Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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11,865 rows where state = "OR" sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/big-beautiful-bill-provides-546-million-to-wallowa-memorial-hospital | Big Beautiful Bill Provides $5.46 Million to Wallowa Memorial Hospital | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | OR | Cliff Bentz | B000668 | bentz.house.gov | bentz | https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Wallowa, OR – Wallowa Memorial Hospital announced Tuesday that it will receive $5.46 million in federal grants to modernize technology and enhance healthcare access. This $5.46 million comes from the Big Beautiful Bill’s provision that created the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative intended to transform and improve rural hospitals. Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) was the only member of Oregon’s congressional delegation to vote YES for the Big Beautiful Bill. Said Congressman Bentz: “I am very pleased that Wallowa Memorial Hospital was selected to receive this $5.46 million grant. This federal investment in Wallowa County means that county residents will be able to obtain high-quality medical assistance much more quickly and much more closely to home. This is exactly one of the many positive outcomes I hoped for when I voted for the Big Beautiful Bill.” | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-announces-october-town-hall-meetings | Bonamici Announces October Town Hall Meetings | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Suzanne Bonamici | B001278 | bonamici.house.gov | bonamici | https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC [9/28/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced her fall town hall series with three meetings across the First Congressional District. Bonamici will answer questions from attendees and provide an update about her work in Congress. The town hall meetings will be in Beaverton, St. Helens, and Astoria. “Hearing from the people of NW Oregon is essential to my work in Congress,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I know many people are worried about the high cost of living, threats to our democracy, and more. I invite everyone to attend one of my town hall meetings to discuss their concerns and ask questions.” Members of Bonamici’s staff will be at the town hall meetings to assist anyone who is experiencing problems with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, immigration, and IRS. Beaverton Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, October 6th – 7 p.m. Arts & Communication Magnet Academy 11375 SW Center Street, Beaverton St. Helens Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, October 7th – 6 p.m. St. Helens Senior Center 375 S 15th Street, St. Helens Astoria Town Hall Meeting Saturday, October 17th – 1 p.m. To be announced For everyone’s safety and security, large bags and backpacks are not allowed at the town hall meeting. Small purses no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches are permitted. Attendees will not be allowed inside if they do not comply with these safety regulations. Doors will open an hour before each event. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-calls-review-epas-microplastics-monitoring-and-research | Bynum Calls for Review of EPA’s Microplastics Monitoring and Research | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Janelle S. Bynum | B001326 | bynum.house.gov | bynum | https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | The lawmakers argue that to continue protecting Americans’ health, they need to understand what the EPA has accomplished in its work on microplastics and what progress still needs to be made. They also emphasize the urgency of this review amid emerging research connecting microplastics to adverse health consequences and serious environmental risks. In the letter, the lawmakers write: “Even as the EPA's FY2023-FY2026 research plan approaches its conclusion, Congress lacks a clear assessment of what the EPA has accomplished in its work on microplastics and what work remains necessary to support reliable monitoring, risk assessment and potential regulatory action.” Later in the letter, they write: “Addressing microplastic pollution is critical for protecting the health of Americans and safeguarding our waterways and ecosystems. Our constituents deserve to know what microplastic exposure means for their families’ health, and the requested information above will be critical in informing Congress’s work in tackling this challenge." The letter was also signed by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Dave Min (CA-47), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Judy Chu (CA-28), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Mike Levin (CA-49), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18). In July, Rep. Bynum led a bicameral letter, urging the Environmental Protection Agency to add microplastics to the agency's recently published Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). This letter urged the EPA to begin monitoring microplastics in America's drinking water, citing a growing body of research linking the emerging contaminant to serious adverse health effects. Rep. Bynum also introduced the bicameral… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-maxine-dexter-md-meets-sandy-mayor-discuss-community-priorities | Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. Meets with Sandy Mayor to Discuss Community Priorities and Infrastructure Investments | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Maxine Dexter | D000635 | dexter.house.gov | dexter | https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SANDY, OR – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) met with Sandy Mayor Kathleen Walker and city officials to discuss the community's infrastructure needs, explore local parks and visit a small business serving Sandy residents. During the visit, Dexter learned more about Sandy's investments in public parks, efforts to support local businesses and ongoing challenges with the city's wastewater treatment system. She was joined by Mayor Walker, City Manager Tyler Deems and Deputy City Manager Jeff Aprati. “Strong communities need reliable infrastructure, successful small businesses and public spaces where families can come together,” Congresswoman Dexter said. “Sandy is investing in its future, and I want to make sure the federal government is doing its part. I’m grateful to Mayor Walker and local leaders for sharing their priorities and showing me where federal investments can make a difference.” The visit included an opportunity to learn about improvements underway at Meinig Memorial Park and explore Cedar Park, Sandy's newest community park. Cedar Park features the Base Camp Action Sports Park, which offers year-round recreational opportunities, including skating, biking and other activities for residents of all ages. “We were excited to welcome Congresswoman Dexter to Sandy today to show her the work we’re doing to keep our community a great place to live,” Mayor Walker said. “From improving our parks to modernizing critical wastewater infrastructure, these projects are investments in Sandy’s future. We’re especially grateful for the Congresswoman's partnership in securing federal funding for our wastewater system upgrades, which helps reduce future utility rates for our residents. She understands how important infrastructure investments like these are for growing communities like Sandy.” Congresswoman Dexter also visited AntFarm Café & Bakery, a local business that serves as a community gathering space while supporting youth and family services, arts programming and educational opportunities. The… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-bonamici-wyden-oregon-leaders-unlock-14-million-in-federal-funding-for-oregon-coast-project/ | Merkley, Bonamici, Wyden, Oregon Leaders Unlock $14 Million in Federal Funding for Oregon Coast Project | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi announced that, thanks to their efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $14,567,624 in federal funds for Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people. CMH had received an award for the expansion under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—which provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities—but faced roadblocks to accessing the funding after the Trump Administration suspended the BRIC program in 2025. Following legal challenges and advocacy by Oregon lawmakers, CMH’s BRIC funding has finally been released. “You can’t wait for a disaster to happen to start preparing, and this funding finally moving forward will be transformative for disaster resiliency along the North Coast. Thanks to the partnership of state and local leaders, we held the Trump Administration accountable to deliver on the promise of this common-sense project to help Oregonians prepare for disasters and save lives,” said Senator Merkley. “I’ll keep pushing to get this project over the finish line and to deliver critical funding for disaster resiliency efforts in Oregon and communities across the country.” “This grant funding is long overdue for Columbia Memorial Hospital and everyone who lives on or visits the Oregon Coast,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The BRIC grant for this lifesaving vertical evacuation structure should never have been jeopardized, and we’ve fought long and hard for it to be released. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this important project with the community in Astoria.” “Ensuring that Oregon’s coastal commun… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-mcbath-brown-champion-legislation-to-improve-educational-outcomes-and-experiences/ | Merkley, McBath, Brown Champion Legislation to Improve Educational Outcomes and Experiences | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-07) and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) teamed up to reintroduce the Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act, bold legislation that would make investments to address overcrowded classrooms and set students up for success. Research shows students achieve better academic results with more individualized attention from instructors, especially in kindergarten through third grade. However, the continued strain on our public education system from staff shortages and tighter budgets has meant class sizes have continued to grow. Merkley, McBath, and Brown are making a bicameral push for better student outcomes with their legislation to boost funding for schools to reduce class sizes and increase individualized attention from instructors—improving the overall school experience for both students and educators. “Every student deserves the chance to learn, participate, and get the individual attention they need to thrive,” said Merkley. “Growing up as an Oregon public school student, I remember having around 20 children in my first-grade class. When I dropped my son off for his first day of school, his class had 34 children, and I wondered how his teacher could organize and teach such a large group. It’s time to make sure our schools have the resources they need to support educators and help every child receive a quality learning experience.” “Smaller class sizes help personalize education in ways that can fuel a child’s love of learning. When teachers have more opportunities for one-on-one time with their students, they can provide tailored instruction, individualized feedback, and the support each child needs to thrive,” said McBath. “I am deeply appreciative of Senator Merkley for his continued leadership on this important legislation and his advocacy for students and educators. Investments like these, which strengthen learning environments and support teacher well-being, are essential to improving educational outcomes … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-slams-senate-republicans-for-rubberstamping-trump-arch/ | Merkley Slams Senate Republicans for Rubberstamping Trump Arch | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked his bill to prevent the Trump Administration from using any federal funds for the planning and construction of the Trump Arch: “Trump’s Arch is a monument to his own ego—a waste of our taxpayer dollars. “This vanity project distorts our history while destroying historic views, disregards the Constitution’s separation of powers, disrupts the safety of planes in the sky and cars on the road in our nation’s capital, and disrespects the sacrifices of our veterans and their families. “The Trump Arch is a monumentally bad idea, and it is abundantly clear there is no authorization from Congress for this massive arch. I’ll keep fighting back against Trump’s efforts to use our tax dollars to fund his arch and to instead invest in the four foundations that families need to thrive—health care, housing, education, and good-paying jobs.” As the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the Interior Department and National Park Service, the agencies that manage many of our public lands in Washington, D.C., Merkley took to the Senate Floor in an attempt to pass the No Funds for Trump’s Illegal Arch Act, which would have blocked the Trump Arch. Full text of the bill can be found by clicking here. In addition to Merkley, the No Funds for Trump’s Illegal Arch Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Throughout Trump’s second term, Merkley has led the charge to hold the Administration accountable for its vanity projects and corruption—including putting Trump’s face on gold coins, park passes, a $250 bill, and the U.S. passport. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senate-blocks-merkley-murkowski-bill-to-prevent-trump-tearing-down-presidential-memorials/ | Senate Blocks Merkley, Murkowski Bill to Prevent Trump Tearing Down Presidential Memorials | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) blocked Merkley’s bipartisan bill with Alaska’s U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski to prohibit the demolition of any national memorial to honor a U.S. president—like the Kennedy Center—without an act of Congress: “Our congressionally authorized memorials to former presidents are a tribute to their accomplishments and service to our nation. Perhaps the greatest living memorial for a president is the Kennedy Center, in honor of our slain president who championed the arts. But now President Trump—without authorization from Congress—is trying to tear it down. First, he destroyed its programming, and now, he wants to destroy the building itself. All because the law says Trump can’t put his name on the building. “So today, I asked for unanimous consent on a one-page bipartisan bill with Senator Murkowski to defend this extraordinary institution, the Kennedy Center, saying no memorial to any president can be torn down without explicit authorization from Congress. Unfortunately, a colleague objected to this common-sense bill. “Trump’s threats are straight out of the authoritarian playbook and should infuriate every American who values our nation’s history and the rule of law. Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars putting Trump’s name on memorials and monuments as if he is a king, we should be focused on putting money back into the pockets of working families and honoring America’s greatest cultural institutions, not destroying them.” Merkley and Murkowski serve as the Ranking Member and Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, respectively, which oversees funding for the Kennedy Center. Merkley took to the Senate Floor in an attempt to pass the Protecting Presidential Memorials Act, a one-page bill which would have blocked the demolition of any national memorial honoring a U.S. president—including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial—without an act of Congres… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-introduce-legislation-to-impose-sanctions-of-israeli-settlement-construction/ | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Impose Sanctions of Israeli Settlement Construction | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Sanctions would target settlement construction within the E1 area of the West Bank Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. “Benjamin Netanyahu’s disgraceful policy of expanding West Bank settlements crosses a clear red line and makes Palestinian statehood and lasting peace even more difficult,” Wyden said. “The United States must stand up against Netanyahu’s campaign of violence and aggression against Palestinian civilians and sanction individuals and companies that are complicit in this unlawful action.” “In my visits to the West Bank, I’ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinians. The Netanyahu government, meanwhile, continues to rubberstamp this dangerous agenda, and these settlements in the West Bank are designed to destroy the possibility of a future Palestinian state living peacefully alongside the state of Israel,” said Merkley. “This is unacceptable, and our bill holds the Netanyahu government accountable for its illegal, reckless, and inhumane actions in the West Bank.” Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced proposals to let companies bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement o… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-bonamici-wyden-oregon-leaders-unlock-14-million-in-federal-funding-for-oregon-coast-project | Merkley, Bonamici, Wyden, Oregon Leaders Unlock $14 Million in Federal Funding for Oregon Coast Project | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi announced that, thanks to their efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $14,567,624 in federal funds for Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people. CMH had received an award for the expansion under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—which provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities—but faced roadblocks to accessing the funding after the Trump Administration suspended the BRIC program in 2025. Following legal challenges and advocacy by Oregon lawmakers, CMH’s BRIC funding has finally been released. “You can’t wait for a disaster to happen to start preparing, and this funding finally moving forward will be transformative for disaster resiliency along the North Coast. Thanks to the partnership of state and local leaders, we held the Trump Administration accountable to deliver on the promise of this common-sense project to help Oregonians prepare for disasters and save lives,” said Senator Merkley. “I’ll keep pushing to get this project over the finish line and to deliver critical funding for disaster resiliency efforts in Oregon and communities across the country.” “This grant funding is long overdue for Columbia Memorial Hospital and everyone who lives on or visits the Oregon Coast,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The BRIC grant for this lifesaving vertical evacuation structure should never have been jeopardized, and we’ve fought long and hard for it to be released. I look forward to celebrating the completion of this important project with the community in Astoria.” “Ensuring that Oregon’s coastal commun… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-legislation-to-impose-sanctions-of-israeli-settlement-construction | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Legislation to Impose Sanctions of Israeli Settlement Construction | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Sanctions would target settlement construction within the E1 area of the West Bank Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to impose targeted sanctions on companies, individuals, and other entities that facilitate the development of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. “Benjamin Netanyahu’s disgraceful policy of expanding West Bank settlements crosses a clear red line and makes Palestinian statehood and lasting peace even more difficult,” Wyden said. “The United States must stand up against Netanyahu’s campaign of violence and aggression against Palestinian civilians and sanction individuals and companies that are complicit in this unlawful action.” “In my visits to the West Bank, I’ve heard numerous stories about the organized strategy of harassment and violence settlers are inflicting upon Palestinians. The Netanyahu government, meanwhile, continues to rubberstamp this dangerous agenda, and these settlements in the West Bank are designed to destroy the possibility of a future Palestinian state living peacefully alongside the state of Israel,” said Merkley. “This is unacceptable, and our bill holds the Netanyahu government accountable for its illegal, reckless, and inhumane actions in the West Bank.” Last year, Israel approved construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. In recent weeks, Israel announced proposals to let companies bid for construction of these settlements. If completed, these units could sever the West Bank in two, gravely threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israeli officials have publicly acknowledged the impact E1 settlement expansion could have on a two-state solution. Speaking at a ceremony shortly after his approval of the E1 plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated, “We said a Palestinian state will not be established – and indeed, a Palestinian state will not be established.” Following the initial announcement o… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-wyden-hoyle-announce-1-million-for-lane-county-emergency-communications-infrastructure | Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Announce $1 Million for Lane County Emergency Communications Infrastructure | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Eugene, OR – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), announced $1 million in federal funding for Lane County’s Emergency Communications Resiliency and Interoperability Project. The funding will support a key portion of the project to replace aging radio communications infrastructure at Bear Mountain. “When an emergency strikes, first responders need to know they can reach each other and coordinate a response,” said Merkley, who helped secure funding for this project as a key member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Community-initiated projects like this one are rooted in the fact that no one knows the unique needs of communities across Oregon quite like the folks who are a part of them, and that’s why I fight so hard to deliver them back to Oregon. These federal dollars will help Lane County replace aging infrastructure and build a more resilient communications network, strengthening the ability of firefighters and other emergency personnel to keep Oregonians safe when they need help most.” “First responders being able to reliably communicate can be the difference between life and death when emergencies hit rural communities,” said Wyden. “This federal investment will replace outdated radio equipment and deploy modern network technology so rural Oregon fire agencies can maintain uninterrupted contact during crises. I’ll keep fighting to deliver the federal resources that Oregon’s local emergency crews need to stay safe and protect our communities.” “Supporting our rural communities means investing in resilient infrastructure and modernization projects so no one gets left behind,” said Hoyle. “This $1M grant will invest in new radio systems to strengthen regional connectivity, limit service interruptions and advance emergency response capabilities across Lane County.” The project was developed by Lane County and supported by Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle as part of the FY24 agriculture funding bill. The $1 million federal investment will … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-condemns-more-pocket-rescissions-by-trump-administration/ | Merkley Condemns More Pocket Rescissions by Trump Administration | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the below statement after President Donald Trump and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russ Vought issued more illegal pocket rescissions, this time clawing back nearly $1 billion in congressionally appropriated funding. “Once again, President Trump and Russ Vought have violated the law by sending Congress more illegal pocket rescissions in the dark of night. “We have seen this show before. Trump and Vought have a habit of ignoring Congress. That is why I have put forth several amendments that would have prevented the Trump Administration from undermining bipartisan agreements. “It is time for my Republican colleagues to finally stand up to the Administration and reaffirm that what Congress passes—and the President signs—is the law of the land, and the funds cannot be clawed back without Congress’ approval. Enough of these Executive Branch power grabs. The law is not a suggestion, and the President is not a king,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley. ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-hoyle-announce-1-million-for-lane-county-emergency-communications-infrastructure/ | Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Announce $1 Million for Lane County Emergency Communications Infrastructure | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Eugene, OR – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), announced $1 million in federal funding for Lane County’s Emergency Communications Resiliency and Interoperability Project. The funding will support a key portion of the project to replace aging radio communications infrastructure at Bear Mountain. “When an emergency strikes, first responders need to know they can reach each other and coordinate a response,” said Merkley, who helped secure funding for this project as a key member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Community-initiated projects like this one are rooted in the fact that no one knows the unique needs of communities across Oregon quite like the folks who are a part of them, and that’s why I fight so hard to deliver them back to Oregon. These federal dollars will help Lane County replace aging infrastructure and build a more resilient communications network, strengthening the ability of firefighters and other emergency personnel to keep Oregonians safe when they need help most.” “First responders being able to reliably communicate can be the difference between life and death when emergencies hit rural communities,” said Wyden. “This federal investment will replace outdated radio equipment and deploy modern network technology so rural Oregon fire agencies can maintain uninterrupted contact during crises. I’ll keep fighting to deliver the federal resources that Oregon’s local emergency crews need to stay safe and protect our communities.” “Supporting our rural communities means investing in resilient infrastructure and modernization projects so no one gets left behind,” said Hoyle. “This $1M grant will invest in new radio systems to strengthen regional connectivity, limit service interruptions and advance emergency response capabilities across Lane County.” The project was developed by Lane County and supported by Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle as part of the FY24 agriculture funding bill. The $1 million federal investment will … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senators-markey-and-merkley-lead-colleagues-to-demand-trump-administration-abandon-reckless-saudi-nuclear-deal/ | Senators Markey and Merkley Lead Colleagues to Demand Trump Administration Abandon Reckless Saudi Nuclear Deal | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Trump deal caves to Saudi demands, fails “Gold Standard” test Letter Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding that the Trump administration abandon its reckless nuclear deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which fails the Gold Standard nonproliferation test by surrendering two key conditions: the strictest inspection standards under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Additional Protocol and denying Saudi Arabia the means to produce weapons-grade nuclear materials through uranium enrichment and/or plutonium reprocessing. The letter was signed by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). As a U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio was among the most consistent voices warning about the dangers of giving Saudi Arabia, whose leaders have repeatedly threatened to pursue nuclear weapons, access to sensitive nuclear technology without proper safeguards. In the letter, the senators wrote, “With this deal, the Trump Administration is departing from precedent, adopting looser restrictions, and caving to Saudi demands by agreeing to a process that is all but certain to allow Riyadh to acquire the means to enrich uranium and possibly develop nuclear weapons. If the Administration is serious about preventing that outcome, it should require Riyadh to meet the Gold Standard. And likewise, if Saudi Arabia genuinely has no intention of pursuing a nuclear weapon, it should have little objection to accepting the same commitments that the UAE and other states have made: implementing an Additional Protocol and banning enrichment and reprocessing.” The senators continued, “Although not included in the agreement, media reports have suggested that the Saudi government would not have access to a U.S.-supplied and operated enrichment plant on Saudi soil. While there is no ev… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/sens-markey-merkley-and-reps-jayapal-tlaib-pressley-reintroduce-legislation-to-halt-government-use-of-facial-recognition-and-other-biometric-technology/ | Sens. Markey, Merkley and Reps. Jayapal, Tlaib, Pressley Reintroduce Legislation to Halt Government Use of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric Technology | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), announced the reintroduction of the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act, legislation to prohibit the government from using facial recognition and other biometric technologies. The legislation responds to the federal government’s growing use of biometric recognition technology, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mobile facial recognition app, which has been used to target immigrants and intimidate communities across the country. Research shows that nearly half of U.S. adults’ faces are already stored in facial recognition databases, and that Black, Brown, and Asian individuals are up to 100 times more likely to be misidentified by a facial recognition algorithm than white men. “Facial recognition and other biometric technologies in the hands of government agencies have become tools of authoritarianism. Agencies such as ICE and CBP are using this technology to track, target, intimidate and surveil communities across the country,” said Senator Markey. “Black and Brown communities — already subject to the most aggressive policing and immigration enforcement — are disproportionately affected and more likely to be wrongly flagged, detained, or targeted by a faulty facial recognition match. We must stop the Trump administration’s growing web of surveillance technology, and that starts with a moratorium on dangerous, discriminatory biometric recognition.” “Every American who values their right to privacy, stands against discrimination, and believes people are innocent until proven guilty should be concerned about facial recognition technology fueling a national surveillance state,” said Senator Merkley. “Enacting a federal moratorium on this technology is critical … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-warns-an-all-republican-fcc-could-violate-federal-law-and-cause-partisan-fcc-actions-to-be-overturned-in-court | Wyden Warns an All-Republican FCC Could Violate Federal Law and Cause Partisan FCC Actions to be Overturned in Court | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Wyden Seeks Legal Opinion From Commissioner Gomez on Whether the Communications Act Permits the Federal Communications Commission to Operate With Only Republican Commissioners Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore. asked Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez to issue a legal opinion addressing whether the Communications Act permits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to legally operate with members from a single political party. Wyden warned that federal law prohibits an all-Republican RCC and that any action taken by a partisan FCC could be overturned in court, based on the statutory history of the Communications Act. President Trump recently nominated Danielle Thumann Severs to serve as FCC Commissioner. If confirmed, she would become the Commission's third Republican. Given that the Communications Act sets a quorum at three members, there is concern that Trump will fire Commissioner Gomez, the remaining Democrat on the FCC, after Severs is confirmed, leaving the agency with an all-Republican panel. In anticipation of Trump’s actions, Wyden’s letter to Gomez highlighted amendments enacted in 1982 that require the FCC to have political balance at any operational size: if there are three commissioners on the FCC, only two can be from the same political party. Before 1982, the Communications Act stated that “not more than four” commissioners of a then-seven member FCC could be from the same political party. Similar language has consistently been used with other bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the International Trade Commission. But in 1982, when resizing the FCC, Congress considered and rejected this numeric limit for the FCC. It instead enacted a novel mathematical formula for political balance: “The maximum number of commissioners who may be members of the same political party shall be a number equal to the least number of commissioners which constitutes a majority of the full membership of the Commission.” Congress did so in the same bill that it maint… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/milton-freewater-one-step-closer-to-obtaining-13-million-water-system-grant | Milton-Freewater One Step Closer to Obtaining $13 Million Water System Grant | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | OR | Cliff Bentz | B000668 | bentz.house.gov | bentz | https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill last week that included a $13 million authorization, which if passed by the Senate and if appropriated by the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, would be given to the City of Milton-Freewater for the replacement and expansion of a portion of the City’s outdated water supply system. This biennial and bipartisan bill, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), authorizes certain studies and projects presented by a congressman or congresswoman to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which, if approved by the Corp, becomes eligible for federal funding subject to appropriation by Congress. In January of this year Congressman Bentz met with Milton-Freewater’s Mayor, City Manager, and a city counselor to discuss the City’s dire need for funding to replace one of the City’s three reservoirs, which reservoir is 70 years old, failing, and not repairable. Water and sewer rates in the city are already close to $80.00 per month. Because there are other additional and unavoidable City utility improvements on the near horizon, City leaders are trying to avoid borrowing the $13 million, which would, of course, necessitate a water/sewer rate increase. They asked if the Congressman would assist them by requesting a WRDA authorization. Congressman Bentz did so and this first step was successful. A provision for Milton-Freewater has been included in the WRDA bill and, if this $13 million authorization is passed by the Senate and later appropriated through the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, the City would receive the $13 million. Said Mike Odman, Mayor of Milton-Freewater: “The Middle Reservoir is a critical component of our municipal water system, and its replacement will help ensure a safe, reliable water supply for our residents for decades to come. Congressman Bentz and his office's responsiveness throughout the application process—from the initial project scoping conversations through submission—made a m… | 1 | 2026-09-28T11:29:07Z | 2026-09-28T11:30:58Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-baldwin-leads-25-colleagues-in-rejecting-the-trump-admins-latest-move-to-politicize-and-undermine-education-funding/ | Merkley, Baldwin Leads 25 Colleagues in Rejecting the Trump Admin’s Latest Move to Politicize and Undermine Education Funding | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | New effort would allow Trump appointees to cut off funding to states, colleges, and schools, even after grants have been awarded, with no justification WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, led 25 of their Senate colleagues in slamming the Department of Education’s (ED) latest move to further undermine the Department and jeopardize billions of dollars in funding for schools. Specifically, the Senators outlined their concerns with ED’s proposed changes to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) that would allow the President’s political appointees to cancel grants to local schools for any reason – putting everything from school-based mental health programs to teacher training programs under constant threat of being defunded at any point. The Senators also raise concerns that, if implemented, the rule would lead to weaker evidence-based standards for programs that serve students, hinder student achievement, and defy Congressional intent. This rule comes on top of a tumultuous funding process under the Trump Administration, which has continued to try to entirely shut down the Department of Education. “This proposed rule is unnecessarily broad and vague, would undermine the stability of educational programs, and does nothing to improve educational outcomes for students,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary McMahon. “As the Trump Administration continues its illegal attempt to dismantle the Department, this proposed rule will only serve to increase chaos and uncertainty for schools, states, institutions of higher education and families across the Country.” Specifically, the Trump administration’s proposed rule allows the department to terminate a grant “for convenience.” This would allow Trump’s political appointees to terminate grants, even ones that have been awarded, with no jus… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-decries-senate-republicans-opposition-to-his-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-prcs-transnational-repression/ | Merkley Decries Senate Republicans’ Opposition to His Bipartisan Resolution Condemning PRC’s Transnational Repression | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and past Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)—released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked his bipartisan resolution condemning the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for engaging in repression, coercion, and intimidation beyond its own borders, targeting citizens of other nations, including in the United States: “Journalists, activists, and everyday people who have spoken truth to power about China’s oppression are being bullied, intimidated, and targeted far beyond China’s borders. As long as the PRC continues this campaign of oppression, the United States cannot remain silent. “Senate Republicans, however, blocked my resolution to condemn the Chinese government for this repression, which targets Americans too. Donald Trump is rolling out the red carpet for Xi Jinping as he visits the U.S. this week, and this rejection absolutely sends the wrong message. “I’ll keep making the case to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we must oppose all acts of transnational repression—no matter the perpetrator.” Merkley has led the charge to strengthen U.S. policy to hold foreign governments and individuals accountable when they stalk, intimidate, or assault people in America and across borders. He leads the Transnational Repression Policy Act—bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would tackle the growing threat of transnational repression, elevate countering transnational repression as a key U.S. foreign policy priority, and promote diplomacy that addresses it as part of a broader strategy to advance democratic principles and human rights at home and abroad. Full text of Merkley’s bipartisan resolution that passed out of committee can be found by clicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-bonamici-hoyle-salinas-dexter-bynum-support-kotek-demanding-emergency-federal-assistance-for-east-evans-fire/ | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Dexter, Bynum Support Kotek Demanding Emergency Federal Assistance for East Evans Fire | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Medford, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) to support Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urgently reconsider the agency’s denial of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the East Evans Creek Fire north of Rogue River, OR. At the time of the initial application earlier this year, the fire had reached more than 15,700 acres with over 3,100 structures threatened, one unoccupied structure lost, and hundreds of homes at a Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation. In addition to homes, the East Evans Creek Fire posed a direct threat to commercial structures, natural resources, and additional and critical public infrastructure. “This fire placed significant and sustained demands on local firefighting and emergency management resources, with personnel working for weeks on end to secure and protect property and human life. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1, State Fire Marshal Blue Team, local fire departments, law enforcement, emergency managers and other responders worked extended hours throughout the incident,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their efforts included supporting residents during evacuations, maintaining emergency services, protecting homes and property from advancing fire, and providing assistance to those evacuating and to protect their homes and property from threat of both fire and other risks during the many weeks of evacuation orders.” The State of Oregon requested financial assistance from FEMA through the FMAG program, which helps cover costs relating to emergencies and firefighting activities for fires that have the potential to become major disasters. FEMA’s decision to deny this specific FMAG came as Oregon was facing a record-setting 2026 fire season, ultimately resulting in firefighters responding to 1,873 distinct fires that burned more than 2.5 million acr… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bonamici-hoyle-salinas-dexter-bynum-support-kotek-demanding-emergency-federal-assistance-for-east-evans-fire | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Dexter, Bynum Support Kotek Demanding Emergency Federal Assistance for East Evans Fire | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Medford, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) to support Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urgently reconsider the agency’s denial of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the East Evans Creek Fire north of Rogue River, OR. At the time of the initial application earlier this year, the fire had reached more than 15,700 acres with over 3,100 structures threatened, one unoccupied structure lost, and hundreds of homes at a Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation. In addition to homes, the East Evans Creek Fire posed a direct threat to commercial structures, natural resources, and additional and critical public infrastructure. “This fire placed significant and sustained demands on local firefighting and emergency management resources, with personnel working for weeks on end to secure and protect property and human life. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1, State Fire Marshal Blue Team, local fire departments, law enforcement, emergency managers, and other responders worked extended hours throughout the incident,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their efforts included supporting residents during evacuations, maintaining emergency services, protecting homes and property from advancing fire, and providing assistance to those evacuating and to protect their homes and property from threat of both fire and other risks during the many weeks of evacuation orders.” The State of Oregon requested financial assistance from FEMA through the FMAG program, which helps cover costs relating to emergencies and firefighting activities for fires that have the potential to become major disasters. FEMA’s decision to deny this specific FMAG came as Oregon was facing a record-setting 2026 fire season, ultimately resulting in firefighters responding to 1,873 distinct fires that burned more than 2.5 million ac… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bonamici-hoyle-salinas-dexter-bynum-support-kotek-demanding-emergency-federal-assistance-for-east-evans-fire | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Dexter, Bynum Support Kotek Demanding Emergency Federal Assistance for East Evans Fire | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Medford, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) to support Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urgently reconsider the agency’s denial of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the East Evans Creek Fire north of Rogue River, OR. At the time of the initial application earlier this year, the fire had reached more than 15,700 acres with over 3,100 structures threatened, one unoccupied structure lost, and hundreds of homes at a Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation. In addition to homes, the East Evans Creek Fire posed a direct threat to commercial structures, natural resources, and additional and critical public infrastructure. “This fire placed significant and sustained demands on local firefighting and emergency management resources, with personnel working for weeks on end to secure and protect property and human life. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1, State Fire Marshal Blue Team, local fire departments, law enforcement, emergency managers and other responders worked extended hours throughout the incident,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their efforts included supporting residents during evacuations, maintaining emergency services, protecting homes and property from advancing fire, and providing assistance to those evacuating and to protect their homes and property from threat of both fire and other risks during the many weeks of evacuation orders.” The State of Oregon requested financial assistance from FEMA through the FMAG program, which helps cover costs relating to emergencies and firefighting activities for fires that have the potential to become major disasters. FEMA’s decision to deny this specific FMAG came as Oregon was facing a record-setting 2026 fire season, ultimately resulting in firefighters responding to 1,873 distinct fires that burned more than 2.5 million acr… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bynum-racial-slur-not-trash-talk-its-not-rivalry-its-straight | Congresswoman Bynum: “A racial slur is not trash talk. It’s not a rivalry. It’s straight up racist.” | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Janelle S. Bynum | B001326 | bynum.house.gov | bynum | https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) released the following statement following the alleged use of a racial slur during a recent Oregon high school football game. “Football is supposed to be about teamwork, healthy competition, and kids getting the chance to do something they love,” said Rep. Bynum. “A kid should be able to put on their jersey, take the field, and worry about the next play – not whether someone is going to attack them on their race, sex, religion, or any other distinguishing feature. A racial slur is not trash talk. It’s not a rivalry. It’s straight up racist. In the state legislature, I sponsored legislation to make sure incidents like this couldn’t just be swept under the rug. We can’t ask young people to speak up and then fail them when they do. We need to teach our kids that reporting incidents like these will be taken seriously, investigated, and appropriately addressed based on the findings. “The Oregon School Activities Association must step up and double down on eliminating these incidents. I have no tolerance for our kids being harmed in competition by racial slurs. And I have no patience for mealy-mouthed adults who throw their hands up and say there’s nothing we can do. If OSAA does not act, the governor and legislature should consider taking up a stronger set of sanctions sooner, rather than later.” As a state legislator, Congresswoman Bynum introduced HB 3409, requiring a process for reporting and responding to harassment and hateful language during school sports and activities. The legislation was in response to a 2019 racial slur incident at Parkrose High School during a girls varsity basketball game, as well as other reports from students around the state. ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bynum-statement-knights-1-billion-donation-university-oregon | Congresswoman Bynum Statement on Knight’s $1 Billion Donation to University of Oregon | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Janelle S. Bynum | B001326 | bynum.house.gov | bynum | https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) released a statement in response to Phil and Penny Knight’s announcement of a $1 billion donation to the University of Oregon to help start an engineering school. “This is exactly what investing in the next generation looks like – and I’m not just saying that because I’m an engineer,” said Rep. Bynum. “This generous and game-changing donation should be the standard for how we invest in getting our kids ready for the future and for how philanthropy can partner with local, state, and federal government to drive innovation. I’m fighting everyday in Congress to make that a reality. Go Ducks!” | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-proposes-housing-downpayment-savings-initiative/ | Merkley Proposes Housing Downpayment Savings Initiative | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator leads groundbreaking new legislation to give federal match for money saved by first-time homebuyers for a downpayment on a home Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced new legislation to help support the dream of homeownership for Americans by ensuring working families have a credible path to save up for a downpayment sufficient to purchase a modest home by age 30. Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden cosponsored the legislation. The Homeownership Promise Act would create Homeownership Promise Accounts, a basic new standard for Americans that would allow any first-time homebuyer who saves $1 for a downpayment on a house to get a $5 match from the federal government. As young Americans struggle to purchase their first home—with the median age of first-time homebuyers rising to 40 years old in 2025—Merkley’s legislation is essential to restoring the dream of homeownership for millions of families nationwide. “Working families should be able to afford a decent home in a decent community,” said Merkley. “For millions of young Americans, homeownership remains further out of reach than ever before, keeping them from establishing the foundation that has enabled middle-class families to build equity for generations.” “My new Homeownership Promise Act would restore the promise of homeownership—one of the foundations that working families need to thrive—by allowing all Americans to save for a home and live that piece of the American Dream,” Merkley concluded. The Homeownership Promise Act would: Direct the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create a matching downpayment grant, called a Homeownership Promise Account, that supports first-time homebuyers purchasing a median-priced principal residence. Establish an overall maximum contribution limit of $60,000 ($10,000 maximum combined personal, employer, and nonprofit contributions in addition to $50,000 maximum federal matching funds). Merkley, earlier in his career, led Portland Habitat for Humanity and has con… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-introduces-human-centered-framework-provide-guardrails-ai-education | Bonamici Introduces Human-Centered Framework to Provide Guardrails for AI in Education and Workforce | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Suzanne Bonamici | B001278 | bonamici.house.gov | bonamici | https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC [9/22/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced comprehensive legislation to establish guardrails against AI risks in education and the workforce and invest in protections for students, educators, and workers. The Artificial Intelligence Education and Workforce Readiness Act is a robust federal framework to protect students, educators, and workers and help them safely navigate the technology in their classrooms and careers. The bill establishes national workforce strategies and coordinates evidence-based programs across the Departments of Education and Labor, and it directs safety research at federal science agencies. It creates enforceable safeguards, protects workers and communities, invests in professional development, and more. “AI is already shaping how students learn and how people earn a living, but federal rules and regulations to protect students, support workers, and enforce ethical standards do not exist,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The companies building these tools don’t get to regulate themselves; we need clear rules and accountability for how AI is used in classrooms and workplaces. My human-centered legislation will empower and protect students, families, educators and others in the workforce by investing in evidence-based research, reskilling, transparency, safety, and long-term strategies. Congress must act now so AI does not continue to threaten the development of critical thinking skills and the wellbeing of humanity.” The legislation has been endorsed by Alliance for Learning Innovation, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), American Council on Education, American Federation of Teachers, Center for American Progress, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and Workday. “As concerns about the risks of AI mount and industry leaders urge the federal government to act, Congresswoman Bonamici is answering the call with urgency,” said Center for American Progress Senior Director of K-12 Education Policy Weadé James, Ph.D.… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-kotek-announce-7-45-million-for-affordable-housing-support-in-oregon/ | Merkley, Wyden, Kotek Announce $7.45 Million for Affordable Housing Support in Oregon | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek—today announced that $7,450,000 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help people with disabilities access affordable housing and a range of supportive services. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and these funds will support public housing authorities across Oregon in better serving people with disabilities,” said Senator Merkley. “As communities across our state face the biggest housing affordability crisis in decades—with rents dramatically outpacing incomes—we must do everything we can to ensure our families have a decent roof overhead. I’ll keep fighting to deliver critical resources to help ease the burden on all Oregonians searching for a place to call home.” “Housing is a human right, and it’s crucial that federal investments support that statement with action in Oregon and nationwide,” said Senator Wyden. “These resources help advance toward that goal in our state by investing in public housing that’s affordable and accessible for people with disabilities. And I’ll keep battling for similar housing investments throughout Oregon for all communities.” “This funding is one more win for providing more affordable housing and supportive services for Oregonians with disabilities and their families,” said Governor Kotek. “We’re staying true to our values by making sure all of our neighbors have access to core basic needs that make life more affordable and create opportunities to thrive.” The federal funds are being awarded to the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (OHCS) in the form of new Section 811 Housing Choice Vouchers. Known as Mainstream Vouchers, they enable people with disabilities to access both affordable housing and supportive services—provided through partnership agreements between public housing authorities and local agencies—to enable individuals to live independently in the community. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-kotek-announce-745-million-for-affordable-housing-support-in-oregon | Merkley, Wyden, Kotek Announce $7.45 Million for Affordable Housing Support in Oregon | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek—today announced that $7,450,000 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help people with disabilities access affordable housing and a range of supportive services. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and these funds will support public housing authorities across Oregon in better serving people with disabilities,” said Senator Merkley. “As communities across our state face the biggest housing affordability crisis in decades—with rents dramatically outpacing incomes—we must do everything we can to ensure our families have a decent roof overhead. I’ll keep fighting to deliver critical resources to help ease the burden on all Oregonians searching for a place to call home.” “Housing is a human right, and it’s crucial that federal investments support that statement with action in Oregon and nationwide,” said Senator Wyden. “These resources help advance toward that goal in our state by investing in public housing that’s affordable and accessible for people with disabilities. And I’ll keep battling for similar housing investments throughout Oregon for all communities.” “This funding is one more win for providing more affordable housing and supportive services for Oregonians with disabilities and their families,” said Governor Kotek. “We’re staying true to our values by making sure all of our neighbors have access to core basic needs that make life more affordable and create opportunities to thrive.” The federal funds are being awarded to the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (OHCS) in the form of new Section 811 Housing Choice Vouchers. Known as Mainstream Vouchers, they enable people with disabilities to access both affordable housing and supportive services—provided through partnership agreements between public housing authorities and local agencies—to enable individuals to live independently in the community. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andrea-salinas-announces-formation-bipartisan-geothermal-caucus | Rep. Andrea Salinas Announces Formation of Bipartisan Geothermal Caucus | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Andrea Salinas | S001226 | salinas.house.gov | salinas | https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), alongside Representatives Nick Begich (AK-AL), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), and Jeff Hurd (CO-03), announced the formation of the new, bipartisan Congressional Geothermal Caucus. “Geothermal will help deliver the affordable, reliable, and clean energy that Oregonians need,” said Rep. Salinas. “Oregon sits on some of the best geothermal resources in the country, and this energy can power our homes, cut costs for families, and create good jobs right here in our state. At a time when families are watching their utility bill, geothermal offers an energy source that's reliable and affordable. As Congress looks for ways to strengthen our grid and meet growing energy demand, geothermal deserves a seat at the table. I’m excited to launch this caucus that will coalesce strong bipartisan support for geothermal energy and help chart the future of this critical American industry.” “America is blessed with tremendous energy resources, and geothermal represents another opportunity to responsibly harness the resources we have to strengthen American energy leadership,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “I’m proud to join Representatives Salinas, Hurd, and Auchincloss as a co-chair of the Congressional Geothermal Caucus, and I look forward to working together to elevate geothermal in our national energy conversation and advance bipartisan solutions that continue to strengthen America’s energy future.” “Geothermal is firm, clean & affordable power,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “It sustains good jobs and provides the United States with greater energy sovereignty. It's also a potential export industry that could give America more leverage in energy diplomacy.” “I’m proud to serve as a co-chair of the Geothermal Caucus alongside Representatives Salinas, Auchincloss, and Begich and to help bring together members from both parties who recognize the enormous potential of this resource. Geothermal can provide reliable, around-the-clock American energy, create good-paying jobs, … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/ahead-of-xis-visit-to-the-united-states-merkley-mcgovern-urge-trump-admin-to-stand-up-to-prc-for-its-treatment-of-political-prisoners-transnational-repression/ | Ahead of Xi’s Visit to the United States, Merkley & McGovern Urge Trump Admin to Stand Up to PRC for its Treatment of Political Prisoners, Transnational Repression | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative James P. McGovern (MA-02)—Ranking Members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)—led Congressional Democrats in calling attention to the Chinese government’s treatment of political prisoners and its ongoing campaign of transnational repression. They sent two letters ahead of People’s Republic of China (PRC) President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States this week and his expected meeting with President Donald Trump. The lawmakers urged Trump to use this summit as an opportunity to secure the release of those wrongfully detained in China, including American citizen Min Zin, and stressed, “Even a single mention of a detainee’s name by a senior U.S. official, let alone by yourself, can significantly increase that individual’s chances of clemency or improved treatment. We urge you to be their champion during President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit.” Joining McGovern and Merkley in signing this letter were U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), as well as U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03). Full text of the letter to President Trump on political prisoners can be found by clicking here. In a separate letter to Trump Administration officials on transnational repression, the lawmakers wrote, “President Xi’s visit comes at a time when China’s transnational repression has intensified. It is therefore essential that your agencies work together to prevent and respond to any effort by the Chinese government and its agents to use these tactics to interfere with the speech and advocacy of those living in the United States or to retaliate against relatives inside the People’s Republic of China.” Joining Merkley and McGovern in signing this letter were U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03). Full text of the letter to the Trump Admi… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-demand-trump-administration-release-energy-bill-assistance-for-low-income-americans/ | Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Release Energy Bill Assistance for Low-Income Americans | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Key federal heating assistance program targeted for budget, staffing cuts by Trump administration as energy costs soar Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to release all available funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ahead of the November 1, 2026 deadline as cold weather sets in. LIHEAP is a lifeline that provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners and renters to help cover the cost of energy bills. This program is more important than ever as energy costs continue to skyrocket under Trump’s war in Iran, and cancellation of new wind and solar energy projects. Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to undermine LIHEAP. Last year, he fired the federal employees overseeing the program. The previous two years, Trump’s budget has zeroed out funding for the program entirely. Earlier this year, legislators appropriated roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds available for the coming year that must be released no later than November 1, 2026. “As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline,” the senators wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year, and more households may need heating assistance this winter as temperatures drop while the cost of oil, gas, propane, and other residential fuels rise. Heating oil costs are projected to soar by 31.3 percent this winter, the largest increase among the major heating fuels. Overall, the average U.S. household is projected to spend an average of $1,030 … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-trump-administration-release-energy-bill-assistance-for-low-income-americans | Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Release Energy Bill Assistance for Low-Income Americans | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Key federal heating assistance program targeted for budget, staffing cuts by Trump administration as energy costs soar Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today said they joined Senate colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to release all available funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ahead of the November 1, 2026 deadline as cold weather sets in. LIHEAP is a lifeline that provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners and renters to help cover the cost of energy bills. This program is more important than ever as energy costs continue to skyrocket under Trump’s war in Iran, and cancellation of new wind and solar energy projects. Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to undermine LIHEAP. Last year, he fired the federal employees overseeing the program. The previous two years, Trump’s budget has zeroed out funding for the program entirely. Earlier this year, legislators appropriated roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds available for the coming year that must be released no later than November 1, 2026. “As you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline,” the senators wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year, and more households may need heating assistance this winter as temperatures drop while the cost of oil, gas, propane, and other residential fuels rise. Heating oil costs are projected to soar by 31.3 percent this winter, the largest increase among the major heating fuels. Overall, the average U.S. household is projected to spend an average of $1,030 … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salinas-announces-oregon-tech-officially-receiving-over-1-million-quantum | Rep. Salinas Announces Oregon Tech Officially Receiving Over $1 Million for Quantum Devices and Computing Initiative | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Andrea Salinas | S001226 | salinas.house.gov | salinas | https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) announced that the Oregon Institute of Technology is officially receiving $1,031,000 in federal funding she secured for the university’s Quantum Devices and Computing Initiative. The funding is being distributed through the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Scientific and Technical Research and Services Community Project Funding program. Rep. Salinas secured the funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package. “Quantum technology is moving quickly, and schools like Oregon Tech are helping lead the way,” said Rep. Salinas. “This $1 million investment will give Oregon Tech students and researchers access to the equipment and hands-on training they need to build careers in a growing industry. I’m glad I was able to secure this federal funding because investing in Oregon’s students, research, and innovation creates opportunities for working people and strengthens our economy.” The $1,031,000 will help Oregon Tech expand its quantum research capacity, upgrade specialized laboratory equipment, and provide hands-on education and workforce development in quantum science and engineering. The initiative will support work in areas including quantum computing, sensing, networking, and advanced quantum devices. “Oregon Tech is deeply grateful to Congresswoman Salinas for securing over $1 million to support our Quantum Devices and Computing Initiative,” said Dr. Nagi Naganathan, President of Oregon Institute of Technology. “This investment will help prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians for careers in Oregon in one of the most transformative emerging fields of the 21st century. Quantum technologies have the potential to drive breakthroughs in healthcare, energy, transportation, and environmental sustainability, creating innovative solutions that improve lives and strengthen Oregon communities. We are proud to partner in advancing research and education that will deliver such meaningful benefits for soci… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/mcgovern-merkley-duckworth-walkinshaw-urge-trump-administration-do-not-deport-people-back-to-persecution-and-torture-in-china/ | McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth, Walkinshaw Urge Trump Administration: Do Not Deport People Back to Persecution and Torture in China | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers Make Letter Public So Attorneys Can Use It to Support At-Risk Uyghur, Hong Konger, Tibetan and Chinese Asylum Seekers Held in ICE Detention WASHINGTON—Yesterday, Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA), sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on the Trump Administration to protect people who have fled repression in China and could face persecution or torture if they are sent back. McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth, and Walkinshaw all serve on the CECC—a congressional commission that monitors and documents human rights violations in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In the letter, the lawmakers called on the U.S. government to stop the practice of detaining at-risk individuals, release those currently in detention, prohibit them from being deported to the PRC, and give fair and timely consideration of their applications for asylum. “Many people who have fled persecution in the PRC come to the United States with an expectation that they can find refuge,” the Members wrote. “They should be given every opportunity to apply for asylum if they have not yet done so and given fair and timely consideration of such application for asylum or other protection. Under no circumstances should at-risk individuals be deported to the PRC.” The Members also made the letter public so immigration attorneys and advocates can use it in cases involving Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Tibetans and others who fear persecution if returned to China. “There are likely many more detainees at ICE facilities, perhaps lacking representation, who fear deportation to a country run by a government that seeks to do them harm,” the Members continued. “There are perhaps others who have already been sent back to the PRC who are now experiencing persecution, torture … | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-leads-oregon-washington-lawmakers-to-urge-continued-support-for-west-coast-fishermen-and-oregons-seafood-industry/ | Merkley Leads Oregon, Washington Lawmakers to Urge Continued Support for West Coast Fishermen and Oregon’s Seafood Industry | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led a bipartisan group of Oregon and Washington lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins that calls on the USDA to deliver critical federal support to West Coast fishermen and seafood harvesters, processors, and distributors by purchasing Pacific Hake (whiting) fillets under its Section 32 purchase program. “Historically, Pacific whiting exports to Ukraine, one of the largest whiting fillet markets, reached up to nearly $95 million per year, but instability in the region as a result of war has put that market in jeopardy and caused significant impacts to the supply chain. Compounded by trade embargoes, increased imported competition from low-cost proteins, inflationary pressures, rising operational costs, and more, these factors threaten the long-term stability and viability of this once-booming market and create uncertainty for coastal economies that rely on the whiting fishery’s success for their livelihoods,” wrote the lawmakers. The lawmakers’ bipartisan letter calls on USDA to include whiting in this year’s Section 32 purchases, supporting harvesters, processors, and coastal economies along the West Coast during a period of significant market disruption and strengthening the resiliency of America’s food systems by supporting domestic protein production and distribution. They stressed, “Over the last several years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has worked with the West Coast seafood industry to support domestic distribution of surplus product and ensure that our food supply chain and fisheries operations aren’t wholly disrupted by fluctuations or complete loss of markets abroad. We ask the USDA to continue that partnership by addressing these sustained market losses that have created vast economic strains and challenges for our seafood industry.” In addition to Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Repre… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-randall-lead-bicameral-resolution-to-honor-americas-lgbtq-veterans-and-servicemembers/ | Merkley, Randall Lead Bicameral Resolution to Honor America’s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Marking September 20th as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers & Veterans Day Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Emily Randall (WA-06) introduced a resolution recognizing September 20, 2026, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day. National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day falls on the anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2011 and recognizes the courage and contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans who have served our nation. It is estimated that more than 100,000 servicemembers were discharged from the Armed Forces on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity between World War II and 2011. “America’s servicemembers and veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share a common commitment to serve our nation,” said Merkley. “These heroes put on their uniform knowing their country would likely ask them to hide who they are, deny who they love, or punish them simply for living openly. For generations, LGBTQ+ Americans have answered the call to serve, and we should honor their service and acknowledge the discrimination they endured.” “Service members and Veterans who’ve proudly served our country deserve respect and care no matter who they are or who they love. But this Administration continues to push out trans and queer service members using discriminatory policies that don’t make our military more prepared or our nation more secure. Unacceptable,” said Randall. “Today, on the 15-year anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ – the long-standing policy that kept LGBTQ+ service members in the closet – we honor all LGBTQ+ Americans who have bravely served our country. Today we recommit to fighting for every veteran to receive the dignity, support, and benefits they’ve earned.” The resolution calls for greater awareness of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, including discriminatory military policies, unjust discharges, and bans on transgender military service a… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-join-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor/ | Merkley, Wyden Join Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and former Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, respectively, joined a bipartisan group of over 150 lawmakers in urging DOI to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” The letter was led by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-demand-investigation-into-trump-administration-voter-data-misconduct/ | Wyden, Merkley Demand Investigation into Trump Administration Voter Data Misconduct | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Oregon senators seek “thorough and objective” investigation into new whistleblower disclosure revealing DHS officers were directed to illegally access sensitive voter data and create law enforcement records based on unreliable data compiled with “supplemental magic” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately and independently investigate wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower’s disclosure alleging DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as part of its effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for Donald Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.” “The DHS Office of Inspector General’s mission is ‘[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS,’” wrote Wyden, Merkley along with 16 other senators. “We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower’s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity.” The senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations and potential impacts on eligible voters and other lawfully present noncitizens, such as directing USCIS personnel to make false certifications to access sensitive voter information, create erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records,” require reckless performance quotas of reviewing 40 subjects per day, and rely on unreliable source data compiled with “supplemental magic.” In addition to opening an investigation, the senators urged the OIG to take immediate action to prevent additional wrongdoing, writing: “In addition to your investigation, please use every tool at your disposal, including a management alert, to address this immediately and pre… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-join-bipartisan-congressional-push-to-stop-proposed-yosemite-land-transfer-to-trump-donor | Merkley, Wyden Join Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, the lead Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and former Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, respectively, joined a bipartisan group of over 150 lawmakers in urging DOI to abandon a proposed transfer of federally managed public land within Yosemite National Park that would facilitate private access to and development of an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the park known as Hazel Green Ranch. In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers condemned recent reporting that indicated the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to exchange or convey an interest in an approximately quarter-mile strip of federally managed public land within Yosemite to facilitate access to private property owned by Kingsbarn, a company whose chief executive officer began making a series of donations to Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee in late 2024 — shortly after Kingsbarn acquired the Hazel Green Ranch property. “At its core, this proposal appears to provide a private benefit at the expense of land that belongs to all Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Any decision to relinquish public land to private ownership should be supported by a clear and compelling public benefit, not merely the economic interests of a private party.” The lawmakers also raised concerns about the Department’s proposal to use Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) authority to facilitate the exchange. The letter noted that the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee did not agree to move forward with the project due to congressional objections. “Public lands belong in public hands,” concluded the lawmakers. “Protection of public lands is a bipartisan issue, overwhelmingly supported by the American people from all walks of life.” The letter was led by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-investigation-into-trump-administration-voter-data-misconduct | Wyden, Merkley Demand Investigation into Trump Administration Voter Data Misconduct | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Oregon senators seek “thorough and objective” investigation into new whistleblower disclosure revealing DHS officers were directed to illegally access sensitive voter data and create law enforcement records based on unreliable data compiled with “supplemental magic” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately and independently investigate wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower’s disclosure alleging DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security officers to impersonate voters in violation of state laws to access online voter data as part of its effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for Donald Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.” “The DHS Office of Inspector General’s mission is ‘[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS,’” wrote Wyden, Merkley along with 16 other senators.“We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower’s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity.” The senators highlighted the whistleblower’s allegations and potential impacts on eligible voters and other lawfully present noncitizens, such as directing USCIS personnel to make false certifications to access sensitive voter information, create erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records,” require reckless performance quotas of reviewing 40 subjects per day, and rely on unreliable source data compiled with “supplemental magic.” In addition to opening an investigation, the senators urged the OIG to take immediate action to prevent additional wrongdoing, writing: “In addition to your investigation, please use every tool at your disposal, including a management alert, to address this immediately and prev… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-unveils-legislative-plan-transform-k-12-education | Bonamici Unveils Legislative Plan to Transform K-12 Education | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Suzanne Bonamici | B001278 | bonamici.house.gov | bonamici | https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC [9/17/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced the Transforming Education for the Future Act, comprehensive legislation to modernize the K-12 education system and create a better future for students and families. The American education system has experienced significant turbulence during the past decade, including the mismanagement and dismantling of the Department of Education, devastating effects of COVID-19, increased use of devices and social media, the rise of generative AI, and undermining of federal support for public schools. The Transforming Education for the Future Act provides the framework to address these critical issues and more. The legislation is the result of months of stakeholder outreach and member engagement. Bonamici outlined her plan on the House floor. The video can be found here. “For decades, public schools have been asked to do more with less. Add to that the fact that we have seen many new and complicated challenges over the past ten years,” Bonamici said on the House floor. “...Circumstances have changed, but the American system of public education has not yet adapted. We need a public education system that meets the moment for today’s students and tomorrow’s. We need an education system that prepares students not to pass a test, but to think critically and build a future. We need to support the educators who make that possible. And we need to remove those barriers that stand between children and opportunity. The Transforming Education for the Future Act is a blueprint for doing just that." The full text of the legislation can be found here. A summary of the legislation can be found here. The Transforming Education for the Future Act will: Emphasize a Well-Rounded Education for All Students Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so children with disabilities get the free and appropriate education and services they need and deserve. Promote hands-on project-based learning and inspire creativity and critical thinking by… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-salinas-oregon-lawmakers-introduce-grand-ronde-land-transfer-act | Merkley, Salinas, Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Suzanne Bonamici | B001278 | bonamici.house.gov | bonamici | https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led their Oregon Congressional Delegation colleagues—including Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—to introduce the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act. The bicameral bill would transfer 18,626 acres of federal land from the U.S. Forest Service into trust for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. The Tribe will maintain all public and recreational access to the area. “With the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act, we will enable the Grand Ronde to enhance their self-determination and ability to sustainably steward ancestral lands, while boosting economic opportunity across the region,” said Merkley. “This is long-overdue, and I’ll keep pushing to ensure the federal government upholds its commitment to Tribal communities across Oregon.” “For too long, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has faced historic injustices that stripped them of their ancestral lands,” said Salinas. “This legislation is a meaningful step towards righting those wrongs. By transferring these 18,626 acres to the Tribe’s stewardship, we honor their deep connection to this land and their leadership in strengthening forest health, wildfire resilience, and community safety for all Oregonians.” “This bill takes a big step toward helping the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde to support services and provide opportunities that will enhance quality of life in the surrounding community,” said Wyden. “I’m proud to support this legislation and will keep battling for all Tribes in Oregon to have the federal government working with them every step of the way as they exercise their sovereignty.” “Oregonians know that responsible conservation and resource stewardship improve ecosystem health, reduce wildfire risks, and preserve healthy forests for future generations,” said Bonamici. “This land transfer will enhance long-term forest health, expand public access… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/dexter-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-comprehensive-legislation-protect-wildland | Dexter Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Comprehensive Legislation to Protect Wildland Firefighters’ Health | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Maxine Dexter | D000635 | dexter.house.gov | dexter | https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act establishes first-of-its-kind respiratory protections, strengthens health monitoring and improves care for federal wildland firefighters. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (D-OR), Reps. Huffman (D-CA) and Gallagher (R-CA), and Sens. Merkley (D-OR), Padilla (D-CA), Curtis (R-UT), Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect wildland firefighters from the serious health risks associated with smoke, toxic substances and other hazards they encounter on the job. For nearly 30 years, federal agencies have had data documenting the serious health risks wildland firefighters face. Structural firefighters began using respiratory protection in the 1970s, yet wildland firefighters are still routinely sent into dangerous conditions without adequate respiratory protection. Developed in partnership with firefighters, unions and health experts, Dexter’s legislation would establish federal respiratory protection standards, strengthen long-term health monitoring, improve decontamination practices and ensure firefighters have better support when seeking federal workers’ compensation for job-related illnesses. “As a pulmonologist and critical care physician, I’ve cared for firefighters with acute smoke and burn injuries, as well as chronic lung disease and cancer caused by repeated smoke exposure,” Congresswoman Dexter said. “It is devastating, and it is preventable. Our wildland firefighters deserve more than our gratitude—they deserve a government that protects them as fiercely as they protect all of us. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act is legislation that will finally close critical gaps in protecting wildland firefighter health. It is built upon a simple principle: protecting firefighters’ health must be an operational priority, not an afterthought.” “Every day, wildland firefighters face tremendous health risks at work, where they protect our communities, defend the … | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-wyden-hoyle-dexter-announce-12-million-to-oregon-for-habitat-restoration-projects | Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Dexter Announce $12 Million to Oregon for Habitat Restoration Projects | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) today to announce $12 million in federal funds for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects through the Community-based Restoration Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program provides technical assistance and funding to partners implementing habitat restoration projects in coastal communities around the country. These projects will recover and sustain our nation’s fisheries by ensuring fish have access to high-quality habitat. “Thanks to the Community-based Restoration Program, $12 million in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help protect and improve critical habitat for native Oregon fish, including the iconic coho salmon,” said Merkley. “Oregon’s native fish are the lifeblood of our state, supporting the health and vitality of our communities, local economies, and Tribes who have been here since time immemorial. I’ll keep pushing for necessary federal investments to protect Oregon’s ecosystems for generations to come.” “Salmon and steelhead are a huge part of what makes Oregon recreation and our state’s natural wonders renowned around the world,” said Wyden. “This $12 million federal investment will help ensure those native fish keep flourishing along the coast and in the Sandy River Basin. I’ll always keep battling for resources just like these that are so vital for economic well-being and Tribal traditions.” "Salmon sustain fishing jobs, support Tribes and help our local economies thrive," said Hoyle. "NOAA's Community-based Restoration Program supports habitat preservation up and down the Oregon coast. This funding will support habitat restoration for Coho Salmon right here in the 4th Congressional district." “I’m deeply grateful our community is receiving $6.1 million in NOAA funding to support habitat restoration for salmon and steelhead in the Sandy River Basin,” said Dexte… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/wyden-merkley-hoyle-salinas-announce-91-million-for-affordable-housing-and-water-infrastructure-upgrades | Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas Announce $9.1 Million for Affordable Housing and Water Infrastructure Upgrades | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties to benefit. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas, today announced $9.1 million in federal awards and loans for water infrastructure and affordable housing projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties. “Every Oregonian deserves access to clean, reliable drinking water and an affordable place to call home,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will directly support rural communities across our state by upgrading critical water infrastructure in Brookings, and preserving affordable housing for working families and seniors in Newberg and La Grande. This is good news, and I’ll keep fighting to secure similar federal resources that improve everyday life for all Oregonians.” “This federal investment will help support both housing and water infrastructure – two critical needs that I’ve heard about time and time again from Oregon’s rural communities,” said Merkley, the former top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA. “These funds from USDA will help ensure seniors and families in rural Oregon have access to affordable housing and clean, safe drinking water.” "It's a great day when we see strong investments on the ground in our communities," said Rep. Hoyle. "This funding directly invests in our water infrastructure and expands affordable housing. In Congress, I'll continue fighting for funding that reinvests in our communities and brings taxpayer dollars back to Oregon." “Oregon is already about 140,000 homes short of what we need. That shortage is driving up costs and making it harder for families to find a home they can afford,” said Rep. Salinas. “We need to build more housing while preserving the affordable homes we already have. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to renovate these homes in Newberg that will improve living conditions for families and make sure rural Oregonians can continue to live with dignity in the communities they call home.” The … | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/dexter-merkley-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-comprehensive-legislation-to-protect-wildland-firefighters-health/ | Dexter, Merkley Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Comprehensive Legislation to Protect Wildland Firefighters’ Health | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act establishes first-of-its-kind respiratory protections, strengthens health monitoring and improves care for federal wildland firefighters. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (D-OR), Reps. Huffman (D-CA) and Gallagher (R-CA), and Sens. Merkley (D-OR), Padilla (D-CA), Curtis (R-UT), Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect wildland firefighters from the serious health risks associated with smoke, toxic substances and other hazards they encounter on the job. For nearly 30 years, federal agencies have had data documenting the serious health risks wildland firefighters face. Structural firefighters began using respiratory protection in the 1970s, yet wildland firefighters are still routinely sent into dangerous conditions without adequate respiratory protection. Developed in partnership with firefighters, unions and health experts, Dexter’s legislation would establish federal respiratory protection standards, strengthen long-term health monitoring, improve decontamination practices and ensure firefighters have better support when seeking federal workers’ compensation for job-related illnesses. “As a pulmonologist and critical care physician, I’ve cared for firefighters with acute smoke and burn injuries, as well as chronic lung disease and cancer caused by repeated smoke exposure,” Congresswoman Dexter said. “It is devastating, and it is preventable. Our wildland firefighters deserve more than our gratitude—they deserve a government that protects them as fiercely as they protect all of us. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act is legislation that will finally close critical gaps in protecting wildland firefighter health. It is built upon a simple principle: protecting firefighters’ health must be an operational priority, not an afterthought.” “As climate chaos fuels an even more ferocious fire season, our wildland firefighters are on the front lines, battling … | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-salinas-oregon-lawmakers-introduce-grand-ronde-land-transfer-act/ | Merkley, Salinas, Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led their Oregon Congressional Delegation colleagues—including Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—to introduce the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act. The bicameral bill would transfer 18,626 acres of federal land from the U.S. Forest Service into trust for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. The Tribe will maintain all public and recreational access to the area. “With the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act, we will enable the Grand Ronde to enhance their self-determination and ability to sustainably steward ancestral lands, while boosting economic opportunity across the region,” said Merkley. “This is long-overdue, and I’ll keep pushing to ensure the federal government upholds its commitment to Tribal communities across Oregon.” “For too long, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has faced historic injustices that stripped them of their ancestral lands,” said Salinas. “This legislation is a meaningful step towards righting those wrongs. By transferring these 18,626 acres to the Tribe’s stewardship, we honor their deep connection to this land and their leadership in strengthening forest health, wildfire resilience, and community safety for all Oregonians.” “This bill takes a big step toward helping the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde to support services and provide opportunities that will enhance quality of life in the surrounding community,” said Wyden. “I’m proud to support this legislation and will keep battling for all Tribes in Oregon to have the federal government working with them every step of the way as they exercise their sovereignty.” “Oregonians know that responsible conservation and resource stewardship improve ecosystem health, reduce wildfire risks, and preserve healthy forests for future generations,” said Bonamici. “This land transfer will enhance long-term forest health, expand public access… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-hoyle-dexter-announce-12-million-to-oregon-for-habitat-restoration-projects/ | Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Dexter Announce $12 Million to Oregon for Habitat Restoration Projects | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) today to announce $12 million in federal funds for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects through the Community-based Restoration Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program provides technical assistance and funding to partners implementing habitat restoration projects in coastal communities around the country. These projects will recover and sustain our nation’s fisheries by ensuring fish have access to high-quality habitat. “Thanks to the Community-based Restoration Program, $12 million in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help protect and improve critical habitat for native Oregon fish, including the iconic coho salmon,” said Merkley. “Oregon’s native fish are the lifeblood of our state, supporting the health and vitality of our communities, local economies, and Tribes who have been here since time immemorial. I’ll keep pushing for necessary federal investments to protect Oregon’s ecosystems for generations to come.” “Salmon and steelhead are a huge part of what makes Oregon recreation and our state’s natural wonders renowned around the world,” said Wyden. “This $12 million federal investment will help ensure those native fish keep flourishing along the coast and in the Sandy River Basin. I’ll always keep battling for resources just like these that are so vital for economic well-being and Tribal traditions.” “Salmon sustain fishing jobs, support Tribes and help our local economies thrive,” said Hoyle. “NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program supports habitat preservation up and down the Oregon coast. This funding will support habitat restoration for Coho Salmon right here in the 4th Congressional district.” “I’m deeply grateful our community is receiving $6.1 million in NOAA funding to support habitat restoration for salmon and steelhead in the Sandy River Basin,” said Dexte… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-hoyle-dexter-announce-12-million-to-oregon-for-habitat-restoration-projects | Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Dexter Announce $12 Million to Oregon for Habitat Restoration Projects | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) today to announce $12 million in federal funds for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects through the Community-based Restoration Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program provides technical assistance and funding to partners implementing habitat restoration projects in coastal communities around the country. These projects will recover and sustain our nation’s fisheries by ensuring fish have access to high-quality habitat. “Thanks to the Community-based Restoration Program, $12 million in federal funding is coming to Oregon to help protect and improve critical habitat for native Oregon fish, including the iconic coho salmon,” said Merkley. “Oregon’s native fish are the lifeblood of our state, supporting the health and vitality of our communities, local economies, and Tribes who have been here since time immemorial. I’ll keep pushing for necessary federal investments to protect Oregon’s ecosystems for generations to come.” “Salmon and steelhead are a huge part of what makes Oregon recreation and our state’s natural wonders renowned around the world,” said Wyden. “This $12 million federal investment will help ensure those native fish keep flourishing along the coast and in the Sandy River Basin. I’ll always keep battling for resources just like these that are so vital for economic well-being and Tribal traditions.” "Salmon sustain fishing jobs, support Tribes and help our local economies thrive," said Hoyle. "NOAA's Community-based Restoration Program supports habitat preservation up and down the Oregon coast. This funding will support habitat restoration for Coho Salmon right here in the 4th Congressional district." “I’m deeply grateful our community is receiving $6.1 million in NOAA funding to support habitat restoration for salmon and steelhead in the Sandy River Basin,” said Dexte… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-schiff-press-flock-ceo-for-answers-on-troubling-abuse-of-technology-amid-surveillance-network-concerns-push-to-protect-americans-privacy | Wyden, Schiff Press Flock CEO for Answers on Troubling Abuse of Technology Amid Surveillance Network Concerns, Push to Protect Americans’ Privacy | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said today they are pressing Flock for information regarding allegations of abuse of its surveillance platforms and whether its existing protocols are failing to protect Americans’ privacy. The inquiry follows increasingly troubling and documented reports of law enforcement officials abusing Flock’s nationwide license plate readers, camera network and sensors to carry out extensive, unauthorized surveillance. “Despite a professed public commitment to responsible governance, Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans’ civil liberties,” Wyden and Schiff wrote Flock CEO Garrett Langley. Multiple organizations and news reporting have revealed alarming concerns of unauthorized surveillance by Flock cameras. Organizations have come forward to express concern that states restricting reproductive health care access are using Flock data to track down patients traveling to other states for care while other reports indicate Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are conducting immigration-related searches of Flock databases to pursue individuals without warrants. An analysis of police and court reports by The Washington Post revealed that at least 50 law enforcement officers have been charged or accused of misusing Flock’s surveillance system for unauthorized purposes. In their inquiry, the senators express concern over how Flock has repeatedly failed to implement the safeguards necessary to protect Americans’ civil liberties and demand answers on how the company is protecting against misuse by law enforcement and others, as well as its compliance with existing privacy laws. They also direct Flock to preserve all records between the company, employees, consultants, and state, local, and federal agents regarding Flock cameras. Wyden has been a staunch advocate for privacy rights and holding Flock accountable. In October 2025, Wyden questioned Flock regarding its massive license plate recognit… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andrea-salinas-sen-jeff-merkley-oregon-lawmakers-introduce-grand-ronde | Rep. Andrea Salinas, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Andrea Salinas | S001226 | salinas.house.gov | salinas | https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led their Oregon Congressional Delegation colleagues—including Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—to introduce the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act. The bicameral bill would transfer 18,626 acres of federal land from the U.S. Forest Service into trust for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. The Tribe will maintain all public and recreational access to the area. “For too long, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has faced historic injustices that stripped them of their ancestral lands,” said Salinas. “This legislation is a meaningful step towards righting those wrongs. By transferring these 18,626 acres to the Tribe’s stewardship, we honor their deep connection to this land and their leadership in strengthening forest health, wildfire resilience, and community safety for all Oregonians.” “With the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act, we will enable the Grand Ronde to enhance their self-determination and ability to sustainably steward ancestral lands, while boosting economic opportunity across the region,” said Merkley. “This is long-overdue, and I’ll keep pushing to ensure the federal government upholds its commitment to Tribal communities across Oregon.” “Oregonians know that responsible conservation and resource stewardship improve ecosystem health, reduce wildfire risks, and preserve healthy forests for future generations,” said Bonamici. “This land transfer will enhance long-term forest health, expand public access to outdoor recreation, and enhance reconciliation among the tribal, state, and federal governments. I’m grateful for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde’s commitment to sustainable land management and will continue to advocate for tribal rights and justice.” “This bill rights a historic wrong for the Grand Ronde who have worked tirelessly to return a just fraction of its ancestral territory,” … | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bonamici-dexter-nearly-8-million-coming-portland-area-airports | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Dexter: Nearly $8 Million Coming to Portland-Area Airports for Infrastructure Improvements | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Maxine Dexter | D000635 | dexter.house.gov | dexter | https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Portland, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03), announced that the Port of Portland has been awarded $7,657,874 in federal funding for Hillsboro Airport and Portland International Airport (PDX). “Portland’s airports connect our communities, businesses, and travelers to the rest of the world,” said Merkley. “As Hillsboro Airport and PDX continue to grow, we must invest in critical airport improvements—such as runways, taxiways, and innovative groundwater management—to allow these hubs to keep driving our economy forward and growing local tourism.” “These two metro-area airports play an essential role in building an even stronger quality of life for Oregonians and for economic development statewide,” said Wyden. “Vital infrastructure such as Portland International Airport and Hillsboro Airport requires investments just like these that keep them safe for travelers and modern for years to come.” “I'm grateful for the federal funding going to the Portland and Hillsboro airports,” said Bonamici. “These investments will help maintain and update critical infrastructure and keep the runways safe.” “PDX is the best airport in the country,” said Dexter. “I am grateful to have fought for this funding to improve airport infrastructure and secure a transformative groundwater management system to keep our travelers, workers, and communities safe.” “From the terminal to the taxiways, we work to keep every inch of our airports safe and efficient,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “These federal investments will fund essential runway and taxiway maintenance at Hillsboro Airport and support a pilot program for an innovative groundwater management system for construction projects at PDX. Projects like these are core to maintaining smooth airport operations, and I’m grateful for the Oregon delegation's continued commitment to keeping our critical infrastructure first-class.” The awards—totaling… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/seec-members-highlight-strategies-build-thriving-economy | SEEC Members Highlight Strategies to Build a Thriving Economy | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Maxine Dexter | D000635 | dexter.house.gov | dexter | https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Vice Chairs Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06) and Mike Levin (CA-49), as well as Members Reps. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and George Whitesides (CA-27), participated in a press conference to highlight the more than 800 policy ideas in the newly released Thriving Economy Project report that will address the unique set of challenges facing American families and businesses today and help usher in a cleaner, safer, and thriving American economy. “My district is one of the most productive farmland areas in the country. And while the reality is that while our farmers are producing more than ever, too many are struggling to stay in business. The time is now for a federal policy framework that reflects the realities of modern agriculture,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. “That's what the Thriving Economy Project is all about -- making sure the next generation has a real opportunity to farm, own land, and build a successful business. This is just one glimpse into the policy proposals we’ve put out in this project. I’m excited that once Democrats take back the House, we can begin to take real action. And this project gives us the tools we need to make that happen.” “The chapter on Thriving, Affordable, and Resilient Communities is deeply personal to me as Tampa Bay’s Congresswoman. Since 2020, Tampa has had 136 record-high temperatures and one record-low. That means higher electric bills for families running their AC, more dangerous conditions for our farm workers, and more people in the hospital,” said Congresswoman Kathy Castor. “The Thriving, Affordable, Resilient Communities chapter offers a practical agenda to meet those challenges head-on. It focuses on aligning federal tools with local leadership – supporting safer housing, smarter infrastructure, lower energy costs, and stronger main streets. Thriving communities are t… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/200-days-and-40-billion-later | 200 DAYS AND $40 BILLION LATER | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04) released the following statement in response to a new analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) finding that the war in Iran has directly cost the United States roughly $40 billion. “Today is the 200th day of the President’s illegal and immoral war with Iran. It isn’t just unpopular, it’s expensive,” said Rep. Hoyle. “As costs continue to rise the American people are footing the $40 billion bill. Despite this, House Republicans are calling it quits and sending us home today. It’s unconscionable that we are being sent home as the American people continue to pay the price.” BACKGROUND The war with Iran is increasing what families pay for gas, utilities, transportation and other goods and services. The CBO expects the war to add roughly 0.5 percentage points to inflation in the first quarter of 2027. Inflation has already spiked by 2.3% in the second quarter of 2026 . | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/warren-hoyle-wyden-merkley-ocasio-cortez-subramanyam-introduce-bill-to-ban-the-corporate-practice-of-medicine | Warren, Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Ocasio-Cortez, Subramanyam Introduce Bill to Ban the Corporate Practice of Medicine | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act would ban corporations and private equity from owning physicians. The bill is modeled on the landmark Oregon law that physicians have already used to successfully challenge corporate takeovers. Text of Bill (PDF)|One-Pager (PDF) Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), along with Representatives Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), introduced the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act to ban the corporate practice of medicine. Over 80 percent of doctors in the United States are employed by corporate entities—including private equity firms and insurers—up from 62 percent in 2019. Despite prohibitions on the corporate practice of medicine in over thirty states, private equity firms, insurers, and other corporate entities have exploited legal loopholes that allow them to circumvent these restrictions to the detriment of clinicians and patients. Management services organizations (MSOs) have become vehicles for exercising corporate control over physicians. MSOs contract with physician practices to handle ostensibly purely administrative tasks, but these actors often challenge the autonomy of acquired physicians once in control. For example, corporate entities often assume control over clinical operations, management and staffing decisions, and billing and coding practices—all of which can exert pressure on physicians to change care delivery. The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act ensures health care decisions are made by physicians—not private equity firms, insurance companies, or other corporate actors. The legislation: Bans the corporate practice of medicine by making it illegal for private equity funds, insurance companies, and other for-profit corporations to own or control medical practices; Closes the “friendly physician” loophole that has allowed investor-backed corporations to evade state-level bans on the corporate practice of … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andrea-salinas-statement-following-war-powers-vote-1 | Rep. Andrea Salinas’ Statement Following the War Powers Vote | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Andrea Salinas | S001226 | salinas.house.gov | salinas | https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) issued the following statement following her vote in favor of the bipartisan war powers resolution. “We are more than six months into Trump’s war of choice with Iran, and over that time, Oregonians have been shouldering the economic hardship. The cost of this war drove up the price of a gallon of gas from $3.90 to $5.10 and has exacerbated Trump’s affordability crisis. “Today, I voted in favor of ending U.S. involvement in the war in Iran for the sixth time. “Republicans have made major cuts to programs that help families afford food and healthcare, including SNAP and Medicaid. Despite their handwringing over fiscal responsibility, they have no problem spending billions of dollars on military operations overseas. Those choices have painful consequences for Oregon families. “After more than six months of conflict, Americans have borne both human and economic costs. Republicans must join Democrats to end this war and ensure federal resources reflect the needs of the people we represent.” | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/curtis-merkley-wildfire-emissions-prevention-bill-unanimously-passes-committee/ | Curtis, Merkley Wildfire Emissions Prevention Bill Unanimously Passes Committee | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today applauded the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee’s unanimous passage of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA), bipartisan legislation to streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. The bill—led by Senator Curtis—is cosponsored by EPW Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). “Today’s unanimous approval by the Committee brings us one step closer to addressing the glaring irony in our current environmental regulations: They deter prescribed burns due to pollution concerns, practically guaranteeing catastrophic wildfires that emit far more carbon than proactive management ever would,” said Senator Curtis. “I thank my colleagues for their work and support and look forward to the bill’s passage by the full Senate.” “As climate chaos fuels longer, hotter, and more dangerous wildfire seasons, our communities need to have all the necessary resources to mitigate wildfire threats. Prescribed fire and cultural burning on the landscape are one such tool by reducing hazardous fuels,” said Senator Merkley. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the use of prescribed burns and establish the Smoke Ready Communities Program, which is based on provisions from my Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act. As our Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act moves closer to becoming law, we are on the way to supporting more prescribed fire on the landscape—an essential forest management activity—while giving our communities the resources to plan and prepare for smoke events, protecting public health and saving lives.” “The unanimous passage of the WEPA through the EPW Committee represents a key step toward implementing common-sense solutions that will help states more effectively prevent wildfires and protect their land and communities. I … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-booker-grassley-hinson-and-adams-lead-bipartisan-push-for-stillbirth-prevention-and-awareness/ | Merkley, Booker, Grassley, Hinson, and Adams Lead Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) partnered with U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day. With almost one-fourth of stillbirths being potentially preventable, this resolution stresses the importance of advancing evidence-based stillbirth prevention efforts in the United States. “Every parent who experiences a stillbirth deserves support and clear action. Stillbirth remains a heartbreaking and preventable public health crisis, with Black, Native, and Hispanic families facing disproportionately high rates of loss,” said Merkley. “Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we cannot let up. This National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we must keep pushing for necessary action to save lives and spare families this devastating loss.” “Every year, more than 20,000 families in the United States experience a stillbirth, and too many of these losses may be preventable,” said Booker. “Losing a baby to stillbirth is devastating, and on National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we stand with the families who have experienced this profound loss and recommit ourselves to preventing stillbirth wherever possible. By investing in research, improving data collection, raising awareness, and strengthening access to high-quality maternal health care, we can better understand the causes of stillbirth, reduce preventable losses, and support healthier pregnancies.” “No family should have to endure the heartbreak of a stillbirth. While states like Iowa have made progress at reducing stillbirths, there’s still much more to be done to strengthen maternal healthcare, especially in rural areas, to help prevent these tragedies. Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness and promotes research to help target contributing f… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-markey-bipartisan-group-of-senators-trump-administration-must-release-all-documents-from-u-s-saudi-nuclear-deal/ | Merkley, Markey, Bipartisan Group of Senators: Trump Administration Must Release All Documents from U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Massachusetts’ U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey led a bipartisan group of Senators to press the Trump Administration to declassify and publicly release the two side letters accompanying the proposed U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear cooperation agreement, referred to as a “123 agreement.” The Trump Administration recently submitted the 123 agreement to Congress—as is required by law—but while the agreement references the side letters, the letters themselves are classified at the lowest possible level, which is unprecedented. Because the side letters affect the obligations and operation of the underlying agreement, Congress and the public cannot fully assess what the United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed to without seeing them. “Congress has a statutory responsibility under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act to review the proposed nuclear deal, which seeks to facilitate nuclear cooperation with significant implications for U.S. national security interests. Access to the full text is required for the Senate and the public to have a clear understanding of the commitments being made on the nation’s behalf and those being made by Saudi Arabia to the United States,” wrote the bipartisan group of Senators in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The side letters affect the obligations and operations of the underlying agreement and cannot be viewed in isolation from it; the President’s own transmission letter to Congress states that the agreement ‘…was concluded with two accompanying side letters.’ Their public release would also allow civil society, independent experts, and other affected stakeholders to scrutinize the deal.” They emphasized, “Transparency and open debate are cornerstones of our democracy. Congress and the American public must have a meaningful opportunity to review and debate the key components of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal before it potentially enters into force. To that end, we call o… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/sheehy-merkleys-air-traffic-situational-awareness-enhancement-act-advances-through-senate-commerce-committee/ | Sheehy, Merkley’s Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act Advances through Senate Commerce Committee | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | U.S. SENATE – Senator Tim Sheehy’s Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act today advanced out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill, co-led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), provides air traffic controllers more tools and training to keep American airspace safe. It now heads to the Senate floor for full consideration. “America has long set the gold standard in aviation, but a lack of resources and outdated technology puts public safety at risk. It’s crucial that we ensure our Air Traffic Controllers in airports across the country, including regional and rural airports, have the training and tools they need to enhance their situational awareness and keep our airspace safe. This practical, bipartisan legislation makes sure our technology is upgraded to meet our modern aviation safety needs, and I’m pleased to see it head to the Senate floor,” said Senator Sheehy. “Oregon’s small and regional airports are an important partner in keeping the flying public safe. Our simple bipartisan bill—which just cleared a key hurdle—will unlock resources for these airports to make critical safety upgrades if they need them, something we should all get behind,” said Senator Merkley. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) joined Sheehy and Merkley in introducing the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act in February. The bill is supported by the Regional Airline Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Airlines for America, and National Business Aviation Association. Background: Many airports, particularly smaller and rural ones under the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program, still lack modern situational awareness technology such as Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or other radar-integrated displays. Of the 266 Federal Contract Towers, more than 90 lack any surveillance tools. In towers at these airports, controllers rely on visual observation and radio calls, tools that can become strained during periods of high traff… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/warren-hoyle-wyden-merkley-ocasio-cortez-subramanyam-introduce-bill-to-ban-the-corporate-practice-of-medicine/ | Warren, Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Ocasio-Cortez, Subramanyam Introduce Bill to Ban the Corporate Practice of Medicine | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “Patients want to know that decisions about their health are being made by their doctors, not by Wall Street investors,” said Senator Warren. “If we’re going to lower costs and un-rig the health care system, we need to stop the corporate takeover of medicine.” “Billionaire corporations are using sick patients to turn healthy profits, and Americans are fed up,” said Senator Merkley. “In Oregon, we passed one of the most comprehensive corporate practice of medicine laws in the country, standing up for patients and health care providers. It’s time we take on corporate greed in health care at the federal level by passing our Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act, cracking down on these takeovers that are destroying our health care system.” “Americans want medical decisions to stay between patients and their doctor, not dictated by corporate actors and private equity firms focused on maximizing profits,” said Senator Wyden. “I’m proud of Oregon’s pioneering state law that has been used by doctors to protect their independence, and it’s time to take that model to the federal level. Corporate medicine is making health care more expensive for everyone, and safeguards must be put in place to ensure health care decisions stay in the hands of physicians.” “80% of doctors in the U.S. are employed by corporate entities, up from 62% in 2019,” said Representative Hoyle. “Healthcare should not be a line item in a spreadsheet. The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act will ensure proper protections are in place, so our healthcare systems serve the best interests of our patients, not corporations.” “Americans want medical decisions to stay between patients and their doctors, not dictated solely by the pursuit of maximizing profits. States have passed laws to protect the independence of physicians, and it’s time to take that model to the federal level. Corporate medicine is making health care more expensive for everyone, and safeguards must be put in place to ensure health care decisions stay in the hands of physician… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-hoyle-salinas-announce-9-1-million-for-affordable-housing-and-water-infrastructure-upgrades/ | Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas Announce $9.1 Million for Affordable Housing and Water Infrastructure Upgrades | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties to benefit. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas, today announced $9.1 million in federal awards and loans for water infrastructure and affordable housing projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties. “Every Oregonian deserves access to clean, reliable drinking water and an affordable place to call home,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will directly support rural communities across our state by upgrading critical water infrastructure in Brookings, and preserving affordable housing for working families and seniors in Newberg and La Grande. This is good news, and I’ll keep fighting to secure similar federal resources that improve everyday life for all Oregonians.” “This federal investment will help support both housing and water infrastructure – two critical needs that I’ve heard about time and time again from Oregon’s rural communities,” said Merkley, the former top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA. “These funds from USDA will help ensure seniors and families in rural Oregon have access to affordable housing and clean, safe drinking water.” “It’s a great day when we see strong investments on the ground in our communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “This funding directly invests in our water infrastructure and expands affordable housing. In Congress, I’ll continue fighting for funding that reinvests in our communities and brings taxpayer dollars back to Oregon.” “Oregon is already about 140,000 homes short of what we need. That shortage is driving up costs and making it harder for families to find a home they can afford,” said Rep. Salinas. “We need to build more housing while preserving the affordable homes we already have. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to renovate these homes in Newberg that will improve living conditions for families and make sure rural Oregonians can continue to live with dignity in the communities they call home.” The … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-hoyle-salinas-announce-91-million-for-affordable-housing-and-water-infrastructure-upgrades | Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle, Salinas Announce $9.1 Million for Affordable Housing and Water Infrastructure Upgrades | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties to benefit. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas, today announced $9.1 million in federal awards and loans for water infrastructure and affordable housing projects in Curry, Yamhill and Union counties. “Every Oregonian deserves access to clean, reliable drinking water and an affordable place to call home,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will directly support rural communities across our state by upgrading critical water infrastructure in Brookings, and preserving affordable housing for working families and seniors in Newberg and La Grande. This is good news, and I’ll keep fighting to secure similar federal resources that improve everyday life for all Oregonians.” “This federal investment will help support both housing and water infrastructure – two critical needs that I’ve heard about time and time again from Oregon’s rural communities,” said Merkley, the former top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA. “These funds from USDA will help ensure seniors and families in rural Oregon have access to affordable housing and clean, safe drinking water.” "It's a great day when we see strong investments on the ground in our communities," said Rep. Hoyle. "This funding directly invests in our water infrastructure and expands affordable housing. In Congress, I'll continue fighting for funding that reinvests in our communities and brings taxpayer dollars back to Oregon." “Oregon is already about 140,000 homes short of what we need. That shortage is driving up costs and making it harder for families to find a home they can afford,” said Rep. Salinas. “We need to build more housing while preserving the affordable homes we already have. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to renovate these homes in Newberg that will improve living conditions for families and make sure rural Oregonians can continue to live with dignity in the communities they call home.” The … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-williams-booker-lead-push-to-close-constitutional-loophole-allowing-for-slavery/ | Merkley, Williams, Booker Lead Push to Close Constitutional Loophole Allowing for Slavery | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-05) today teamed up with New Jersey’s U.S. Senator Cory Booker to reintroduce the End the Exception Amendment. The bicameral resolution would strike the ‘Slavery Clause’ of the 13th Amendment, a constitutional loophole that allows slavery “as a punishment for crime” in the United States. “For over 160 years, the 13th Amendment has sought to ensure our democratic republic lives up to the principles of equality and justice that America was founded on, but our work still remains to fully confront the horrific legacies of slavery and white supremacy,” said Merkley. “For too long, the sinister Slavery Clause in our Constitution has denied the dream of a more perfect union, stripping millions of people—particularly people of color—of their most basic human rights and preventing true justice and equality for all. We must pass the End the Exception Amendment to eliminate the loophole that drove legal slavery long past passage of the 13th Amendment.” “Slavery was wrong from day one, and we should have abolished it when the 13th Amendment was ratified,” said Williams. “I will keep pushing, no matter how long it takes, for Congress to close the Slavery Loophole in the Constitution, finally ending slavery in America in every form, once and for all. It’s been one hundred sixty years since we passed the 13th Amendment. We’ve waited long enough. The time to pass the End the Exception Amendment is now.” “Over one hundred and sixty years after Congress passed the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery and involuntary servitude, the law has failed to fully fulfill its promise of freedom for all. A loophole in the Thirteenth Amendment allows individuals to be sentenced to forced labor as ‘punishment for a crime,’” said Booker. “We cannot claim to be a free country while allowing people to be enslaved—it is a violation of our founding principles that continues to disproportionately impact Black Americans. It is time we eliminate sla… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-bonamici-dexter-nearly-8-million-coming-to-portland-area-airports-for-infrastructure-improvements/ | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Dexter: Nearly $8 Million Coming to Portland-Area Airports for Infrastructure Improvements | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Portland, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03), announced that the Port of Portland has been awarded $7,657,874 in federal funding for Hillsboro Airport and Portland International Airport (PDX). “Portland’s airports connect our communities, businesses, and travelers to the rest of the world,” said Merkley. “As Hillsboro Airport and PDX continue to grow, we must invest in critical airport improvements—such as runways, taxiways, and innovative groundwater management—to allow these hubs to keep driving our economy forward and growing local tourism.” “These two metro-area airports play an essential role in building an even stronger quality of life for Oregonians and for economic development statewide,” said Wyden. “Vital infrastructure such as Portland International Airport and Hillsboro Airport requires investments just like these that keep them safe for travelers and modern for years to come.” “I’m grateful for the federal funding going to the Portland and Hillsboro airports,” said Bonamici. “These investments will help maintain and update critical infrastructure and keep the runways safe.” “PDX is the best airport in the country,” said Dexter. “I am grateful to have fought for this funding to improve airport infrastructure and secure a transformative groundwater management system to keep our travelers, workers, and communities safe.” “From the terminal to the taxiways, we work to keep every inch of our airports safe and efficient,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “These federal investments will fund essential runway and taxiway maintenance at Hillsboro Airport and support a pilot program for an innovative groundwater management system for construction projects at PDX. Projects like these are core to maintaining smooth airport operations, and I’m grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued commitment to keeping our critical infrastructure first-class.” The awards—totaling… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/new-trumps-war-in-iran-cost-dod-nearly-40-billion-and-drove-nearly-half-of-inflation-according-to-cbo-report/ | NEW: Trump’s War in Iran Cost DoD Nearly $40 Billion and Drove Nearly Half of Inflation, According to CBO Report | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Text of Report (PDF) Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to an inquiry led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, along with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released new data on the cost of President Trump’s war in Iran. The major findings include: Trump’s war with Iran cost the Department of Defense (DoD) nearly $40 billion as of Aug 1 – without including the cost of damage to “hundreds of buildings and structures at U.S. bases” in the region. The U.S. military will not be able to replace munitions destroyed in the war for at least five years. CBO estimates that more than 40% of inflation from the second quarter of 2026 is a consequence of Trump’s war. CBO estimates that inflation will be 0.5 percentage points higher in the first quarter of 2027 than it would have been without the war—ultimately driving interest rates higher and increasing borrowing costs for American families and businesses. CBO estimates that it will take “at least five years—even if production was increased” to replace the munitions destroyed. CBO’s estimate did not include $113 million in costs incurred by State, including $79.2 million “to respond to contingencies stemming from the Iran conflict.” Additionally, given that the macroeconomic projections were based on data through August 17, 2026, and global oil prices and futures have increased since then, it’s likely that these estimates do not capture the full extent of the war’s continued impact on inflation. “Trump’s illegal war with Iran is a one-two punch that’s burning a hole in Americans’ pockets and burning a hole in our munitions supply, hurting our military readiness,” said Senator Warren. “This war is a betrayal of the American people, and it needs to end.” “After months of the Trump Administration hiding the true cost of his illegal war of choice with Iran, the American people are finally getting independent and objective answers on the cost… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-protect-agricultural-water-access-amid-worsening-drought-in-oregon/ | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Agricultural Water Access Amid Worsening Drought in Oregon | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Legislation would help upgrade outdated water infrastructure systems to support agriculture Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced legislation that would help improve water resilience in communities across Oregon and the West as drought in the region persists after last year’s record-low snowpack. “Water scarcity in the West isn’t a question of if, it’s when,” Wyden said. “The federal government needs to get serious about protecting water resources before it’s too late, and my legislation will help Oregon’s farmers and producers remain even more resilient against growing drought conditions.” “As climate chaos fuels hotter and drier summers, we must ensure that we have reliable, resilient water infrastructure that every farmer, Tribe, and community in our state can count on,” said Merkley, whose Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act is included in this bill. “Passing this bill will provide more opportunities for crucial investments and innovative solutions to support communities facing persistent drought conditions.” The Western Water Reinvestment Act would improve water access for agriculture and conservation by supporting projects that improve dam safety, create more resilient watersheds and benefit agricultural and urban water users. Most regions of Oregon have just one-third of their average annual snowpack, and many parts of the state remain under extreme drought conditions. Legislative text is here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bonamici-dexter-nearly-8-million-coming-to-portland-area-airports-for-infrastructure-improvements | Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici, Dexter: Nearly $8 Million Coming to Portland-Area Airports for Infrastructure Improvements | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Portland, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03), announced that the Port of Portland has been awarded $7,657,874 in federal funding for Hillsboro Airport and Portland International Airport (PDX). “Portland’s airports connect our communities, businesses, and travelers to the rest of the world,” said Merkley. “As Hillsboro Airport and PDX continue to grow, we must invest in critical airport improvements—such as runways, taxiways, and innovative groundwater management—to allow these hubs to keep driving our economy forward and growing local tourism.” “These two metro-area airports play an essential role in building an even stronger quality of life for Oregonians and for economic development statewide,” said Wyden. “Vital infrastructure such as Portland International Airport and Hillsboro Airport requires investments just like these that keep them safe for travelers and modern for years to come.” “I'm grateful for the federal funding going to the Portland and Hillsboro airports,” said Bonamici. “These investments will help maintain and update critical infrastructure and keep the runways safe.” “PDX is the best airport in the country,” said Dexter. “I am grateful to have fought for this funding to improve airport infrastructure and secure a transformative groundwater management system to keep our travelers, workers, and communities safe.” “From the terminal to the taxiways, we work to keep every inch of our airports safe and efficient,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “These federal investments will fund essential runway and taxiway maintenance at Hillsboro Airport and support a pilot program for an innovative groundwater management system for construction projects at PDX. Projects like these are core to maintaining smooth airport operations, and I’m grateful for the Oregon delegation's continued commitment to keeping our critical infrastructure first-class.” The awards—totaling… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-protect-agricultural-water-access-amid-worsening-drought-in-oregon | Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Agricultural Water Access Amid Worsening Drought in Oregon | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Legislation would help upgrade outdated water infrastructure systems to support agriculture Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced legislation that would help improve water resilience in communities across Oregon and the West as drought in the region persists after last year’s record-low snowpack. “Water scarcity in the West isn’t a question of if, it’s when,” Wyden said. “The federal government needs to get serious about protecting water resources before it’s too late, and my legislation will help Oregon’s farmers and producers remain even more resilient against growing drought conditions.” “As climate chaos fuels hotter and drier summers, we must ensure that we have reliable, resilient water infrastructure that every farmer, Tribe, and community in our state can count on,” said Merkley, whose Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act is included in this bill. “Passing this bill will provide more opportunities for crucial investments and innovative solutions to support communities facing persistent drought conditions.” The Western Water Reinvestment Act would improve water access for agriculture and conservation by supporting projects that improve dam safety, create more resilient watersheds and benefit agricultural and urban water users. Most regions of Oregon have just one-third of their average annual snowpack, and many parts of the state remain under extreme drought conditions. | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-veasey-introduce-resolution-recognizing-september-as-national-voting-rights-month-ahead-of-midterm-elections | Wyden, Veasey Introduce Resolution Recognizing September as National Voting Rights Month Ahead of Midterm Elections | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Resolution comes amid efforts by Donald Trump and Republicans to upend vote-by-mail and make voting harder for Americans Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-Texas, announced today they have introduced a bicameral resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” “Trump is doing everything he can to disenfranchise American voters in this year’s midterms because he’s afraid his platform of jacking up costs is about to lose Republicans the midterms,” Wyden said. “Access to the ballot and the right to vote are the bedrock of our democracy, and Congressman Veasey and I will continue fighting to protect this fundamental right for all Americans.” “Over the past year, we’ve seen our fundamental right to vote eroded and access to critical information about the voting process worsen. In my home state alone, we’ve seen efforts to redistrict mid-decade, introduce restrictive voter ID laws, and reduce the number of polling locations available to voters,” said Representative Veasey. “Now more than ever, it is essential for Americans to understand their voting rights, stay informed about what is happening around them, and help to keep their communities informed. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a resolution alongside Sen. Wyden to designate September 2026 as National Voting Rights Month - a step towards raising awareness, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring that Americans have the information they need to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard in November,” Representative Veasey continued. Since the start of his second term, Donald Trump has tried at every opportunity to undermine election systems nationwide. From appointing election deniers to key positions, to firing all members of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, and attempting to limit mail-in voting. Wyden and Veasey’s resolution encourages voter registration in the month of September and calls on Congress to preserve the right to vote by passing the Fre… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-colleagues-urge-supreme-court-to-block-postal-service-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting/ | Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | 261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 current and former Members of Congress challenging the legality of President Trump’s Executive Order and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “Millions of Americans cast their ballots with vote-by-mail, and Donald Trump is trying to make it harder for folks to vote just weeks before an election,” said Merkley. “At Trump’s bidding, this new USPS rule would upend procedures that states and voters rely on and create confusion about whether ballots will be delivered and counted. Trump doesn’t have unilateral authority to rewrite the rules for voting, and we’re urging the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional role of Congress and states in administering our free and fair elections.” “Donald Trump is plotting in plain sight to rig the upcoming election by weaponizing the Postal Service to undermine vote-by-mail in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “Vote-by-mail has long proven to be fair and effective, which of course means Trump hates it and is scheming to create confusion weeks before ballots go out. His actions are illegal, and our court brief asks the Supreme Court to follow the clear language of the Constitution and protect elections throughout America.” The coalition of 261 current and former Members of Congress filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the USPS. The court case challenges a final rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification l… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-colleagues-urge-supreme-court-to-block-postal-service-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting | Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Supreme Court to Block Postal Service Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | 261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 current and former Members of Congress challenging the legality of President Trump’s Executive Order and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “Millions of Americans cast their ballots with vote-by-mail, and Donald Trump is trying to make it harder for folks to vote just weeks before an election,” said Merkley. “At Trump’s bidding, this new USPS rule would upend procedures that states and voters rely on and create confusion about whether ballots will be delivered and counted. Trump doesn’t have unilateral authority to rewrite the rules for voting, and we’re urging the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional role of Congress and states in administering our free and fair elections.” “Donald Trump is plotting in plain sight to rig the upcoming election by weaponizing the Postal Service to undermine vote-by-mail in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “Vote-by-mail has long proven to be fair and effective, which of course means Trump hates it and is scheming to create confusion weeks before ballots go out. His actions are illegal, and our court brief asks the Supreme Court to follow the clear language of the Constitution and protect elections throughout America.” The coalition of 261 current and former Members of Congress filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the USPS. The court case challenges a final rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification l… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salinas-applauds-supreme-court-decision-blocking-trumps-voter-suppression | Rep. Salinas Applauds Supreme Court Decision Blocking Trump’s Voter Suppression Plan | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Andrea Salinas | S001226 | salinas.house.gov | salinas | https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Trump Administration’s request to allow new U.S. Postal Service restrictions on mail-in ballots to take effect ahead of the November midterm elections. The Court’s action leaves in place a lower court order blocking the new requirements while the case continues. “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a major win for Oregonians and every American who wants to make their voice heard at the ballot box. The court blocked the Trump Administration’s vote-by-mail voter suppression plan, ensuring that every American who is eligible to vote can do so with confidence that the U.S. Postal Service won’t be the arbiter of their voter eligibility and their vote will count in this year’s midterm election. “While this ruling is a major victory, it is not a reason to be complacent. This will likely not be Trump’s final attempt to cast doubt on the results of this year’s midterm elections. No matter what Trump tries to do, voters still need to register and cast their ballot. Our democracy works when people participate, and every eligible voter deserves a fair and accessible opportunity to do exactly that. “Oregon has safely and securely voted by mail for decades. I will keep fighting to protect Oregonians’ right to vote and make sure every eligible voter can participate in our elections. If candidates are concerned that voters will reject their candidacy at the ballot box, the answer is not to make it harder for people to vote. The answer is to earn their votes.” | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salinas-secures-extension-public-comment-period-trump-administrations | Rep. Salinas Secures Extension of Public Comment Period on Trump Administration’s Roadless Rule Repeal | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Andrea Salinas | S001226 | salinas.house.gov | salinas | https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | SALEM, OR — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, celebrated the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to extend the public comment period on the Trump Administration’s proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule. The Forest Service announced that it will extend the comment deadline by 15 days, from September 21 to October 6, giving Americans additional time to weigh in on a proposal that would eliminate longstanding protections for 44 million acres of National Forest System lands. The extension comes just days after Rep. Salinas led a bipartisan coalition of 164 Members of Congress in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service to provide the public with more time to comment on the proposed rollback. In their September 3 letter, Salinas and her colleagues urged the Forest Service to extend the comment period from 30 days to 120 days, hold in-person public meetings, and conduct full Tribal consultation to allow Americans to have their voices heard. “When the Roadless Rule was first adopted 25 years ago, more than 1.6 million comments were submitted in favor of the rule. That’s more than any other rule in our nation’s history at the time it was adopted,” said Rep. Salinas. “Oregonians deserve a real opportunity to make their voices heard before the Trump Administration makes a decision that could fundamentally change 44 million acres of our public lands. I’m glad the agency listened to our demands to extend the comment period, and I urge them to listen to every American who demands that we protect our wilderness. “While 15 additional days still falls well short of the 120-day comment period we requested, this extension gives Oregonians and communities across the country more time to speak up for our forests, clean drinking water, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation economy. I will continue pushing the Administration to provide the robust and transparent public process that a decision of this magnitude dem… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-statement-on-25th-anniversary-of-september-11-terrorist-attacks/ | Merkley Statement on 25th Anniversary of September 11 Terrorist Attacks | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement in remembrance of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001: “I will never forget that day 25 years ago: the clear blue morning sky, the billowing black smoke, the clouds of white ash, and everywhere, the confusion and fear. Our nation watched in shock and horror as an unprecedented act of terrorism on Americans was carried out in cold blood. Nearly 3,000 people were taken from us, including courageous first responders who raced toward danger to save others. “But alongside the devastation, we witnessed extraordinary acts of courage and compassion. Police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers put their lives on the line for strangers. Passengers aboard Flight 93 fought back against the hijackers. Across the country, neighbors reached out to one another, gathering in communities and at candlelight vigils to share their grief and offer comfort. While facing unimaginable tragedy, Americans came together. The divisions that so often separate us fell away as people helped one another simply because help was needed. “September 11 will always be a solemn day of remembrance. We honor the irreplaceable lives lost, the families and loved ones who continue to carry those losses, and all those whose bravery and service offered hope amid darkness. “On this anniversary, we hold those memories close and renew our commitment to one another. The spirit of service, community, and common purpose we witnessed that day and the days that followed remains a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together. May we continue striving to build a country worthy of the sacrifice of those we lost, guided by the enduring values of freedom, equality, justice, and care for our fellow Americans.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-davidson-to-uk-spy-court-let-apple-tell-congress-about-reported-uk-secret-demand-for-encryption-backdoor | Wyden and Davidson to UK Spy Court: Let Apple Tell Congress About Reported UK Secret Demand for Encryption Backdoor | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bipartisan Members of Congress Warn the Secret Order Threatens UK-US Relationship; Weakening Encryption Puts Americans’ Safety and US National Security at Risk WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, urged a U.K. court to lift the secrecy around a reported order from the U.K. government that Apple create a secret backdoor in its products to allow surveillance. Wyden and Davidson urged the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which oversees government surveillance in the UK, to allow more transparency in the matter, in a letter sent today. “The U.K. government’s unprecedented demands for secrecy in this matter undermine democratic governance in both the United States and the U.K., and needlessly strain the relationship between our two nations,” Wyden and Davidson wrote. In their letter, Wyden and Davidson revealed that Apple informed Congress that it is challenging the U.K. government’s authority to issue surveillance directives and that it was denied permission to discuss the issue in detail with both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. Apple informed congressional staff that the U.K. government granted the company permission to brief the U.S. Attorney General, the Vice President and key staffers, but blocked the company from discussing the issue in detail with Congress. The U.K. has reportedly sought to weaken security features of Apple’s iCloud service, which stores private messages, passwords, photos and other files, since last year. While the U.K. government’s first order would have impacted American Apple users, it reportedly revised its request in response to pushback from the U.S. government, including a letter by Wyden and Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that warned of the risks to privacy and national security. The full scope of the current request is unknown, both to the public and members of Congress, due to secrecy mandated by the U.K. government. Wyden and Davidson echoed a warning from the prior Director of National Intelligence that… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-presses-trump-administration-on-lack-of-firefighting-resources-during-the-2026-wildfire-season | Wyden Presses Trump Administration on Lack of Firefighting Resources During the 2026 Wildfire Season | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he and four other senators are calling out the Trump administration’s failures to prepare and adequately respond to the ongoing 2026 fire season throughout the West. A record 2.5 million acres-plus have burned in Oregon so far this year, and temperatures for much of Oregon next week are forecast to be in the 80s. “[...] Record-breaking high temperatures and historic drought have led to catastrophic fires across the West, destroying thousands of homes, wreaking havoc on the economies of rural communities, stressing the budgets of local governments, and leading to the loss of four wildland firefighters and two pilots,” Wyden and the other senators wrote Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Between July 18 and September 4, 2026, the national firefighting force was at preparedness level 5 with federal resources fully committed to combating wildland fires across the country. So far this year, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service has dedicated more than $6 billion to fire suppression budget authority, spending nearly the entire fire suppression budget as of September 2, 2026. The West is expected to remain in peak fire season with hot, dry, and windy conditions for at least the next two months, raising concerns that federal wildfire resources and suppression funds could run out entirely. “In light of these concerns, the capacity of the federal government to sustain operations is critical. We are concerned that the agencies simply do not have enough highly qualified personnel, Incident Management Teams, and supervisory staff to sustain operations,” the senators wrote. “Our offices have received reports that teams have worked more fires than is safe, using temporary supervisory structures because fully qualified personnel are not available. We have also heard that locally-led initial attack was affected by national mobilization, and that personnel have worked repeated or extended assignments. This is exceptional… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-requests-ai-camera-firm-explain-use-of-portland-footage-in-promotional-video | Wyden Requests AI Camera Firm Explain Use of Portland Footage In Promotional Video | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked Portland technology firm Sightline Intelligence to answer questions raised by Oregonians about how it trains AI software it produces for use in high-resolution cameras, in a letter sent this week. Constituents raised privacy concerns about the firm’s actions after footage of Oregon Health and Science University was included in a promotional video posted by Sightline, without permission of the institution. Sightline representatives have said the company did not use the footage to train its AI models. Fostering high-tech jobs in Oregon that reduce dependence on foreign drone technology is beneficial to America’s economy and security, Wyden said, but companies need to ensure Americans’ privacy is protected. “Companies like yours are producing cutting-edge technologies to advance America’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry and supply chain, which help the United States reduce its reliance on foreign sources for UAV technologies utilized in search-and-rescue missions and military operations,” Wyden wrote in his letter. “While the development of these technologies is beneficial to the United States, it is also ripe for abuse, and I have heard firsthand in my town halls that Oregonians are particularly concerned about the misuse of such technologies to surveil Americans, harm civilians, and enable human rights abuses. Wyden requested Sightline respond to the following questions in writing by no later than September 30: Will you confirm that footage retained by Sightline Intelligence of the OHSU tram, or any other footage filmed in Oregon, was not used in the development of any technologies, including in training, tuning, or testing models for object classification? Will you commit to permanently deleting the OHSU tram footage and any other footage that Sightline Intelligence retains of Oregonians who did not consent to filming? I recognize Sightline Intelligence creates AI-video processing software for target recognition, utilized in autonomous aircraf… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/dexter-ruiz-condemn-lack-due-process-imprisoned-palestinian-pediatrician-dr | Dexter, Ruiz Condemn Lack of Due Process for Imprisoned Palestinian Pediatrician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and Demand His Release by Netanyahu’s Government | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Maxine Dexter | D000635 | dexter.house.gov | dexter | https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Lawmakers: “We write with urgent concern about the life-threatening conditions facing Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a Palestinian pediatrician being badly mistreated in Israeli custody.” Netanyahu’s government has filed no formal charges against Dr. Abu Safiya, nor has he received a trial. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), and Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), led 69 of their colleagues in calling on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to engage his counterparts in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure the release of imprisoned Palestinian pediatrician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. The lawmakers emphasized the lack of due process afforded to Dr. Abu Safiya, who has yet to receive formal charges, and highlighted his worsening physical condition. “We write with urgent concern about the life-threatening conditions facing Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a Palestinian pediatrician being badly mistreated in Israeli custody,” the lawmakers wrote. “As recently as last month, Dr. Abu Safiya’s lawyer warned that his physical condition had deteriorated to the point of near-death.” Dr. Abu Safiya is the longtime director of Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza City. During the war in Gaza, he played a critical role in providing wounded civilians with vital medical care. Among his most notable contributions was the construction of a malnutrition unit that treated hundreds of children. On December 27, 2024, Dr. Abu Safiya was arrested while on duty at his hospital and remains in Israeli custody. No formal charges were ever presented against him, and to this day, he has yet to receive a trial. “For over 18 months, Dr. Abu Safiya has languished in Israeli jails, including an underground facility previously shut down due to the poor conditions its detainees faced,” the lawmakers continued. “According to his lawyer, authorities have repeatedly denied him adequate access to medical care, food and toiletries, causing him to lose significant weight.” On July 2, 2026, Dr. Abu Safiya’s lawyer visited hi… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-calls-out-inaction-in-congress | REP. HOYLE CALLS OUT INACTION IN CONGRESS | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | EUGENE, OR – Today, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04), released the following statement as House Republicans gather for their televised political circus in Texas: “Republican leadership has canceled nearly 25% of voting days. Instead of coming to the table to deliver for working families, they’d rather go home. Inflation is at a three-year high, and American households are spending over $3,800 extra on goods and services since the President took office. Meanwhile, my Republican colleagues are more focused on hosting a televised political circus in Texas than delivering for working families. Let’s get serious.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-joins-amicus-brief-to-protect-vote-by-mail | REP. HOYLE JOINS AMICUS BRIEF TO PROTECT VOTE-BY-MAIL | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04), released the following statement after joining a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of over 250 lawmakers in a court filing challenging the legality of the President’s Executive Order attempting to control mail-in ballots ahead of the election. “The Constitution is clear: States have the authority over time, place and manner of our elections. Not the President,” said Rep. Hoyle. “This Administration must stop their unconstitutional attempts to limit vote-by-mail, create a 'citizenship verification list’ and attempt to take over our elections.” More information on the Amicus brief can be found here. This action comes just days after Rep. Hoyle joined nearly one hundred Members of Congress in calling on the U.S. Postal Service to not implement its rule restricting mail-in voting. ### | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-tout-nearly-10-million-for-oregon-tribes-affordable-housing-efforts/ | Merkley, Wyden Tout Nearly $10 Million For Oregon Tribes’ Affordable Housing Efforts | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding a combined nearly $9,917,680 to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Warm Springs Housing Authority to build more affordable housing for Tribal members. “It’s critical that Tribal families have affordable, safe places to live that will foster community and connect them to their land,” said Merkley. “This nearly $10 million in federal funding will help Tribes work to overcome their affordable housing shortage. I will keep working to deliver the necessary housing resources to ensure everyone in our state can thrive and live safe, healthy lives.” “Housing is a basic human right, and Tribal communities across Oregon urgently need safe, affordable places for families to live and grow,” Wyden said. “I applaud the Warm Springs Housing Authority and the Cow Creek Band for winning this federal investment that will support constructing new homes and building out essential infrastructure. I will keep fighting to ensure Tribal nations in Oregon and across the nation have the federal resources required to support their citizens and build strong futures.” The Warm Springs Housing authority is receiving $5 million for the new construction of seven three-bedroom homes for low-income families. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is receiving $4,917,680 for the new construction of seven single-family homes and the infrastructure needed to support another new construction housing project. The nearly $10 million announced today comes from the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program, which provides federal funds to eligible Tribes and Tribally Designated Entities to support affordable housing projects in Tribal communities. Priority is given to new construction and housing rehabilitation projects. “We are grateful for HUD’s significant investment in our Nation that will help us provide new affordable housing for Warm Springs families who need… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-harrigan-and-whitehouse-call-on-commerce-department-to-sanction-mercenary-foreign-hacking-firms | Wyden, Harrigan and Whitehouse Call on Commerce Department to Sanction Mercenary Foreign Hacking Firms | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Bipartisan Members of Congress Urge Secretary Lutnick to Take Action Against Three Indian Companies Linked to Hacks of Thousands of Americans and U.S. Companies; Hacking Companies Silenced U.S. Journalists, News Outlets and Technology Companies In Foreign Courts To Censor Reporting WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D- R.I. and Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., called for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to take action against three companies based in India that have hacked and stolen data from thousands of Americans and U.S. companies. “Several India-based cyber-mercenary groups have spent more than fifteen years conducting targeted espionage against U.S. citizens, businesses and the lawyers representing them,” Wyden, Harrigan and Whitehouse wrote to Lutnick. “Compounding this security threat, these cyber mercenaries and their associates have engaged in an aggressive campaign of global lawfare to censor investigative reporting by prominent American media organizations. This coordinated effort effectively allows foreign entities to use foreign courts to keep the American public in the dark about cyber threats to their own country and undermines the fundamental constitutional rights of U.S. citizens.” According to investigations by Reuters and The Citizen Lab, these companies conducted widespread hacking campaigns targeting private equity firms, pharmaceutical companies, and more than 1,000 attorneys across major U.S. law firms to manipulate ongoing litigation. There is evidence that these groups have operated at the behest of the Qatari government, targeting opponents of Qatar’s World Cup bid and the family of a former Republican Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. These same companies also have attempted to censor reporting about their hacking campaigns by abusing foreign courts — at one point forcing a global takedown of Reuters’ investigation. The Indian companies have ongoing lawsuits against U.S. technology and media companies, including Go… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-tout-nearly-10-million-for-oregon-tribes-affordable-housing-efforts | Merkley, Wyden Tout Nearly $10 Million For Oregon Tribes’ Affordable Housing Efforts | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | PORTLAND, OR – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding a combined nearly $9,917,680 to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Warm Springs Housing Authority to build more affordable housing for Tribal members. “It’s critical that Tribal families have affordable, safe places to live that will foster community and connect them to their land,” said Merkley. “This nearly $10 million in federal funding will help Tribes work to overcome their affordable housing shortage. I will keep working to deliver the necessary housing resources to ensure everyone in our state can thrive and live safe, healthy lives.” “Housing is a basic human right, and Tribal communities across Oregon urgently need safe, affordable places for families to live and grow,” Wyden said. “I applaud the Warm Springs Housing Authority and the Cow Creek Band for winning this federal investment that will support constructing new homes and building out essential infrastructure. I will keep fighting to ensure Tribal nations in Oregon and across the nation have the federal resources required to support their citizens and build strong futures.” The Warm Springs Housing authority is receiving $5 million for the new construction of seven three-bedroom homes for low-income families. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is receiving $4,917,680 for the new construction of seven single-family homes and the infrastructure needed to support another new construction housing project. The nearly $10 million announced today comes from the Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program, which provides federal funds to eligible Tribes and Tribally Designated Entities to support affordable housing projects in Tribal communities. Priority is given to new construction and housing rehabilitation projects. "We are grateful for HUD's significant investment in our Nation that will help us provide new affordable housing for Warm Springs families who need… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/america-in-jeopardy-puts-spotlight-on-trumps-corruption-chaos-and-costs-to-american-families/ | “America in Jeopardy” Puts Spotlight on Trump’s Corruption, Chaos, and Costs to American Families | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “Donald Trump has turned the White House into a cesspool of corruption. ‘America in Jeopardy’ names just a handful of ways that American families are paying the price while Donald Trump pads his own pockets,” said Senator Warren. “Donald Trump has turned the White House into a pay-to-play casino where the billionaire class profits and working Americans suffer. Trump’s corruption isn’t a game though and it’s on a scale we have never seen before. We must continue to shine a light on all of their schemes,” said Senator Van Hollen. | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-statement-on-smithsonian-secretary-lonnie-g-bunch-iii/ | Merkley Statement on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “As Secretary of the Smithsonian, Lonnie Bunch sought to make the Institution more than a place for tourists to see artifacts, and he succeeded by ensuring the collections reflect the vastness of the American experience. As the first historian to serve as Secretary, Lonnie brought studied research and independence to extend the Institution’s mission to share America’s journey in all its dimensions with visitors across the country and the world. As his crown jewel, he brought the National Museum of African American History and Culture from an idea to an extraordinary addition to the National Mall, establishing an enduring institution to tell the story of the African-American experience as an integral part of the American experience. “Lonnie’s legacy will be standing up for the Smithsonian’s independence and dedication to telling the whole American story. I congratulate Lonnie on an incredible career – including nearly 40 years at the Smithsonian – and thank him for his leadership and wisdom in telling the complete American story.” | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-expresses-concern-around-proposed-rail-merger | REP. HOYLE EXPRESSES CONCERN AROUND PROPOSED RAIL MERGER | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Val T. Hoyle | H001094 | hoyle.house.gov | hoyle | https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04), alongside over 100 Members of Congress and partners in labor, wrote to federal regulators demanding they consider the consequences of the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Rail merger for workers: “The proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would create the largest rail network in this country’s history. Railroad workers are the backbone of our supply chain, and their rights and security must come first. When workers do well, our economy thrives,” said Rep. Hoyle. “I’m leading 100 of my colleagues in demanding that the Surface Transportation Board fully evaluate what this merger could mean for jobs, safety and accountability.” "This merger could cost thousands of jobs and deny our members their livelihoods, " said TWU Rail Division Director John Feltz. "Norfolk Southern is leaving its workers and everyone else in the dark. We appreciate the members of Congress who have our backs by demanding answers to basic questions about whether this merger will benefit all of us." “BRS members are on the ground every day maintaining the signal systems and critical infrastructure that keep America’s rail network operating safely. We know firsthand that bigger does not automatically mean better or safer. The proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger would create an unprecedented level of consolidation in the freight rail industry, and we have serious concerns about what that could mean for safety, network reliability, competition, and the railroad workforce. Before a transaction of this magnitude is allowed to move forward, the railroads should be required to demonstrate that it will strengthen—not weaken—the safety and reliability of our nation’s rail system. BRS does not believe they have made that case,” said International President, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Michael Baldwin “The proposed $85 billion Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger is the largest railroad merger in history and one of the largest recent corporate consolidations in memory. … | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-and-harrigan-call-for-investigation-into-dod-efforts-to-protect-us-servicemembers-from-commercial-location-data-threats | Wyden and Harrigan Call for Investigation into DOD Efforts to Protect US Servicemembers from Commercial Location Data Threats | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Joint Investigation Reveals New Details About US Military Policies Intended to Stop Sales of Troop Data; Raises Questions About How Adversaries are Obtaining Location Data of American Personnel in Combat Zones WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., called for an investigation by the Inspector General into the Defense Department’s policies intended to protect U.S. servicemembers from being tracked and targeted by adversaries based on commercial location data collected from cell phones. Wyden, Harrigan and 12 other members of Congress revealed in May that adversaries targeted U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East using commercial location data, which can be harvested from phones and is sold by data brokers. The members released memos from multiple components of the U.S. military — the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command — revealing that they have all adopted a widely recommended anti-tracking defense, by disabling unique mobile advertising IDs assigned to each smartphone by the manufacturer, on government-issued smartphones. The members also provided the inspector general with a non-public report produced by a U.S. defense contractor demonstrating how commercial data can easily track movements from sensitive DOD facilities. “We commend these service branches for implementing this cybersecurity defensive best practice on government devices,” Wyden and Harrigan wrote. “However, recent reports regarding the continued availability of commercial location data originating from DoD facilities raise troubling questions.” The members asked the DOD inspector general to look into how location data from DOD personnel continues to be available for sale, in spite of DOD’s efforts. The members suggested data could continue to be available for several reasons, including that commercial data available originates from personal devices, not government phones, that are carried by servicemembers and government contractors. Wyden and Harrigan called on t… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/kaine-bonamici-and-colleagues-demand-education-department-abandon-effort | Kaine, Bonamici, and Colleagues Demand Education Department Abandon Effort to Rescind Guidelines That Prevent Discrimination in Career and Technical Education | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Suzanne Bonamici | B001278 | bonamici.house.gov | bonamici | https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and former civil rights attorney, and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) led 29 of their Democratic colleagues in both chambers of Congress in issuing a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon opposing the decision from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to end-run federal law and rescind federal guidelines in place for nearly half a century that are designed to proactively root out discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, and disability in career and technical education (CTE) programs. “We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s … decision on July 23, 2026, to rescind guidelines from 1979 that worked to eliminate discrimination and denied services based on race, color, national origin, sex, and disability for career and technical education (CTE) programs, and urge you to reinstate the guidelines,” wrote the members. “As proponents of CTE, we know that fair and equitable access is critical to our students and the strength of our economy.” “The 1979 Guidelines … established the Methods of Administration between states and the federal government to provide a framework for CTE programs to proactively root out discrimination. To date, this is the only mechanism within ED that actively works to prevent discrimination, as the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) responds retroactively to filed complaints,” the members continued. “The Guidelines were issued with a clear purpose, in the government's own words: to end unlawful discrimination against people seeking the skills necessary for gainful and meaningful employment.” They continued, “Despite the rescission of the Guidelines, the underlying nondiscrimination statutes remain in force, and we are hopeful that states will continue to fulfill their duty to prioritize practices adopted under the Guidelines. We believe the Guidelines remain critical, and we urge… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-introduces-bill-expand-healthcare-coverage-young-americans-0 | Bynum Introduces Bill to Expand Healthcare Coverage For Young Americans | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Janelle S. Bynum | B001326 | bynum.house.gov | bynum | https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) introduced theLaunching with Healthcare Act to allow young adults to remain on a parent’s health insurance plan through age 30. Under the Affordable Care Act, the current age cut-off is set at 26, assuming that most young adults would have settled into careers offering employer-sponsored insurance by 26. However, 15 percent of 26-year-old Americans are uninsured – the highest uninsured rate at any age. Just last year, Republicans cut roughly $1 billion in federal healthcare spending in their One Big Ugly Bill, which Rep. Bynum voted against. Nearly 7.5 million Americans will lose their health insurance because of these cuts, including roughly 200,000 Oregonians. They also refused to extend the ACA enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which has left Oregon marketplace enrollment down by 18%, while average premiums after financial assistance jumped from $272 to $426 per month. The Launching with Healthcare Act would amend the Public Health Service Act by increasing the maximum age for required dependent coverage from 26 to 31, meaning coverage would remain available for young adults through age 30, giving young people a more realistic path to transition to health insurance of their own. “Let’s be serious: In this economy, young people aren’t magically financially secure the day they turn 26,” said Rep. Bynum. “In Oregon, they’re getting crushed by rent, groceries, student loans, and healthcare costs. Young people are trying to build a stable future in an outdated system that no longer works. This bill gives the next generation a little more breathing room to build their careers, save money, and actually get ahead.” “Everything is more expensive right now—rent, groceries, healthcare, all of it—and young people are trying to find stable jobs while figuring out how to build a life,” said Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost. “At 26, most people are still getting their lives in order. We shouldn’t make them take on another burden by … | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-introduces-bill-lower-cost-school-supplies | Bynum Introduces Bill to Lower the Cost of School Supplies | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Janelle S. Bynum | B001326 | bynum.house.gov | bynum | https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) introduced the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act to lower the cost of school supplies for students and teachers. The legislation would exempt school supplies and educational materials from President Trump’s tariff taxes, which have raised prices for families across the country. “Between gas, groceries, and rent, our families are already struggling with rising costs,” said Congresswoman Bynum. “School supplies are the latest example of how Trump’s tariffs are pricing people out of the essentials. With costs up and school supply lists out, families are having to make hard financial decisions. This bill is about giving parents and teachers a break, while still setting our children up for success in the classroom.” “Like families across the country, my wife and I felt the sticker shock when we went back-to-school shopping this year,” said Congressman Boyle. “Families are already stretching every dollar, and they shouldn’t be forced to pay even more for basic school supplies because of President Trump’s reckless tariff taxes. I’m proud to help lead this bill to eliminate tariffs on back-to-school essentials and give parents, teachers, and students some much-needed relief.” According to Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation, the cost of school supplies has increased 8 percent this year, with many essential items facing even larger cost increases. Lunchbox prices have increased 27 percent, while notebooks have become 23 percent more expensive. The Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act would: Direct the Secretaries of Commerce and Education to work together to create a list of tariff-free school supplies, and specifically exempts: Office and school supplies Backpacks Notebooks, memorandum pads, and similar paper products Children’s picture, drawing, and coloring books Calendars Computer keyboards Hairbrushes Pencils, crayons, chalk, and other drawing materials Pens, markers, and related writing inst… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-maxine-dexter-md-takes-big-oil-three-bill-package-protect | Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. Takes on Big Oil with Three-Bill Package to Protect Taxpayers | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Maxine Dexter | D000635 | dexter.house.gov | dexter | https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) introduced a three-bill package to hold Big Oil accountable and stop these companies from passing their costs onto American taxpayers. While Americans struggle with rising costs for gas, groceries, and utility bills, major oil companies reported more than $40 billion in combined profits in the second quarter of 2026. For decades, Big Oil has taken advantage of outdated rules, weak penalties and careless oversight to shortchange taxpayers while they rake in record profits. Congresswoman Dexter’s legislation would close these loopholes, strengthen enforcement and require Big Oil, not hardworking taxpayers, to pay for the damage it leaves behind. “Big Oil has had a free pass for far too long, raking in billions in profits while taxpayers are left to foot the bill,” Congresswoman Dexter said. “We need a course correction; it’s time for oil and gas companies to play by the rules and pay their fair share. When they break the rules and leave our communities at risk, they should be held accountable. Taxpayers should not be stuck paying for Big Oil’s mess.” Taxpayer Relief from Big Oil Act The Taxpayer Relief from Big Oil Act would close outdated loopholes that allow oil and gas companies to reduce what they pay the American people for drilling on public lands and waters. The bill would: End outdated loopholes that allow oil and gas companies to pay less than they owe; Create clear and consistent rules for transportation costs companies deduct from their payments for drilling on federal lands; and Require annual public reports showing which companies request relief and how much those breaks cost taxpayers. Read bill text here. Penalties for Polluters Act The Penalties for Polluters Act would strengthen penalties for oil and gas companies that break the rules and make sure affected communities see the benefits. The bill would: Double outdated penalties so companies cannot simply write off fines as the cost of doing business; and Create a Penalt… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andrea-salinas-statement-unidos-press-conference-newberg-resident-detained | Rep. Andrea Salinas’ Statement from Unidos Press Conference on Newberg Resident Detained by ICE | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Andrea Salinas | S001226 | salinas.house.gov | salinas | https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | NEWBERG, OR — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) issued the following statement at a press conference hosted by Unidos Bridging Community. The press conference featured the family of Juan Miguel Aldape-Palacios, a father of three and longtime Newberg resident, who was detained by ICE last week in McMinnville. In her statement, Rep. Salinas condemned the treatment of Aldape-Palacios and the toll his detention has taken on his family. After initially being held in Tacoma, Washington, Aldape-Palacios was transferred more than 2,000 miles away to Louisiana, creating new barriers to legal representation and communication with his wife and children. Salinas said her office is working with Unidos, ACLU Louisiana, and members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to help connect him with legal support. Brandon Jordan, a representative for Congresswoman Salinas, read the statement on her behalf. See below for the statement: For the past twenty-two years, Juan Miguel Aldape has lived in Oregon, worked hard, and has had no trouble with the law — all to provide a better life for his family. Juan Miguel is a loving husband and father. He is a role model for his children, and he has shown them what it looks like to work hard every day to provide for the people you love. He is also a caregiver for one of his children, who has special needs. Without him, the Aldape family is not only coping with the absence of a father and husband. They have lost a caregiver and source of financial support. I’m furious that the Trump Administration arrested Juan Miguel, and my heart breaks for the Aldape family. Last week, ICE agents arrested Juan Miguel in McMinnville and took him to the detention center in Tacoma, Washington. According to Juan Miguel, in the middle of the night, detention staff corralled roughly 200 detainees, separated them from the rest of the people in the facility, and told them they would be placed on a flight to Louisiana. Juan Miguel told his family that he and others were intimidated and pressured into… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salinas-leads-164-lawmakers | Rep. Salinas Leads 164 Lawmakers Demanding the Trump Administration Halt Its Roadless Rule Rollback | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Andrea Salinas | S001226 | salinas.house.gov | salinas | https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), alongside Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Reuben Gallego (D-AZ) led a bipartisan coalition of 164 Members of Congress in urging the Trump Administration to abandon its proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule, a longstanding and successful conservation guardrail protecting 44 million acres of iconic landscapes and National Forest System lands. The letter underscores the Rule’s broad, bipartisan support, as well as its critical role in safeguarding clean drinking water, wildlife habitats, carbon storage, and outdoor recreation economies across 37 states. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service, the lawmakers criticize their lack of meaningful public engagement, calling for the Department to extend the comment period, hold in-person public meetings, and conduct full Tribal consultation. The lawmakers also demanded the Trump Administration halt its rescission effort and instead focus on successful implementation of this bedrock policy. Click here or see below for the full letter. Dear Secretary Rollins and Chief Schultz, As Members of Congress representing a broad range of communities, stakeholders, and outdoor interests, we write in strong support of the U.S. Forest Service’s Roadless Area Conservation Rule (“Roadless Rule”) and in firm opposition to the Department of Agriculture’s proposal for rescission. We urge the Department to halt this effort and instead focus on effective implementation of this longstanding and successful policy. Since its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states. These areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities. Iconic landscapes such as the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the … | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/warren-merkley-booker-van-hollen-question-ed-secretary-mcmahon-on-lack-of-transparency-guardrails-for-1-billion-student-loan-administration-fund/ | Warren, Merkley, Booker, Van Hollen Question ED Secretary McMahon on Lack of Transparency, Guardrails for $1 Billion Student Loan Administration Fund | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | “(T)he agency has displayed a worrying lack of public transparency about what this vast sum of money has been spent on or will be spent on in the future.” Text of Letter (PDF) Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) raised their concerns in a letter to Department of Education (ED) Secretary Linda McMahon about ED’s use of the $1 billion that Republicans’ One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) allocated to ED for student loan administration. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined the letter as well. Student loan borrowers are facing the largest default and delinquency crisis in recorded history. While OBBBA allocated $1 billion to be used to cover “administrative costs” of the federal student loan program, the law created no accountability, oversight, or transparency measures regarding how the money is spent. ED has reported that it spent approximately $216 million of this fund by the start of Fiscal Year 2026, but it has not disclosed to the public what it has spent this money on or its future plans for the fund, leaving borrowers, advocates, and lawmakers in the dark. “While ED has disclosed that it has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars from the fund, the agency has displayed a worrying lack of public transparency about what this vast sum of money has been spent on or will be spent on in the future,” wrote the senators. In addition to pushing for increased transparency regarding the student loan administration fund, the senators urged Secretary McMahon to use the money to address the ongoing student loan default crisis, such as by expanding outreach to borrowers at risk of defaulting or who have already defaulted, improving Federal Student Aid customer service, and rehiring ED’s servicer oversight team to ensure that servicer errors do not raise the risk of default. “ED should spend the money on whatever measures are necessary to address the default crisis by bringing borrowers out of default and preventing additional borrow… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-announce-650000-loan-for-improvements-at-anthony-lakes-ski-area-to-enhance-safety-and-support-local-economy/ | Wyden, Merkley Announce $650,000 Loan for Improvements at Anthony Lakes Ski Area to Enhance Safety and Support Local Economy | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal loan of $650,000 for the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA) to build a new rental shop to support ski programs and the local economy. “Anthony Lakes is a crown jewel of Eastern Oregon drawing skiers, snowshoers, and outdoor enthusiasts whose visits directly fuel the local economy in Baker and Union counties,” Wyden said. “Investing in this new rental shop ensures ALORA can continue expanding its community ski programs and welcoming visitors with top-tier facilities. I will keep pushing for federal investments like these that protect Oregon’s outdoor recreation opportunities and keep our rural economies moving forward.” “Anthony Lakes is a treasured part of Eastern Oregon, bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors and supporting the small businesses in surrounding rural communities,” said Merkley. “This federal loan will help Anthony Lakes continue welcoming visitors from across the region and providing affordable skiing opportunities for Baker County youth and veterans—ensuring this special place can serve Eastern Oregon for generations to come.” This $650,000 investment to ALORA is from the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program in partnership with Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative. Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has been in operation for more than 85 years and is owned and operated by the nonprofit. This investment along with funds from additional community contributors and donations will replace the current 70-year-old structure with a new two-story facility capable of holding retail space, the repair shop, and seasonal staff accommodations. “OTEC and the USDA have helped make this very important project possible. The Rural Economic Development Loan program will allow Anthony Lakes to continue offering current programs as we see the building project through. The new building is an investment in the future of outdoor recreation in our region and pr… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-announce-650000-loan-for-improvements-at-anthony-lakes-ski-area-to-enhance-safety-and-support-local-economy | Wyden, Merkley Announce $650,000 Loan for Improvements at Anthony Lakes Ski Area to Enhance Safety and Support Local Economy | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Ron Wyden | W000779 | www.wyden.senate.gov | wyden | https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal loan of $650,000 for the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA) to build a new rental shop to support ski programs and the local economy. “Anthony Lakes is a crown jewel of Eastern Oregon drawing skiers, snowshoers, and outdoor enthusiasts whose visits directly fuel the local economy in Baker and Union counties,” Wyden said. “Investing in this new rental shop ensures ALORA can continue expanding its community ski programs and welcoming visitors with top-tier facilities. I will keep pushing for federal investments like these that protect Oregon's outdoor recreation opportunities and keep our rural economies moving forward.” “Anthony Lakes is a treasured part of Eastern Oregon, bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors and supporting the small businesses in surrounding rural communities,” said Merkley. “This federal loan will help Anthony Lakes continue welcoming visitors from across the region and providing affordable skiing opportunities for Baker County youth and veterans—ensuring this special place can serve Eastern Oregon for generations to come.” This $650,000 investment to ALORA is from the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program in partnership with Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative. Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has been in operation for more than 85 years and is owned and operated by the nonprofit. This investment along with funds from additional community contributors and donations will replace the current 70-year-old structure with a new two-story facility capable of holding retail space, the repair shop, and seasonal staff accommodations. | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.merkley.senate.gov/khanna-moolenaar-merkley-mcgovern-smith-and-thompson-request-homeland-security-briefing-on-uyghur-forced-labor-prevention-act-uflpa-implementation/ | Khanna, Moolenaar, Merkley, McGovern, Smith, and Thompson Request Homeland Security Briefing on Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Implementation | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | OR | Jeff Merkley | M001176 | www.merkley.senate.gov | merkley | https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), alongside Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC) Co-Chair Chris Smith (R-NJ), CECC Ranking Members Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and Select Committee Members Young Kim (R-CA) and Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin requesting a briefing on the Department’s implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The lawmakers also request information on the enforcement of additional U.S. trade laws preventing the influx of illegally traded goods originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that harm American industries and workers. “Congress enacted these laws to ensure that illegally traded goods, particularly those made with forced labor, do not enter U.S. commerce and do not make American consumers complicit in atrocities, including genocide, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR),” the lawmakers write. “Strong enforcement protects human rights, supports American workers, and helps ensure that U.S. businesses are not undercut by illegal and unfair trade practices.” “Publicly available information raises concerns about recent enforcement trends,” the lawmakers continue. “Reports of substantially declining detention activity in key high-risk sectors, combined with continued imports from known transshipment hubs and PRC-linked supply chains, make it important for Congress to understand how DHS is setting enforcement priorities, measuring results, and identifying gaps in enforcement capacity.” The lawmakers request a briefing within 30 days addressing the following: Current DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force enforcement priorities across high-risk and prior… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-introduces-legislation-prevent-student-loan-default | Bonamici Introduces Legislation to Prevent Student Loan Default | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | OR | Suzanne Bonamici | B001278 | bonamici.house.gov | bonamici | https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC [9/2/26] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced legislation to help student loan borrowers avoid default. The Streamlining Income-driven, Manageable Payments on Loans for Education (SIMPLE) Act would help student loan borrowers avoid delinquency by automatically enrolling struggling borrowers in income-driven repayment (IDR) plans to make repayment more affordable. This process will remove unnecessary paperwork requirements and use existing taxpayer information to automatically connect borrowers with protections. “Bureaucratic hurdles should not keep student loan borrowers from more affordable repayment plans,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The SIMPLE Act is commonsense legislation to use existing taxpayer information to automatically place people in plans that better meet their financial needs and provide protection from harmful default." Student loan default can lead to wage garnishment and the withholding of tax refunds and Social Security benefits. It also can harm credit ratings, making it difficult for borrowers to purchase a car or a home. These consequences disproportionately affect low-income borrowers and borrowers with up to $10,000 in debt and no degree, who are most vulnerable to default. “Problems arise for many student loan borrowers not due to an inability or unwillingness to pay, but rather due to needless complexity within the system. Many are simply unaware of generous income-driven repayment plans that can lower their monthly payments. The SIMPLE Act would expand access to affordable income-driven repayment options by automatically enrolling struggling borrowers in those plans before they experience the punitive consequences of default. The financial aid community stands in support of this bill,” said Karen McCarthy, Vice President of Public Policy & Federal Relations, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). “We applaud Rep. Bonamici for leading the SIMPLE Act, which makes common-sense improvements to help student loa… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
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ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);