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1,358 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "OR" and year = 2019 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
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/sen-jeff-merkley-plans-three-town-halls-in-central-oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley plans three town halls in Central Oregon 2019-12-31 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Sen. Jeff Merkley plans three town halls in Central Oregon Tuesday, December 31, 2019 By: Michael Kohn Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley will host 12 town halls to start the new year, including appearances in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties on Saturday. Merkley's first appearance in Central Oregon is scheduled for 9 a.m. at Ridgeview High School in Redmond. At noon he will speak at Madras Performing Arts Center . He will finish his visit to the area in Prineville with a 3 p.m. town hall at Barnes Butte Elementary School. Merkley, a Democrat, will update Oregonians on his work in Washington, D.C., respond to questions and invite suggestions from the public on how to handle state and national issues affecting their lives. Hearing from Oregonians across the state is critical to doing my job, Merkley said in a statement. The ideas and priorities I hear about in town halls wind up as the solutions I fight to get into federal law. I look forward to these discussions about how we can strengthen our state and our nation. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/congressional-visit-sen-merkley-to-hold-curry-town-hall Congressional Visit: Sen. Merkley to hold Curry town hall 2019-12-30 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Congressional Visit: Sen. Merkley to hold Curry town hall Monday, December 30, 2019 Oregon's U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley plans to kick off 2020 with 12 town halls across Southern and Central Oregon, including one in Curry County. The town halls will be Jan. 2 through 5, in Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, and Gilliam counties. According to a release from Merkley's office, he will update constituents on his work in Washington, D.C., and answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America. Hearing from Oregonians across the state is critical to doing my job, Merkley said. From tackling Sudden Oak Death, to big investments in rural broadband, to making sure small ports get dredged, the ideas and priorities I hear about in town halls wind up as the solutions I fight to get into federal law. I look forward to these discussions about how we can strengthen our state and our nation. Since joining the Senate in 2009, Merkley has held a town hall in each of Oregon's 36 counties every year. In all, the New Year town halls will be his 408th as a U.S. Senator. The following locations are Merkley's scheduled town halls. Jan. 2 10 a.m. Douglas County Town Hall Sutherlin High School, gym 500 E. Fourth Ave. Sutherlin 2 p.m. Coos County Town Hall Coquille Community Center, small auditorium 115 N. Birch St. Coquille 5:30 p.m. Curry County Town Hall Port Orford Community Hall 419 Eleventh St. Port Orford Jan. 3 8:30 a.m. Josephine County Town Hall Rogue Community College, gym 3345 Redwood Highway Grants Pass 12 p.m. Jackson County Town Hall Southern Oregon University, Rogue River Room 1250 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland 4 p.m. Klamath County Town Hall Oregon Institute of Technology, College Union, Mazama-Scott Room 3201 Campus Drive Klamath Falls Jan 4 9 a.m. Deschutes County Town Hall Ridgeview High School, auditorium 4555 SW Elkhorn Ave. Redmond 12 p.m. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/how-oregon-gains-from-13-trillion-in-new-federal-spending How Oregon gains from $1.3 trillion in new federal spending 2019-12-29 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy How Oregon gains from $1.3 trillion in new federal spending Oregon Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley tout benefits for rural, coastal, native and urban communities Sunday, December 29, 2019 By: Zane Sparling Setting a budget for 2020? It's just a bit different on Capitol Hill. With the passageinto lawof two massive spending bills earlier this month, the feds have nailed down more than $1.3 trillion in outlays for the 2020 fiscal year, whichendsin September. And both sides of the aisle have plenty to crow about. Major appropriations touted by the Republicans include a $22 billion boost to U.S. military spending, a 3.1% pay bump for service members and $1.375 billion for border security, according toNPR. Democrats are equally excited to pay out $7.6 billion for the 2020 Census, $425 million for election security grants and $25 million for CDC and National Institutes of Health research into gun violence. The bills also raise the nationwide age for buying tobacco to 21, a rule that already wentinto effectOregon in 2018. Oregon Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley say the new spending bills include cash for Oregonians' top priorities, including homelessness, housing, transit, renewable energy, and investments in coastal, rural and native communities. "At my annual town halls and community meetings in each of our state's 36 counties, I hear a consistent message of working to support job creation which is just what this legislation accomplishes for Oregonians," Wyden said. Added Merkley: "One of the most gratifying parts of serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee is that I get to work with communities across the state to fund their needs, and then see the funding in action." But where else does Oregon specifically stand to benefit? Here's the most noteworthy line items: Scoggins Dam:Situated on Henry Hagg Lake in rural Washington County, the Scoggins Dam has been deemed a risk to life and property in the event of a major earthquak… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/oregon-ground-fishing-fleet-could-get-loan-interest-relief Oregon ground fishing fleet could get loan-interest relief 2019-12-27 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Oregon ground fishing fleet could get loan-interest relief Friday, December 27, 2019 By: Nicholas Johnson WASHINGTON, D.C. Bipartisan language was added to the 2020 spending bill Dec. 16 that will forgive more than $10 million in accrued loan interest that was forced on the Pacific Coast groundfishing fleet. The language included in the 2020 spending bill was presented by Oregon's Democratic Reps. Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader and Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden. The language effectively cancels a massive loan interest burden owed by the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery to the federal government interest that, through no fault of the industry, was added to their vessel buyback loan debt due to bureaucratic incompetence, said DeFazio. For years, Oregon's groundfish vessels have been subject to a heavy financial loan burden, caused solely by government ineptitude, DeFazio said. Groundfish fisheries are a vital part of Oregon's coastal economy that need support, not red tape, from Washington. I'm proud to have helped right this ridiculous wrong and ease the financial burden on our region's fishermen. I will be vigilant to ensure the National Marine Fisheries Service follows through with Congress's decision and does not short-change Oregonians. Merkley, a a member of the Senate committee that negotiated the spending bills, said, Today's news is a huge victory for our coastal communities in Oregon and up and down the West Coast. It was outrageous that the federal government forced family fishermen to foot the bill because of bureaucratic incompetence. This win will lift a huge burden off our trawlers' backs, helping them keep their small businesses afloat and keep our coastal economies humming. Wyden also issued a statement: Oregonians working on trawlers along the coast can now enter the new year without this senseless burden on the bottom line of their fishing operations. the senator said. Fishing on the Oregon Coast for a living is a key piece of our state's ec… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/sen-jeff-merkley-to-hold-town-hall-meet-in-sutherlin-jan-2 Sen. Jeff Merkley to hold town hall meet in Sutherlin Jan. 2 2019-12-26 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Sen. Jeff Merkley to hold town hall meet in Sutherlin Jan. 2 Thursday, December 26, 2019 U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley will hold a town hall at 10 a.m. Jan. 2 in the Sutherlin High School gym, 500 E. Fourth Ave. The town hall is one of 12 across Southern and Central Oregon that Merkley will hold to kick off 2020. Merkley will update constituents on his work in Washington, D.C.., answer questions and invite suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America. "Hearing from Oregonians across the state is critical to doing my job," Merkley said in a press release. "From tackling Sudden Oak Death, to big investments in rural broadband, to making sure small ports get dredged, the ideas and priorities I hear about in town halls wind up as the solutions I fight to get into federal law. I look forward to these discussions about how we can strengthen our state and our nation." Since joining the Senate in 2009, Mekrley has held a town hall in each of Oregon's 36th counties every year. The Sutherlin town hall will be his 397th. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/bonamici-johnson-honored-friends-nurseries Bonamici, Johnson honored as 'Friends of Nurseries' 2019-12-25 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy The Oregon Association of Nurseries announced Wednesday, Nov. 19, that Sen. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici are among the nine legislators recognized by the trade group as "Friends of Nurseries." The Friends of Nurseries award serves to acknowledge state and federal officials who listen to concerns and help protect the interests of Oregon's nursery and greenhouse industry, which is the state's top agricultural sector with nearly $1 billion in annual sales, according to the Wednesday press release from OAN. Bonamici "has been a consistent voice in support of industry priorities," the release indicated, adding that she has "been willing to cross party lines to support nursery priorities." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-defazio-fights-for-increase-in-critical-funding-for-oregon-s-small-0 Rep. DeFazio Fights for Increase in Critical Funding for Oregons Small Ports 2019-12-24 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Monday, Rep. DeFazio joined members of the Oregon delegation in sending a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James encouraging the Administration to use a portion of federal funds for operations and maintenance projects at Oregon's small ports. Representative Peter DeFazio, along with Senators Wyden and Merkley and Representatives Schrader, Blumenauer and Bonamici, urged the Administration to use additional funds appropriated by Congress in the Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2020 to ensure that Oregon's small ports receive the dredging funds they need. Despite a continuing need for maintenance work, such as dredging, no funding was included in the President's FY 2020 Budget for the Ports of Umpqua, Bandon, Garibaldi, Port Orford, or Depoe Bay. Our harbors along the Oregon coast can be particularly challenging due to unpredictable weather, the increasing intensity of storms, and especially dangerous wave conditions at our entrance channels. Maintenance dredging and jetty repairs are needed to ensure our ports can serve their most critical purposes as economic engines for coastal communities and harbors of refuge for mariners of both commercial and recreational vesselsWe urge you to include critical Federal investments in the FY2020 workplan to address deteriorating jetties and breakwaters associated with Federal ports and harbors that will help to reduce the long-term maintenance needs of these ports and harbors, and ensure the continued availability of coastal ports both for the businesses and economies that rely on these facilities, as well as the safety of mariners that utilize our Oregon coastline, the members write. Click here for a PDF version of the letter. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-murray-wyden-walden-announce-spending-bill-to-advance-rural-business-development-funding-for-the-columbia-river-gorge-2019 Merkley, Murray, Wyden, Walden Announce Spending Bill to Advance Rural Business Development Funding for the Columbia River Gorge 2019-12-23 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Murray, Wyden, Walden Announce Spending Bill to Advance Rural Business Development Funding for the Columbia River Gorge Monday, December 23, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Representative Greg Walden (R-OR-5), today announced that the 2020 spending bill passed by Congress will include $2 million in new funding for rural business development grants, with priority given to National Scenic Areas that have been devastated by wildfires, such as the Columbia River Gorge. This funding is intended to be used by entities such as the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District to create revolving loan funds to help support local Gorge businesses as they recover and grow following the Eagle Creek Fire. I've been fighting for a long time to help the Gorge get the economic development assistance that was supposed to come with the scenic area, and it's more important than ever after the Eagle Creek Fire, said Merkley, who serves on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, which directs federal spending. Wildfire can be devastating for any small business, but it's particularly devastating in areas like the Gorge, where the economy is interconnected with outdoor recreation. This assistance will make sure the small businesses that are the heart and soul of our local Gorge economies can come back stronger than ever. These resources are a must for the full recovery of the Gorge's businesses from the devastation of the Eagle Creek wildfire, Wyden said. Many of these job-creating businesses play key roles in the Gorge's world-renowned recreation economy and I am gratified that our work to help them continue to grow has succeeded. The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area is one of our most treasured natural areas in the Pacific Northwest, and I'm glad to see Congress allocate these funds to support economic development in the region and aid its continued recovery following the tragic Eagle Creek Fire, Murray said. I'm thankful to my co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-defazio-statement-on-dennis-muilenburg-s-departure-as-boeing-ceo Chair DeFazio Statement on Dennis Muilenburgs Departure as Boeing CEO 2019-12-23 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Today, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio released the following statement after Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg resigned his position following two deadly crashes involving the Boeing 737 MAX: Based on what we've discovered so far in our investigation into the design, development and certification of the Boeing 737 MAX, it's clear Dennis Muilenburg's ouster was long overdue. Under his watch, a long-admired company made a number of devastating decisions that suggest profit took priority over safety. Furthermore, reports that Muilenburg attempted to pressure FAA into rushing the MAX back into service are highly troubling and I commend Administrator Dickson for making it known that FAA will take as much time as it needs to ensure safety comes first. This commitment to safety is something I take very seriously. Following the ValuJet crash in 1996, I led the charge in Congress to make sure FAA's sole objective was protecting the safety of the flying public, and not promoting Boeing or any other member of the industry it regulates. I hope the decision to remove Muilenburg means that Boeing is also ready to mark a new chapter in its commitment to safety and accountability. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-defazio-to-gsa-administrator-either-comply-with-the-subpoena-for Chair DeFazio to GSA Administrator: Either Comply with the Subpoena for Trump Hotel Documents, or Explain Your Refusal at Public Hearing 2019-12-23 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Today, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) issued an ultimatum to the Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA): either provide requested documents so the Committee can conduct its Constitutionally-mandated oversight duties, or appear before the Committee to explain at a public hearing why GSA refuses to comply. As Chair DeFazio has stated repeatedly, the American people have a right to know whether President Trump, who is serving as both landlord and tenant of the Old Post Office Building, is violating the Emoluments Clauses of the U.S. Constitution. As Chair of the Committee, DeFazio issued a subpoena for financial records and legal memos relating to the Old Post Office Building lease to the Trump International Hotel on October 24, 2019. Under the advice of the Office of General Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Committee attempted to reach a reasonable accommodation with GSA to receive the documents, but GSA has continued to stonewall access to the majority of relevant documents. In their letter to GSA Administrator Emily Murphy, Chair DeFazio wrote: Through these actions, your agency has engaged in a pattern of obstruction and obstinance that is unacceptable and damaging to GSA's ability to manage taxpayer funds in a transparent manner. We strongly encourage you to comply with this subpoena and stop placing President Trump above the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the United States. If not, we look forward to directly asking you about your refusal to comply with this subpoena at a hearing early next year so that you can explain to us and the American public why you have placed the President of the United States above the law. A comprehensive timeline of the Committee's investigation into this lease can be found here. A full copy of the letter can be found below. December 23, 2019 Ms. Emily W. Murphy Administrator U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) 1800 F Street NW Washington, DC 20405 Dear Administ… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-blumenthal-warren-and-eshoo-question-sale-of-org-domains-to-private-equity-firm Wyden, Blumenthal, Warren and Eshoo Question Sale of .ORG Domains to Private Equity Firm 2019-12-23 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 23, 2019 Wyden, Blumenthal, Warren and Eshoo Question Sale of .ORG Domains to Private Equity Firm Senators Ask How Non-Profits, Free Speech and Internet Users Will Be Impacted By Sale Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., with Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., questioned whether nonprofit groups, free speech and internet users would be harmed selling control of .ORG domains to a private equity firm, in a letter sent today. Currently, the Internet Society, a non-profit group, controls how website names ending in .ORG are allocated. In November, the Society announced that it would sell control of the .ORG registry and its parent organization, Public Interest Registry, to the private equity firm Ethos Capital for more than $1 billion. The registry that controls .ORG must provide reliable and affordable domain services to nonprofits. It must protect the free-speech rights of all users, even for those with unpopular viewpoints that governments or corporations may not like. At the same time, it must protect internet users from phishing, malware and denial-of-service attacks, the members wrote to the leaders of Ethos, the Internet Society and the Public Interest Registry. The nonprofit community is understandably concerned about whether Ethos Capital, a private equity firm that has existed for less than six months, will act as a responsible steward over this core component of internet infrastructure, they continued. Read the full letter here. The members requested answers to the following questions by January 6, 2020: 1. Will you disclose the content of your registry transfer request to ICANN and any filings with Pennsylvania courts or other government authorities? Will PIR make its articles of incorporation and bylaws public? 2. On December 9, ICANN requested additional information from PIR. Will you commit to publishing your answ… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/new-york-times-editorial-make-laws-not-money New York Times Editorial: Make Laws, Not Money 2019-12-22 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy New York Times Editorial: Make Laws, Not Money Members of Congress should not be allowed to buy and sell stocks, or to serve on corporate boards. Sunday, December 22, 2019 By: The Editorial Board The case of Chris Collins, the New York Republican whoresigned from Congress and pleaded guilty to insider tradingearlier this fall, was a rare victory in the long-running battle to ensure that members of Congress do not take improper advantage of their privileged positions. It also underscored the need for stronger rules. Mr. Collins is going to jail because he called his son seven times from the White House lawn to share the private news that a small drug company's flagship product had failed a key clinical trial. Those phone calls prompted the son to dump his shares. But in the years before that flagrant act of insider trading, Mr. Collins already was deeply involved in the affairs of the company, Innate Immunotherapeutics, even as he served on various congressional committees that played a role in directing federal health care policy. Mr. Collins was the company's largest shareholder. He served on the company's board. He solicited investments in the company, including from other members of Congress. (Tom Price, who served as a Republican representative from Georgia and then as secretary of health and human services in the Trump administration,was among the buyers.) Mr. Collins wrote legislative language to expedite drug trials, potentially benefiting Innate, and he pressed a staff member at the National Institutes of Healthto meet with the companyabout its clinical trial. He also invested in other health care firms, some of which held federal contracts. None of this was clearly illegal. But it should have been. Members of Congress serve in positions of privilege and power. They have the opportunity to shape public policy for their own benefit, and to profit from information not available to the general public and it is clearly too much to expect that all … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/sen-merkley-announces-series-of-2020-town-halls Sen. Merkley announces series of 2020 town halls 2019-12-22 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Sen. Merkley announces series of 2020 town halls Sunday, December 22, 2019 Oregon's U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley will kick off 2020 with 12 town halls across Southern and Central Oregon, according to a news release. The town halls will be Jan. 2 through 5, in Klamath, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant and Gilliam counties. He will update constituents on his work in Washington, D.C., and answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America. Hearing from Oregonians across the state is critical to doing my job, Merkley said. From tackling Sudden Oak Death, to big investments in rural broadband, to making sure small ports get dredged, the ideas and priorities I hear about in town halls wind up as the solutions I fight to get into federal law. I look forward to these discussions about how we can strengthen our state and our nation. The Klamath County Town Hall will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, in the Mazama-Scott room in the Oregon Tech college union, 3201 Campus Drive. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-to-start-the-new-year-with-12-town-halls-2019 Merkley to Start the New Year with 12 Town Halls 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley to Start the New Year with 12 Town Halls Town Halls will be January 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant and Gilliam counties Friday, December 20, 2019 The public forums will be held in the towns of Sutherlin, Coquille, Port Orford, Grants Pass, Ashland, Klamath Falls, Redmond, Madras, Prineville, Mitchell, Mt. Vernon, and Condon Portland, OR Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will kick off 2020 with 12 town halls across Southern and Central Oregon. The town halls will be January 2 through 5, in Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, and Gilliam counties. He will update constituents on his work in Washington, D.C., and answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America. Hearing from Oregonians across the state is critical to doing my job, Merkley said. From tackling Sudden Oak Death, to big investments in rural broadband, to making sure small ports get dredged, the ideas and priorities I hear about in town halls wind up as the solutions I fight to get into federal law. I look forward to these discussions about how we can strengthen our state and our nation. Since joining the Senate in 2009, Merkley has held a town hall in each of Oregon's 36 counties every year. These town halls will be his 397th, 398th, 399th, 400th, 401st, 402nd, 403rd, 404th, 405th, 406th, 407th, and 408th as a U.S. Senator. Details are below. Media RSVP: Please RSVP to State Communications Director Sara Hottman by email at sara_hottman@merkley.senate.gov or by phone at 503-326-3386 if you are going to cover the event, and she will share opportunities to interview Sen. Merkley. Please find town hall details below: JANUARY 2, 2020 What: Douglas County Town Hall When: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 10 a.m. Where: Sutherlin High School, gym 500 E. Fourth Ave. Sutherlin, OR, 97479 # What: Coos County To… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-increased-water-infrastructure-tribal-forest-funding-in-2020-spending-bill-2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce Increased Water Infrastructure, Tribal, Forest Funding in 2020 Spending Bill 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden Announce Increased Water Infrastructure, Tribal, Forest Funding in 2020 Spending Bill The bill has passed both houses of Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law Friday, December 20, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the 2020 spending bill includes U.S. Department of Interior Appropriations funding that provides critical investments in earthquake preparedness, water infrastructure, and wildfire suppression and recovery activities that are of particular importance to communities across Oregon. This bill invests in both recovery and prevention efforts to save our forests, our communities, and our farms, ranches and other businesses from devastating losses, said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. It also secures critical resources for water infrastructure that will create jobs while improving sanitation and drinking water across Oregon. I will continue to use my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fight for the emergency and long-term resources communities across Oregon rely on. These key resources will help Oregon communities to prepare for natural disasters, protect safe drinking water and prevent wildfires that threaten lives and businesses throughout our state, Wyden said. All of these investments add up to safer communities and better quality of life for Oregonians. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making. Key elements of the appropriations bill that will impact Oregon include: Forest Health Restoration and Collaboration: The bill includes funding increases for several programs that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires on public and private lands. The U.S. F… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-investments-in-small-ports-irrigation-districts-renewable-energy-included-in-2020-spending-bill-2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce Investments in Small Ports, Irrigation Districts, Renewable Energy Included in 2020 Spending Bill 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden Announce Investments in Small Ports, Irrigation Districts, Renewable Energy Included in 2020 Spending Bill The bill has passed Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law Friday, December 20, 2019 Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that provisions that will help create jobs and improve infrastructure in Oregon communities are included in the 2020 spending bill that has passed both chambers of Congress, and is headed to the president's desk to become law. One of the most gratifying parts of serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee is that I get to work with communities across the state to fund their needs, and then see the funding in action, benefitting Oregon's small ports, irrigation districts, and more, said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill includes bipartisan efforts to strengthen our country in the future, such as the investment in wind energy, and supports programs that will help Oregonians in the near future, such as funding to dredge our small ports. I will continue to use my seat on this committee to push for investments that are important to Oregonians. Generating jobs throughout Oregon is a common theme in these federal resources, whether it's supporting the big role played by our state's small ports or investing in green energy opportunities, Wyden said. At my annual town halls and community meetings in each of our state's 36 counties, I hear a consistent message of working to support job creation -- which is just what this legislation accomplishes for Oregonians. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making. Key elements of the legislation that will impact Oregon in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-major-investments-in-coastal-communities-tribes-included-in-spending-bill-2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce Major Investments in Coastal Communities, Tribes Included in Spending Bill 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden Announce Major Investments in Coastal Communities, Tribes Included in Spending Bill The bill has passed both houses of Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law Friday, December 20, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced key provisions in the 2020 spending bill funding commerce, justice and science, that will help rural communities across Oregon. The bill has passed both houses of Congress and now goes to the president to be signed into law. I'm in every county every year, and across rural and coastal Oregon I hear about ways we can create jobs and strengthen communities, said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill reflects a lot of those insights, from strengthening the coastal infrastructure to bolstering salmon recovery efforts to more money for communities to hire police officers. I'll keep using my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to make sure our small towns and rural communities have a voice when these decisions are being made. These federal resources will support rural Oregonians' ability to provide for their families -- whether that's fishing along the coast or farming hemp throughout our state, Wyden said. And this legislation also provides key assistance to work statewide that protects women from violence and helps tribal communities. I am proud to have teamed up to secure funds for this package of important priorities. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making. Key elements of the legislation that will impact Oregon include: West Coast Groundfish Trawl Industry: The bill contains language that forgives $13 million in excess interest charged to Oregon's groundf… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amid-new-report-of-secretary-chao-using-a-taxpayer-funded-program-to Amid New Report of Secretary Chao Using a Taxpayer-Funded Program to Dole Out Favors, Chair DeFazio Formally Requests DOT Inspector General Broaden Ongoing Inquiry 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Two months after requesting that the U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General investigate reports that U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and her staff gave preferential treatment for discretionary grants, today Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) formally asked the Inspector General to broaden the inquiry. In accordance with Chair DeFazio's original request, the DOT IG is currently investigating whether Secretary Chao gave preferential treatment to organizations and projects in Kentucky, where her husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is running for re-election. The discretionary grant program, known as INFRA, is funded by taxpayers and approved by Congress. In his letter to DOT's Inspector General Calvin L. Scovel, Chair DeFazio wrote: new information has emerged that points to a troubling pattern of potential favoritism by the Secretary and her inner circle of staff at the Department of Transportation (DOT) and has heightened my concern about these issues. The DOT should be working for all Americans and all states in the United States of America and the grant making process to shore up our nation's infrastructure should not be ensnared by political criteria. I hope you will take this new information into account as part of your current review of these issues. The full letter is below. For a PDF version of the letter, click here. December 20, 2019 Calvin L. Scovel III Inspector General Office of Inspector General United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Dear Inspector General Scovel: I last wrote to you in October about my concerns regarding news reports that suggested Secretary Elaine Chao disproportionately approved discretionary grants to Kentucky, the same state her husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, represents in the U.S. Senate.[1] I appreciate the fact that your office is now engaged in a review of these and related issues. However, in the two … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-murray-wyden-walden-announce-spending-bill-to-advance-rural-business-development-funding-for-the-columbia-river-gorge Merkley, Murray, Wyden, Walden Announce Spending Bill to Advance Rural Business Development Funding for the Columbia River Gorge 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 20, 2019 Merkley, Murray, Wyden, Walden Announce Spending Bill to Advance Rural Business Development Funding for the Columbia River Gorge WASHINGTON, DC Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Representative Greg Walden (R-OR-5), today announced that the 2020 spending bill passed by Congress will include $2 million in new funding for rural business development grants, with priority given to National Scenic Areas that have been devastated by wildfires, such as the Columbia River Gorge. This funding is intended to be used by entities such as the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District to create revolving loan funds to help support local Gorge businesses as they recover and grow following the Eagle Creek Fire. I've been fighting for a long time to help the Gorge get the economic development assistance that was supposed to come with the scenic area, and it's more important than ever after the Eagle Creek Fire, said Merkley, who serves on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, which directs federal spending. Wildfire can be devastating for any small business, but it's particularly devastating in areas like the Gorge, where the economy is interconnected with outdoor recreation. This assistance will make sure the small businesses that are the heart and soul of our local Gorge economies can come back stronger than ever. These resources are a must for the full recovery of the Gorge's businesses from the devastation of the Eagle Creek wildfire, Wyden said. Many of these job-creating businesses play key roles in the Gorge's world-renowned recreation economy and I am gratified that our work to help them continue to grow has succeeded. The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area is one of our most treasured natural areas in the Pacific Northwest, and I'm glad to see Congress allocate these funds to support economic development in the region and aid its continued recovery following the tragic Eagle Creek Fire, Murray said. I'm thankful to my colleagues… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-increased-water-infrastructure-tribal-forest-funding-in-2020-spending-bill Merkley, Wyden Announce Increased Water Infrastructure, Tribal, Forest Funding in 2020 Spending Bill 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 20, 2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce Increased Water Infrastructure, Tribal, Forest Funding in 2020 Spending Bill The bill has passed both houses of Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the 2020 spending bill includes U.S. Department of Interior Appropriations funding that provides critical investments in earthquake preparedness, water infrastructure, and wildfire suppression and recovery activities that are of particular importance to communities across Oregon. This bill invests in both recovery and prevention efforts to save our forests, our communities, and our farms, ranches and other businesses from devastating losses, said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. It also secures critical resources for water infrastructure that will create jobs while improving sanitation and drinking water across Oregon. I will continue to use my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fight for the emergency and long-term resources communities across Oregon rely on. These key resources will help Oregon communities to prepare for natural disasters, protect safe drinking water and prevent wildfires that threaten lives and businesses throughout our state, Wyden said. All of these investments add up to safer communities and better quality of life for Oregonians. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making. Key elements of the appropriations bill that will impact Oregon include: Forest Health Restoration and Collaboration: The bill includes funding increases for several programs that… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-investments-in-small-ports-irrigation-districts-renewable-energy-included-in-2020-spending-bill Merkley, Wyden Announce Investments in Small Ports, Irrigation Districts, Renewable Energy Included in 2020 Spending Bill 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 20, 2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce Investments in Small Ports, Irrigation Districts, Renewable Energy Included in 2020 Spending Bill The bill has passed Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that provisions that will help create jobs and improve infrastructure in Oregon communities are included in the 2020 spending bill that has passed both chambers of Congress, and is headed to the president's desk to become law. One of the most gratifying parts of serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee is that I get to work with communities across the state to fund their needs, and then see the funding in action, benefitting Oregon's small ports, irrigation districts, and more, said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill includes bipartisan efforts to strengthen our country in the future, such as the investment in wind energy, and supports programs that will help Oregonians in the near future, such as funding to dredge our small ports. I will continue to use my seat on this committee to push for investments that are important to Oregonians. Generating jobs throughout Oregon is a common theme in these federal resources, whether it's supporting the big role played by our state's small ports or investing in green energy opportunities, Wyden said. At my annual town halls and community meetings in each of our state's 36 counties, I hear a consistent message of working to support job creation -- which is just what this legislation accomplishes for Oregonians. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our na… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-major-investments-in-coastal-communities-tribes-included-in-spending-bill Merkley, Wyden Announce Major Investments in Coastal Communities, Tribes Included in Spending Bill 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 20, 2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce Major Investments in Coastal Communities, Tribes Included in Spending Bill The bill has passed both houses of Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced key provisions in the 2020 spending bill funding commerce, justice and science, that will help rural communities across Oregon. The bill has passed both houses of Congress and now goes to the president to be signed into law. I'm in every county every year, and across rural and coastal Oregon I hear about ways we can create jobs and strengthen communities, said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill reflects a lot of those insights, from strengthening the coastal infrastructure to bolstering salmon recovery efforts to more money for communities to hire police officers. I'll keep using my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to make sure our small towns and rural communities have a voice when these decisions are being made. These federal resources will support rural Oregonians' ability to provide for their families -- whether that's fishing along the coast or farming hemp throughout our state, Wyden said. And this legislation also provides key assistance to work statewide that protects women from violence and helps tribal communities. I am proud to have teamed up to secure funds for this package of important priorities. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making. Key elements of the legislation that will impact Oregon include: West Coast Groundfish Trawl Industry: The bill contains… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392651 Rep. Schrader Votes for Bipartisan USMCA Trade Agreement 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release December 19, 2019 Contact: Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711 Rep. Schrader Votes for Bipartisan USMCA Trade Agreement WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) voted for the passage of the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement that will set new standards for future U.S. trade agreements. Congress and the Trump Administration have succeeded in negotiating and passing a new NAFTA agreement with our two most important trading partners: Canada and Mexico, said Rep. Schrader. For a trade dependent state like Oregon where much of its agriculture products, manufactured goods, and services are shipped internationally, this is great news. It is just the shot in the arm we need to keep our economy and job growth strong. There have been significant improvements for our farmers, businesses, workers and families that reflect the 21st century global economy. This United States Mexico Canada Agreement promotes more American exports to Canada and Mexico and would truly level the playing field for American workers. This holiday season will be a bit brighter for America's dairy farmers as today's vote brings us one step closer to finalizing USMCA and securing a more certain future for the dairy industry, said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federations. Oregon's dairy industry appreciates the work that Congressman Schrader has invested to ensure USMCA will provide expanded market opportunities and a more level playing field for dairy exports. Now we are counting on the Senate to act quickly and finalize USMCA in order to deliver its improvements to North American trade. The renegotiated trade agreement will secure improvements in four key areas: Enforcement: Fixing loopholes that allowed countries to avoid being held accountable and introducing new measures to make enforcement more effective Workers: Creating new mechanisms to monitor labor rule compliance in Mexico and establish penalties on imports produced at a facility where workers' right… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-defense-and-homeland-security-spending-bill-2019 Merkley Statement on Defense and Homeland Security Spending Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Statement on Defense and Homeland Security Spending Bill Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after voting against the 2020 spending bill for the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Earlier today, he voted for the 2020 spending bill that will fund domestic priorities including health care, wildfire prevention and public lands management, transportation infrastructure, housing, and more. Coming to an agreement to fund the government is always a challenging negotiation, and I appreciate the efforts of all of my Appropriations colleagues on both sides of the aisle. They worked hard to craft two bills that could attract bipartisan support, invest in important priorities, and avert a government shutdown. Earlier today, I was proud to vote for the bill that will fund important domestic priorities, including health care, transportation, housing, public lands management, and more. I fought to make sure Oregon's key prioritieslike combatting homelessness, preventing and fighting wildfires, and standing up for our coastal jobswere represented in this bill. I joined the Appropriations Committee to make sure that Oregon had a strong voice when these decisions were being made. However, I could not support the second of these two bills, which will primarily fund the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security. Unfortunately, this bill does not present the accountability our country needs to rein in wasteful defense spending and to prevent cruel detention policies. At a time when our nation should be doing far more to invest in health care, housing, education, and infrastructure, this bill instead invests the better part of a trillion dollars into an already bloated Defense Department. It advances a reckless and wasteful nuclear modernization agenda that risks sparking a new global arms race, and funds many weapons programs at a level beyond even what the President requested. Critically, this bill … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-key-priorities-for-oregon-agriculture-rural-communities-included-in-2020-spending-bill-2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce Key Priorities for Oregon Agriculture, Rural Communities Included in 2020 Spending Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden Announce Key Priorities for Oregon Agriculture, Rural Communities Included in 2020 Spending Bill The bill has passed Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law Thursday, December 19, 2019 Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced key provisions in the fiscal year 2020 spending bill that will help Oregon's agriculture industry and rural communitiesfrom investments in rural housing; to research into the impacts of wildfire smoke on crops; to hemp, which is becoming a cash crop for Oregon. The bill has passed both chambers of Congress on bipartisan votes, and now heads to the president's desk to become law. Every year I visit every county in Oregon, and people everywhere want the same thing: a chance to earn a good living, provide for their families, and build something for the future, said Merkley, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Agriculture and Rural Development Subcommittee, and co-authored the Senate agriculture appropriations bill. I bring back the good ideas and priorities I hear and make sure Oregonians' voices are heard when decisions get made in D.C. This bill includes investments that will help Oregonians in every part of the state sell more, reduce costs, develop new products, and strengthen our communities. From boosting rural broadband to supporting Oregon's ag economy and helping lower electric bills for families, our rural communities will only grow stronger with the big wins secured in this package, Wyden said. As we enter a new year, I will continue the fight for farmers, rural housing and economic development, and the environment. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making. Key ele… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-more-than-2-billion-to-address-housing-homelessness-included-in-2020-spending-bill-2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce More than $2 Billion to Address Housing, Homelessness Included in 2020 Spending Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden Announce More than $2 Billion to Address Housing, Homelessness Included in 2020 Spending Bill The bill has passed Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law Thursday, December 19, 2019 Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the fiscal year 2020 spending bill includes $2.173 billion to battle unaffordable rents and homelessness. The bill, which has passed both houses of Congress and now goes to the president's desk to be signed into law, funds several federal departments, and includes Oregon priorities for transportation, housing, and other programs that local communities rely on to fund services, build parks, and more. Infrastructure and housing are pressing issues for communities across Oregonurban and rural, said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. As our cities and towns in every corner of the state face their biggest housing affordability crises in decadeswith rents dramatically outpacing incomeswe must do everything we can to make sure families have the decent homes they deserve. This bill includes needed investments in to address the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis. No one should have to choose between paying rent or feeding their family. Yet, working families in Oregon are struggling to pay rent, and many others have been forced to leave their communities or to live on the streets, Wyden said. We must persist in the fight for affordable housing, and thankfully, this package secures much-needed support for those most vulnerable in communities across our state. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. Key housing funding that will benefit Oregon include: Community Development Block Grants: Rejecting the Trump Administration's request to eliminate the program, the bipartisan bill includes $3.4 billion for the C… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-blumenauer-statement-passage-usmca Chairman Blumenauer Statement on Passage of USMCA 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, today issued a statement following the House passage of the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) by a vote of 385-41. This was an unprecedented vote for an unprecedented trade agreement. This agreement got more Democratic votes than Republican votes, and we were able to thwart the efforts of big drug companies for the first time ever in a trade agreement. This should be a sign that the days of giving big pharma sweetheart deals are over. Protecting our workers and environment, addressing climate change, and putting people ahead of profit will be at the center of all new trade agreements as long as Democrats are in charge. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peter-defazio-statement-on-us-mexico-canada-trade-agreement Rep. Peter DeFazio Statement on US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter DeFazio today released the following statement on the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement: Twenty-five years ago, when President Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), he promised the deal would mean good-paying American jobs. Unfortunately, those claims couldn't have been further from the truth, and NAFTA has led to the loss of millions of American family-wage jobs over the past twenty-five years. I voted against NAFTA, helped to lead efforts against it in the House of Representatives, and have spent my career fighting on behalf of the American worker. As a result, I have voted against every so-called free trade deal proposed to Congress since thendeals that have prioritized profits over people and inflicted harm on workers' rights, consumer safety, and the environment. Working Americans have been waiting for more than two decades for the opportunity to fix NAFTA's failed policies. For twenty-five years, I have been fighting for a truly transformative replacement that supports American workers while safeguarding the environment and protecting consumers. Unfortunately, I do not believe that the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is that transformative deal, and, as a result, I will vote against it. I am pleased that the agreement includes a number of improvements upon NAFTA, many of which I have long fought for and helped secure, including provisions that will better enable the U.S. to regulate cross-border trucking. However, I do not believe the overall package goes far enough to raise standards and protect workers, consumers, and the environment. The USMCA will not bring back the hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs that were lost to Mexico, nor will it stop the outsourcing of jobs that continues, because of their country's deeply entrenched system of wage and rights suppression. Unless we enact a trade agreement that upends this system altogether, we will continue to hemorrhage American jobs to Mexico. I do not believe Mexico has devoted the funding or the staffing nec… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-key-priorities-for-oregon-agriculture-rural-communities-included-in-2020-spending-bill Merkley, Wyden Announce Key Priorities for Oregon Agriculture, Rural Communities Included in 2020 Spending Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 19, 2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce Key Priorities for Oregon Agriculture, Rural Communities Included in 2020 Spending Bill The bill has passed Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced key provisions in the fiscal year 2020 spending bill that will help Oregon's agriculture industry and rural communitiesfrom investments in rural housing; to research into the impacts of wildfire smoke on crops; to hemp, which is becoming a cash crop for Oregon. The bill has passed both chambers of Congress on bipartisan votes, and now heads to the president's desk to become law. Every year I visit every county in Oregon, and people everywhere want the same thing: a chance to earn a good living, provide for their families, and build something for the future, said Merkley, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Agriculture and Rural Development Subcommittee, and co-authored the Senate agriculture appropriations bill. I bring back the good ideas and priorities I hear and make sure Oregonians' voices are heard when decisions get made in D.C. This bill includes investments that will help Oregonians in every part of the state sell more, reduce costs, develop new products, and strengthen our communities. From boosting rural broadband to supporting Oregon's ag economy and helping lower electric bills for families, our rural communities will only grow stronger with the big wins secured in this package, Wyden said. As we enter a new year, I will continue the fight for farmers, rural housing and economic development, and the environment. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a stron… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-more-than-2-billion-to-address-housing-homelessness-included-in-2020-spending-bill Merkley, Wyden Announce More than $2 Billion to Address Housing, Homelessness Included in 2020 Spending Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 19, 2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce More than $2 Billion to Address Housing, Homelessness Included in 2020 Spending Bill The bill has passed Congress, and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the fiscal year 2020 spending bill includes $2.173 billion to battle unaffordable rents and homelessness. The bill, which has passed both houses of Congress and now goes to the president's desk to be signed into law, funds several federal departments, and includes Oregon priorities for transportation, housing, and other programs that local communities rely on to fund services, build parks, and more. Infrastructure and housing are pressing issues for communities across Oregonurban and rural, said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. As our cities and towns in every corner of the state face their biggest housing affordability crises in decadeswith rents dramatically outpacing incomeswe must do everything we can to make sure families have the decent homes they deserve. This bill includes needed investments in to address the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis. No one should have to choose between paying rent or feeding their family. Yet, working families in Oregon are struggling to pay rent, and many others have been forced to leave their communities or to live on the streets, Wyden said. We must persist in the fight for affordable housing, and thankfully, this package secures much-needed support for those most vulnerable in communities across our state. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. Key housing funding that will benefit Oregon include: Community Development Block Grants: Rejecting the Trump Administration's reque… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392649 Rep. Schrader Votes for Fiscal Year 2020 Spending Package 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release December 18, 2019 Contact: Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711 Rep. Schrader Votes for Fiscal Year 2020 Spending Package WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) voted in the House of Representatives for two minibus appropriations bills to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2020. These packages will avert a government shut down and ensure that federal employees are paid, and federal programs remain fully funded. While not perfect spending packages, these bills are the end result of compromise and Democrats and Republicans working together to fulfill the most important duty of Congress-keeping our government funded and running, said Rep. Schrader. These bills have some big wins for Oregonians and our service members. There is a large investment in improving housing for our military families, much needed repairs for bridges in Oregon, providing consistent and reliable funding to rural schools and increases in Head Start funding for young children. However, I am dismayed that increased funding to the Department of Homeland Security without increased oversight or accountability was included. Taxpayer dollars should be spent on better educating America's youth, improvements to infrastructure and supporting our veterans, not building Trump's senseless immigration policies. HR 1158: Defense; CJS; Financial Services; and Homeland Security: $425 million to secure America's elections $3.28 billion in grants for state and local law enforcement $22.3 billion for NASA $8.28 billion for the National Science Foundation HR 1865: Labor; HHS & Ed, Ag; Energy & Water; Interior; Leg Branch; MilCon & Vets; State & Foreign Ops; and T-HUD: $25 million for the CDC and NIH to study the gun violence epidemic for the first time in 20 years $1.5 billion for opioid research $2.79 billion in investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy Extension of the Mental Health Excellence program-Oregon is one of eight states participating in this program Record… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392650 Rep. Schrader Issues Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Rep. Schrader Issues Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump f t # e Washington, December 18, 2019 For Immediate Release December 18, 2019 Contact: Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711 Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives voted this evening to impeach President Trump: After reading the transcript of President Trump's July 25th conversation with the Ukrainian President where he asks for a political favor that would lead to foreign influence in our election and listening to career and political appointees of the President himself express concern that a President of the United States would act in such a manner, I voted in favor of impeachment. These actions are illegal and pose serious risk to our democratic form of government. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-the-impeachment-of-president-trump-2019 Merkley Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump Wednesday, December 18, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress: Our founders created the process of impeachment because they were deeply concerned about two significant dangers: first, foreign influence that might corrupt American democracy; and second, abuse of power by a president tempted to use his powers to become more like a king. For these two reasons, the founders placed in the hands of Congress the means to act as a check on a corrupt president: Impeachment in the House, followed by a trial in the Senate. Today, the House fulfilled its constitutional responsibility. The House has laid out a clear set of facts that should be alarming to anyone who cares about the integrity of our elections or the rule of law. The House presented a compelling case that the president solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election, that he conditioned official actions on this interference, and that he used the power of the office to advance his own interest instead of the public interest. By their vote today, they have concluded that this abuse of power and the president's obstruction of the investigation are significant enough to trigger a Senate trial on whether President Trump should remain in office. Now, the process moves to the Senate, and this is a moment in which every Senator must put country above party. The guiding principle must be complete impartiality in service of the Constitution we swore to uphold. Every Senator should search their own heart, and ask themselves what they would do if the president were of the opposite party. We owe the nation facts, fairness, and integritynot a cover-up. I am profoundly disturbed that the Majority Leader has already said that rather than conduct a fair trial, he is working alongside the White House to enact a party-wide cover-up. It is st… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/history-will-thank-us History will thank us 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Today is a solemn moment as the House voted to impeach a president for only the third time in our nation's history. I am absolutely convinced that voting for these articles is the right thing to do, thanks to the outstanding work of our House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, and I did so proudly. But the job is not done. There are witnesses yet to be heard from, there are cases working their way through the courts, there are more investigation underway, and Trump literally continues to incriminate himself every single day. These Articles of Impeachment do not expire next week, next month, or next Congress. It is absolutely essential that we allow the investigation to continue, and not surrender control to a sham trial in the Senate, where McConnell is working hand in glove with the Trump White House. I proudly voted to impeach Trump today. But we should retain control of the articles, allow the investigations to continue, and make sure that the Senate does their job. Courageous, Earl Blumenauer 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-backs-articles-impeachment-historic-floor-vote Bonamici Backs Articles of Impeachment in Historic Floor Vote 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [12/18/19] Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) voted in favor of two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. One article was for abuse of power and the other for obstruction of Congress. Bonamici spoke in support of impeachment on the House floor prior to the vote. Video of her remarks can be found here. Donald Trump has abused his office, obstructed justice and Congress, jeopardized national security, and betrayed the American people. The witnesses at the House Intelligence and Judiciary committee hearings, as well as the President's own words, have made these facts clear. He must be held accountable. The Founding Fathers included the impeachment process in the Constitution to uphold our values and maintain the checks and balances that are essential to democracy. They knew way back in 1787 that someone in the office of President could abuse the power of the office. And that is what Donald Trump has done abused the power of his office by inviting a foreign government to interfere in a U.S. election. He did this not to help the United States, but to benefit himself. That's wrong, and it is an impeachable offense. In our country, no one is above the law. That includes the President of the United States. As a separate and equal branch of government, Congress has been working to uncover the President's wrongdoings and at every turn the President has brazenly obstructed our inquiry, even defying subpoenas. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, and I take my obligation very seriously. I did that today by voting for the two articles of impeachment, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to hold this President accountable for his misdeeds and do what is best for Oregonians and the American people. Bonamici first came out in support of an impeachment inquiry in May. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-statement-usmca Bonamici Statement on USMCA 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/18/19]- Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici released the following statement on the negotiated US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Speaker Pelosi appointed Bonamici to the USMCA Working Group, which was responsible for negotiating with the Administration on behalf of the Democratic Caucus to win improvements in the areas of labor, environment, enforcement, and drug pricing. For the past six months, I have worked tirelessly as a member of a nine-person Working Group to negotiate a United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that is a marked improvement over both NAFTA and the original proposed agreement the Trump Administration presented to Congress. Under the direction of Speaker Pelosi, we had many in-person meetings and conversations in which we pressed the Administration to make critical improvements in the areas of labor, environment, access to medicines, and enforcement. After a protracted battle with the Administration, we secured what I am confident will be meaningful improvements in all four areas. NAFTA went into effect in 1994. In the years that followed, we saw outsourcing of jobs to Mexico that undermined the American workforce and did not raise wages or working conditions for Mexican workers. The renegotiated USMCA strengthens the labor rules so it will be easier to prove violations. It also includes robust monitoring systems and strong enforcement tools, including United States attachs on the ground in Mexico to conduct inspections and ensure compliance with the agreement. Throughout this negotiation we worked closely with the labor movement, and because of our joint efforts, the deal is strong enough to have earned the support of the AFL-CIO. The USMCA that the Trump Administration presented to Congress included harmful provisions that would have locked in high drug prices and made it more difficult for patients to access affordable generic drugs. After months of tough negotiations with the Administration, we were able to remove those sections of the agreement. The updated USMCA no longe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-defazio-urges-phmsa-to-conduct-thorough-safety-analysis-of Chair DeFazio Urges PHMSA to Conduct Thorough Safety Analysis of Transporting LNG by Rail 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Today, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) sent a letter to the top official at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) urging immediate action be taken to conduct a thorough analysis of the potential impacts of transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail tank car. The letter was sent in response to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published by PHMSA in late October. The transport of LNG, a highly explosive and flammable substance, raises similar concerns as the transport of combustible oil on trains, but with a fuel that has much more powerful and complex hazards - including pool fires, thermal radiation, mile-wide explosions, and boiling liquid expanding vapor explosions (BLEVE). PHMSA, in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration, has proposed a rule in late October to permit the transport of large quantities of LNG throughout the country by rail tank car. The comment period closes on December 23. This proposed rulemaking comes on the heels of an announcement made by PHMSA, less than two weeks ago, that the agency has granted a special permit to Energy Transport Solutions to move LNG from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, without appropriate research and analysis of the safety risks to communities and no opportunity for the public to address operating conditions. The special permit was issued with no regard for the repeated objections of Members of Congress, safety, and environmental groups. We urge you to conduct thorough analysis of risks to the public and environment, and to apply stringent protections and operational controls that provide the highest level of safety for communities if LNG is transported by rail tank car. Without such analysis and protections, any proposal to transport LNG by rail tank car should be rejected, the Members wrote. Full copy of the letter can be found here. Additional Background: June 24, 2019: The U.S. House of Representatives passed Chair DeFazio's amendment to H.R. 3055, which would proh… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peter-defazio-statement-on-fiscal-year-2020-spending-agreement Rep. Peter DeFazio Statement on Fiscal Year 2020 Spending Agreement 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Yesterday the House passed two bills that will fund the federal government through Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The first package, for which I voted in support, includes a number of provisions that will have a positive impact on Oregonians' lives. First, I am proud to have worked in conjunction with Senators Merkley and Wyden as well as Rep. Schrader to ensure that this package forgives a multi-million dollar interest burden owed by Oregon's Pacific groundfish fisheries. This burden was created solely by bureaucratic incompetence, and the inclusion of this provision is a huge win. The bill also increases funding for programs that hundreds of Oregonians depend upon, such as YouthBuild, JobCorps, and Senior Corps. I led the charge to secure an additional $13 million above FY 2019 levels for the Senior Corps program, ensuring volunteers earn an increased stipend. It also increases funding for Pell Grants, easing the way for more people to afford an education, as well as a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program through 2020. In addition, it includes strong funding for environmental protectionincluding the highest funding level for the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 15 years. The bill also makes robust investments to support our nation's veterans, including funding for suicide prevention, homeless assistance programs, rural health initiatives, opioid abuse prevention, and funding for the VA's electronic health record initiative to ensure our veterans get the care they have earned and deserve. The package also includes $25 million for gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH)the first time in more than 20 years. The second appropriations bill also includes a number of provisions that I strongly support, including a 3.1 percent pay raise for servicemembers and federal civilian employees, as well as robust funding for the STOP School Violence Act, legislation that would give students and teachers the tools they need to help prevent sc… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peter-defazio-statement-on-vote-to-impeach-president-donald-trump Rep. Peter DeFazio Statement on Vote to Impeach President Donald Trump 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter DeFazio today released the following statement ahead of the House of Representatives' vote to impeach President Donald Trump: Today is a dark day for both our country and our representative democracy. I fully support the articles of impeachment drafted by the House Judiciary Committee and will be voting in favor of them today. Impeachment is the most serious responsibility granted to Congress by our Constitution. This vote is not something I take lightly, but the case is clear-cut: President Trump has violated his oath of office and betrayed the Constitution and the American people. He has admitted to soliciting assistance from a foreign leader to interfere with our elections and to aid his political campaign. His own chief of staff has admitted that he withheld congressionally-approved taxpayer dollars to blackmail the Ukrainian president and leverage aid to his own campaign. These are impeachable offenses. Furthermore, the Judiciary Committee's extraordinary investigation uncovered evidence that the president committed numerous federal crimes, including bribery and wire fraud. Through these actions, the president has shown himself to be a threat to both our national security and the very foundation of our democracy. While I will be voting in support of the articles of impeachment today, it is important to note that Congress's oversight does not stop here. I will push for further scrutiny to continue to hold this administration accountable for its offenses, including directing the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to continue its investigations into the president's potential violations of the emoluments clauses of the Constitution and to enforce our constitutional subpoenas in the courts. For a video of Rep. DeFazio's floor speech on impeachment, click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/bill-demanding-answers-about-saudi-fugitives-slated-to-pass-in-year-end-spending-package Bill Demanding Answers About Saudi Fugitives Slated to Pass in Year-End Spending Package 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 18, 2019 Bill Demanding Answers About Saudi Fugitives Slated to Pass in Year-End Spending Package Wyden, Merkley Pushed Trump Administration to Tackle Troubling Pattern, Possibility the Saudi Government has Aided Saudi Fugitives; Package Slated to Pass on Thursday and Become Law This Week Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced Wyden's Saudi Fugitives Declassification Act, which requires the FBI to declassify any information it may possess about the Saudi government's role in helping accused criminals leave the United States, was added to the year-end spending bill that is slated to pass Thursday. It is long past time to stop treating Saudi Arabia as if it were above the law, Wyden said. My bill will finally force the federal government to cough up any information it may have about how the Saudi government may have assisted its citizens from fleeing beyond the reach of the U.S. justice system. The victims of these crimes deserve nothing less. It is outrageous that Saudi nationals have committed serious crimes in the U.S. and have been spirited away in the dark of night with assistance from the Saudi government, said Merkley. When anyone commits a crime, they must be held fully accountable. Getting this bill across the finish line is a good first step to bring to light who knew what and when. We need to demand full accountability for these crimes and make it clear to the Saudi government that the United States will not allow Saudis to bypass our laws. The provision gives the FBI 30 days to declassify any and all information it may possess about the Saudi government's possible role in helping Saudi nationals escape justice in the United States. Wyden's bill passed the Senate unanimously in October. These legislative efforts followreporting from The Oregonianuncovering a pattern of Saudi nationals evading the American justice system in Oregon, allegedly … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-demand-hud-review-facial-recognition-technology-use-in-federally-assisted-housing- Wyden, Colleagues Demand HUD Review Facial Recognition Technology Use in Federally Assisted Housing 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 18, 2019 Wyden, Colleagues Demand HUD Review Facial Recognition Technology Use in Federally Assisted Housing In bicameral letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, legislators question the use of facial recognition in federally assisted housing, highlight possible threats to residents' safety and civil liberties Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Cory Booker, D-N.J., Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Kamala D. Harris, D-Calif.,and U.S. Representatives Yvette D. Clarke, D-N.Y., Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., today asked the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to review policies regarding the use of facial recognition technologies in federally assisted housing. In a letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, the legislators pointed out the threats that facial recognition technology poses to marginalized communities, opening the door to unchecked government surveillance. [HUD] is responsible for creating and ensuring discrimination-free practices in all communities, the legislators wrote. However, as numerous civil rights experts have pointed out, when public housing and federally assisted property owners install facial recognition security camera systems, they could be used to enable invasive, unnecessary and harmful government surveillance of their residents. Those who cannot afford more do not deserve less in basic privacy and protections. They should not have to compromise their civil rights and liberties nor accept the condition of indiscriminate, sweeping government surveillance to find an affordable place to live. Experts have also noted inaccuracies in facial recognition technology that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, specifically women, transgender individuals and people of color. The legislators continued, These false and biased judgments can exacerbate the vulnerabilities that marginalized groups already… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-the-us-house-impeaching-donald-trump Wyden Statement on the U.S. House Impeaching Donald Trump 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 18, 2019 Wyden Statement on the U.S. House Impeaching Donald Trump Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The articles of impeachment now go to the U.S. Senate, which will hear arguments and vote on whether or not Trump should be removed from office. A senator has no weightier responsibility than to judge a president impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors. As a juror in impeachment proceedings, I intend to look at all of the evidence and vote for a just outcome, not a political one, Wyden said. A just outcome is only possible if the trial itself is just that means the Senate must have access to all of the facts. Our chamber must be able to call all necessary witnesses and subpoena all necessary documents to get the fullest possible picture of the events for which Donald Trump has been impeached. In my view, no member can uphold their oath of office without calling for a full airing of the facts at hand. I urge all of my colleagues to think carefully about how history would judge a sham process designed by the person standing trial. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-merkley-votes-against-ndaa-slams-last-minute-removal-of-provisions-to-protect-americans-from-dangerous-drinking-water-2019 Merkley Votes Against NDAA, Slams Last-Minute Removal of Provisions to Protect Americans from Dangerous Drinking Water 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Votes Against NDAA, Slams Last-Minute Removal of Provisions to Protect Americans from Dangerous Drinking Water Millions of Americans are potentially at risk of drinking water contaminated with PFAS, a dangerous class of chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, and more Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after voting against the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. Previous versions of the bill contained provisions to take on the issue of PFAS water contamination, which currently threatens millions of Americans' drinking water supply. Many of the bipartisan PFAS provisions contained in the Senate version of the legislation were stripped out of the final bill, despite the fact that PFAS is known to be dangerous to human health and has been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other serious health effects. While this bill contains many positive provisions, I voted against today's bill for a multitude of reasons. First, this bill does nothing to take on wasteful defense spending. We can provide the world-class equipment and support that our troops deserve, while at the same time providing the accountability and scrutiny that would enable us to invest more here at home in health care, housing, education, and infrastructure. This bill fails to do so. It also stripped out an important House provision reasserting Congress's role in declaring war, and leaves open a path to this administration pursuing a disastrous and unauthorized war with Iran. And it does nothing to constrain the U.S. development of a low-yield nuclear warhead, a costly and reckless project that could spark a new nuclear arms race. I am also deeply disturbed that the final version of this bill does little to truly address the PFAS contamination that represents an urgent public health threat across our nation. The Senate passed a version of this bill with bipartisan support for taking on PFAS contamination in our dr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-collins-buchanan-titus-announce-bipartisan-rawr-act-included-in-must-pass-legislation-2019 Merkley, Collins, Buchanan, Titus Announce Bipartisan RAWR Act Included in Must-Pass Legislation 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Collins, Buchanan, Titus Announce Bipartisan RAWR Act Included in Must-Pass Legislation Legislation would help save endangered species and cut off lucrative profit source for terrorists Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), and Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Dina Titus (D-NV) today announced that the Rescuing Animals With Rewards (RAWR) Act, legislation that would help save endangered animals by combatting wildlife trafficking and poaching, is on track to pass Congress as part of the year-end, must-pass spending bill. Specifically, theRAWR Actwould authorize the State Department to offer financial rewards for information that leads to the disruption of wildlife trafficking networks. The legislation is expected to be passed by Congress and signed by the President before the end of this week as part of a deal to avert a government shutdown. When wildlife traffickers, poachers, and profiteers kill magnificent animals like elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, they degrade critical ecosystems and rob the world of a piece of our humanity and shared history on this planet,said Merkley. It's time to use every tool at our disposal to crack down on these destructive international crime networks. I'm grateful to our bipartisan coalition for pushing this legislation forward, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law. Wildlife trafficking is a transnational crime that requires a coordinated and sustained global effort to effectively combat it, said Collins. Our bipartisan bill is one step closer to becoming law, building upon efforts to deter this illegal activity by allowing the State Department to offer rewards for information to help stop wildlife traffickers. Wildlife trafficking is a grave and persistent threat to endangered animals across the world,said Buchanan. The RAWR Act would provide another tool to crack down on the billions of dollars generated by this illegal industry. Congress is putting the world on… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-pacific-coast-members-announce-major-win-for-trawlers-in-year-end-spending-bill-2019 Merkley, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, joined by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), Greg Walden (R-OR-2), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Jared Huffman (D-CA-2), today announced a major, bipartisan victory for West Coast trawlers in the 2020 spending bill that Congress is expected to pass this week. The language proposed by Merkley and supported by the other West Coast Senators and Representatives would forgive more than $10 million in accrued loan interest that was forced onto the West Coast groundfishing fleet because of mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Today's news is a huge victory for our coastal communities in Oregon and up and down the West Coast, said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which negotiated the spending bills. It was outrageous that the federal government forced family fishermen to foot the bill because of bureaucratic incompetence. This win will lift a huge burden off our trawlers' backs, helping them keep their small businesses afloat and keep our coastal economies humming. After years of uncertainty for our fishers, I'm glad we were able to secure some much-needed relief for Washington state's groundfishing fleet. Our fisheries play a vital role in the Pacific Northwest, and this provision is an overdue correction by Congress to lift an unnecessary burden off of our trawlers who do so much to support our culture, economy and communities, said Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I'm glad this issue for West Coast fishermen will finally be resolved. Groundfish fishermen shouldn't be held responsible for interest accrued on a disaster loan before the federal government h… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-usda-loan-of-over-425-million-for-tillamook-electricity-infrastructure-upgrades-2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce USDA Loan of Over $42.5 Million for Tillamook Electricity Infrastructure Upgrades 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden Announce USDA Loan of Over $42.5 Million for Tillamook Electricity Infrastructure Upgrades Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Tillamook People's Utility has received a 30-year loan of over $42.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program for critical line expansion and improvement. This loan will help ensure that Tillamook's electricity needs are met for years to come, and help hundreds of Oregonians gain access to new lines, said Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Agriculture and Rural Development, which oversees the USDA. That's a big win for the community, and I will continue to do everything I can to identify opportunities to support the growth, jobs, and infrastructure upgrades our families need to thrive. These resources to add electric transmission lines and improve existing lines will be a big plus for quality of life and jobs in the Tillamook community, Wyden said. This investment in the Tillamook People's Utility spotlights well how the federal government can help rural Oregon build on its strengths to grow for generations to come. Tillamook People's Utility serves more than 21,000 Oregonians with 1,200 miles of line. The $42,575,000 loan will fund 10 new line miles, improve 231 miles of distribution line, and provide service to 600 new consumers. In addition, this loan will finance installation of nine new miles of transmission and a new headquarters facility to efficiently serve the community's electricity demands. ### Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-blumenauer-bonamici-defazio-schrader-file-amicus-brief-supporting-the-indian-child-welfare-act-2019 Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Bonamici, DeFazio, Schrader File Amicus Brief Supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Bonamici, DeFazio, Schrader File Amicus Brief Supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act Amicus makes the case for the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act and Congress's authority to legislate for the benefit of Indian Tribes Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader filed an amicus brief in federal court making the case for the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a proven and effective way to keep Native children connected to their communities and cultures. The bipartisan brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit as the court re-opens its August ruling that affirmed ICWA's constitutionality in Brackeen v. Bernhardt. The amicus brief urges the Fifth Circuit to uphold the court's previous decision affirming the constitutionality of IWCA. The decision the Fifth Circuit issued in August reversed an unprecedented ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which wrongly struck down ICWA as unconstitutional. The landmark Indian Child Welfare Act has signaled for more than four decades Congress' willingness to right past wrongs against indigenous peoples, especially children, Wyden said. If this law is struck down in the courts, it will turn back the clock to a terrible time when the United States government ripped Native children from their families at alarming rates. I will stand up against this unconscionable policy reversal and always fight to keep families together and respect tribal sovereignty. Every child deserves to be safe, healthy, and connected with their community, said Merkley. For over 40 years, the Indian Child Welfare Act has been integral to our mission to make that vision a reality, by keeping Native families together and respecting the sovereignty of tribes. It couldn't be more important that this law remains in full effect, and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/first-round-oregon-v-pharma-state-publishes-data-and-stories-next-trade-secrets First Round of Oregon v. Pharma. State Publishes Data and Stories. Next Up: Trade Secrets 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy Anger against the pharmaceutical industry is growing. A Gallup poll published in September put the industry at the bottom of the heap among 25 sectors rated annually on their popularity. Nearly 60 percent of respondents said they had a negative view of the industry. People liked government more, with 52 percent seeing bureaucracies in a negative light. Constituent anger has fueled action in Congress. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee approved the Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act of 2019. That bill, sponsored by Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, would cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors and penalize drug companies for raising prices faster than inflation, saving taxpayers and seniors more than $110 billion a year. Then last week, the U.S. House passed along party lines the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, co-sponsored by dozens of Democrats, including Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. That bill would give the federal government the ability to negotiate drug prices for Medicare and create an international price index. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/pacific-coast-members-announce-major-win-trawlers-year-end-spending-bill Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, joined by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), Greg Walden (R-OR-2), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Jared Huffman (D-CA-2), today announced a major, bipartisan victory for West Coast trawlers in the 2020 spending bill that Congress is expected to pass this week. The language proposed by Merkley and supported by the other West Coast Senators and Representatives would forgive more than $10 million in accrued loan interest that was forced onto the West Coast groundfishing fleet because of mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Today's news is a huge victory for our coastal communities in Oregon and up and down the West Coast, said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which negotiated the spending bills. It was outrageous that the federal government forced family fishermen to foot the bill because of bureaucratic incompetence. This win will lift a huge burden off our trawlers' backs, helping them keep their small businesses afloat and keep our coastal economies humming. After years of uncertainty for our fishers, I'm glad we were able to secure some much-needed relief for Washington state's groundfishing fleet. Our fisheries play a vital role in the Pacific Northwest, and this provision is an overdue correction by Congress to lift an unnecessary burden off of our trawlers who do so much to support our culture, economy and communities, said Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I'm glad this issue for West Coast fishermen will finally be resolved. Groundfish fishermen shouldn't be held responsible for interest accrued on a disaster loan before the federal government had a repayment plan in place. Removing the unfair interest charges will go a long way toward helping these fishermen rebuild and flo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/schrier-bonamici-introduce-bill-ensure-students-get-enough-time-eat-lunch Schrier, Bonamici Introduce Bill to Ensure Students Get Enough Time to Eat Lunch 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) was joined by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to introduce the Healthy Meal Time Act. The Healthy Meal Time Act would provide schools with best practices for scheduling lunch and recess to ensure that students have enough time to eat and reduce food waste. As a pediatrician, I know how important it is for children to eat healthy foods and get some energy out at recess, said Rep. Schrier. But the schedule most schools use puts lunch before recess. Students rush through lunch to get to recess. Some skip lunch because of long lines. Putting recess first makes time for both, and evidence shows they eat even more food and healthier options if they've had a chance to run around outside before lunch. It makes sense that children should build up an appetite first before lunch. That way they are able to focus on school and not worry about being hungry later in the day. Lunch is critical for the health and well-being of students because it gives them the nutrition they need to reach their full potential, said Rep. Bonamici, Chair of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services. I'm pleased to be working with Congresswoman Schrier on the Healthy Meal Time Act to support long-overdue research,guidance, and best practices for schools to boost learning with appropriate meal times. The Healthy Meal Time Act directs the Department of Agriculture, with input from the Department of Education, to do a study that will share successful efforts and current best practices with schools. It is unclear how many schools provide students adequate time for their meals, and no federal guidelines on this matter exist. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that students have a minimum of 20 minutes to eat lunch each day. Likewise, a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that lunch periods of at least 25 minutes were found to improve students' nutritional intake and limit food waste. A study in the Journal of Child Nut… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/wyden-merkley-blumenauer-bonamici-defazio-schrader-file-amicus-brief-supporting Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Bonamici, DeFazio, Schrader File Amicus Brief Supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader filed an amicus brief in federal court making the case for the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a proven and effective way to keep Native children connected to their communities and cultures. The bipartisan brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit as the court re-opens its August ruling that affirmed ICWA's constitutionality in Brackeen v. Bernhardt. The amicus brief urges the Fifth Circuit to uphold the court's previous decision affirming the constitutionality of IWCA. The decision the Fifth Circuit issued in August reversed an unprecedented ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which wrongly struck down ICWA as unconstitutional. The landmark Indian Child Welfare Act has signaled for more than four decades Congress' willingness to right past wrongs against indigenous peoples, especially children, Wyden said. If this law is struck down in the courts, it will turn back the clock to a terrible time when the United States government ripped Native children from their families at alarming rates. I will stand up against this unconscionable policy reversal and always fight to keep families together and respect tribal sovereignty. Every child deserves to be safe, healthy, and connected with their community, said Merkley. For over 40 years, the Indian Child Welfare Act has been integral to our mission to make that vision a reality, by keeping Native families together and respecting the sovereignty of tribes. It couldn't be more important that this law remains in full effect, and I'm committed to fighting alongside my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to make sure it is upheld by the courts. The IWCA is essential to safeguarding the connection of Native children to their heritage, said Representative Blumenauer. Reversing this policy would not only jeopardize child welfare stan… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-defazio-slams-trump-administration-over-continued-plans-to-roll Chair DeFazio Slams Trump Administration Over Continued Plans to Roll Back Protections for Nations Waters 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Today, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) sent a letter to Administrator Andrew Wheeler of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing his strong disapproval of the Trump Administration's plans to move forward with rolling back protections for our Nation's waterwaysa clear and destructive priority of this Administration. Your repeated refusal to publicly quantify the scope of waters that would lose existing Clean Water protection under the Trump Dirty Water Rule is unreasonable, as the American public and affected stakeholders are deprived of any information on how their lives and livelihoods will be affected by this action which is contrary to the Administrative Procedures Act prohibition on arbitrary and capricious' agency actions. Again, I urge you to withdraw the Dirty Water Rule and recommit to your agency's mission under the Clean Water Act to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters. That is what the American people demand of us, and what is right and just for generations of American families yet to come, DeFazio wrote. DeFazio also pressed the EPA on their blatant refusal to respond to Committee requests for comment. EPA's Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water, David Ross, came before the Committee on September 19th and has yet to respond in any substantive way on the impacts of this Dirty Water Rule. A full copy of the letter can be found here. On September 12, 2019, Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Grace Napolitano (D-CA) released a Committee report that puts a spotlight on the worst actions the Trump administration has implemented or is trying to implement. Read the report here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/defazio-wyden-merkley-blumenauer-bonamici-schrader-file-amicus-brief DeFazio, Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Bonamici, Schrader File Amicus Brief Supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader filed an amicus brief in federal court making the case for the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a proven and effective way to keep Native children connected to their communities and cultures. The bipartisan brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit as the court re-opens its August ruling that affirmed ICWA's constitutionality in Brackeen v. Bernhardt. The amicus brief urges the Fifth Circuit to uphold the court's previous decision affirming the constitutionality of IWCA. The decision the Fifth Circuit issued in August reversed an unprecedented ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which wrongly struck down ICWA as unconstitutional. The landmark Indian Child Welfare Act has signaled for more than four decades Congress' willingness to right past wrongs against indigenous peoples, especially children, Wyden said. If this law is struck down in the courts, it will turn back the clock to a terrible time when the United States government ripped Native children from their families at alarming rates. I will stand up against this unconscionable policy reversal and always fight to keep families together and respect tribal sovereignty. Every child deserves to be safe, healthy, and connected with their community, said Merkley. For over 40 years, the Indian Child Welfare Act has been integral to our mission to make that vision a reality, by keeping Native families together and respecting the sovereignty of tribes. It couldn't be more important that this law remains in full effect, and I'm committed to fighting alongside my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to make sure it is upheld by the courts. The IWCA is essential to safeguarding the connection of Native children to their heritage, said Representative Blumenauer. Reversing this policy would not only jeopardize child welfare standards, but it woul… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pacific-coast-members-announce-major-win-for-trawlers-in-year-end Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, joined by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), Greg Walden (R-OR-2), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Jared Huffman (D-CA-2), today announced a major, bipartisan victory for West Coast trawlers in the 2020 spending bill that Congress is expected to pass this week. The language proposed by Merkley and supported by the other West Coast Senators and Representatives would forgive more than $10 million in accrued loan interest that was forced onto the West Coast groundfishing fleet because of mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Today's news is a huge victory for our coastal communities in Oregon and up and down the West Coast, said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which negotiated the spending bills. It was outrageous that the federal government forced family fishermen to foot the bill because of bureaucratic incompetence. This win will lift a huge burden off our trawlers' backs, helping them keep their small businesses afloat and keep our coastal economies humming. After years of uncertainty for our fishers, I'm glad we were able to secure some much-needed relief for Washington state's groundfishing fleet. Our fisheries play a vital role in the Pacific Northwest, and this provision is an overdue correction by Congress to lift an unnecessary burden off of our trawlers who do so much to support our culture, economy and communities, said Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I'm glad this issue for West Coast fishermen will finally be resolved. Groundfish fishermen shouldn't be held responsible for interest accrued on a disaster loan before the federal government had a repayment plan in place. Removing the unfair interest charges will go a long way toward helping these fishermen rebuild and flourish, said Senato… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-usda-loan-of-over-425-million-for-tillamook-electricity-infrastructure-upgrades Merkley, Wyden Announce USDA Loan of Over $42.5 Million for Tillamook Electricity Infrastructure Upgrades 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2019 Merkley, Wyden Announce USDA Loan of Over $42.5 Million for Tillamook Electricity Infrastructure Upgrades WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Tillamook People's Utility has received a 30-year loan of over $42.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program for critical line expansion and improvement. This loan will help ensure that Tillamook's electricity needs are met for years to come, and help hundreds of Oregonians gain access to new lines, said Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Agriculture and Rural Development, which oversees the USDA. That's a big win for the community, and I will continue to do everything I can to identify opportunities to support the growth, jobs, and infrastructure upgrades our families need to thrive. These resources to add electric transmission lines and improve existing lines will be a big plus for quality of life and jobs in the Tillamook community, Wyden said. This investment in the Tillamook People's Utility spotlights well how the federal government can help rural Oregon build on its strengths to grow for generations to come. Tillamook People's Utility serves more than 21,000 Oregonians with 1,200 miles of line. The $42,575,000 loan will fund 10 new line miles, improve 231 miles of distribution line, and provide service to 600 new consumers. In addition, this loan will finance installation of nine new miles of transmission and a new headquarters facility to efficiently serve the community's electricity demands. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-pacific-coast-members-announce-major-win-for-trawlers-in-year-end-spending-bill Merkley, Wyden, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2019 Merkley, Wyden, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, joined by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), Greg Walden (R-OR-2), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Jared Huffman (D-CA-2), today announced a major, bipartisan victory for West Coast trawlers in the 2020 spending bill that Congress is expected to pass this week. The language proposed by Merkley and supported by the other West Coast Senators and Representatives would forgive more than $10 million in accrued loan interest that was forced onto the West Coast groundfishing fleet because of mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Today's news is a huge victory for our coastal communities in Oregon and up and down the West Coast, said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which negotiated the spending bills. It was outrageous that the federal government forced family fishermen to foot the bill because of bureaucratic incompetence. This win will lift a huge burden off our trawlers' backs, helping them keep their small businesses afloat and keep our coastal economies humming. After years of uncertainty for our fishers, I'm glad we were able to secure some much-needed relief for Washington state's groundfishing fleet. Our fisheries play a vital role in the Pacific Northwest, and this provision is an overdue correction by Congress to lift an unnecessary burden off of our trawlers who do so much to support our culture, economy and communities, said Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I'm glad this issue for West Coast fishermen will finally be resolved. Groundfish fishermen shouldn't be held responsible for interest accrued on a disaster loan before the federal government had… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-introduces-safe-sex-workers-study-act Wyden Introduces SAFE SEX Workers Study Act 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2019 Wyden Introduces SAFE SEX Workers Study Act Legislation requires the first national study on the health and safety impacts on sex workers from SESTA/FOSTA and the loss of access to certain online platforms Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today joined Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., to introduce the SAFE SEX Workers Study Act, a bill to require the first ever national study on the health and safety of sex workers, including impacts from SESTA/FOSTA legislation that dealt with sex work and websites. Wyden was one of only two members of the Senate to vote against SESTA/FOSTA. Today, December 17, is also the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Last year I warned that forcing websites to take down any mention of sex work would remove agency from sex workers and put them at great risk of violence and abuse, all while making it harder to catch sex traffickers and aid victims of human trafficking. So far, initial reports from cities across Oregon and the country show that violence against sex workers is rising dramatically and there's little evidence that this law is helping victims. The SAFE SEX Workers Act is a common-sense step to ensure the federal government will study the impacts of SESTA/FOSTA on the most vulnerable members of society, so that Congress can make informed policy decisions, rather than chasing knee-jerk responses, Wyden said. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct the first national study on the health and safety of sex workers in consultation with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and report to Congress on the study within one year of the date of enactment. The study will analyze the impacts of SESTA/FOSTA, the combined package of a … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-blumenauer-bonamici-defazio-schrader-file-amicus-brief-supporting-the-indian-child-welfare-act Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Bonamici, DeFazio, Schrader File Amicus Brief Supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2019 Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Bonamici, DeFazio, Schrader File Amicus Brief Supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act Amicus makes the case for the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act and Congress's authority to legislate for the benefit of Indian Tribes Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader filed an amicus brief in federal court making the case for the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a proven and effective way to keep Native children connected to their communities and cultures. The bipartisan brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit as the court re-opens its August ruling that affirmed ICWA's constitutionality in Brackeen v. Bernhardt. The amicus brief urges the Fifth Circuit to uphold the court's previous decision affirming the constitutionality of IWCA. The decision the Fifth Circuit issued in August reversed an unprecedented ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which wrongly struck down ICWA as unconstitutional. The landmark Indian Child Welfare Act has signaled for more than four decades Congress' willingness to right past wrongs against indigenous peoples, especially children, Wyden said. If this law is struck down in the courts, it will turn back the clock to a terrible time when the United States government ripped Native children from their families at alarming rates. I will stand up against this unconscionable policy reversal and always fight to keep families together and respect tribal sovereignty. Every child deserves to be safe, healthy, and connected with their community, said Merkley. For over 40 years, the Indian Child Welfare Act has been integral to our mission to make that vision a reality, by keeping Native families together and respecting the sovereignty… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-votes-no-on-defense-policy-bill Wyden Votes No on Defense Policy Bill 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2019 Wyden Votes No on Defense Policy Bill Wyden Votes Against Expanded Defense Spending and Endless Foreign Wars; Wyden Praises Authors for Including 15 Wyden Provisions to Help Whistleblowers, Improve Cybersecurity, Bolster Election Security and Secure Wireless Networks Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., voted against a massive defense policy bill today, in opposition to the measure's misplaced priorities, including $740 billion in military spending, the creation of Donald Trump's Space Force, and its failure to end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's brutal war in Yemen, overturn Trump's ban on transgender troops or block the trumped-up emergency at the border. While this bill contains a number of worthwhile provisions, including more than a dozen that I authored, ultimately I had to oppose this $740 billion behemoth of military spending. I cannot in good conscience vote for legislation that continues our country's legacy of runaway defense spending and endless foreign wars, Wyden said. Congress needs put the needs of the American people ahead of defense contractors and Trump's wasteful fake emergency at the border. Although Wyden voted against the overall bill, he praised the inclusion of includes 15 Wyden provisions he previously secured in the Intelligence Authorization Act, to protect whistleblowers, target Russian money laundering, shore up weakness in wireless networks and an unclassified report about who was responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The combined Fiscal Year 2018-2020 bill includes 15 Wyden provisions: Requiring reporting on the national security implications of the adoption of foreign 5G technology.The provision also requires the DNI to report on possible mitigation efforts, including U.S. efforts to promote the use of strong encryptionand open-source technology. Requiring reporting on cybersecurity and surveillance threats to Congress.The provisio… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-announces-major-broadband-investment-in-2020-funding-2019 Merkley Announces Major Broadband Investment in 2020 Funding 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Announces Major Broadband Investment in 2020 Funding Three-year infrastructure push yields over $1.5 billion for rural connectivity Monday, December 16, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today announced that for the third year in a row, his rural development subcommittee has put more than a half-billion dollars to bringing high-speed internet to rural America. The 2020 Agriculture and Rural Development spending bill includes $555 millionbringing the three-year total to nearly $1.6 billionto build broadband infrastructure across America, improving rural communities' economies, health care, and quality of life. I do a town hall in every country in Oregon every year, and I keep hearing that too many rural communities still don't have access to high-speed interneta fundamental need in today's connected world, Merkley said. Already Grant and Wheeler counties have been awarded funding to extend broadband across more than 242 square miles, and that is just the start. This additional funding will improve the economy, education, and quality of life for folks all across rural Oregon. In 2018, Merkley secured an initial $600 million investment in rural broadband in the 2018 spending bill, through his role as the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development. He won $500 million for the program in the 2019 spending bill. Through the ReConnect pilot program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes available grants, low-interest loans, and loan and grant combinations. Projects funded through the program will serve communities with fewer than 20,000 people that currently have no broadband service, or have service that is extremely slow. The House and Senate are both expected to vote on the spending package this week. From there, it goes to the president's desk to be signed into law. ### … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/pacific-northwest-delegation-announces-house-passage-of-bill-to-improve-safety-and-sanitation-at-columbia-river-tribal-fishing-sites-2019 Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites Monday, December 16, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), along with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act, sending it to the president's desk to be signed into law. The legislation would enable the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make important safety and sanitation improvements at the tribal treaty fishing access sites along the Columbia River, which are on lands held by the United States for the benefit of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes. The bill, authored by Merkley and Blumenauer, was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate on June 28, 2019. The current conditions at Columbia River fishing sites are unacceptable, unjust, and must be fixed, Senator Merkley said. I've personally seen the shocking conditions at Lone Pine. We owe better to thetribal communities in the Northwest, and the very least we can do is uphold our commitments to tribes and ensure basic sanitation and safety. I'm pleased that our colleagues in the House of Representatives have joined us in passing this bill, and I urge the president to sign it into law without delay. Congress has a responsibility to address the egregious misdeeds committed against the tribes who have lived along the Columbia River since time immemorial, said Rep. Blumenauer. We cannot pretend that this bill rectifies all of these injustices, but passing it is an important step in helping improve the lives of those who still reside there. This is just the start, and Congress must continue its work to right these wrongs." I'm excited to see this important legislation for our Columbia River tribes head to the President's desk. It is the federal gover… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-crapo-merkley-risch-announce-two-year-authorization-for-secure-rural-schools-program-in-end-of-year-funding-package_-2019 Wyden, Crapo, Merkley, Risch Announce Two-Year Authorization for Secure Rural Schools Program in End-of-Year Funding Package 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Crapo, Merkley, Risch Announce Two-Year Authorization for Secure Rural Schools Program in End-of-Year Funding Package Monday, December 16, 2019 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, today announced that a two-year authorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is included in the end-of-year funding package that will be considered by Congress this week. This significant win for rural communities in the Northwest and nationwide follows calls from the senators to reauthorize the lapsed program and provide financial certainty for counties containing federally-owned lands. Congress took one big step closer to making sure people living and working in rural communities have the resources they need for their schools, roads and other essential services, Wyden said. A two-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools program means counties can breathe a little easier now as Congress works toward a long-overdue permanent solution that gets rural counties off the roller coaster of uncertainty. Nearly two-thirds of Idaho is federally owned, which severely limits the tax base for roads, law enforcement and schools because federal lands contribute no property taxes. The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding streams for rural Idahoans, Crapo said. A two-year extension of SRS funding is one step closer to a more predictable source of funding for rural communities and school districts encompassed by federal land. Secure Rural Schools payments provide a much-needed lifeline for critical services ranging from schools to roads to public safety, said Merkley. Our rural communities shouldn't be left in the dark about whether the federal government will meet its obligation to help pay for those vital services. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining us in our mission to make these payments reliable, and am pleased that together we were able to secure this program extension. Every year, the fight for S… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/2020-democrats-tout-education-plans-pittsburgh 2020 Democrats tout education plans in Pittsburgh 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy A group of 165 Democrats, led by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), wrote a letter last week to DeVos citing concerns with ne hiring at the Office of Federal Student Aid and what they said was a failure to hire enough employees in the Office for Civil Rights. The Department's refusal to adequately staff OCR is inexcusable, especially when compared with its rapid, unrestrained hiring at FSA, they wrote. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/us-house-passes-bill-improce-safety-sanitation-columbia-river-tribal-fishing-sites U.S. House passes bill to improve safety, sanitation at Columbia River Tribal fishing sites 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act, sending it to the president's desk to be signed into law. Bonamici said she was grateful that the House passed the legislation to address historical injustices and honor the fishing treaty rights of four Columbia River Tribes. This bill will finally provide access to safe and sanitary housing and infrastructure at several fishing access sites. For too long the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Nez Perce Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation have been without the support that the federal government is legally and morally obligated to provide, Bonamic said. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-congratulates-local-student-who-won-district-s-congressional-app Bonamici Congratulates Local Student Who Won Districts Congressional App Challenge 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy BEAVERTON, OR [12/16/19] Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), a member of the House Education and Science Committees, announced that Sanjana Ilango of Westview High School won the Congressional App Challenge for Oregon's First Congressional District. Ilango's mobile phone application, Spoiler Alert!, helps consumers determine if food and medications are safe to use. The app scans the barcodes of foods and medications and connects directly to the Food and Drug Administration database to check if there is a recall on the product. It supports English, French, and Spanish languages. You can watch a video of Ilango describing her app here. The future of our economy and our country depend on having an innovative and creative workforce with the technological skills to succeed, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. This year's Congressional App Challenge brought in exciting submissions from students who will be future leaders in whatever field they choose. I applaud Sanjana for designing and building a useful app that fills a real need in the community for better and more accessible safety information. A panel of expert judges from Northwest Oregon selected the winning app. The judges evaluated the submissions for creativity, originality, user experience, and design. Bonamici recognized Ilango in an informal ceremony at her office. The winning app will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the House of Representatives website. You can download a photo of the student with Bonamici here. Bonamici is a founder and co-chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus, which advocates for the integration of the arts and design into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education to encourage creative thinking and engage more students. By supporting and recognizing young programmers, Congress is acknowledging the growing importance of technology development. Students across the country competed in the Congressional App Challenge by creating and demonstrating a software application, or a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/pacific-northwest-delegation-announces-house-passage-bill-improve-safety-and Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), along with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act, sending it to the president's desk to be signed into law. The legislation would enable the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make important safety and sanitation improvements at the tribal treaty fishing access sites along the Columbia River, which are on lands held by the United States for the benefit of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes. The bill, authored by Merkley and Blumenauer, was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate on June 28, 2019. The current conditions at Columbia River fishing sites are unacceptable, unjust, and must be fixed, Senator Merkley said. I've personally seen the shocking conditions at Lone Pine. We owe better to thetribal communities in the Northwest, and the very least we can do is uphold our commitments to tribes and ensure basic sanitation and safety. I'm pleased that our colleagues in the House of Representatives have joined us in passing this bill, and I urge the president to sign it into law without delay. Congress has a responsibility to address the egregious misdeeds committed against the tribes who have lived along the Columbia River since time immemorial, said Rep. Blumenauer. We cannot pretend that this bill rectifies all of these injustices, but passing it is an important step in helping improve the lives of those who still reside there. This is just the start, and Congress must continue its work to right these wrongs." I'm excited to see this important legislation for our Columbia River tribes head to the President's desk. It is the federal government's duty to ensure our tribal communities along the river have access to safe, sanitary housing and infrastructure at historical fishing access sitesa critical component of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/pacific-northwest-delegation-announces-house-passage-of-bill-to-improve-safety-and-sanitation-at-columbia-river-tribal-fishing-sites- Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 16, 2019 Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), along with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act, sending it to the president's desk to be signed into law. The legislation would enable the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make important safety and sanitation improvements at the tribal treaty fishing access sites along the Columbia River, which are on lands held by the United States for the benefit of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes. The bill, authored by Merkley and Blumenauer, was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate on June 28, 2019. The current conditions at Columbia River fishing sites are unacceptable, unjust, and must be fixed, Senator Merkley said. I've personally seen the shocking conditions at Lone Pine. We owe better to thetribal communities in the Northwest, and the very least we can do is uphold our commitments to tribes and ensure basic sanitation and safety. I'm pleased that our colleagues in the House of Representatives have joined us in passing this bill, and I urge the president to sign it into law without delay. Congress has a responsibility to address the egregious misdeeds committed against the tribes who have lived along the Columbia River since time immemorial, said Rep. Blumenauer. We cannot pretend that this bill rectifies all of these injustices, but passing it is an important step in helping improve the lives of those who still reside there. This is just the start, and Congress must continue its work to right these wrongs." I'm excited to see this important legislation for our Columbia River tribes head to the President's desk. It is the federal government's … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-crapo-merkley-risch-announce-two-year-authorization-for-secure-rural-schools-program-in-end-of-year-funding-package- Wyden, Crapo, Merkley, Risch Announce Two-Year Authorization for Secure Rural Schools Program in End-of-Year Funding Package 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 16, 2019 Wyden, Crapo, Merkley, Risch Announce Two-Year Authorization for Secure Rural Schools Program in End-of-Year Funding Package Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, today announced that a two-year authorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is included in the end-of-year funding package that will be considered by Congress this week. This significant win for rural communities in the Northwest and nationwide follows calls from the senators to reauthorize the lapsed program and provide financial certainty for counties containing federally-owned lands. Congress took one big step closer to making sure people living and working in rural communities have the resources they need for their schools, roads and other essential services, Wyden said. A two-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools program means counties can breathe a little easier now as Congress works toward a long-overdue permanent solution that gets rural counties off the roller coaster of uncertainty. Nearly two-thirds of Idaho is federally owned, which severely limits the tax base for roads, law enforcement and schools because federal lands contribute no property taxes. The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding streams for rural Idahoans, Crapo said. A two-year extension of SRS funding is one step closer to a more predictable source of funding for rural communities and school districts encompassed by federal land. Secure Rural Schools payments provide a much-needed lifeline for critical services ranging from schools to roads to public safety, said Merkley. Our rural communities shouldn't be left in the dark about whether the federal government will meet its obligation to help pay for those vital services. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining us in our mission to make these payments reliable, and am pleased that together we were able to secure this program extension. Every year, the fight for SRS funding seems t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-cotton-jones-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-stop-predatory-unsolicited-loans-2019 Merkley, Cotton, Jones Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Predatory Unsolicited Loans 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Cotton, Jones Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Predatory Unsolicited Loans Friday, December 13, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley joined Senators Doug Jones (D-AL) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) today to announce the introduction of the bipartisan Unsolicited Loan Act, legislation that would mirror an existing ban on mailing live' credit cards by halting the predatory practice of mailing live' checks that are actually hidden high-interest loans. The checks, which consumers are led to believe are refunds from their bank or another trusted financial institution, have put countless unsuspecting Americans on a path to financial ruin. The legislation would also ensure that consumers are not held liable for debt incurred from illegal, unsolicited live' check loans. Families across the country have fallen victim to scams where they think they're getting a lucky windfall or refund from their bank, and instead are being lured into a high-interest loan theynever asked for,said Senator Merkley. It should be illegal to trick unsuspecting customers into loans they don't want, and that's why I'm urging my colleagues to take a stand for consumer fairness and transparency by passing the Unsolicited Loan Act. We need to continue to take a stand for hard-working families and make sure we have protections in place to prevent these predatory tactics, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Many honest folks are not aware that by depositing these checks they are actually taking on a high-interest loan. Congress must act now and pass this common-sense legislation to protect consumers from this predatory scam. People should understand exactly what they're getting into when taking on debt. But many individuals don't understand that live' checks mailed directly to consumers are just high-interest loans in disguise. Congress put an end to live' credit cards decades ago, it's time to do the same with live' checks, said Senator Cotton. Nearly 50 yea… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-leads-164-members-demanding-devos-return-bargaining-table Bonamici Leads 164 Members in Demanding DeVos Return to the Bargaining Table 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [12/13/19] Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Chair of the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, led 164 of her colleagues in calling on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to revoke an imposed contract and return to the bargaining table. The Members expressed concern about DeVos' implementation of a non-bargained Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFGE Council 252, which represents the employees at the Department of Education. The members wrote that they had learned of new and disturbing hiring processes and program administration within Federal Student Aid (FSA) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), including the Department designating positions for FSA as administratively determined to avoid typical hiring structures, and failing to hire employees for open positions in OCR. The Department did not discuss or bargain for these changes and decisions with AFGE, and we are concerned that the hiring process is now insulated from appropriate accountability and transparency, the Members wrote. Additionally, this appears to signal an intention to privatize the oversight and administration of federal student loan programs, potentially costing student loan borrowers greater sums of money, threatening their credit ratings, and making the rules governing for-profit institutions and lenders less transparent. The Members called for answers about why the Department hasn't hired staff for OCR or used the funds that were allocated by Congress for that purpose. Despite high caseloads and staff attrition that has increased during this Administration, few positions have been allocated and even fewer have been filled in OCR, the Members wrote. The hiring practices in OCR and the apparent diversion of appropriated funds intended to address the case backlog raise questions about how the Department is addressing cases involving serious and often widespread violations of civil rights in incidents of sexual harassment and racial discrimination. Specifically, we are concerned th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-warren-and-paul-ask-credit-reporting-agencies-for-transparency-about-their-handling-of-fbi-requests-for-consumer-financial-data- Wyden, Warren and Paul Ask Credit Reporting Agencies for Transparency About Their Handling of FBI Requests for Consumer Financial Data 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 13, 2019 Wyden, Warren and Paul Ask Credit Reporting Agencies for Transparency About Their Handling of FBI Requests for Consumer Financial Data New documents show FBI has frequently requested sensitive information from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., yesterday sent letters to the Chief Executive Officers of the three major credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion regarding the companies' lack of transparency in their handling of consumer financial information requested through national security letters (NSLs) from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The letters follow the recent release of documents gained via a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit indicating that the three credit reporting agencies have frequently been the recipients of such requests. NSLs are akin to administrative subpoenas that require the recipient to divulge information that the FBI deems relevant to national security investigations, which in the case of the credit agencies can even include full credit reports. They do not require prior approval from a judge, and are frequently accompanied by nondisclosure orders preventing companies from notifying consumers that the company has received a letter. Under the USA FREEDOM Act, companies that receive NSLs from the FBI may publish information about the volume of NSLs they receive and release redacted versions of the letters if and when the nondisclosure orders are lifted by the FBI. However, while dozens of technology and telecommunication companies have been transparent about their receipt and handling of NSLs, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have not. "Because your company holds so much potentially sensitive data on so many Americans and collects this information without obtaining consent from these individuals, you have a responsibility to be tra… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392641 Rep. Schrader Votes to Lower Drug Prices for Oregonians 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Rep. Schrader Votes to Lower Drug Prices for Oregonians WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) voted today in the House of Representatives for HR 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This legislation will allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors. HR 3 will also establish a cap on the out-of-pocket drug costs seniors must pay each year, for the first time ever, directly keeping money in their pockets. It will also enhance transparency of the pharmaceutical prescription drug chain to expose areas for greater savings going forward. Much of the savings from negotiation have been allocated for additional benefits in Medicare. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act will finally empower Medicare to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs, said Rep. Schrader. It is high time that our struggling seniors are given the right to negotiate drug costs like is done by commercial plans, the VA, DOD and Medicaid. Price negotiation is a free market principle that our country embraces in almost every other aspect of life. I am proud to be a strong supporter of this legislation. However, I am disappointed that the savings from this plan have not been used to improve the solvency of Medicare itself which faces dire straits in just 6 years. With Medicare per capita spending expected to grow at over a 5% annual rate we should be using the savings to ensure the future solvency of the current Medicare program rather than adding more untenable mandates. Hopefully, comparable bipartisan efforts in the Senate will get us there. This is a critical first step for our seniors and Medicare's future. Rep. Schrader's bipartisan BIOSIM Act was included in the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill will offer greater incentives for the creation of biosimilar drugs which are lower cost generic versions of biologic drugs. Biologics are often used by those with rare diseases and can be extremely expensive. The Bolstering Innovative Options to Save Immediately on Medicines Act will temporarily increase the reimbursement for biosi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-introduces-legislation-to-boost-energy-efficiency-lower-energy-costs-at-wastewater-treatment-facilities-2019 Merkley Introduces Legislation to Boost Energy Efficiency, Lower Energy Costs at Wastewater Treatment Facilities 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Introduces Legislation to Boost Energy Efficiency, Lower Energy Costs at Wastewater Treatment Facilities Many facilities use outdated technology, while costing ratepayers billions of dollars Thursday, December 12, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced new legislation to provide necessary resources to wastewater treatment facilitiesfrequently the largest energy user in municipalitiesto upgrade their energy and water efficiency. The infrastructure updates would curb emissions from wasted energy and reduce facility costs. Wastewater treatment facilities run equipment around the clock so that Oregonians' rivers and streams are safe and clean, said Merkley. If we can make that equipment cleaner and more efficient we'll stop wasting energy unnecessarily and save ratepayers money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, American wastewater treatment facilities spend about $2 billion in electric costs every year. These costs often make up between 25 and 40 percent of a plant's annual operating budget, and in turn, are a significant share of each municipality's total energy costs. The Wastewater Efficiency & Treatment Act of 2019 would allow the nearly 17,000 municipal wastewater facilitiessmall and largein the U.S. to apply for grants or loan guarantees for energy and water efficiency upgrades to reduce those costs. Small communities would be eligible to apply for grants up to $25,000, which can make a considerable difference for facilities that serve fewer constituents. Larger communities would be able to apply for millions of dollars of loan guarantees administered by the Department of Energy. These loan guarantees could be valued at up to 80 percent of loans, allowing municipalities to leverage the guarantees into millions more in wastewater infrastructure improvements. The financing could be used for the installation of power generation technology, such as biogas recovery and other innovative equipment. WEF is pleased to endorse the Wastewat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-democratic-senators-request-update-on-federal-steps-towards-critical-medical-marijuana-research-2019 Merkley, Wyden, Democratic Senators Request Update on Federal Steps Towards Critical Medical Marijuana Research 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden, Democratic Senators Request Update on Federal Steps Towards Critical Medical Marijuana Research Agencies said they would begin to issue manufacturing licenses for research in 2016, delayed, and made a similar announcement again in 2019 Thursday, December 12, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined six of their Democratic colleagues today in writing to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), to request an update on the issuance of manufacturing licenses necessary for the completion of long-awaited federal research on medical marijuana. The senators seek guidance on how the DEA will make these licenses available to qualified researchers in a timely manner, given that the federal government has a unique responsibility to coordinate medical marijuana research effortsand has delayed issuing these licenses in the past. The lack of federal action has made it nearly impossible for scientists to conduct new research on marijuana, despite the growing use of medical and recreational marijuana in Oregon and across the nation. With millions of American adults having access to recreational marijuana and a growing number seeking the drug for medicinal purposes, the federal government is not providing the necessary leadership and tools in this developing field, wrote the Senators. Evidence-based public policy is crucial to ensuring our marijuana laws best serve patients and health care providers. This research is crucial to developing a thorough understanding of medical marijuana and would be invaluable to doctors, patients, and lawmakers across the nation, they continued. The lawmakers have requested responses no later than January 10, 2019, to better understand both the DEA's decision-making and its work with HHS and ONDCP to expand medical marijuana research. Senators Merkley and Wyden were joined by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-improve-water-quality-and-services-for-western-tribes-2019 Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Improve Water Quality and Services for Western Tribes 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Improve Water Quality and Services for Western Tribes Thursday, December 12, 2019 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., today introduced legislation to improve water quality and services for tribal communities in Oregon. Native American tribes in Oregon and across the West are suffering from inadequate water infrastructure, with aging drinking water treatment and distribution systems subjecting these communities to serious problems such as failed pressure relief valves, burst pipes and unsafe drinking water. Wyden and Merkley's Western Tribal Water Infrastructure Act will help move these communities out of the cycle of temporary and emergency fixes to those problems by ensuring stable and reliable federal investments in water infrastructure projects. Access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic human right, and yet, federal resources to help tribal governments in Oregon to fix damaged water systems are woefully lacking, Wyden said. The federal government must step up and do more to support these communities working to make permanent fixes and ensure water security needed for their long-term health and quality of life. As the crisis on the Warm Springs Reservation illustrated, Native American communities in Oregon are facing serious water infrastructure challenges, said Merkley. We need to invest in replacing outdated pipe systems, to help ensure that tribal nations have reliable access to safe drinking water for years to come. This legislation provides a pathway to making those infrastructure upgrades happen, and I'm urging my colleagues to join us in fighting to get it across the finish line and signed into law. This legislation would throw a lifeline to tribes like Warm Springs that are in dire need of water infrastructure improvements to serve their tribal membership, said Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Chairman Raymond Tsumpti. Climate change is threatening the water supply of many Oregon communities even on t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-welcome-step-forward-for-secure-rural-schools-program-recreation-opportunities-and-wildfire-prevention-in-oregon-2019 Wyden, Merkley Welcome Step Forward for Secure Rural Schools Program, Recreation Opportunities and Wildfire Prevention in Oregon 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley Welcome Step Forward for Secure Rural Schools Program, Recreation Opportunities and Wildfire Prevention in Oregon Thursday, December 12, 2019 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., today welcomed passage of legislation by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to ensure much-needed funding for rural counties, as well as legislation to boost recreation opportunities in Southwestern Oregon and on the Molalla River in Clackamas County and strengthen wildfire prevention work in both of those regions. Both bills are now eligible to be considered by the full Senate. The Committee passed S. 430, legislation introduced by Senators Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Wyden, James Risch, R-Idaho, and Merkley to authorize the Secure Rural School Program for two years. The program expired at the end of FY2018. The Committee also passed an amendment, negotiated by Wyden, that ensures counties receive a ten percent increase in funding, efficient and timely appointments to Secure Rural School Resource Advisory Committees, and that no program funds are used for lobbying. The Committee also passed an amendment to allow Secure Rural School funds to support rural broadband projects. Congress desperately needs to extend this lifeline for rural communities in Oregon, Wyden said. A two-year extension will provide rural counties the resources they need now to support schools and roads, and it will also lay the groundwork to create a permanent solution my bill to create an endowment fund to get these communities off the financial roller coaster once and for all. Secure Rural Schools payments provide a much-needed lifeline for critical services ranging from schools to roads to public safety, said Merkley. Our rural communities shouldn't be left in the dark about whether the federal funding they need for these vital services will be gone from one day to the next. That's why I'm pleased that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted today to pass a two y… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-backed-bill-lower-prescription-drug-prices-passes-house Bonamici-Backed Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices Passes House of Representatives 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [12/12/19] Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) applauded the House passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which she co-sponsored. Oregonians are demanding that Congress address outrageous and ever-increasing costs of life-saving prescription medications, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. With this vote today, the House is taking an important step. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act will ease the burden on seniors and working families who often face prescription prices so unaffordable that they must choose between paying for necessary medications or putting food on the table. I am supporting H.R. 3 to stand with all Oregonians who are fighting for their health in the face of unreasonable and unfair drug prices. I have heard from constituents like Rohan, a student from Beaverton who relies on expensive insulin to manage his Type 1 Diabetes. Dave in Newberg, wrote to me - distressed - about the thousands of dollars it costs to treat his wife's metastatic breast cancer. Video of Bonamici sharing her support for H.R. 3 can be found here. H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, takes important steps to reduce expenses related to prescription drugs. It allows Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices, creates an international pricing index to prevent companies from charging much more for the same drug in the U.S. than abroad, and implements a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries. Many of these benefits would be passed on to private employers and individuals. Bonamici helped craft H.R. 3 through her role on the Education and Labor Committee, which marked up the legislation earlier this year. H.R. 3 will reduce drug costs for millions of Americans, including thousands in NW Oregon. You can find a fact sheet prepared by the House Ways and Means Committee with details about how much prices are expected to decrease for Oregonianshere. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-confronts-sec-devos-about-failure-protect-defrauded-students Bonamici Confronts Sec. DeVos About Failure to Protect Defrauded Students 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [12/12/19] Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) pressed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos about her decision to continue to demand loan repayment from students who were defrauded by for-profit institutions. The Secretary's answers about the Education Department's failure to protect students from deceptive for-profit institutions were deeply unsatisfactory, as is her plan to provide only partial relief to some borrowers, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici said after the hearing. It is not justice if students who were defrauded are denied full student loan forgiveness. The actions of Secretary DeVos are contrary to the Education Department's mission, which is to help students and foster educational excellence. I will continue my oversight responsibility to hold her accountable and make sure students receive a quality education. Video of Bonaimci's questions at the hearing can be found here. Bonamici noted that hundreds of thousands of students, including thousands in Oregon, were left with burdensome loans and useless degrees after the collapse of Corinthian Colleges and other for-profit institutions that engaged in deceptive practices. The Department of Education has repeatedly delayed implementation of the Borrower Defense rule, and just recently instituted a new formula for processing Borrower Defense claims that will result in loan forgiveness for only a fraction of borrowers. It also violated a court order by illegally demanding repayment from Corinthian borrowers. The Department originally reported seeking repayment from more than 16,000 Corinthian borrowers, but we now know that this number is 45,000. I'm a former consumer protection lawyer for the Federal Trade Commission, and I know fraud when I see it, Bonamici said during the hearing. These students were misled and cheated. And the fact that some of them may be making money doesn't mean they weren't defrauded. If someone went into one of these programs hoping to become a nurse, for example, and now they're selling clothes at a depar… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-from-rep-peter-defazio-on-hr-3-the-elijah-e-cummings-lower Statement from Rep. Peter DeFazio on H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) today released the following statement on his vote in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act: Because of pharmaceutical companies' price gouging, Americans pay more out-of-pocket for prescription drugs than individuals in any other country. It's beyond time for Congress to enact important reforms to deliver immediate relief. That's why today I voted for H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. I believe this legislation takes some important first steps towards lowering the cost of prescription drugs and improving the health and financial security of American seniors and families. Among other things, H.R. 3 will cap the out-of-pocket limit for prescription drugs at $2,000, set a minimum for the number of drugs that must be negotiated per year, combat pharmaceutical price-gouging for upwards of 150 million Americans with private health care plans, and expand Medicare to cover vision, dental, and hearing for the first time. While H.R. 3 will ultimately improve the health and financial security of millions of American seniors and families, I believe Congress can and must do more to combat rising drug prices and price-gouging pharmaceutical companies. Right now, pharmaceutical companies charge outrageous prices because there is no adequate law to prevent drug companies from reaping massive profits with drugs developed on the taxpayer's dime. I've repeatedly introduced legislation that would close this ridiculous loophole and end price-gouging on prescription drugs developed by taxpayer-funded research. Americans should not pay to develop a drug only to see it put on the shelves in the U.S. at a much higher price than other nations. I will continue to push for this and other commonsense legislation to help put an end to the worst abuses of pharmaceutical companies and drive drug prices down for Americans. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-democratic-senators-request-update-on-federal-steps-towards-critical-medical-marijuana-research Merkley, Wyden, Democratic Senators Request Update on Federal Steps Towards Critical Medical Marijuana Research 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 12, 2019 Merkley, Wyden, Democratic Senators Request Update on Federal Steps Towards Critical Medical Marijuana Research Agencies said they would begin to issue manufacturing licenses for research in 2016, delayed, and made a similar announcement again in 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined six of their Democratic colleagues today in writing to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), to request an update on the issuance of manufacturing licenses necessary for the completion of long-awaited federal research on medical marijuana. The senators seek guidance on how the DEA will make these licenses available to qualified researchers in a timely manner, given that the federal government has a unique responsibility to coordinate medical marijuana research effortsand has delayed issuing these licenses in the past. The lack of federal action has made it nearly impossible for scientists to conduct new research on marijuana, despite the growing use of medical and recreational marijuana in Oregon and across the nation. With millions of American adults having access to recreational marijuana and a growing number seeking the drug for medicinal purposes, the federal government is not providing the necessary leadership and tools in this developing field, wrote the Senators. Evidence-based public policy is crucial to ensuring our marijuana laws best serve patients and health care providers. This research is crucial to developing a thorough understanding of medical marijuana and would be invaluable to doctors, patients, and lawmakers across the nation, they continued. The lawmakers have requested responses no later than January 10, 2019, to better understand both the DEA's decision-making and its work with HHS and ONDCP to expand medical marijuan… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-improve-water-quality-and-services-for-western-tribes Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Improve Water Quality and Services for Western Tribes 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 12, 2019 Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Improve Water Quality and Services for Western Tribes Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., today introduced legislation to improve water quality and services for tribal communities in Oregon. Native American tribes in Oregon and across the West are suffering from inadequate water infrastructure, with aging drinking water treatment and distribution systems subjecting these communities to serious problems such as failed pressure relief valves, burst pipes and unsafe drinking water. Wyden and Merkley's Western Tribal Water Infrastructure Act will help move these communities out of the cycle of temporary and emergency fixes to those problems by ensuring stable and reliable federal investments in water infrastructure projects. Access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic human right, and yet, federal resources to help tribal governments in Oregon to fix damaged water systems are woefully lacking, Wyden said. The federal government must step up and do more to support these communities working to make permanent fixes and ensure water security needed for their long-term health and quality of life. As the crisis on the Warm Springs Reservation illustrated, Native American communities in Oregon are facing serious water infrastructure challenges, said Merkley. We need to invest in replacing outdated pipe systems, to help ensure that tribal nations have reliable access to safe drinking water for years to come. This legislation provides a pathway to making those infrastructure upgrades happen, and I'm urging my colleagues to join us in fighting to get it across the finish line and signed into law. This legislation would throw a lifeline to tribes like Warm Springs that are in dire need of water infrastructure improvements to serve their tribal membership, said Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Chairman Raymond Tsumpti. Climate change is threatening the water supply of many Oregon communities even on the coast.S… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-welcome-step-forward-for-secure-rural-schools-program-recreation-opportunities-and-wildfire-prevention-in-oregon_ Wyden, Merkley Welcome Step Forward for Secure Rural Schools Program, Recreation Opportunities and Wildfire Prevention in Oregon 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 12, 2019 Wyden, Merkley Welcome Step Forward for Secure Rural Schools Program, Recreation Opportunities and Wildfire Prevention in Oregon Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., today welcomed passage of legislation by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to ensure much-needed funding for rural counties, as well as legislation to boost recreation opportunities in Southwestern Oregon and on the Molalla River in Clackamas County and strengthen wildfire prevention work in both of those regions. Both bills are now eligible to be considered by the full Senate. The Committee passed S. 430, legislation introduced by Senators Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Wyden, James Risch, R-Idaho, and Merkley to authorize the Secure Rural School Program for two years. The program expired at the end of FY2018. The Committee also passed an amendment, negotiated by Wyden, that ensures counties receive a ten percent increase in funding, efficient and timely appointments to Secure Rural School Resource Advisory Committees, and that no program funds are used for lobbying. The Committee also passed an amendment to allow Secure Rural School funds to support rural broadband projects. Congress desperately needs to extend this lifeline for rural communities in Oregon, Wyden said. A two-year extension will provide rural counties the resources they need now to support schools and roads, and it will also lay the groundwork to create a permanent solution my bill to create an endowment fund to get these communities off the financial roller coaster once and for all. Secure Rural Schools payments provide a much-needed lifeline for critical services ranging from schools to roads to public safety, said Merkley. Our rural communities shouldn't be left in the dark about whether the federal funding they need for these vital services will be gone from one day to the next. That's why I'm pleased that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted today to pass a two year exte… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392637 Rep. Schrader Votes in Support of National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2020 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release December 11th, 2019 Contact: Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711 Rep. Schrader Votes in Support of National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2020 Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) voted for the National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2020 Act today which included his amendment that creates retirement pay protections for service members who have suffered serious injuries after being involuntary called back to service. The overall defense package includes a pay raise for service members, provides key reforms for military housing and infrastructure improvements, phases out the Widow's Tax, finally deals with the military's sexual assault problem, and secures twelve weeks paid parental leave for civilian federal employees. While this bill still spends too much on a bloated military budget, it has some big wins for our servicemen and women, their families, and veterans back home in Oregon, said Rep. Schrader. It includes a 3.1 percent pay raise for our brave service members, improves the reporting and investigative procedures for sexual assault, domestic violence and harassment cases and authorizes key reforms and remedies for inferior base housing. It also sets parameters and boundaries for the executive branch with regard to its dealings with Russia, China, and North Korea. However, I am disappointed that language to repeal the outdated 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force was eliminated from the final version of this bill. After nearly two decades of war in the Middle East, it is high time for Congress to reassert our role in this incredibly important national conversation. I am hopeful under Chairman Smith's leadership that provisions to repeal this outdated AUMF will be included in next year's bill. After three years, Rep. Schrader's Recalled Veterans Protection Act (RVPA) amendment was included in the final version of the bill. This amendment creates retirement pay protections for service members who have suffered serious injuries after being involuntary called back to ser… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392640 Rep. Schrader Votes for Bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release December 11th, 2019 Contact: Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711 Rep. Schrader Votes for Bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) voted today in the House of Representatives for the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act. This bill will fill year-round labor needs for America's farms, streamline the H-2A program and offer earned legalization for certified agricultural workers. The bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act is the product of a tremendous collaborative effort that represents the first real breakthrough for America's farm labor crisis in over six years. American agriculture is facing a labor crisis. A stable and legal workforce is desperately needed to ensure that our nation's farmers can continue to produce the best food and fiber in the world,said Rep. Schrader. This bill reforms the H2A programby reducing costs and bureaucracy for employers, improving working conditions and safeguards for farmworkers, andadvances the legalization of our nation's farmworkers and their families.This legislation is good for workers, good for farmers, and good for Oregon. The Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, the trade association representing Oregon's dairy farmers since 1892, enthusiastically embraces the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and applauds the efforts of this Congress to address these complex issues, said the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association. This bill provides the framework for a much-needed workforce. A reliable and available workforce is imperative to every dairy regardless of number of cows in the milking herd. Every one of Oregon's 200+ multi-generational dairies works every day of the year to care for their cows and the environment. "The nursery and greenhouse industry is facing a labor crisis, and Congress has failed repeatedly to solve the immigration issue, said Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, Jeff Stone. As Oregon's largest sector of agriculture, the nursery and greenhouse industry … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-more-than-74-million-in-usda-funds-will-help-rural-oregon-save-on-energy-costs-2019 Merkley, Wyden: More Than $7.4 Million in USDA Funds Will Help Rural Oregon Save on Energy Costs 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden: More Than $7.4 Million in USDA Funds Will Help Rural Oregon Save on Energy Costs Financing program helps Oregonians shift toward renewables Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Washington, D.C. Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced 17 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awards totaling more than $7.4 million for Oregon agricultural producers and rural small businesses to invest in renewable energy infrastructure that will help lower their monthly energy costs. The awards, which are allocated through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), will provide 15 grants to install solar array systems, one grant to upgrade greenhouse vents and siding, and a loan to install a biomass boiler. Businesses across Oregon know that leaning into renewable energy sources can help them lower their energy costs and make their businesses more sustainable over the long run, said Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Unfortunately, the upfront costs of making that switch often leaves rural businesses stuck with outdated energy infrastructure and higher monthly bills. I've made funding the REAP program one of my priorities in the appropriations process to help Oregonians make those investments, and I'm pleased that 17 businesses will receive that assistance this year. These 17 rural Oregon companies are making green energy investments that will help them continue to create jobs and long-term savings for Oregonians, benefiting communities throughout the state, Wyden said. I congratulate each of them for their foresight that's earned them these federal renewable energy resources. The full list of awards for Oregonians are as follows: 7 Devils Brewing Co $11,259 Installing a Solar Array System Ashland Community Solar 1 LLC $33,287 Installing a Solar Array System Astoria Cooperative $47,824 Installing a Solar Array System Biodynamics LLC $6,75… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-blumenauer-statement-new-nafta-trade-agreement Chairman Blumenauer Statement on New NAFTA Trade Agreement 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, today issued the following statement on the preliminary NAFTA 2.0 agreement secured by House Democrats. NAFTA has failed to live up to its promises for workers, and the NAFTA 2.0 agreement submitted to Congress by Trump was a mixed bag. This new agreement was a huge victory for Democrats, who insisted that radical change over old NAFTA be made and demanded that we set a new template for all future trade agreements. In my role as Trade Subcommittee chair and member of Speaker Pelosi's working group tasked with taking on pharmaceuticals, major reforms to the biologics provisions was a top priority of mine. I am proud of the work we did to strip Trump's sweetheart deal for big pharma, which was defeated for the first time ever in a trade agreement by stripping out language that would have protected their patents. We were also able to secure a first-of-its-kind rapid-response labor enforcement mechanism, and provide new resources for enforcement of environmental protections. While this is no panacea, helping workers, the environment, and consumers have been Democratic priorities for decades. This agreement is a vast improvement over NAFTA and Trump's original agreement. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-blumenauer-statement-national-defense-authorization-act Congressman Blumenauer Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Senior Members of the Ways and Means Committee, today issued the following statement after voting against the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. This is the best NDAA bill in decades. Chairman Smith did a masterful job including many of our most valued priorities. There were many things to applaud, including paid family leave for all federal workers and my House-passed amendments to modify reporting requirements and promote climate resiliency at Department of Defense facilities. I've been committed for years to securing and protecting Special Immigrant Visas for thousands of Afghan and Iraqi allies, and it was extremely gratifying to see it included as well. However, this bill authorizes far too much money for defense spending. It irresponsibly allows for the proliferation of low-yield nuclear weaponry, does not reduce U.S. support for Saudi aggression in Yemen, and does not repeal language authorizing the 2002 AUMF. This bill also does not prohibit border wall construction, which is unacceptable. I applaud Chairman Smith for extracting as much as he possibly could out of this package, but it's not something I can in good conscience vote for. However, the direction we are heading is very encouraging, and clearly shows that Democratic leadership makes a difference. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-democrats-labor-secretary-scalia-uphold-protections-tipped-workers House Democrats to Labor Secretary Scalia: Uphold Protections for Tipped Workers 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, led by Chairman Robert C. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), House Democrats sent a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia condemning the Department's proposed changes to tip regulations that the Economic Policy Institute estimates could workers more than $700 million annually. For nearly three decades, the Department of Labor enforced guidance, commonly referred to as the 80-20 rule, that prohibits employers from paying a tipped employee the tipped subminimum wage when the employee has spent more than 20 percent of their workweek performing related, non-tipped duties at work. The Department's proposal would, in part, place no limitation on the amount of time a tipped employee can perform related, non-tipped activities and still be paid the tip subminimum wage. The Members note that even Department concedes that this proposal could cost jobs for non-tipped workers who would have their duties shifted to tipped workers, and cost tipped workers much-needed tip income. As the Department concedes, without the safeguard of the 80-20 rule, tipped employees could lose tipped income by spending more of their time performing duties where they are not earning tips, while still receiving cash wages of less than minimum wage,' the Members wrote. While we believe the most protective standard for tipped workers is ensuring they are paid the full federal minimum wage for all hours worked, until Congress passes such a law,the Department should uphold its longstanding 80-20 rule to protect tipped workers. The Members also note that, contrary to rulemaking requirements, the Department failed to include quantitative estimates of the impact of its proposed ruleechoing previous concerns about the Department's failure to publish relevant information about its proposed rules. In 2018, the Department withheld evidence showing a previously proposed tip rule would cut wages for tipped workers. Those actions are currently the subjec… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/announcing-the-winner-of-rep-defazio-s-2019-congressional-app-challenge Announcing the Winner of Rep. DeFazios 2019 Congressional App Challenge 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy In conjunction with Computer Science Education Week, U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) today announced the Oregon fourth district winner of the 2019 Congressional App ChallengeAjay Sridhar, a senior at Crescent Valley High School. Sridhar's app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. I'm impressed by Ajay's work, said DeFazio. Sparked by a real-life need, he developed an app that can help people navigate safely through any community. Ajay shows us one of the myriad of benefits computer science brings to our lives. Inspired to find a solution for his sister's fear of walking home alone late at night, Sridhar designed an App called Cautios, to help protect people from potentially dangerous encounters. Cautios uses public data from the Oregon State Police Sex Offender Registry to track the location of level three sex offenders in relation to the user's real-time position. Another feature enables the user to press a help button when in danger that sends their exact location along with a message requesting help to select pre-set contacts. To view Sridhar's video explanation of his app, click here. Started just three years ago, the Congressional App Challenge allows middle and high school students to compete against their peers by creating an application (also known as an app) for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi or other devices. The Challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science. For more information on the App Challenge, click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-defazio-statement-from-hearing-on-federal-aviation Chairman DeFazio Statement from Hearing on Federal Aviation Administrations Oversight of the Boeing 737 MAX 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Following are the opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, from Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Peter DeFazio (OR-04) during today's hearing titled: The Boeing 737 MAX: Examining the Federal Aviation Administration's Oversight of the Aircraft's Certification. FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson will testify at this hearing, as well as a panel of whistleblowers and aviation safety experts who will be voicing their concerns about production pressures at Boeing and whether FAA ceded to Boeing's pressures. This is the fifth hearing as part of a Committee investigation into two accidents involving the Boeing 737 MAX airplane that killed 346 people. The accidents led to the worldwide grounding of the aircraft. The Committee launched an investigation to ensure accountability, transparency in the certification process, and most importantly the safety of the traveling public. More information on the Committee's Boeing 737 Max Investigation can be found here. A live-stream of the hearing can be viewed here. A video of Chairman DeFazio's remarks as delivered can be found here. * * * * * Chair DeFazio: Thank you to our witnesses for being here today. This is the Committee's fifth hearing on the design, development and certification of the Boeing 737 MAX in response to two catastrophic crashes that claimed 346 lives in the span of five months. Once again, I'd like to recognize the family members of those killed in these preventable crashes, some of whom are here today. Our thoughts are with you all. We are here to ensure that the lives of your family members were not lost in vain. You can be sure this Committee will continue to be aggressive in our oversight efforts to determine what went so horribly wrong and why, and we will not rest until we have enacted legislation to prevent future unairworthy airplanes from slipping through the regulatory cracks and into airline service. In November 2018, a few days after a powerful system running in the background of the 737 MAX called MCAS pushed… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-from-rep-peter-defazio-on-2019-national-defense-authorization Statement from Rep. Peter DeFazio on 2020 National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) today released the following statement on his vote against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019: Today I voted against the Conference Report to Accompany S.1790, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. While this legislation includes a number of provisions that I strongly supportincluding the largest pay raise for servicemen and women since 2010, the establishment of twelve weeks paid parental leave for federal employees, and the termination of the unfair so-called Widow's Tax, which cuts spouse survivor benefitsthe bill is still a continuation of the status quo and falls far short of the more progressive bill the House passed earlier this year. The House-passed version of the NDAA included provisions that would have curtailed President Trump's war-making powers and prevented him from using unauthorized force in Iran, prohibited U.S. support for and participation in the Saudi-led coalition's military operations in Yemen, and repealed the 9/11-era authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) in Iraq. Furthermore, the previous version of the bill included an amendment that would have required the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS) as a hazardous substance and would restrict discharges into drinking water. Beyond the loss of these important provisions, this final package includes yet another massive spending increase to an already bloated Pentagon budget. I have long supported a financial audit of the Pentagon, and for the second year in a row, the Pentagon has spectacularly failed its comprehensive audit. It is ridiculous to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) another massive spending increase when they cannot even account for how it spends taxpayer money. I believe this legislation could have made responsible cuts to our defense budget without jeopardizing the safety of our troops or undermining our national security. For years, Congress has continued to increase the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-more-than-74-million-in-usda-funds-will-help-rural-oregon-save-on-energy-costs Merkley, Wyden: More Than $7.4 Million in USDA Funds Will Help Rural Oregon Save on Energy Costs 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2019 Merkley, Wyden: More Than $7.4 Million in USDA Funds Will Help Rural Oregon Save on Energy Costs Financing program helps Oregonians shift toward renewables Washington, D.C. Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced 17 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awards totaling more than $7.4 million for Oregon agricultural producers and rural small businesses to invest in renewable energy infrastructure that will help lower their monthly energy costs. The awards, which are allocated through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), will provide 15 grants to install solar array systems, one grant to upgrade greenhouse vents and siding, and a loan to install a biomass boiler. Businesses across Oregon know that leaning into renewable energy sources can help them lower their energy costs and make their businesses more sustainable over the long run, said Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Unfortunately, the upfront costs of making that switch often leaves rural businesses stuck with outdated energy infrastructure and higher monthly bills. I've made funding the REAP program one of my priorities in the appropriations process to help Oregonians make those investments, and I'm pleased that 17 businesses will receive that assistance this year. These 17 rural Oregon companies are making green energy investments that will help them continue to create jobs and long-term savings for Oregonians, benefiting communities throughout the state, Wyden said. I congratulate each of them for their foresight that's earned them these federal renewable energy resources. The full list of awards for Oregonians are as follows: 7 Devils Brewing Co $11,259 Installing a Solar Array System Ashland Community Solar 1 LLC $33,287 Installing a Solar Array System Astoria Cooperative$47,824 Installing a Solar Array System… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-grassley-introduce-bill-to-help-youth-aging-out-of-foster-care-system Wyden, Grassley Introduce Bill to Help Youth Aging Out of Foster Care System 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2019 Wyden, Grassley Introduce Bill to Help Youth Aging Out of Foster Care System Washington Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today introduced the Increasing Opportunities for Former Foster Youth Act, bipartisan legislation to improve services for older youth aging out of the foster care system. The Increasing Opportunities for Former Foster Youth Act builds on the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, created by Sen. John Chafee (R-R.I.) in 1999 to better support youth who age out of the foster care system at the age of 18. The program provides financial support for youth who are transitioning to adulthood with the goal of helping them become successful adults. Wyden and Grassley helped expand the program in 2008 through the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, and again in 2018 through the Family First Prevention Services Act, which allows states to provide foster care services to youth through the age of 23. There's no magic age at which young people suddenly turn into adults, fully capable of taking care of their needs without support. The Chafee program was created to address that reality for youth in foster care who often age out' of the system and are left to navigate the transition to adulthood on their own. Wyden said. This bill will help build and expand programs that successfully support young people aging out of foster care, giving them solid footing for a successful future. The 20,000 kids who age out of foster care each year need support to get an education, find a job, secure housing and do everything else it takes to succeed as an adult, Grassley said. There are innovative programs across the country seeking to help these youth. It's important to evaluate those programs to ensure that they are effective in improving outcomes. This bill would create a pipeline of programs with proven results to ensure that the needs of older youth in foster care are being met. The legislation i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392635 Rep. Schrader Issues Statement on the Introduction of Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release December 10, 2019 Contact: Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711 Statement on the Introduction of Articles of Impeachment WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) issued the following statement after the introduction of the Articles of Impeachment: After solemn deliberation, reading the documents relevant to the impeachment inquiry and closely following the hearings, I will be supporting the two articles of impeachment for the President of the United States. President Trump's conduct in his interactions with the President of Ukraine were illegal and he obstructed justice by refusing to cooperate with Congressional investigations. President Trump released a transcript of his call on July 25th, 2019 with the newly elected Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky. The call transcript revealed Trump asking President Zelensky for a favor that would directly benefit him in an American political election. That is illegal. The details of the call and his actions for his own political benefit were corroborated by numerous Administration officials, both career and recent political appointees. In the process of asking for this favor, the President also directly engaged in political election discussion while conducting official business, which is also illegal. All elected officials, including the President and myself, must abide by election laws and keep our political election discussions separate from our official role as public servants. No President, Republican, or Democrat has so completely defied lawfully issued subpoenas by Congress in its constitutional duty as President Trump. Our Founders put Congress, not the President, in charge of this country. I feel these actions put our country, the United States of America, at great risk and therefore warrant the President's impeachment at this time. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392636 Rep. Schrader Issues Statement on USMCA Trade Deal Announcement 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy For Immediate Release December 10, 2019 Contact: Larkin Parker, 202-225-5711 Statement on USMCA Trade Deal Announcement WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) issued the following statement after the announcement that the United States, Mexico and Canada have reached an agreement on the text of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): It appears that Congress and the Trump Administration have succeeded in negotiating a new NAFTA agreement with our two most important trading partners: Canada and Mexico. For a trade dependent state like Oregon where much of its agricultural products, manufactured goods, and services are shipped internationally, this is great news. It is the shot in the arm we need to keep our economy and job growth strong. There have been significant improvements for our farmers, businesses, workers and families that reflect the 21st century global economy. The world has changed since NAFTA was negotiated over 20 years ago. We now have transnational data issues and intellectual property issues. Our service economy plays a bigger role. Canada and Mexico have more vibrant and developed economies now. And the world has gotten more competitive. This United States Mexico Canada Agreement promotes more American exports to Canada and Mexico and would truly level the playing field for American workers. I am hopeful that it will be the gold standard for future trade agreements. According to the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative, in 2018, Oregon exported $22.3 billion in goods around the world, $3.7 billion to Canada and Mexico alone. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-applauds-house-hearing-on-his-choose-medicare-act-2019 Merkley Applauds House Hearing on His Choose Medicare Act 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Applauds House Hearing on His Choose Medicare Act Tuesday, December 10, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing today to consider the Choose Medicare Act, which Merkley co-authored along with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT): Every year, I hold an open town hall in each of Oregon's counties. And every year, in red and blue counties alike, I hear from Oregonians who are fed up with the cost and complexity of our current health care system. They want a simple, seamless health care system they can rely on when they or a loved one is sick or injured. Fortunately, we already have such a system, and it's extremely popular. It's called Medicare. The Choose Medicare Act would create a Medicare option for all, giving every American the chance to get high-quality, affordable health care through a plan they already know and trust. The Choose Medicare Act creates the pathway we need to get to Medicare for All, so that no American ever needs to worry about going bankrupt just because they had the misfortune to become sick or injured. I thank the House for holding this hearing today, and I hope they will continue to move this important legislation forward in the weeks and months to come. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment-2019 Merkley Statement on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Statement on Articles of Impeachment Tuesday, December 10, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives announced articles of impeachment against President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress: Today is a sad and solemn day for America, but a necessary one. The House has laid out a clear set of facts that should concern every American. The President solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election, and conditioned official actions upon receiving this assistance for his campaign. He was entrusted with the powers of the presidency to serve the public interest, but instead he's used them to advance his own interest. This situation is exactly the fear that prompted the founders to provide for impeachment.This process is part of the checks and balances intended to preserve the integrity of our democracy, our national security, and the foundational idea that nobody is above the law.The House has a duty to consider articles of impeachment with impartiality, dignity, and respect for our constitutional values and the future health of our Republic. This is a time that calls upon every Member of Congress to put country above party. Each member of Congress should search their heart, and ask how they would vote if the President was of the opposite party. That is the integrity that this moment demands. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-join-colleagues-to-demand-aung-san-suu-kyi-cooperate-with-international-court-of-justice-2019 Merkley, Wyden Join Colleagues to Demand Aung San Suu Kyi Cooperate with International Court of Justice 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden Join Colleagues to Demand Aung San Suu Kyi Cooperate with International Court of Justice Evidence of crimes committed by the Burmese military is overwhelming' Tuesday, December 10, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined a bipartisan group of senators today in writing to Burmese State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi to express their concern that she will publicly excuse the actions of the Burmese military, or Tatmadaw, at a meeting before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, Netherlands. According to the United Nations Human Rights Council's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, the military likely conducted genocidal acts against the Rohingya in 2017. Evidence of crimes committed by the Burmese military is overwhelming, the Senators wrote. Representing the Burmese military's interest before The Hague and defending the mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities would undermine what remaining credibility you have before the international community, including in the U.S. Congress. A defense of the Burmese military at this high-profile international forum is also an affront to the inclusive, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and democratic Burma that you claim to champion. In addition to Senators Merkley and Wyden, the letter was signed by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Todd Young (R-IN). In an effort to crack down on the Burmese government's crimes against humanity, Senators Merkley and Wyden previously joined their Senate colleagues to introduce the Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act of 2019legislation that would impose sanctions on senior military officials who were responsible for the systemic human rights abuses against the Rohingya and other minorities. Merkley, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also led a congressional fact-find… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-resolution-in-support-of-us-commitment-to-paris-climate-agreement-2019 Wyden, Merkley Introduce Resolution in Support of U.S. Commitment to Paris Climate Agreement 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley Introduce Resolution in Support of U.S. Commitment to Paris Climate Agreement Tuesday, December 10, 2019 Washington, D.C. As international negotiators continue discussions at the 25th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Madrid, Oregon's U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced a resolution to express support for the Paris climate agreement. The resolution notes the growing scientific urgency around the need for action to combat the climate crisis, and details the bold steps that states, municipalities and businesses are taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create clean energy jobs and meet the goals of the Paris climate accord. Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement was a clear abdication of America's responsibility to act now to secure the health and safety of future generations. Congress shouldn't follow Trump's shortsighted and unscientific lead, Wyden said. This resolution signals there are still leaders in the U.S. who are serious about addressing the climate crisis. Continuing to bury our heads in the sand will not change the science. The Trump administration's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement is a massive giveaway to corporations that don't want to clean up their actat the expense of the health and safety of the American people and the global community, said Merkley. That's shameful and embarrassing. It's Congress' responsibility to do everything we can to remain leaders in combating climate chaos, and this resolution is critical to sending that message. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Tom Carper, D-Del., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Bob Casey, D-Penn., and Jack Reed, D-R.I. A copy of the resolution is av… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-walden-welcome-good-news-on-large-air-tankers-2019 Wyden, Merkley, Walden Welcome Good News on Large Air Tankers 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley, Walden Welcome Good News on Large Air Tankers Oregon lawmakers had pressed Forest Service to issue call when needed awards for wildfire-fighting aircraft Tuesday, December 10, 2019 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Rep. Greg Walden today welcomed news that the Forest Service has awarded call when needed (CWN) contracts to providers of wildfire-fighting large air tankers. In a September 2019 letter to Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen, the Oregon lawmakers had pressed the Forest Service to award the contracts, which had been issued for solicitation back in July 2018. CWN awards allow the Forest Service to put approved aircraft into service when those aircraft are needed, and do not require the Forest Service to pay for those aircraft when they are not needed. Oregonians need the broadest possible range of options when it comes to fighting wildfires that threaten their lives, homes and businesses, Wyden said. These contracts will help the Forest Service fight fires more effectively by providing access to next-generation large air tankers at lower rates, saving money as well for taxpayers. Every Oregonian has experienced the consequences of wildfires, from the damage to our farms and forests to the dense blankets of smoke compromising our health, said Merkley. That's why my colleagues and I urged the Forest Service to approve the use of large air tankers to help our state stay safe in the face of dangerous blazes. I'm pleased that they agreed, and will continue to do everything I can to secure the resources Oregonians need for wildfire season. Oregonians have had enough of smoke and wildfires. These contracts for large air tankers will help ensure the Forest Service has additional tools to combat and contain these fires, Walden said. I applaud the Trump Administration for hearing the concerns of rural Oregon and prioritizing not only important assets like air tankers for fighting these fires, but also using the new forest management tools we … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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