands of Americans and U.S. Companies; Hacking Companies Silenced U.S. Journalists, News Outlets and Technology Companies In Foreign Courts To Censor Reporting WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D- R.I. and Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., called for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to take action against three companies based in India that have hacked and stolen data from thousands of Americans and U.S. companies. “Several India-based cyber-mercenary groups have spent more than fifteen years conducting targeted espionage against U.S. citizens, businesses and the lawyers representing them,” Wyden, Harrigan and Whitehouse wrote to Lutnick. “Compounding this security threat, these cyber mercenaries and their associates have engaged in an aggressive campaign of global lawfare to censor investigative reporting by prominent American media organizations. This coordinated effort effectively allows foreign entities to use foreign courts to keep the American public in the dark about cyber threats to their own country and undermines the fundamental constitutional rights of U.S. citizens.” According to investigations by Reuters and The Citizen Lab, these companies conducted widespread hacking campaigns targeting private equity firms, pharmaceutical companies, and more than 1,000 attorneys across major U.S. law firms to manipulate ongoing litigation. There is evidence that these groups have operated at the behest of the Qatari government, targeting opponents of Qatar’s World Cup bid and the family of a former Republican Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. These same companies also have attempted to censor reporting about their hacking campaigns by abusing foreign courts — at one point forcing a global takedown of Reuters’ investigation. The Indian companies have ongoing lawsuits against U.S. technology and media companies, including Go… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-tout-nearly-10-million-for-oregon-tribes-affordable-housing-efforts | Merkley, Wyden Tout Nearly $10 Million For Oregon Tribes’ Affordable Housing Efforts | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding a combined nearly $9,917,680 to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Warm Springs Housing Authority to build more affordable housing for Tribal members. “It’s critical that Tribal families have affordable, safe places to live that will foster community and connect them to their land,” said Merkley. “This nearly $10 million in federal funding will help Tribes work to overcome their affordable housing shortage. I will keep working to deliver the necessary housing resources to ensure everyone in our state can thrive and live safe, healthy lives.” “Housing is a basic human right, and Tribal communities across Oregon urgently need safe, affordable places for families to live and grow,” Wyden said. “I applaud the Warm Springs Housing Authority and the Cow Creek Band for winning this federal investment that will support constructing new homes and building out essential infrastructure. I will keep fighting to ensure Tribal nations in Oregon and across the nation have the federal resources required to support their citizens and build strong futures.” The Warm Springs Housing authority is receiving $5 million for the new construction of seven three-bedroom homes for low-income families. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is receiving $4,917,680 for the new construction of seven single-family homes and the infrastructure needed to support another new construction housing project. The nearly $10 million announced today comes from the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program, which provides federal funds to eligible Tribes and Tribally Designated Entities to support affordable housing projects in Tribal communities. Priority is given to new construction and housing rehabilitation projects. "We are grateful for HUD's significant investment in our Nation that will help us provide new affordable housing for Warm Springs families who need… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/america-in-jeopardy-puts-spotlight-on-trumps-corruption-chaos-and-costs-to-american-families/ | “America in Jeopardy” Puts Spotlight on Trump’s Corruption, Chaos, and Costs to American Families | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “Donald Trump has turned the White House into a cesspool of corruption. ‘America in Jeopardy’ names just a handful of ways that American families are paying the price while Donald Trump pads his own pockets,” said Senator Warren. “Donald Trump has turned the White House into a pay-to-play casino where the billionaire class profits and working Americans suffer. Trump’s corruption isn’t a game though and it’s on a scale we have never seen before. We must continue to shine a light on all of their schemes,” said Senator Van Hollen. | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-statement-on-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-g-bunch-iii/ | Merkley Statement on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “As Secretary of the Smithsonian, Lonnie Bunch sought to make the Institution more than a place for tourists to see artifacts, and he succeeded by ensuring the collections reflect the vastness of the American experience. As the first historian to serve as Secretary, Lonnie brought studied research and independence to extend the Institution’s mission to share America’s journey in all its dimensions with visitors across the country and the world. As his crown jewel, he brought the National Museum of African American History and Culture from an idea to an extraordinary addition to the National Mall, establishing an enduring institution to tell the story of the African-American experience as an integral part of the American experience. “Lonnie’s legacy will be standing up for the Smithsonian’s independence and dedication to telling the whole American story. I congratulate Lonnie on an incredible career – including nearly 40 years at the Smithsonian – and thank him for his leadership and wisdom in telling the complete American story.” | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-harrigan-call-for-investigation-into-dod-efforts-to-protect-us-servicemembers-from-commercial-location-data-threats | Wyden and Harrigan Call for Investigation into DOD Efforts to Protect US Servicemembers from Commercial Location Data Threats | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Joint Investigation Reveals New Details About US Military Policies Intended to Stop Sales of Troop Data; Raises Questions About How Adversaries are Obtaining Location Data of American Personnel in Combat Zones WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., called for an investigation by the Inspector General into the Defense Department’s policies intended to protect U.S. servicemembers from being tracked and targeted by adversaries based on commercial location data collected from cell phones. Wyden, Harrigan and 12 other members of Congress revealed in May that adversaries targeted U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East using commercial location data, which can be harvested from phones and is sold by data brokers. The members released memos from multiple components of the U.S. military — the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command — revealing that they have all adopted a widely recommended anti-tracking defense, by disabling unique mobile advertising IDs assigned to each smartphone by the manufacturer, on government-issued smartphones. The members also provided the inspector general with a non-public report produced by a U.S. defense contractor demonstrating how commercial data can easily track movements from sensitive DOD facilities. “We commend these service branches for implementing this cybersecurity defensive best practice on government devices,” Wyden and Harrigan wrote. “However, recent reports regarding the continued availability of commercial location data originating from DoD facilities raise troubling questions.” The members asked the DOD inspector general to look into how location data from DOD personnel continues to be available for sale, in spite of DOD’s efforts. The members suggested data could continue to be available for several reasons, including that commercial data available originates from personal devices, not government phones, that are carried by servicemembers and government contractors. Wyden and Harrigan called on t… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/warren-merkley-booker-van-hollen-question-ed-secretary-mcmahon-on-lack-of-transparency-guardrails-for-1-billion-student-loan-administration-fund/ | Warren, Merkley, Booker, Van Hollen Question ED Secretary McMahon on Lack of Transparency, Guardrails for $1 Billion Student Loan Administration Fund | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “(T)he agency has displayed a worrying lack of public transparency about what this vast sum of money has been spent on or will be spent on in the future.” Text of Letter (PDF) Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) raised their concerns in a letter to Department of Education (ED) Secretary Linda McMahon about ED’s use of the $1 billion that Republicans’ One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) allocated to ED for student loan administration. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined the letter as well. Student loan borrowers are facing the largest default and delinquency crisis in recorded history. While OBBBA allocated $1 billion to be used to cover “administrative costs” of the federal student loan program, the law created no accountability, oversight, or transparency measures regarding how the money is spent. ED has reported that it spent approximately $216 million of this fund by the start of Fiscal Year 2026, but it has not disclosed to the public what it has spent this money on or its future plans for the fund, leaving borrowers, advocates, and lawmakers in the dark. “While ED has disclosed that it has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars from the fund, the agency has displayed a worrying lack of public transparency about what this vast sum of money has been spent on or will be spent on in the future,” wrote the senators. In addition to pushing for increased transparency regarding the student loan administration fund, the senators urged Secretary McMahon to use the money to address the ongoing student loan default crisis, such as by expanding outreach to borrowers at risk of defaulting or who have already defaulted, improving Federal Student Aid customer service, and rehiring ED’s servicer oversight team to ensure that servicer errors do not raise the risk of default. “ED should spend the money on whatever measures are necessary to address the default crisis by bringing borrowers out of default and preventing additional borrow… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-announce-650000-loan-for-improvements-at-anthony-lakes-ski-area-to-enhance-safety-and-support-local-economy/ | Wyden, Merkley Announce $650,000 Loan for Improvements at Anthony Lakes Ski Area to Enhance Safety and Support Local Economy | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal loan of $650,000 for the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA) to build a new rental shop to support ski programs and the local economy. “Anthony Lakes is a crown jewel of Eastern Oregon drawing skiers, snowshoers, and outdoor enthusiasts whose visits directly fuel the local economy in Baker and Union counties,” Wyden said. “Investing in this new rental shop ensures ALORA can continue expanding its community ski programs and welcoming visitors with top-tier facilities. I will keep pushing for federal investments like these that protect Oregon’s outdoor recreation opportunities and keep our rural economies moving forward.” “Anthony Lakes is a treasured part of Eastern Oregon, bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors and supporting the small businesses in surrounding rural communities,” said Merkley. “This federal loan will help Anthony Lakes continue welcoming visitors from across the region and providing affordable skiing opportunities for Baker County youth and veterans—ensuring this special place can serve Eastern Oregon for generations to come.” This $650,000 investment to ALORA is from the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program in partnership with Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative. Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has been in operation for more than 85 years and is owned and operated by the nonprofit. This investment along with funds from additional community contributors and donations will replace the current 70-year-old structure with a new two-story facility capable of holding retail space, the repair shop, and seasonal staff accommodations. “OTEC and the USDA have helped make this very important project possible. The Rural Economic Development Loan program will allow Anthony Lakes to continue offering current programs as we see the building project through. The new building is an investment in the future of outdoor recreation in our region and pr… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-announce-650000-loan-for-improvements-at-anthony-lakes-ski-area-to-enhance-safety-and-support-local-economy | Wyden, Merkley Announce $650,000 Loan for Improvements at Anthony Lakes Ski Area to Enhance Safety and Support Local Economy | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal loan of $650,000 for the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA) to build a new rental shop to support ski programs and the local economy. “Anthony Lakes is a crown jewel of Eastern Oregon drawing skiers, snowshoers, and outdoor enthusiasts whose visits directly fuel the local economy in Baker and Union counties,” Wyden said. “Investing in this new rental shop ensures ALORA can continue expanding its community ski programs and welcoming visitors with top-tier facilities. I will keep pushing for federal investments like these that protect Oregon's outdoor recreation opportunities and keep our rural economies moving forward.” “Anthony Lakes is a treasured part of Eastern Oregon, bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors and supporting the small businesses in surrounding rural communities,” said Merkley. “This federal loan will help Anthony Lakes continue welcoming visitors from across the region and providing affordable skiing opportunities for Baker County youth and veterans—ensuring this special place can serve Eastern Oregon for generations to come.” This $650,000 investment to ALORA is from the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program in partnership with Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative. Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has been in operation for more than 85 years and is owned and operated by the nonprofit. This investment along with funds from additional community contributors and donations will replace the current 70-year-old structure with a new two-story facility capable of holding retail space, the repair shop, and seasonal staff accommodations. | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/khanna-moolenaar-merkley-mcgovern-smith-and-thompson-request-homeland-security-briefing-on-uyghur-forced-labor-prevention-act-uflpa-implementation/ | Khanna, Moolenaar, Merkley, McGovern, Smith, and Thompson Request Homeland Security Briefing on Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Implementation | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), alongside Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC) Co-Chair Chris Smith (R-NJ), CECC Ranking Members Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and Select Committee Members Young Kim (R-CA) and Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin requesting a briefing on the Department’s implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The lawmakers also request information on the enforcement of additional U.S. trade laws preventing the influx of illegally traded goods originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that harm American industries and workers. “Congress enacted these laws to ensure that illegally traded goods, particularly those made with forced labor, do not enter U.S. commerce and do not make American consumers complicit in atrocities, including genocide, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR),” the lawmakers write. “Strong enforcement protects human rights, supports American workers, and helps ensure that U.S. businesses are not undercut by illegal and unfair trade practices.” “Publicly available information raises concerns about recent enforcement trends,” the lawmakers continue. “Reports of substantially declining detention activity in key high-risk sectors, combined with continued imports from known transshipment hubs and PRC-linked supply chains, make it important for Congress to understand how DHS is setting enforcement priorities, measuring results, and identifying gaps in enforcement capacity.” The lawmakers request a briefing within 30 days addressing the following: Current DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force enforcement priorities across high-risk and prior… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-calls-on-nsa-to-update-federal-cybersecurity-guidance-for-vpns | Wyden Calls on NSA to Update Federal Cybersecurity Guidance for VPNs | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Following a CRS memo, Wyden presses the NSA for answers on protecting Americans’ communications from foreign surveillance Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today urged General Joshua M. Rudd, the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) to update federal cybersecurity guidance for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to address surveillance threats posed by foreign intelligence agencies. A Congressional Research Service (CRS) memo, requested by Senator Wyden and released along with the letter, highlights the vulnerability of consumer VPNs to surveillance by intelligence agencies capable of monitoring large swaths of the internet. The CRS memo cautions that “encryption strength alone does not protect users from an advanced, persistent threat conducting bulk data traffic collection.” Even when data traffic is encrypted, it can reveal metadata – such as its source, destination, timing, and volume – that foreign adversaries can analyze and correlate across networks to potentially identify and track users’ internet browsing without breaking the encryption The CRS memo notes that other technologies, including Apple iCloud Private Relay, Tor, Nym can better protect users from such surveillance by sending their data through multiple servers, often in different jurisdictions. “Americans facing advanced foreign threats—including government personnel, defense contractors, journalists, and human rights defenders—deserve clear, honest advice about how best to protect their communications from surveillance by foreign adversaries,” Wyden wrote to General Joshua M. Rudd. Wyden also released a letter he received in July from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which recommends VPNs as part of basic cyber hygiene but stressed the importance of VPN providers’ data retention and encryption practices. The DNI guidance did not address the vulnerability of consumer VPNs to foreign surveillance or the relative benefits of multi-server technologies like Apple iCloud Private Relay, Tor and Ny… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-bringing-stop-the-corruption-town-hall-meetings-to-portland-springfield-medford/ | Merkley Bringing ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meetings’ to Portland, Springfield, Medford | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced today he will hold ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meetings’ in Portland, Springfield, and Medford on Thursday, September 10. “Our democratic republic works best when elected officials work for the public good, not the elected official’s personal profit,” said Merkley. “Trump and his family abuse his office and official connections to rake in billions for themselves at every turn, while making life more expensive for hard-working Americans. During the ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meetings,’ we invite Oregonians to come share their ideas for how to restore ‘government by and for the people.’” At each event, Merkley will provide a brief update about the extent of corruption and discuss proposed solutions, before turning to attendees to discuss the impact of corruption and why it must be stopped. In the U.S. Senate, Merkley has led the charge to end public corruption—including preventing lawmakers from trading stocks, banning cryptocurrency-related corruption by elected officials at the highest levels of the federal government, cracking down on the dangers that prediction markets pose to our democracy, getting dark money out of politics, and reforming the Supreme Court. Details about Merkley’s ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meeting’ are as follows, with additional details to be sent to local media ahead of each event: Thursday, September 10: Portland ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meeting’ Time: 9:00 am PT Location: East Portland Community Center – Gym 740 SE 106th Ave, Portland, OR 97216 Springfield ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meeting’ Time: 12:45 pm PT Location: Bob Keefer Center – Gym 250 S 32nd St, Springfield, OR 97478 Medford ‘Stop the Corruption Town Hall Meeting’ Time: 5:15 pm PT Location: Abraham Lincoln Elementary – Gym 3101 McLoughlin Dr, Medford, OR 97504 ### | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-jayapal-call-for-gao-investigation-of-dhs-surveillance-courts-must-protect-public-from-subpoena-abuses-and-government-intimidation-tactics-used-to-keep-surveillance-of-americans-secret | Wyden and Jayapal Call for GAO Investigation of DHS Surveillance; Courts Must Protect Public from Subpoena Abuses and Government Intimidation Tactics Used to Keep Surveillance of Americans Secret | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Private companies and other entities often receive subpoenas from federal law enforcement containing vague, boilerplate nondisclosure provisions that can carry threats of legal consequences for noncompliance Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., called for an investigation into decades-long abuses of authority by federal law enforcement agencies to coerce silence from subpoenaed private companies and on federal courts to protect the public from misleading demands for secrecy related to government surveillance. In a letter to Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS), John Roberts, and Acting Comptroller of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Orice W. Brown, Wyden and Jayapal requested action to address federal agencies’ abuse of subpoena powers to surveil Americans. It has been the routine practice of federal law enforcement agencies to demand secrecy from companies that have received government subpoenas for customer records. But under federal law, only courts have that power. The agencies may not gag recipients of subpoenas, except in a few limited circumstances in which a court order is granted. “While these secrecy demands carry no force of law, their coercive effect is extremely successful,” Wyden and Jayapal said. “This leaves customers entirely in the dark about government incursions into their personal data.” Unfortunately, this practice has become institutionalized across multiple agencies including: Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), Drug Enforcement Association (DEA), and Department of Justice (DOJ). ICE frequently makes boilerplate requests for indefinite silence through its administrative subpoenas, including its customs summons and immigration subpoenas. For example, on July 8, 2025, Harvard University received three immigration subpoenas from ICE regarding international students with boilerplate requests for silence. The next day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a press release celebrating the same enforce… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-urges-google-meta-and-tiktok-to-stop-putting-small-businesses-at-risk-of-violating-state-privacy-laws | Wyden Urges Google, Meta and TikTok To Stop Putting Small Businesses At Risk of Violating State Privacy Laws | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Surveillance Ad Tracking Tools Collect Users’ Sensitive Information by Default, Big Tech Tracking Tools Won’t to Follow Universal Opt-Out required by Oregon California and Colorado WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., urged major tech companies to stop putting small businesses at risk of violating state privacy laws and to let Americans more easily opt-out of invasive surveillance by their advertising tracking tools, in a letter sent on Tuesday. Writing to the heads of Google, Meta and TikTok, Wyden noted that the companies’ advertising tracking tools are designed to collect information on users by default to capture what websites they view, and what sensitive information they enter into sites online. That information is sent back to tech companies to fuel targeted advertising algorithms. These big tech companies all offer alternate modes that limit the data that is collected and shared by their trackers to comply with strict privacy laws enacted by a number of states, but these settings are disabled by default, and must be enabled by each business that embeds the companies’ trackers on their website or app. “By making privacy-invasive tracking that is banned in several states the default, your platforms shift the entire burden of legal compliance onto small businesses, non-profits, and local organizations that lack the specialized legal teams or engineering resources to recognize their legal peril,” Wyden wrote. “When a local shop, a community healthcare provider, or a main-street business in Oregon deploys your tracking tools using your standard out-of-the-box configurations, they understandably expect that your tools allow them to comply with state or local laws out of the box — and do not expect that they are needlessly placed in severe legal jeopardy if they don’t take further action.” Oregon, California, Colorado, Texas, Virginia, Connecticut, and Utah all have state privacy laws that restrict how businesses can process sensitive data. Oregon, California and Colorado require sites to respe… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-klobuchar-heinrich-demand-answers-from-trump-official-that-diverted-federal-firefighting-resources-to-private-ranch | Wyden, Klobuchar, Heinrich Demand Answers from Trump Official that Diverted Federal Firefighting Resources to Private Ranch | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Amid record wildfire season in Western U.S., top Trump official at USDA diverted scarce firefighting resources to a 7 acre fire near his private ranch in Idaho Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Finance, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, today demanded answers from the Trump administration following reports that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, Michael Boren, diverted federal firefighting resources away from active wildfires, in order to fight a seven acre fire near his personal ranch in Idaho. “Mr. Boren’s actions constitute potentially a misuse of taxpayer funds and put American families at further risk by diverting scarce resources from high-priority wildfires threatening communities elsewhere in the region and country,” the Senators wrote in their letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. “We request a full investigation into the nature and extent of Boren’s involvement in response to the Cabin Creek Fire and a detailed accounting of the safeguards the agency has implemented or plans to implement to prevent political interference and conflicts of interest in wildfire response.” Earlier this month, it was reported that Mr. Boren used his position to pressure U.S. Forest Service personnel to divert already scarce firefighting resources away from other fires to suppress a small fire near his 480-acre ranch in the Sawtooth National Forest. Nine aircraft were reportedly assigned to the fire, an extremely high number for a fire of this size. Western states are already facing a shortage of firefighting personnel and resources as a direct result of the Trump administration’s staffing and funding cuts. During this record setting fire season, fires of much larger size threatening American lives and homes have not recei… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkleys-response-to-trumps-submission-of-u-s-saudi-nuclear-deal-to-congress/ | Merkley’s Response to Trump’s Submission of U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal to Congress | 2026-08-28 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “With this deal, President Trump is not only triggering a nuclear arms race in the Middle East but also weakening America’s security and standing on the world stage. “The President’s decision to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear deal that does not meet the bipartisan Gold Standard nor mandate the Additional Protocol, both necessary to ensure sensitive U.S. technology is not used to help build a nuclear bomb, is dangerous and a strategic mistake for our national security. “That Trump chose to submit the agreement in the middle of his unauthorized war against Iran is yet another blunder. The Administration must explain how agreeing to a deal that weakens nonproliferation safeguards will prevent Iran from seeking a nuclear bomb, including why Iran would accept a stricter agreement than Saudi Arabia. We know that Saudi Arabia’s leaders have previously threatened to pursue a bomb if Iran develops one. “The deal could even open the nuclear floodgates beyond Iran. The 2009 U.S.-UAE nuclear deal included the Gold Standard but allowed the Emirates to renegotiate if the U.S. reached a more favorable nuclear agreement with another Middle East state. “The President also claims that the deal is ‘subject to’ Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, but it is unclear how this goal will be enforced. The agreement will go into effect after 90 days unless Congress acts to stop it. The President also had the opportunity to negotiate Saudi-Israel normalization, including an irreversible pathway towards a Palestinian state as part of the initial negotiations under his Administration, but chose not to do so. | 1 | 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z | 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-urge-netanyahu-to-immediately-halt-settler-violence-in-west-bank | Wyden, Merkley Urge Netanyahu to Immediately Halt Settler Violence in West Bank | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Oregon Senators call for those responsible for violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, to be held accountable Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with 45 of their Senate colleagues, urged Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate actions to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. They also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years. “We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel’s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously expressed their opposition to annexation of and violence in the West Bank, which the Israeli government has failed to address. “Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence,” the Senators concluded. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was led by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Senate Democratic Leader Ch… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/warren-merkley-senators-investigate-federal-student-loan-servicer-mohela-for-false-delinquency-notices-allegedly-sent-to-borrowers/ | Warren, Merkley, Senators Investigate Federal Student Loan Servicer MOHELA for False Delinquency Notices Allegedly Sent to Borrowers | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | According to reports, MOHELA falsely told borrowers they were thousands of dollars behind on their student loans and nearing default “It is currently unclear how many borrowers received these false notices, whether any borrowers paid the incorrect amounts, and to what extent the issue has been fixed” Text of Letter (PDF) Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led a group of senators in investigating federal student loan servicer MOHELA on the company’s plans to address the false delinquency notices that it reportedly sent to numerous student loan borrowers. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) joined the letter as well. This month, Forbes reported that MOHELA sent a large number of delinquency notices to student loan borrowers not actually delinquent on their loans. The emails mistakenly warned borrowers that their loans were “severely past due” and told borrowers that they were at risk of wage garnishment and other consequences of default. According to reports, borrowers who received these notices and logged into their MOHELA account were incorrectly shown that their loans were past due for many months of payments and shown documents incorrectly indicating that they owed a “past due amount” and “total amount due,” which, in some cases, was over $10,000. MOHELA’s customer service representatives also allegedly failed to speedily resolve this issue for borrowers. “This error is a failure that has not only been highly distressing for borrowers but could have led to direct financial harm,” wrote the senators. “If a borrower does not realize that their false delinquency notice was issued in error and believes that they are on the verge of default, they might make the payment MOHELA has claimed they are responsible for, unnecessarily spending… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reverse-unlawful-cuts-to-school-based-mental-health-services/ | Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse Unlawful Cuts to School-Based Mental Health Services | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues to demand the Department of Education disburse funds that were abruptly and unlawfully canceled for School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs and halt its attempts to end the grant programs. Upon canceling over 200 of these grants in April 2025, the Trump administration attempted to justify their cuts to school-based mental health funding by claiming that grant programs promoted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and did not adhere to the administration’s policy priorities. The senators pushed back against this false claim pointing to the significant impact to mental health staffing and resources that thousands of students relied on. “The Department’s recent actions create significant operational uncertainty for local school districts, interrupting student access to care and stalling the recruitment of future school-based mental health care professionals. These choices will increase the financial and administrative barriers to obtaining a quality education. We therefore demand that the Department disburse the funds grantees are contractually owed in a timely manner to ensure local school programs face no further disruption,” the senators wrote in their letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon. These grant programs – part of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – address the shortage of mental health professionals, social workers and services in our nation’s schools, especially those in rural and underserved areas. “Despite these grants’ clear effectiveness, the Department sent boilerplate notices in April 2025 to 70 SBMH and 153 MHSP recipients claiming that these grantees did not adhere to the Trump Administration’s priorities and policy preferences. The notices failed to provide specific, individualized explanations for why the grants were abruptly discontinued. Consequently, grantees were forced to pause hi… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-urge-netanyahu-to-immediately-halt-settler-violence-in-west-bank/ | Wyden, Merkley Urge Netanyahu to Immediately Halt Settler Violence in West Bank | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Oregon Senators call for those responsible for violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian-Americans, to be held accountable Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with 45 of their Senate colleagues, urged Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate actions to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further incidents amidst a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. They also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens who have been killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years. “We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel’s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously expressed their opposition to annexation of and violence in the West Bank, which the Israeli government has failed to address. “Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence,” the Senators concluded. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was led by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Senate Democratic Leader Ch… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reverse-unlawful-cuts-to-school-based-mental-health-services | Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse Unlawful Cuts to School-Based Mental Health Services | 2026-08-27 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues to demand the Department of Education disburse funds that were abruptly and unlawfully canceled for School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs and halt its attempts to end the grant programs. Upon canceling over 200 of these grants in April 2025, the Trump administration attempted to justify their cuts to school-based mental health funding by claiming that grant programs promoted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and did not adhere to the administration’s policy priorities. The senators pushed back against this false claim pointing to the significant impact to mental health staffing and resources that thousands of students relied on. “The Department’s recent actions create significant operational uncertainty for local school districts, interrupting student access to care and stalling the recruitment of future school-based mental health care professionals. These choices will increase the financial and administrative barriers to obtaining a quality education. We therefore demand that the Department disburse the funds grantees are contractually owed in a timely manner to ensure local school programs face no further disruption,” the senators wrote in their letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon. These grant programs – part of the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – address the shortage of mental health professionals, social workers and services in our nation’s schools, especially those in rural and underserved areas. “Despite these grants’ clear effectiveness, the Department sent boilerplate notices in April 2025 to 70 SBMH and 153 MHSP recipients claiming that these grantees did not adhere to the Trump Administration’s priorities and policy preferences. The notices failed to provide specific, individualized explanations for why the grants were abruptly discontinued. Consequently, grantees were forced to pause hi… | 1 | 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z | 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-bonamici-announce-nearly-6-million-to-support-oregon-entrepreneurs-and-university-startups/ | Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Announce Nearly $6 Million to Support Oregon Entrepreneurs and University Startups | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Federal award to Portland State University will help turn academic research into commercial products, startups, and community solutions. Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley with U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici today announced a federal investment of $5.9 million to Portland State University to help turn institutional research into commercial products. “Oregon’s public universities produce top-tier scientific breakthroughs, and lab discoveries shouldn’t sit on a shelf when they could be creating good-paying jobs and growing our local economy,” Wyden said. “This federal award will help reward faculty who turn campus discoveries into viable startups, vibrant local industry partnerships, and practical solutions. It’s a tremendous win for Oregon’s innovation ecosystem and for training the next generation of scientific entrepreneurs.” “Institutions of higher education like PSU are at the forefront of Oregon’s innovation—supporting and growing small businesses across our state,” said Merkley. “This nearly $6 million federal award will supercharge PSU’s work by expanding its capabilities and ability to utilize its research in real-world practical situations, ensuring Oregon continues to be a hub of ideas and economic development for decades to come.” “I am thrilled that this grant will meaningfully support innovation and entrepreneurship projects across NW Oregon and empower faculty and students to learn, test, and demonstrate the groundbreaking products and services that will drive our scientific future. This investment will enable the next generation of scientific leaders to bring discoveries to market and fuel our region’s research economy,” Bonamici said. The $5,973,981 federal investment through the National Science Foundation’s Accelerating Research Translation program will be used by PSU to update promotion and tenure rules to reward applied work, provide seed grants for commercial projects, train students in entrepreneurship, and offer business coaching to launch local partnerships… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-brown-seek-gao-investigation-into-dot-failure-to-protect-airline-passenger-data | Wyden, Brown Seek GAO Investigation Into DOT Failure to Protect Airline Passenger Data | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Following Major Privacy Incidents Affecting Hundreds of Millions of Air Travelers, Lawmakers Demand Answers on DOT Backtracking on Pledge to Act To Enforce Passenger Data Privacy and Security Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore. and Ranking Member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio., requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) ongoing failure to protect passenger privacy using its authority to regulate the practices of commercial airlines and ticket agents. DOT has had the sole authority to protect passenger data for more than 40 years, yet, according to a review by the Congressional Research Service, it has never taken a privacy enforcement action—even after major incidents affecting hundreds of millions of travelers. This inaction has left sensitive personal travel data vulnerable to corporate exploitation, government surveillance, and potential threats from foreign adversaries. “DOT’s abdication of its role as a privacy regulator has left the sensitive personal information of hundreds of millions of Americans exposed to corporate exploitation, warrantless government surveillance, and warrantless seizure of money and other property, ” the lawmakers wrote in letter to Acting Comptroller General Orice W. Brown. “In addition to harming the public, DOT’s regulatory inaction also potentially threatens national security. Travel data held by airlines and travel agencies may be of interest to foreign adversaries, who could exploit such information to track U.S. military, diplomatic, and other U.S. government personnel.” Historically, DOT has taken a reactive approach to airline privacy, relying on consumer complaints instead of proactively auditing airlines’ privacy practices. In March 2024 Senator Wyden partnered with the DOT to launch a first-ever industry-wide review into the privacy practices of the nation’s 10 largest airlines. More than t… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-bonamici-announce-nearly-6-million-to-support-oregon-entrepreneurs-and-university-startups | Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Announce Nearly $6 Million to Support Oregon Entrepreneurs and University Startups | 2026-08-26 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Federal award to Portland State University will help turn academic research into commercial products, startups, and community solutions. Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley with U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici today announced a federal investment of $5.9 million to Portland State University to help turn institutional research into commercial products. “Oregon’s public universities produce top-tier scientific breakthroughs, and lab discoveries shouldn't sit on a shelf when they could be creating good-paying jobs and growing our local economy,” Wyden said. “This federal award will help reward faculty who turn campus discoveries into viable startups, vibrant local industry partnerships, and practical solutions. It's a tremendous win for Oregon's innovation ecosystem and for training the next generation of scientific entrepreneurs.” “Institutions of higher education like PSU are at the forefront of Oregon’s innovation—supporting and growing small businesses across our state,” said Merkley. “This nearly $6 million federal award will supercharge PSU’s work by expanding its capabilities and ability to utilize its research in real-world practical situations, ensuring Oregon continues to be a hub of ideas and economic development for decades to come.” “I am thrilled that this grant will meaningfully support innovation and entrepreneurship projects across NW Oregon and empower faculty and students to learn, test, and demonstrate the groundbreaking products and services that will drive our scientific future. This investment will enable the next generation of scientific leaders to bring discoveries to market and fuel our region’s research economy,” Bonamici said. The $5,973,981 federal investment through the National Science Foundation’s Accelerating Research Translation program will be used by PSU to update promotion and tenure rules to reward applied work, provide seed grants for commercial projects, train students in entrepreneurship, and offer business coaching to launch local partnerships… | 1 | 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z | 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-bonamici-hoyle-dexter-colleagues-oppose-rescission-of-key-energy-leasing-and-public-lands-protections/ | Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle, Dexter, Colleagues Oppose Rescission of Key Energy Leasing and Public Lands Protections | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle and Maxine Dexter, today opposed the recent rescission of two key Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas rules on leasing and waste prevention that will harm public lands, reduce community input, increase pollution, and raise taxpayer costs. In the first of two letters, the Oregon lawmakers denounce the BLM’s proposal to rescind the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (the 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule). “[…] BLM’s newly proposed rule threatens to dismantle this common-sense progress. We are deeply concerned that the proposed changes shift cleanup liabilities back to the public, restrict community and private landowner participation, and distort the balance required to manage America’s public lands responsibly,” the Senate and House members wrote to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule ensured that the concerns of states, Tribes, and local communities were included in decision-making and was a long-overdue correction to decades of BLM policies that favored oil and gas development over other uses. This led to tens of thousands of dangerous abandoned wells that became the financial responsibility of taxpayers instead of the oil and gas companies. The 2024 rule had immense public support and established a balanced framework that saved taxpayer money, ensured multiple use management of public lands and protected cultural resources and rural communities that depend on public lands. In their letter, the lawmakers ask that the administration specifically reconsider oil and gas bonding requirements; public participation, Tribal consultation, and landowner involvement; and leasing preference criteria. The first letter was led by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman, D-Calif. In addition to Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle and Dexter, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Sheldon Whit… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-members-of-congress-call-on-commerce-department-to-block-americans-from-working-for-russian-and-chinese-intelligence-agencies | Bipartisan Members of Congress Call on Commerce Department to Block Americans from Working For Russian and Chinese Intelligence Agencies | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Wyden, Cornyn, Welch, Harrigan, Jacobs and McCaul Urge Secretary Lutnick to Implement Rules Passed by Congress in 2022 to Stop American Companies and Citizens from Supporting Intelligence Agencies in Foreign Countries of Concern Washington, D.C. –Bipartisan members of Congress today called on the Commerce Department to stop American companies and citizens from aiding Russian and Chinese civilian intelligence agencies, by implementing a 2022 bipartisan law that the executive branch has never fully enforced. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Sen. Peter Welch, Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., and Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, urged Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to close loopholes in U.S. export control rules that currently allow Americans to work with civilian intelligence agencies in China, Russia and other countries of concern. Without new controls against helping adversary nations, U.S. national security could be at risk. “As a result, foreign intelligence agencies in many countries can still legally hire consultants in the United States and buy advanced U.S. surveillance, cyber, and artificial intelligence technology, for use in their intelligence operations to target Americans, and operate against American national security and foreign policy interests,” the members wrote. The Trump Administration imposed export controls on U.S. persons doing business with military intelligence agencies in China, Russia, and other countries of concern in 2021. But the law at the time only allowed such restrictions to be applied to military intelligence agencies. In 2022, Congress closed the civilian intelligence loophole in a 2022 law, allowing the government to impose export controls on foreign civilian intelligence and security agencies too. While the Biden Administration proposed draft regulations imposing export controls in 2024, those regulations were never finalized. “Implementing these crucial enhancements to fully close this loophole is vital to preventing foreign … | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-bonamici-hoyle-dexter-colleagues-oppose-rescission-of-key-energy-leasing-and-public-lands-protections | Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle, Dexter, Colleagues Oppose Rescission of Key Energy Leasing and Public Lands Protections | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle and Maxine Dexter, today opposed the recent rescission of two key Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas rules on leasing and waste prevention that will harm public lands, reduce community input, increase pollution, and raise taxpayer costs. In the first of two letters, the Oregon lawmakers denounce the BLM’s proposal to rescind the 2024 Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (the 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule). “[...] BLM’s newly proposed rule threatens to dismantle this common-sense progress. We are deeply concerned that the proposed changes shift cleanup liabilities back to the public, restrict community and private landowner participation, and distort the balance required to manage America’s public lands responsibly,” the Senate and House members wrote to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The 2024 Onshore Leasing Rule ensured that the concerns of states, Tribes, and local communities were included in decision-making and was a long-overdue correction to decades of BLM policies that favored oil and gas development over other uses. This led to tens of thousands of dangerous abandoned wells that became the financial responsibility of taxpayers instead of the oil and gas companies. The 2024 rule had immense public support and established a balanced framework that saved taxpayer money, ensured multiple use management of public lands and protected cultural resources and rural communities that depend on public lands. In their letter, the lawmakers ask that the administration specifically reconsider oil and gas bonding requirements; public participation, Tribal consultation, and landowner involvement; and leasing preference criteria. The first letter was led by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman, D-Calif. In addition to Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle and Dexter, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Sheldon Wh… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/179-members-of-congress-urge-supreme-court-to-protect-preschoolers-from-discrimination/ | 179 Members of Congress Urge Supreme Court to Protect Preschoolers from Discrimination | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | CEC Chair Rep. Mark Takano: “Public dollars are for the good of the public, and this publicly-funded program’s nondiscrimination policy reflects that. Washington, DC — Today, Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI), and Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) led 179 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief at the Supreme Court in the case of St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, where religious preschools are seeking an exemption from the nondiscrimination provision in Colorado’s universal preschool program so they can refuse to admit LGBTQ+ children or the children of LGBTQ+ people while still receiving public funding. The members’ brief urges the Supreme Court to uphold the nondiscrimination provision and not grant a religious exemption. The brief argues that 1) The Supreme Court defers to legislatures and the political process when assessing exemptions from neutral, generally-applicable laws; 2) Petitioners’ rule would endanger a myriad of federal nondiscrimination laws that Congress has carefully crafted over decades; and 3) The Court should be mindful not to destabilize or undermine that legislative role by effectively legislating ad hoc exemptions to nondiscrimination laws. The brief was joined by 166 Representatives and 13 Senators, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Senate Democratic Whip Richard Durbin (IL), and every Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “In 2020, Coloradans voted to ensure every child in the state would be able to benefit from a publicly-funded universal pre-school program, but the schools in this case want to take these funds and turn away LGBTQ+ kids and kids of LGBTQ+ parents—despite the program’s nondiscrimination policy. This is wrong,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and House lead of the amicus brief. “Public dollars are for the go… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-joins-effort-to-help-state-local-tribal-agencies-monitor-air-pollution-from-wildfires/ | Merkley Joins Effort to Help State, Local, Tribal Agencies Monitor Air Pollution from Wildfires | 2026-08-24 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C.– Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley joined his Senate colleagues to introduce new legislation that would help state, local, and Tribal government agencies monitor worsening air pollution caused by wildfires and make more informed public health decisions. “When the 2020 Labor Day fires swept across Oregon, I drove over 600 miles and never once escaped the smoke that blanketed our state. Oregonians are facing yet another deadly fire season this year, and it is essential that our communities have all the necessary tools to respond to wildfires and smoke-related threats,” said Merkley. “Our bill helps communities plan for and cope with hazardous air quality caused by wildfire smoke, which threatens public health, disrupts daily life, and shows just how devastating climate chaos-fueled fires can be.” Merkley cosponsored the Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act—led by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)—that would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to create and expand new and existing grant and loan programs allowing agencies to purchase and operate portable air sensors. Portable air sensors are a low-cost technology that can measure and detect harmful pollutants caused by wildfire smoke. Increasing access to air quality information will help leaders make better decisions for public health and wildfire response. Merkley has been a longtime leader in the fight to prepare for and mitigate the worst impacts of wildfires. He leads a series of bills to support mills processing hazardous fuels coming off public lands, train the new generation of wildland firefighters, aid toxic debris cleanup following wildfires, bolster collaborative forest management, promote renewable fuels to boost wildfire resiliency, and streamline the use of prescribed burns. He also wrote the Wildfire Insurance Affordability Act to lower home insurance rates in communities at risk of fires and the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act to strengthen federal support in the face of wildfire smoke threats. Full text of the W… | 1 | 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z | 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-protect-domestic-violence-survivors-from-gun-violence/ | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bicameral Bill to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors from Gun Violence | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they have joined their Senate and House colleagues in introducing legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows domestic abusers to legally obtain firearms. “Keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers is common sense,” Wyden said. “It’s past time to help end the cycle of gun violence and provide domestic violence survivors with bare minimum protection against their abusers, and our bill is the way to do it.” “Common-sense measures to ensure abusers and violent offenders are barred from accessing firearms are the least we can do to protect the safety of both domestic abuse survivors and our broader communities,” said Merkley. “Domestic abuse survivors shouldn’t have to worry that their abusers can obtain a gun either during or after they escape abusive situations.” The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act prohibits individuals subject to temporary restraining orders from purchasing or possessing firearms and extends protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by dating partners. The bill is named in memory of Lori Jackson, an American mother who was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband who had legally obtained a handgun even though he was subject to a temporary restraining order, and Nicolette Elias, a mother who, despite securing restraining orders and temporary stalking orders against her estranged and abusive ex-husband, was murdered by her former spouse in front of their children with a handgun that he refused to relinquish. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation is also led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and U.S. Representative Jim Himes, D-Conn. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Chris Coons, D-Del., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Patty Murr… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-casar-demand-gao-investigation-into-federal-law-enforcements-use-of-hacking-and-spyware-on-americans | Wyden, Casar Demand GAO Investigation Into Federal Law Enforcement’s Use of Hacking and Spyware on Americans | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Members highlight need for transparency and effective oversight to protect Americans’ privacy, prevent abuses, and guard against cybersecurity risks Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore. and Ranking Member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement Greg Casar, D-Tex., requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of federal law enforcement agencies’ hacking of Americans’ electronic devices. In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the need for transparency from federal law enforcement regarding its use of hacking and spyware, which it has used for more than 25 years as investigative tools. Little is known about the scope or frequency of the government’s use of these technologies, nor the presence of operational safeguards. “Spyware and other hacking tools grant expansive access to personal devices, including webcams, location data, stored files, and encrypted communications. Unrestricted access to such invasive surveillance capabilities invites abuse by rogue agency personnel,” the lawmakers wrote in letter to Acting Comptroller General Orice W. Brown. “To enable informed public debate, ensure appropriate operational safeguards, and assist Congress in crafting future legislation, we request that the GAO conduct a review of federal law enforcement hacking and publish an unclassified report detailing its findings.” Wyden and Casar asked the GAO to review the practices and policies of federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations in three areas: Internal Misuse, Audit Protocols, and Safeguards Against Abuse: There are countless documented examples of government employees abusing sensitive surveillance databases and tools for unauthorized personal purposes. The lawmakers asked the GAO to review documented cases of misuse of hacking tools as well as how such cases are detected, monitored, and punished. Cybersecurity R… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-protect-domestic-violence-survivors-from-gun-violence | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bicameral Bill to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors from Gun Violence | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they have joined their Senate and House colleagues in introducing legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows domestic abusers to legally obtain firearms. “Keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers is common sense,” Wyden said. “It's past time to help end the cycle of gun violence and provide domestic violence survivors with bare minimum protection against their abusers, and our bill is the way to do it.” “Common-sense measures to ensure abusers and violent offenders are barred from accessing firearms are the least we can do to protect the safety of both domestic abuse survivors and our broader communities,” said Merkley. “Domestic abuse survivors shouldn’t have to worry that their abusers can obtain a gun either during or after they escape abusive situations.” The Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act prohibits individuals subject to temporary restraining orders from purchasing or possessing firearms and extends protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by dating partners. The bill is named in memory of Lori Jackson, an American mother who was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband who had legally obtained a handgun even though he was subject to a temporary restraining order, and Nicolette Elias, a mother who, despite securing restraining orders and temporary stalking orders against her estranged and abusive ex-husband, was murdered by her former spouse in front of their children with a handgun that he refused to relinquish. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation is also led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and U.S. Representative Jim Himes, D-Conn. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Chris Coons, D-Del., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Patty Murr… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-senators-call-on-watchdog-to-probe-tax-subsidies-for-lng-exporters/ | Merkley, Senators Call on Watchdog to Probe Tax Subsidies for LNG Exporters | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in urging the Acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to launch an investigation into the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) providing tax breaks for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters and determine whether the IRS’ decision was intended to reward President Trump’s political donors. The Senators stressed that providing LNG tankers with Alternative Fuel Excise Tax (AFET) credits would favor fossil fuel companies—at an unfair cost to the average taxpayer—and do nothing to protect our environment, reduce costs for working families, or lessen America’s reliance on fossil fuels. “Despite these facts, news reports and public financial filings suggest the IRS has allowed taxpayers to claim the AFET credit for fuel used on LNG tankers, without publishing any updated guidance. Therefore, we request TIGTA investigate whether the IRS has made a determination that fuel used on LNG tankers is eligible for the AFET credit, and, if so, how the IRS made this determination and what guidance, if any, was provided to taxpayers,” wrote the Senators in a letter to the TIGTA. They emphasized, “We would further urge the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate the extent to which Secretary Bessent was involved in any decision to make LNG tankers eligible for the AFET, who Secretary Bessent may have discussed this issue with at the IRS, whether Secretary Bessent communicated with any impacted party about LNG tankers being motorboats under the AFET, and to what extent Secretary Bessent or his staff communicated with anyone in the White House, including President Trump, about a request for AFET credits for LNG tankers.” Previously, Merkley led a group of Senators to press the IRS on its decision to give Cheniere Energy—the largest LNG exporter in the United States—a questionable $37… | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/blumenthal-durbin-hirono-merkley-demand-answers-after-unqualified-organization-with-close-ties-to-ice-receives-no-bid-contract-to-provide-legal-services-to-migrant-children/ | BLUMENTHAL, DURBIN, HIRONO, & MERKLEY DEMAND ANSWERS AFTER UNQUALIFIED ORGANIZATION WITH CLOSE TIES TO ICE RECEIVES NO-BID CONTRACT TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES TO MIGRANT CHILDREN | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “This award is concerning given the incredible lack of details provided in the award notice, the nonexistence of legal services provided by your organization, the Trump Administration’s continued use of no-bid awards…and the Trump Administration’s staggering disregard for the welfare of children in immigration enforcement.” [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, today pressed Our Rescue, an anti-human trafficking and child exploitation organization with close ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for answers after the organization received a no-bid contract of up to $244 million to provide legal services to unaccompanied migrant children. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) joined Blumenthal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer of Our Rescue, Derek Benner, and the Chairman of Our Rescue’s Board of Directors, Sean Vassilaros. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns that the organization lacks experience as a legal services provider and demanded records and information about its vague contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “This award is concerning given the incredible lack of details provided in the award notice, the nonexistence of legal services provided by your organization, the Trump Administration’s continued use of no-bid awards to steer taxpayer dollars to President Trump’s friends, family, and associates, and the Trump Administration’s staggering disregard for the welfare of children in immigration enforcement,” the Senators wrote. The Senators continued, “Unfortunately, Our Rescue is not a legal services provider. A review of your public-facing materials confirms this, revealing no mention of providing legal services to unaccompanied migrant children, nor even to survivors of human trafficking or child exploitation in the United States. While your organization’s sta… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-secure-federal-funding-to-expand-pollinator-habitat-along-oregon-highways/ | Merkley, Wyden Secure Federal Funding to Expand Pollinator Habitat Along Oregon Highways | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced $150,000 in federal funds for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to create and restore pollinator habitats along Oregon highways.The funding, which is the maximum award under the Federal Highway Administration’s Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Program (also known as the Roadside Pollinator Program), will allow native seed mixes and adjusted mowing practices to improve roadside pollinator habitats. “Pollinators need healthy habitats to survive and benefit Oregon’s farms, forests, and natural landscapes,” said Merkley. “This project is a great example of how we can make our roadsides work even better for Oregon, creating habitat for iconic species such as the Western Monarch and native bees while building greater resilience to drought. I’ll keep pushing for federal investments that strengthen our communities and ecosystems.” “Bees and butterflies will all benefit from this fresh federal investment in pollinator health that’s a key to fighting drought and supporting landscapes native to Oregon,” said Wyden. “I very much look forward as I travel our state’s highways all over Oregon to witnessing the results of this innovative effort.” “This sort of project delivers so many benefits,” said Chris Warner, Interim ODOT Director. “We’re creating healthier habitat for pollinators like native bees and Monarch butterflies, while increasing drought and fire resiliency, all while reducing the long-term need for pesticide use to control weeds. This work serves as an example of how our transportation system can work for people, the environment and the communities we serve.” For years, Merkley has led the charge to revive the populations of monarchs and other pollinators. He leads the bipartisan Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act, which builds upon the success of his bipartisan Monarch and Pollinator Highway Act that was signed into law as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law an… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-demand-federal-agencies-stop-sharing-medicaid-data-with-ice/ | Wyden, Merkley Demand Federal Agencies Stop Sharing Medicaid Data With ICE | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded that the federal departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) as well as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) immediately stop unlawfully transferring Medicaid data to DHS and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the personal health information of the tens of millions of people who rely on Medicaid is protected and that HHS and CMS comply with federal court orders,,” the Oregon senators wrote HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Dr. Mehmet Oz, CMS Administrator. “Medicaid enrollees have a right to expect that their private information will be safeguarded and not employed for mass deportation campaigns.” “Each person whose information was inappropriately disclosed is entitled to know what happened to it, and Congress is entitled to know how a federal agency came to violate the same court order three times in six months,” the senators added. “And HHS must suspend all Medicaid data transfers to ICE and DHS pending a comprehensive review of HHS’s controls and the court’s continuing oversight.” In July 2025, CMS and ICE entered into an agreement to give immigration enforcement officials access to the personal data of millions of Medicaid enrollees, including immigration status and addresses. In December 2025, a federal court set guardrails on the types of information CMS could share with ICE. HHS has now acknowledged that it transferred protected Medicaid information—including data on U.S. citizens—to immigration enforcement authorities three times in violation of the court order. These data transfers form part of a larger pattern of information-sharing to advance the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda, at the expense of Americans’ privacy and the statutory protections Congress built into these programs. The lawmakers request answers to questions by Friday, September 4, 2026, including: How … | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-secure-federal-funding-to-expand-pollinator-habitat-along-oregon-highways | Merkley, Wyden Secure Federal Funding to Expand Pollinator Habitat Along Oregon Highways | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced $150,000 in federal funds for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to create and restore pollinator habitats along Oregon highways. The funding, which is the maximum award under the Federal Highway Administration’s Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Program (also known as the Roadside Pollinator Program), will allow native seed mixes and adjusted mowing practices to improve roadside pollinator habitats. “Pollinators need healthy habitats to survive and benefit Oregon’s farms, forests, and natural landscapes,” said Merkley. “This project is a great example of how we can make our roadsides work even better for Oregon, creating habitat for iconic species such as the Western Monarch and native bees while building greater resilience to drought. I’ll keep pushing for federal investments that strengthen our communities and ecosystems.” “Bees and butterflies will all benefit from this fresh federal investment in pollinator health that’s a key to fighting drought and supporting landscapes native to Oregon,” said Wyden. “I very much look forward as I travel our state’s highways all over Oregon to witnessing the results of this innovative effort.” “This sort of project delivers so many benefits,” said Chris Warner, Interim ODOT Director. “We’re creating healthier habitat for pollinators like native bees and Monarch butterflies, while increasing drought and fire resiliency, all while reducing the long-term need for pesticide use to control weeds. This work serves as an example of how our transportation system can work for people, the environment and the communities we serve.” For years, Merkley has led the charge to revive the populations of monarchs and other pollinators. He leads the bipartisan Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act, which builds upon the success of his bipartisan Monarch and Pollinator Highway Act that was signed into law as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law a… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-federal-agencies-stop-sharing-medicaid-data-with-ice | Wyden, Merkley Demand Federal Agencies Stop Sharing Medicaid Data With ICE | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded that the federal departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) as well as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) immediately stop unlawfully transferring Medicaid data to DHS and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the personal health information of the tens of millions of people who rely on Medicaid is protected and that HHS and CMS comply with federal court orders,,” the Oregon senators wrote HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Dr. Mehmet Oz, CMS Administrator. “Medicaid enrollees have a right to expect that their private information will be safeguarded and not employed for mass deportation campaigns.” “Each person whose information was inappropriately disclosed is entitled to know what happened to it, and Congress is entitled to know how a federal agency came to violate the same court order three times in six months,” the senators added. “And HHS must suspend all Medicaid data transfers to ICE and DHS pending a comprehensive review of HHS’s controls and the court’s continuing oversight.” In July 2025, CMS and ICE entered into an agreement to give immigration enforcement officials access to the personal data of millions of Medicaid enrollees, including immigration status and addresses. In December 2025, a federal court set guardrails on the types of information CMS could share with ICE. HHS has now acknowledged that it transferred protected Medicaid information—including data on U.S. citizens—to immigration enforcement authorities three times in violation of the court order. These data transfers form part of a larger pattern of information-sharing to advance the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda, at the expense of Americans’ privacy and the statutory protections Congress built into these programs. The lawmakers request answers to questions by Friday, September 4, 2026, including: How … | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-announce-more-than-15-million-in-federal-grants-to-support-oregon-wood-product-industry-rural-economies-jobs/ | Merkley, Wyden Announce More Than $15 Million in Federal Grants to Support Oregon Wood Product Industry, Rural Economies, Jobs | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is investing $15,091,037 in 20 wood innovations projects in Oregon that support active management of national forests and grasslands, promote wood and energy infrastructure by increasing manufacturing capacity and operational efficiencies, and support rural economic prosperity and jobs. This federal funding is critical to ensuring the state’s leadership in the wood products industry, while helping to restore healthy forests and reduce wildfire risk. “Oregon has the best wood products in the world, and federal support helps keep our state at the forefront of timber innovation while uplifting our rural communities,” said Merkley, the lead Democrat on the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the USFS. “These projects are a win-win to develop new Oregon-made wood products and reduce wildfire risk in our forests.” “Our state’s world-renowned wood products industry only gets stronger with federal investments like these that sharpen its cutting edge, keep generating jobs and lessen the dangers from wildfires,” Wyden said. “This is more than $15 million worth of good news for Oregon, and I’ll continue working to secure similar key investments statewide.” Merkley leads and Wyden cosponsors the Mass Timber FederalBuildings Act to promote the use of mass timber in federal building projects and military construction. Merkley also leads the Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act to unlock federal dollars to support mills retooling or modernizing their infrastructure, enabling them to process hazardous fuels coming off public lands. These investments in Oregon are part of a broader suite of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s USFS Wood Innovations Program grants for public, private, and non-profit sectors, totaling $105.5 millionfor projects across the country this year. The 20 projects selected in Oregon are being funded in three Wood Inn… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-more-than-15-million-in-federal-grants-to-support-oregon-wood-product-industry-rural-economies-jobs | Merkley, Wyden Announce More Than $15 Million in Federal Grants to Support Oregon Wood Product Industry, Rural Economies, Jobs | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is investing $15,091,037 in 20 wood innovations projects in Oregon that support active management of national forests and grasslands, promote wood and energy infrastructure by increasing manufacturing capacity and operational efficiencies, and support rural economic prosperity and jobs. This federal funding is critical to ensuring the state’s leadership in the wood products industry, while helping to restore healthy forests and reduce wildfire risk. “Oregon has the best wood products in the world, and federal support helps keep our state at the forefront of timber innovation while uplifting our rural communities,” said Merkley, the lead Democrat on the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the USFS. “These projects are a win-win to develop new Oregon-made wood products and reduce wildfire risk in our forests.” “Our state’s world-renowned wood products industry only gets stronger with federal investments like these that sharpen its cutting edge, keep generating jobs and lessen the dangers from wildfires,” Wyden said. “This is more than $15 million worth of good news for Oregon, and I’ll continue working to secure similar key investments statewide.” Merkley leads and Wyden cosponsors the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act to promote the use of mass timber in federal building projects and military construction. Merkley also leads the Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act to unlock federal dollars to support mills retooling or modernizing their infrastructure, enabling them to process hazardous fuels coming off public lands. These investments in Oregon are part of a broader suite of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s USFS Wood Innovations Program grants for public, private, and non-profit sectors, totaling $105.5 million for projects across the country this year. The 20 projects selected in Oregon are being funded in three Wood I… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-colleagues-press-trump-administration-on-proposed-forest-research-and-development-facility-closures-demand-transparency/ | Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Proposed Forest Research and Development Facility Closures, Demand Transparency | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Portland, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined their Senate colleagues in urging U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to provide Congress with a full breakdown of the Service’s decision to potentially close up to 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) Facilities, including the Portland-based Pacific Northwest Research Station. This lab provides critical data for air quality and forest management, including forest products, tree inventory, and combating pests and diseases across the region. Despite multiple inquiries from both the Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. Forest Service has still failed to provide Congress with a comprehensive accounting of the framework used to evaluate facilities slated for closure. In a letter to Chief Schultz, the Senators demanded the Administration provide them with the information Congress has been requesting for the past several months. “Since announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility,” wrote the Senators. “Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing ‘operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees’ and proximate facilities – without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.” Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” to help researchers, governments, and communities better understand their surrounding natural environments. The 57 Forest Service Research and Development sites that are expected to close span 31 states and each perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated. In their letter, the Senators also highlighted the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee—both in Washington State—and how they conduct crucial wildfire rese… | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-colleagues-press-trump-administration-on-proposed-forest-research-and-development-facility-closures-demand-transparency | Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Proposed Forest Research and Development Facility Closures, Demand Transparency | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Portland, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined their Senate colleagues in urging U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to provide Congress with a full breakdown of the Service’s decision to potentially close up to 57 U.S. Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) Facilities, including the Portland-based Pacific Northwest Research Station. This lab provides critical data for air quality and forest management, including forest products, tree inventory, and combating pests and diseases across the region. Despite multiple inquiries from both the Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. Forest Service has still failed to provide Congress with a comprehensive accounting of the framework used to evaluate facilities slated for closure. In a letter to Chief Schultz, the Senators demanded the Administration provide them with the information Congress has been requesting for the past several months. “Since announcing the list of facilities being evaluated for possible closure in March, very little detail or analysis has been provided to Congress or the public on the factors being considered for each facility,” wrote the Senators. “Instead, official responses rely on broad assurances- stating only that the agency is assessing ‘operating costs, amount of space, utilization rate, number of employees’ and proximate facilities – without revealing the actual methodology or criteria driving these determinations.” Since 1905, Forest Service R&D has used forests as “living laboratories” to help researchers, governments, and communities better understand their surrounding natural environments. The 57 Forest Service Research and Development sites that are expected to close span 31 states and each perform critical, specialized research that cannot be easily replicated or relocated. In their letter, the Senators also highlighted the Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Wenatchee—both in Washington State—and how they conduct crucial wildfire rese… | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-schumer-top-senate-democrats-with-jurisdiction-over-trumps-gilded-ballroom-boondoggle-call-on-watchdog-to-conduct-a-full-audit-of-the-project/ | Merkley, Schumer, Top Senate Democrats with Jurisdiction Over Trump’s Gilded Ballroom Boondoggle Call on Watchdog to Conduct a Full Audit of the Project | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Dear Acting Comptroller General Williams Brown: Many of us in Congress have watched with alarm as the Trump administration unilaterally made the decision to demolish the East Wing of the White House—an historic and symbolic structure—without congressional authorization, meaningful public engagement, or following long-established practice for government facilities modernization and historic preservation. The subsequent construction of a new White House ballroom represents one of the most sweeping alterations to the White House complex in modern history. The scale of this project, the destruction of historic architecture, the opaque and unorthodox combination of public funds with private funding sources, and the absence of standard federal review processes raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and stewardship of this national landmark. Congress has neither authorized nor appropriated funding for the “East Wing Modernization Project,” nor has Congress been provided any planning details or justifications that would allow for informed consideration of the White House’s plans that would be a prerequisite for authorization or appropriation of funds. The lack of congressional authorization has been central to the ongoing litigation challenging the ballroom project, National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States v. National Park Service. This month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed that President Trump lacks the legal authority to construct a White House ballroom without congressional authorization. Simply put, no president has the authority to unilaterally demolish and remodel the country’s White House in such a significant manner without congressional approval. President Trump repeatedly claimed that the demolition of the East Wing and construction of a dramatically expanded gilded ballroom would be carried out solely using private donations, and that no taxpayer funds would be used. Despite those assurances, the administration first tried and failed[1] to se… | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-demand-state-department-process-student-visas-without-delays | Wyden, Colleagues Demand State Department Process Student Visas Without Delays | 2026-08-13 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to express concern about the lack of student and exchange visitor visa appointments in time for the start of the academic year in Oregon and nationwide. Wyden and his fellow senators demanded the Trump administration answer questions about delays processing these applications at U.S. embassies and consulates. “We urge the State Department to ensure timely processing of F, M, and J student and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas, consistent with the approach taken by administrations of both parties in the past, and to implement other measures to avoid diminishing U.S. competitiveness,” the senators wrote. “Specifically, we are hearing from constituents and stakeholders that no timely visa appointments are available for students at some embassies and consulates. This only exacerbates uncertainty about whether students’ visas will be processed in time for them to travel to the United States to begin their studies.” The lawmakers highlighted the vital contributions international students make to universities and communities nationwide, including expanding opportunities for American students, generating economic activity, strengthening the U.S. workforce, and building international partnerships. “International students are critical to the success of our universities, including contributing nearly $43 billion annually to local communities and supporting more than 355,000 American jobs during the 2024-2025 academic year. Even though international students make up only six percent of the total higher education population, their enrollment creates opportunities for American students,” the senators continued. “International students also improve our national security by fostering global relationships, cross cultural understanding, and long-lasting diplomatic ties. These benefits are at risk if visa processing delays persist.” The senators urged the State Department to ensure the timely review and processing of student and exchange vis… | 1 | 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z | 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-matsui-kiggans-champion-bipartisan-legislation-to-keep-americas-nurses-and-patients-safe/ | Merkley, Matsui, Kiggans Champion Bipartisan Legislation to Keep America’s Nurses and Patients Safe | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), announced the reintroduction of their Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act. To tackle staffing-related challenges, nurses are often forced to work mandatory overtime beyond their scheduled shift, which can endanger the safety of both patients and nurses. To address these challenges, the bicameral, bipartisan Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act would provide nurses with stronger federal workplace safeguards. “We know that when truck drivers or pilots are pushed past the point of exhaustion, lives are put at risk. The same is true for nurses, and they should not be forced to work to the point that patient safety is jeopardized,” said Merkley. “As the husband of a nurse, I know these heroes take care of us when we are in need, and we need to take care of them. Our bipartisan Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act would protect lives by limiting mandatory overtime and ensuring nurses have the support, respect, and working conditions they need and deserve.” “Nurses perform lifesaving work every day, providing patients with the care, comfort and support they need during their most vulnerable moments,” said Matsui. “But persistent staffing shortages have forced too many nurses to work excessive hours, contributing to exhaustion and burnout while putting patient safety at risk. California and 17 other states have already acted to limit mandatory overtime. The Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act would establish commonsense protections nationwide so nurses can provide the highest quality care without being pushed beyond safe limits.” “We can’t solve America’s nursing shortage until we address the workplace challenges driving talented nurses away from this important field. These workforce shortages have left many nurses working excessive overtime, leading to fatigue and less time with their families. As a nurse practitioner, I recognize the importance of fostering a work environmen… | 1 | 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z | 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-risch-lead-bipartisan-push-to-strengthen-the-united-states-commitment-to-tibet/ | Merkley, Risch Lead Bipartisan Push to Strengthen the United States’ Commitment to Tibet | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) partnered with Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to lead the introduction of the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act. The bipartisan bill would strengthen U.S. engagement with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the democratically elected representative of the Tibetan people, and ensure that American support for Tibet endures beyond the lifetime of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. “Human rights and basic dignity for the people of Tibet cannot be ignored. Our bipartisan bill sends a clear message that the United States will stand with Tibet in its fight for these fundamental freedoms and the promise of tomorrow,” said Merkley. “As long as the People’s Republic of China continues to ignore the rights of Tibet under international law, America will not abandon the Tibetan people.” “The Chinese Communist Party has sought to erase Tibetan culture, religion, and language, among other grievous actions. What Beijing has done to Tibet, they want to do elsewhere to anyone who defies the CCP,” said Risch. “This bill supports the Tibetan people, key partners in pushing back against China’s authoritarianism, and counters China’s malign influence at the United Nations.” The Assuring the Future of Tibet Act would: Recognize the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and the continuity of governance established by the Dalai Lama, and direct the Secretary of State to engage with the Sikyong and designated representatives at the most senior levels; Support the Tibetan people’s human rights and right to self-determination by advocating at the UN for CTA observer status and equal access across the UN system; Build international recognition of the CTA by pressing for its inclusion in relevant international bodies and organizing like-minded partners and allies behind that effort; Elevate the Sikyong’s standing by extending appropriate diplomatic courtesies, including security con… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
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