home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

One row per release. Full-text search runs over title + body text.

Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

url
Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

880 rows where state = "OR" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

party 2

  • Democrat 811
  • Republican 69

year 1

  • 2015 · 880 ✖

state 1

  • OR · 880 ✖

chamber 1

  • House 880
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390458 Schrader ranked among top 10 most effective lawmakers in the U.S. Congress 2015-12-28 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Public approval of Congress is near historic lows. Journalists, scholars, and presidential candidates regularly express frustration with Congresss inability to get anything done. So which members of the U.S. House are skilled at overcoming gridlock and successfully making laws?Building on our existing research on legislative effectiveness in the United States Congress, we have updated our Legislative Effectiveness Scores (LES) to include those House members who served in the 113th Congress (2013-14). As described in our recently published book, the Legislative Effectiveness Score is constructed to measure how successful a given representative is at moving his or her own legislative agenda items (meaning, sponsored bills) through different stages of the legislative process, where each of those bills is also coded for its substantive significance. The specific formula for the LES can be found here. Drawing on these updated scores, the following tables identify the five most effective representatives from the Republican and Democratic Parties, respectively. Most Effective Republican Representatives (Name/State and District) Dave Camp (MI-4) Darrell Issa (CA-49) Ed Royce (CA-39) Doc Hastings (WA-4) Don Young (AK) Most Effective Democratic Representatives (Name/State and District) Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) Richard Nolan (MN-8) Elijah Cummings (MD-7) Kurt Schrader (OR-5) Derek Kilmer (WA-6) All of them except Camp and Hastings are now serving in the current 114th Congress. Our research suggests that effective lawmakers in one Congress are more likely to produce landmark laws in the next. Given the success of these representatives, should we be optimistic that the current Congress can tackle major issues? On the Republican side, we see that these most-effective representatives have introduced many bills (H.R.s) into the House. Despite an arguably contentious environment, they have had a good deal of success. Issa, for example, sponsored the FOIA Act (H.R. 653) and the First Responders Passp… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-prepares-holiday-meals-homebound-seniors-meals-wheels Bonamici Prepares Holiday Meals for Homebound Seniors with Meals on Wheels 2015-12-23 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy Portland, Ore. [12/23/15] Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and her staff volunteered with Meals on Wheels People to prepare meals for homebound seniors in the First Congressional District. The meals will be delivered on December 24th to approximately 4,000 seniors. The holidays are a time for giving back to the community, and we enjoyed being part of the great work that Meals on Wheels People does to support seniors, said Congresswoman Bonamici. At this celebratory time of year, its important to remember that some of our neighbors are struggling with illness, aging, and poverty. When Congress is back in session, I will continue to advocate for reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. This important law funds vital programs like Meals on Wheels and services like family caregiver support and protection from elder abuse. Our seniors have contributed greatly to our country, and reauthorizing the Older Americans Act is an essential part of ensuring that they can live their lives with dignity. Since 1970, Meals on Wheels People has provided a nutritional and social lifeline for seniors through 30 meal sites in Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties and Meals on Wheels food delivery to homebound seniors. With the help of nearly 8,000 volunteers, the nonprofit organization now serves approximately 5,000 meals daily and 1.3 million meals each year. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-kicks-off-new-year-with-town-halls Wyden Kicks Off New Year With Town Halls 2015-12-23 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Schedule Includes Senators Landmark 750th Town Hall Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Portland, Ore. Senator Ron Wyden next month will hold town halls starting on Jan. 3, including his 750thtown hall. Fulfilling his promise to hold annual town halls in each of Oregons 36 counties, Wyden will kick off 2016 with town halls between Jan. 3 and Jan. 6 in Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Wasco, Wheeler, Gilliam, Sherman and Hood River counties. On Jan. 5, Wyden will be in Wheeler County for his 750thtown hall the location of his first town hall 20 years ago in Fossil when he first won election to the Senate. My promise to Oregonians of town halls each year in each county began in Wheeler County, which is why there is no better place to hold this landmark 750thtown hall,Wyden said.I am so proud to represent the entire state in the true Oregon tradition by throwing open the doors of government so we can get beyond sound bites and have substantive discussions with Oregonians about their ideas to make our state and our country an even better place. Senator Wydens upcoming town hall schedule is as follows: Sunday, Jan. 3 CROOK COUNTY:4:30 pm, St. Charles Prineville Hospital Ochoco Conference Rooms 384 Combs Flat Road, Prineville Monday, Jan. 4 DESCHUTES COUNTY: 9:45 am, Ridgeview High School Auditorium 4555 SW Elkhorn Ave. Redmond JEFFERSON COUNTY: 12:30 pm, Madras City Hall 125 SW E. Street, Madras Tuesday, Jan. 5 WASCO COUNTY: 9:15 am, The Dalles-Wahtonka High School Auditorium 220 E 10thSt. The Dalles WHEELER COUNTY: 1:30 pm, Wheeler High School, 600 B Street, Fossil GILLIAM COUNTY:4:30 pm, Condon Chamber of Commerce, 307 S. Main St., Condon Wednesday, Jan. 6 SHERMAN COUNTY: 10 am, Sherman Jr. Senior High School 65912 High School Loop, Moro HOOD RIVER COUNTY:1:30 pm,Hood River High School Auditorium 1220 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-nominates-oregon-students-acceptance-us-service-academies-0 Greg Walden nominates Oregon students for acceptance to U.S. service academies 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Republican House OR Greg Walden W000791 walden.house.gov     legacy Greg Walden nominates Oregon students for acceptance to U.S. service academies MEDFORD U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) announced today that he has nominated thirteen Oregon students for acceptance to one of the prestigious United States service academies. Walden's Service Academy Nomination Boardactive and retired military officers who interview potential candidates to the service academies and make recommendations to Waldenrecommended each student based on their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character. It is an honor and a privilege to nominate these remarkable young Oregonians to our nation's service academies, Walden said. This nomination represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Their decision to pursue higher education, develop leadership skills, and serve their country in uniform is a deeply admirable endeavora journey at which I am confident they will succeed. The future of our nation is in good hands. The service academies include the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. Final selection for admission to the service academies will be performed by officials at each respective academy this spring. Students who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit Walden's website at https://walden.house.gov/academynominations. The nominees are as follows: Wasco County Timarra Roth, daughter of Elizabeth & Luis Leon of The Dalles, attending The Dalles High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Morrow County Moroni Jensen,son of Jack & LeeAnn Jensen of Oxbow, attending Pine Eagle High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jackson County Brandon Brooks,son of Ted & Kymberly Brooks of Medford, graduated South Medford High School, attending Southern Oregon Universitynominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Christian Cheshire, son of Walter & Kathryn Cheshire of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-seek-further-information-about-federal-efforts-to-facilitate-medical-marijuana-research Wyden, Merkley Seek Further Information About Federal Efforts to Facilitate Medical Marijuana Research 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Follow-up letter comes after federal agency response leaves unanswered questions about efforts to address regulatory barriers to critical research Monday, December 21, 2015 Washington, DCOregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined with Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to send a follow-up letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking additional information about the agencies' efforts to facilitate and coordinate scientific research on medical marijuana. Today's letter comes after the agencies'responseto the senators'July letterand a subsequent staff briefing failed to answer key substantive questions. The senators reiterated the important role the federal agencies have to collaborate with each other and with states to conduct research on the risks and benefits of medical marijuana use. Instead, they wrote, "there are currently numerous federal and state regulatory barriers to researching marijuana. This regulatory scheme which limits medical marijuana research is outdated and in desperate need of serious and immediate review, and these problems are exacerbated by a lack of coordination between the agencies and states." In todays letter, the senators seek additional information from the agencies in several areas: (1)The supply of marijuana for research purposes.The senators reiterated concerns about the monopoly held by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) on the bulk manufacture of marijuana for research purposes, which limits access to adequate supply and appropriate varieties of marijuana and presents significant barriers to research. While the DEA said in the staff briefing that it does not view supply limits as a barrier, the senators note this explanation only applied to one strain of marijuana … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-supports-bipartisan-government-funding-bill-avoiding-shutdown Bonamici Supports Bipartisan Government Funding Bill Avoiding Shutdown 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Expresses Serious Concerns about Crude Export Ban, Other Provisions WASHINGTON, DC [12/18/15] Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) voted for the bipartisan bill to fund the federal government through September 2016: Americans deserve the certainty of knowing their government will be funded and open tomorrow, next week, and next month. This bipartisan agreement to fund the federal government makes improved investments in housing, education, research, infrastructure, and arts programs. Important safety investments in the Scoggins Dam and support for renewable energy industries are also included in the final bill. The bill also includes additional funding for the Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution programs and the National Institutes of Health. It also increases funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including a new oceans program that will help coastal states. Furthermore, the bill does not include many dangerous policy riders that would harm the environment, impede Americans retirement security, and deny access to health services for women. Although I support the many worthy provisions in the bill, I was deeply disappointed with the inclusion of language lifting the ban on exporting crude oil. Ending the ban threatens our countrys progress toward reducing carbon emissions and achieving energy independence. I will continue fighting for legislation to repeal subsidies that support our nations reliance on fossil fuels, and I will closely monitor the effects of the end of the ban on exports. I am also concerned with contentious cybersecurity provisions that were included in a must-pass bill without a thorough and thoughtful process that the American people deserve when considering legislation that could affect personal privacy. We must keep our country safe, but we can and must do so without sacrificing the right to privacy. I will closely monitor those cybersecurity provisions as well. Overall, the funding bill passed today makes strong investments in ar… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390456 Schrader Votes Against $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) stated his disapproval of the Houses passage of the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill. The bill will fund the government until the end of September 2016. It passed the House today by a vote of 316-113. While this bill contained some positive policy additions, our bipartisan forestry disaster budget relief did not make the grade, while anti-privacy cyber provisions, NASCAR support, and Russian rocket engines did. There was, once again, large, off-budget, deficit-busting war spending in addition to the already bloated defense budget. Weapons procurement is over budget and out of control. We should be focusing on intelligence and targeting terrorist activities, not continuing a failed program trying to arm so-called Syrian 'moderates' with nothing to show for it. At the same time, there were only modest increases in education, labor and healthcare. The bill also significantly reduces the funding available for implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Housing and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) programs also took a hit when they are most needed. This bill had the wrong priorities, did not reflect the will of the Appropriations Committee, did not go through regular order and was crafted in secret. This is not the way to reflect the will of the American people. Coupled with the deficit-busting tax extender special interest giveaway passed yesterday, it is a bad end to this year's Congressional session and a blow to our children's future. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-support-omnibus-and-tax-extenders-legislation Blumenauer Statement in Support of Omnibus and Tax Extenders Legislation 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCToday, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement in support of the omnibus and tax extenders legislation: "I voted for both the omnibus and tax extender bills that came before the House this week. They represented hard work and compromises by many on both sides of the aisle and across the advocacy community. I commend so many of my colleagues for reminding us of what we can accomplish when we work together on behalf of the American people. "These bills don't just do the bare minimum to keep the government open and continue the policy status quo as we have done many times in recent years. Instead, they actually invest in important programs, many that I have supported for years and that are priorities for Oregonians. "I am pleased to see the extenders legislation support research and development, and provide important tools such as an extension of the New Markets program to invest in our communities. The tax package increases the benefit for transit riders to the same level as the parking tax benefit, providing much-needed tax fairness, strengthening options for commuters, and eliminating an incentive to drive to work. This provision will ease congestion and road wear and make our transportation system more sustainable. "The omnibus also contains robust funding for public broadcasting, animal welfare enforcement, and health and scientific research. It includes the highest-ever levels of funding for the implementation of the Water for the Poor and Water for the World Acts, for which I have fought for years. I am pleased that the bill contains many provisions that I helped champion, including language to ensure the Department of Justice stay out of the way of state medical marijuana laws, language that supports industrial hemp research programs, and increased funding for brain research. "There are also many positive provisions for the environment in these bills. I am delighted that the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been reauthorized and funded at a significant inc… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-omnibus-vote Merkley Statement on Omnibus Vote 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Statement on Omnibus Vote Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to pass an end-of-year spending omnibus bill. The package also included extensions of tax provisions and legislation to lift the ban on U.S. exports of crude oil. This omnibus and tax bill contains many good provisions, including those I was proud to fight for on behalf of Oregon in the Appropriations Committee and important tax provisions to help working families that Senator Wyden worked hard to secure. Unfortunately, it has been packaged into a mega-bill that also includes a repeal of the ban on crude oil exports. This repeal is a huge mistake, and because of its inclusion in this package, I could not support this bill today. The essential challenge facing human civilization today is to transition quickly from a fossil fuel economy to one built on renewable energy. The United States needs to provide leadership in this vital global effort, as we did in Paris last week. Lifting the oil export ban harms not only our efforts to make that transition but also the credibility of our leadership. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-call-for-transparency-for-lgbt-students-at-schools-seeking-religious-exemptions Senators Call for Transparency for LGBT Students at Schools Seeking Religious Exemptions 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Senators Call for Transparency for LGBT Students at Schools Seeking Religious Exemptions Letter Follows Recent Uptick in Religious Schools Seeking Title IX Waivers to Discriminate Against LGBT Students Friday, December 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Al Franken, D-Minn., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., today called for greater transparency and accountability after a recent rise in the number of colleges and universities seeking religious exemptions under the law that protects students from discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. Congress first passed Title IX in 1972 to prohibit colleges and universities that receive federal funding from discriminating against students on the basis of sex. The law contains a provision that allows schools controlled by a religious organization to request religious exemptions. In 2014, the Department of Education issued guidelines making it clear that transgender and gender nonconforming students are also protected from discrimination under Title IX. In the wake of the departments guidance, the rate of schools seeking exemptions increased dramatically from only one school in 2013 to more than 43 schools in 2015, according to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). In a letterto Education Secretary Arne Duncan, the senators asked the Education Department to publish on a publicly accessible website the names of all institutions of higher education seeking waivers under Title IX. At a very minimum, we believe students, parents, and taxpayers have a right to know when institutions of higher education as recipients of tax dollars seek and receive exemptions under Title IX as well as the justifications for those exemptions,the senators wrote in the letter. It is critical that the federal government employ transparency in this matter as it will help guide students in making informed higher educa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-7-senators-call-for-transparency-for-lgbt-students-at-schools-seeking-religious-exemptions Wyden, 7 Senators Call for Transparency for LGBT Students at Schools Seeking Religious Exemptions 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Letter Follows Recent Uptick in Religious Schools Seeking Title IX Waivers to Discriminate Against LGBT Students Friday, December 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Al Franken, D-Minn., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., today called for greater transparency and accountability after a recent rise in the number of colleges and universities seeking religious exemptions under the law that protects students from discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. Congress first passed Title IX in 1972 to prohibit colleges and universities that receive federal funding from discriminating against students on the basis of sex. The law contains a provision that allows schools controlled by a religious organization to request religious exemptions. In 2014, the Department of Education issued guidelines making it clear that transgender and gender nonconforming students are also protected from discrimination under Title IX. In the wake of the departments guidance, the rate of schools seeking exemptions increased dramatically from only one school in 2013 to more than 43 schools in 2015, according to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). In a letter to Education Secretary Arne Duncan, the senators asked the Education Department to publish on a publicly accessible website the names of all institutions of higher education seeking waivers under Title IX. At a very minimum, we believe students, parents, and taxpayers have a right to know when institutions of higher education as recipients of tax dollars seek and receive exemptions under Title IX as well as the justifications for those exemptions, the senators wrote in the letter. It is critical that the federal government employ transparency in this matter as it will help guide students in making informed higher education decisions, they wrote. The letter comes on the same day as t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-votes-no-on-harmful-cyber-bill-and-weakening-oversight-of-surveillance-programs Wyden Votes ‘No’ on Harmful Cyber Bill and Weakening Oversight of Surveillance Programs 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Friday, December 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today voted against a legislative package containing a dangerous cybersecurity bill and provisions to undermine independent oversight of government surveillance programs. Republican leaders inserted an extreme version of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) and the flawed 2016 Intelligence Authorization Act into a broader package of spending and tax bills. These unacceptable surveillance provisions are a black mark on a worthy package that contains the biggest tax cut for working families in decades, an accomplishment I fought for in weeks of negotiations, Wyden said. Unfortunately, this misguided cyber legislation does little to protect Americans security, and a great deal more to threaten our privacy than the flawed Senate version. Americans demand real solutions that will protect them from foreign hackers, not knee-jerk responses that allow companies to fork over huge amounts of their customers private data with only cursory review. Ultimately, I cannot vote for this badly flawed CISA bill. The latest version of CISA is the worst one yet it contains substantially fewer oversight and reporting provisions than the Senate version did. That means that violations of Americans privacy will be more likely to go unnoticed. And the Intelligence Authorization bill strips authority from an important, independent watchdog on government surveillance, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. This will make it easier for intelligence agencies particularly the CIA to refuse to cooperate with the Boards investigations. Reducing the amount of independent oversight and constricting the scope of the PCLOBs authority sends the wrong message and will make our intelligence agencies less accountable. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-and-commuter-champions-applaud-restoration-transit-tax Blumenauer and Commuter Champions Applaud Restoration of Transit Tax Benefit 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, following House passage of the PATH Act a multiyear tax package Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Peter King (R-NY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Bob Dold (R-IL) welcomed a permanent increase of the commuter tax benefit exclusion for transit riders to $255 a month, finally giving transit equal treatment with parking subsidies in the tax code. This provision incorporates legislation introduced by the lawmakers, H.R. 990, the Commuter Parity Act. Representative Blumenauer said, As we face worsening congestion on our roads and the growing threat of climate change, we should not be incentivizing driving to work over other modes of transportation. Restoring parity for the transit tax benefit saves Americans in all communities time and money by easing congestion and road wear and tear, and makes our transportation network more sustainable. This important fix brings relief to commuters who saw their annual costs of commuting rise by up to nearly $1,400 when the transit benefit was cut last year.As we invest in a transportation system to meet the demands and travel trends of tomorrow, providing equal transit and parking tax benefits is critical to give commuters choices about when and how they get to work.This provision is a huge step forward for sustainability and transportation efficiency. Representative King said, This provision is a common-sense solution to ensuring that public transportation is a cost-effective choice. Commuters will receive the same level of tax relief regardless of whether they drive or use public transportation but it will provide an incentive to use mass transportation, which will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, ease traffic congestion and the costs associated with road repair. Representative McGovern said, For millions of Americans across the country who use mass transit every day to commute to work, this is a big victory. Making this transit tax benefit permanent will bring critical relief to commuters by saving them money and it also offers employers another at… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-landmark-merkley-backed-legislation-to-protect-consumers-from-toxic-chemicals Senate Passes Landmark, Merkley-Backed Legislation to Protect Consumers from Toxic Chemicals 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Senate Passes Landmark, Merkley-Backed Legislation to Protect Consumers from Toxic Chemicals Merkley negotiated to strengthen the legislation; would mark the most significant overhaul of chemical safety in the U.S. in 40 years Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed a major toxic chemical reform law backed by Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley, positioning Congress to potentially complete the most significant overhaul of chemical safety laws in the U.S. in forty years. The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act is bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Tom Udall (D-NM) and David Vitter (R-LA). Earlier this year, Merkley joined Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with the two sponsors, to negotiate a breakthrough agreement that strengthened protections in the proposed law and helped secure a strong bipartisan vote in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The House and Senate will now work to reconcile the legislation with different toxic chemical reform legislation passed by the House earlier this year. The passage of this bill is an enormous milestone on the path toward a safer, healthier future for our families, said Merkley. Its totally unacceptable that in the most powerful country on earth, our federal government has been powerless to protect us from incredibly damaging toxic chemicals in everyday products. Today, were taking action to change that. I was pleased to work with a bipartisan coalition to pass this bill in the Senate, and I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to get a bill signed into law. The law that currently governs chemical safety in the U.S., the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), was passed in 1976 and has not been updated since. After a 1991 court decision found that TSCA did not give the Environmental Protection Agency the power to ban even asbestos, a known carcinogen, there has been virtually no new regulation of toxic chemicals in the U.S. Earl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-blumenauer-win-battle-for-cidermakers Wyden, Blumenauer Win Battle for Cidermakers 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Updated regulations and taxes will help a growing Oregon industry Thursday, December 17, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (both D-Ore.) said today their work to update outdated regulations and taxes for cider-makers in new legislation will promote continued job creation in Oregons growing cider industry. The provisions included in the bipartisan Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act approved Thursday by the House would modernize outdated cider regulations by broadening the definition of hard cider to remove the punitive tax on ciders containing pear, carbonation, or alcohol by volume (ABV) over 7 percent. Im thrilled that cider-makers can toast in the new year with such good news to lift their growing industry to even greater heights in Oregon and nationwide, Wyden said. Bringing taxes and regulations into the 21st century will free the cider industry to do what it does best -- create more jobs for Oregonians and make a tasty product thats in huge demand all over the country. Cider holds a special and important place in our nations heritage and a growing place in Oregons economy, said Blumenauer. Im excited we can update our laws to give small entrepreneurs across Oregon and the country stronger opportunities to thrive and perfect their craft. "The passage of the Cider Act creates an identity for US cider-makers through a consistent and rational tax that will allow for growth not only for the beverage of cider, but for the agriculture that supports it -- the apple growers, said James Kohn, co-owner of Salem-based Wandering Aengus Ciderworks. This is a major turning point to create a legitimate, diverse and sustainable cider industry in Oregon and across the country. Both Senator Wyden and Congressmen Blumenauer's leadership on the passage of the Cider Act demonstrates how a delegation can truly work together to champion a start-up industry that needs rational regulation and taxing." To read the CIDER Act, click here. To read the Cra… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://blumenauer.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=2528catid=63Itemid=220 Office of Rep. Blumenauer Statement on Marijuana-Related Provisions in Omnibus Bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy 1111 Longworth House Office Building 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390451 Schrader, Wyden, Merkley Applaud FCC's Decision to Continue Support to Rural Oregon Telecom Companies 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representative Kurt Schrader applauded the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) decision to continue the eligibility of the Gervais, Mt. Angel, and St. Paul Telephone Companies for universal service support. These rural providers were under threat of losing high cost support, which would jeopardize service to rural Oregonians. This is big win for my constituents in the 5thDistrict, who rely heavily on these rural providers. Without service support, these providers would run the risk of going out of business and thousands of Oregonians would be left high and dry,said Schrader.Im glad the FCC took our concerns about their methodology into consideration and, ultimately, changed course. Access to telephone and broadband service is essential for safety, learning, communicating and doing business in todays modern economy. I am pleased the FCC responded to our serious concerns and reversed a bad decision that couldve left rural Oregonians in a permanent dead zone, Wyden said. Without question these universal service funds are crucial in keeping rural Oregon connected and online so that all our state's communities can prosper. Its impossible to participate fully in todays economy without access to broadband and other essential telecom services, said Merkley. The FCCs flawed methodology risked locking rural Oregonians out of economic opportunities and leaving them with zero service options. I commend the FCC for going back to the drawing board and making the right call on this critical decision. The Oregon Telecommunications Association (OTA) is grateful for the assistance from Congressman Schrader, Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley. Without their support the actions of the FCC would have resulted in rural Oregonians being left without a viable system capable of providing broadband and other telecommunications services, said Brant Wolf, Executive Vice President of the OTA. Leaving rural Oregon to fend for itself in a digital dark age is not good public policy and Schrade… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390453 Schrader Slams Pricey Tax Extenders Bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Citing fiscal recklessness, Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) announced his opposition to the large, unpaid-for tax extenders bill the House will vote on tomorrow. Experts estimate that the bill will cost $650-670 billion over 10 years and has no cost offsets. Schrader, a Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, released the following statement: While these tax extensions individually are good things, there is no way to justify increasing the long-term debt by over $500 billion, especially at the consequence of hurting our kids and grandkids. Money is now off the table for important domestic programs like education and healthcareprograms that better the quality of life for the American people and improve their chances at a more prosperous future. I cannot, in good conscience, back a package with such a tremendous price tag when that package fails to provide actual predictability or real stability and hurts negotiations for comprehensive tax reform. It is unconscionable that Congress would entertain adding hundreds of billions of dollars to our already staggering national debt. The greatest threat to the country that we leave to our children and grandchildren is the national debt. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/office-rep-blumenauer-statement-marijuana-related-provisions-omnibus Office of Rep. Blumenauer Statement on Marijuana-Related Provisions in Omnibus Bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Last night, Republican leadership filed legislation to fund the government for FY16. There were a number of marijuana-related provisions up for consideration in the omnibus bill. The Office of Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) has reviewed the text of the legislation. Representative Blumenauer is pleased to see the inclusion of the following provisions in the omnibus package: The policy championed by Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Sam Farr (D-CA) that prevents the Department of Justice from interfering in the ability of states to implement legal medical marijuana laws (Division B, Title V, Section 542) Language that supports industrial hemp research allowed under Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill (Division B, Title V, Section 543 and Division A, Title VII, Section 763) Representative Blumenauer is disappointed, however, that the bill falls short by not including provisions that: Make it easier for banks to do business with state-legal marijuana businesses Allow Veterans Health Administration providers to recommend medical marijuana to their patients in accordance with state law, a provision he championed in the House Representative Blumenauer is also disappointed to see the continuation of a rider that interferes with Washington, DC's ability to pass laws dealing with the sale of marijuana for adult use. Representative Blumenauer is available for interview. Please contact Nicole L'Esperance at 202-225-4811 or nicole.lesperance@mail.house.gov to schedule an interview. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-announces-key-support-for-small-ports-in-spending-bill- Merkley Announces Key Support for Small Ports in Spending Bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Announces Key Support for Small Ports in Spending Bill Funding is critical for Oregons coastal ports Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley announced that the omnibus spending bill expected to pass the Senate and the U.S. House this week includes a provision that will help strengthen Oregons small ports and make sure that small ports in America receive their fair share of funding. The omnibus spending bill includes $48 million for small ports, a 13 percent increase over the 2015 level. Dredging and maintenance at our small ports is critical to safety and economic prosperity in Oregons coastal communities, said Merkley. Todays announcement is a big win and will help create jobs and keep our small ports and local infrastructure up and running. For small coastal communities in Oregon, access to funding for dredging is crucial to the economy.These funds will provide for maintenance dredging at Oregons small ports, ensuring that entrance channels and waterways are safe and accessible for recreational boats, commercial fleets, and the Coast Guard. As the first member of Oregons congressional delegation to sit on an Appropriations Committee since Senator Mark Hatfield, Senator Merkley has consistently fought for small ports. He secured $42.5 million in dedicated funding last year, and fought again to include critical funding in this years Senate Appropriations Committee Energy and Water Appropriations bill after it was slashed from the Presidents budget.The bill also contains $250 million in funding for deep draft ports, a significant increase over last years funding. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-announces-key-wins-for-food-and-tobacco-safety-rural-housing-oregon-agriculture-in-spending-bill Merkley Announces Key Wins for Food and Tobacco Safety, Rural Housing, Oregon Agriculture in Spending Bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Announces Key Wins for Food and Tobacco Safety, Rural Housing, Oregon Agriculture in Spending Bill Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley announced that the omnibus spending bill expected to pass the Senate and the U.S. House this week contains key wins on food and tobacco safety and rural housing, as well as key provisions that will help farming and ranching communities in Oregon. As the Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Merkley has worked to help craft the appropriations bill that covers the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as other programs that fall under the subcommittees jurisdiction. I joined the Senate Appropriations Committee because Oregon deserves to be represented when we are making the big decisions about how to use our resources as a nation, said Merkley. Whether its improving our food safety system, investing in programs that help our family farmers and ranchers, protecting our kids from the grips of the tobacco industry, or saving rural housing for low-income families, Oregon is well-served by having a seat at the table. I look forward to continuing to fight for our priorities in my role on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. Highlights of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee section of the omnibus bill include: Food Safety Modernization: The bill fully funds implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, the most significant food safety reform in 70 years. This funding will help ensure that the U.S. meets high food safety standards, helping protect consumers from food-borne diseases, and will also train state and local officials, FDA employees and industry to ensure that food coming in from other countries meets U.S. standards. Protecting Kids from Tobacco Addiction: As the Ranking Member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Merkley has pushed the FDA to do more to protect kids from tobacco addiction, including e-cigarett… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-oil-export-provision Merkley Statement on Oil Export Provision 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Statement on Oil Export Provision Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after reports that must-pass, end-of-year tax and spending legislation included a deal to lift the ban on exports of U.S. oil: "Lifting the oil export ban is a windfall for big oil at the expense of working Americans and our planet. Working families will pay more at the pump and our essential efforts to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy will be deeply damaged. Its a huge mistake. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-key-funding-for-pendleton-agricultural-research-station Merkley, Wyden Announce Key Funding for Pendleton Agricultural Research Station 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden Announce Key Funding for Pendleton Agricultural Research Station Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the omnibus spending bill expected to pass the Senate and the U.S. House this week includes language that will help fund essential programs in Oregon, including the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center near Pendleton, which was at risk of devastating cuts. The Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center, an Eastern Oregon-based research station of the federal Agricultural Research Service, conducts cutting-edge research on dryland cropping systems on the Columbia Plateau, which are used widely across Eastern Oregon. Oregons economic success depends on agriculture, said Merkley. Supporting local agricultural research that can respond directly to the challenges and opportunities our farmers and ranchers face is essential to strengthening our economy. Funding the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center is good news for our farming and agricultural communities in Eastern Oregon and will help our nation meet the agricultural and economic demands of the 21st century. I fought to make sure the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Centers groundbreaking agricultural research could keep going, Wyden said. Im thrilled that this center will be able to continue its work on new, sustainable ways to feed our state and build on its work to revolutionize agricultural practices across the globe. Earlier this year, Senator Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, worked to draft the bill that will fund the Agricultural Research Service, including the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center, along with other aspects of rural development, food safety, and agricultural investments, for Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16). … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bonamici-announce-support-for-scoggins-dam-in-key-legislation Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici Announce Support for Scoggins Dam in Key Legislation 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici Announce Support for Scoggins Dam in Key Legislation Provision in spending bill would also increase critical funding cap Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Representative Suzanne Bonamici announced that the omnibus spending bill expected to pass the Senate and the U.S. House this week includes key legislative provisions that will help Scoggins Dam get the needed safety repairs and increased water storage that stakeholders in Washington County have been working on for years. Merkley is the first member of the Oregon delegation since Sen. Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee in either the House or the Senate, and fought in the Senate Appropriations Committee this year to include the Scoggins Dam fix. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, its my job to make sure our spending priorities as a nation reflect Oregons priorities, said Merkley. An arbitrary cap for funding dam safety should not stand in the way of repairs and improvements that could save lives in the event of an earthquake. Washington County has been working to make necessary improvements and repairs to Scoggins Dam for years and this bill puts the future of Scoggins Dam back in the hands of the local community. Scoggins Dam and the waters in Hagg Lake form the heart of the water system in the Tualatin Basin, a region with water needs that could soon outgrow the supply, said Wyden. Ive long fought to make sure the community has the tools it needs to address two of its top priorities dam safety and long-term water capacity and Im pleased that Congress has allowed these much-needed local priorities to move forward. Scoggins Dam provides vital water resources to Washington County, but it needs seismic improvements to help the dam and the surrounding community withstand an earthquake, said Bonamici. Access to water is critical to our families, businesses, and agriculture. Improving the safety and storage capacity … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-crapo-merkley-and-risch-spending-bill-boosts-wildfire-funds-but-much-more-work-to-do Wyden, Crapo, Merkley and Risch: Spending Bill Boosts Wildfire Funds, But Much More Work to Do 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Crapo, Merkley and Risch: Spending Bill Boosts Wildfire Funds, But Much More Work to Do Year-End Bill Reduces Risks of Damaging Fire Transfers; Senators Disappointed In Lack of Long-Term Solution Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. A bipartisan group of Oregon and Idaho senators praised congressional leaders for boosting wildfire funding in a year-end spending bill, and vowed to continue pushing for a long-term solution. Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, joined with Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch to renew their call for a long-term solution to wildfire funding. The bill directly funds firefighting at 100 percent of the 10-year average of firefighting costs. Additionally, it contains nearly $600 million in rollover reserve funds that can be used in the event of a catastrophic fire season, which will reduce the severity of fire borrowing by the U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department. However, it lacks a long-term solution, and does little to free up new funding for fire prevention or hold down-long term firefighting costs. This years spending bill is a real improvement over the status quo, but there is far, far more to do to protect communities in Oregon, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho and across the United States that are threatened by wildfire every year. Im proud to stand with Senators Crapo, Merkley, Risch and a strong bipartisan coalition in the House and Senate to work toward a long-term solution to this problem. Its disappointing a small number of members blocked that solution this year, but well keep fighting until we get it over the finish line, Wyden said. It is positive to see this the year-end spending measure includes an increase in funding for wildfire suppression. This will provide our wildland firefighters with the certainty they need to plan and allocate resources appropriately, said Crapo. However, I consider such funding to be a first-step in what must be a long-term solution to fighting wildfires each year. As disaster-level fires and the result… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-schrader-applaud-fccs-decision-to-continue-support-to-rural-oregon-telecom-companies Wyden, Merkley, Schrader Applaud FCC’s Decision to Continue Support to Rural Oregon Telecom Companies 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley, Schrader Applaud FCCs Decision to Continue Support to Rural Oregon Telecom Companies Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representative Kurt Schrader applauded the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) decision to continue the eligibility of the Gervais, Mt. Angel, Monitor and St. Paul Telephone Companies for universal service support. These rural providers were under threat of losing high cost support, which would jeopardize service to rural Oregonians. Access to telephone and broadband service is essential for safety, learning, communicating and doing business in todays modern economy. I am pleased the FCC responded to our serious concerns and reversed a bad decision that couldve left rural Oregonians in a permanent dead zone, Wyden said. Without question these universal service funds are crucial in keeping rural Oregon connected and online so that all our state's communities can prosper. Its impossible to participate fully in todays economy without access to broadband and other essential telecom services, said Merkley. The FCCs flawed methodology risked locking rural Oregonians out of economic opportunities and leaving them with zero service options. I commend the FCC for going back to the drawing board and making the right call on this critical decision. This is big win for my constituents in the 5th District, who rely heavily on these rural providers. Without service support, these providers would run the risk of going out of business and thousands of Oregonians would be left high and dry, said Schrader. Im glad the FCC took our concerns about their methodology into consideration and, ultimately, changed course. The Oregon Telecommunications Association (OTA) is grateful for the assistance from Congressman Schrader, Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley. Without their support the actions of the FCC would have resulted in rural Oregonians being left without a viable system capable of providing broadband and other telecom… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-crapo-merkley-and-risch-spending-bill-boosts-wildfire-funds-but-much-more-work-to-do Wyden, Crapo, Merkley and Risch: Spending Bill Boosts Wildfire Funds, But Much More Work to Do 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Year-End Bill Reduces Risks of Damaging Fire Transfers; Senators Disappointed In Lack of Long-Term Solution Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. A bipartisan group of Oregon and Idaho senators praised congressional leaders for boosting wildfire funding in a year-end spending bill, and vowed to continue pushing for a long-term solution. Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, joined with Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch to renew their call for a long-term solution to wildfire funding. The bill directly funds firefighting at 100 percent of the 10-year average of firefighting costs. Additionally, it contains nearly $600 million in rollover reserve funds that can be used in the event of a catastrophic fire season, which will reduce the severity of fire borrowing by the U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department. However, it lacks a long-term solution, and does little to free up new funding for fire prevention or hold down-long term firefighting costs. This years spending bill is a real improvement over the status quo, but there is far, far more to do to protect communities in Oregon, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho and across the United States that are threatened by wildfire every year. Im proud to stand with Senators Crapo, Merkley, Risch and a strong bipartisan coalition in the House and Senate to work toward a long-term solution to this problem. Its disappointing a small number of members blocked that solution this year, but well keep fighting until we get it over the finish line, Wyden said. It is positive to see this the year-end spending measure includes an increase in funding for wildfire suppression. This will provide our wildland firefighters with the certainty they need to plan and allocate resources appropriately, said Crapo. However, I consider such funding to be a first-step in what must be a long-term solution to fighting wildfires each year. As disaster-level fires and the resulting damages grow each year, government agencies cannot bankrupt themselves … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-schrader-applaud-fccs-decision-to-continue-support-to-rural-oregon-telecom-companies Wyden, Merkley, Schrader Applaud FCC’s Decision to Continue Support to Rural Oregon Telecom Companies 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representative Kurt Schrader applauded the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) decision to continue the eligibility of the Gervais, Mt. Angel, Monitor and St. Paul Telephone Companies for universal service support. These rural providers were under threat of losing high cost support, which would jeopardize service to rural Oregonians. Access to telephone and broadband service is essential for safety, learning, communicating and doing business in todays modern economy. I am pleased the FCC responded to our serious concerns and reversed a bad decision that couldve left rural Oregonians in a permanent dead zone, Wyden said. Without question these universal service funds are crucial in keeping rural Oregon connected and online so that all our state's communities can prosper. Its impossible to participate fully in todays economy without access to broadband and other essential telecom services, said Merkley. The FCCs flawed methodology risked locking rural Oregonians out of economic opportunities and leaving them with zero service options. I commend the FCC for going back to the drawing board and making the right call on this critical decision. This is big win for my constituents in the 5th District, who rely heavily on these rural providers. Without service support, these providers would run the risk of going out of business and thousands of Oregonians would be left high and dry, said Schrader. Im glad the FCC took our concerns about their methodology into consideration and, ultimately, changed course. The Oregon Telecommunications Association (OTA) is grateful for the assistance from Congressman Schrader, Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley. Without their support the actions of the FCC would have resulted in rural Oregonians being left without a viable system capable of providing broadband and other telecommunications services, said Brant Wolf, Executive Vice President of the OTA. Leaving rural Or… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-slams-latest-worse-version-of-cybersecurity-bill Wyden Slams Latest, Worse Version of Cybersecurity Bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Bill fails Americans on security and privacy fronts Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D Ore., issued the following statement on the latest version of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which has been included in the omnibus appropriations bill. This cybersecurity bill was a bad bill when it passed the Senate and it is an even worse bill today. Americans deserve policies that protect both their security and their liberty. This bill fails on both counts. Cybersecurity experts say CISA will do little to prevent major hacks and privacy advocates know that this bill lacks real, meaningful privacy protections, said Wyden. Wyden has been a leading opponent of this flawed bill. Wyden was the only senator to vote against the Senate version of CISA when it passed out of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. On the Senate floor, he offered an amendment to secure better protections for individuals personal information, which garnered 41 votes. These meaningful privacy protections were not included in the final version. Read more about Wydens fight against CISA here: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/priorities/stopcisa ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-wins-fight-for-charitable-donations-in-tax-legislation Wyden Wins Fight for Charitable Donations in Tax Legislation 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said today that his successful fight to include expanded and permanent charitable deductions in new tax legislation will provide food banks with much-needed certainty about the donations that support their essential work to fight hunger in Oregon and nationwide. We cannot afford to play games when it comes to hunger. Oregonians who need food assistance and the people working so hard to help them deserve a tax policy that supports this lifeline for children and families to the fullest, Wyden said. I am gratified the life-saving fight against hunger now receives such a valuable tool as permanent and expanded support for food donations. The food donation provision included in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act released Tuesday night by congressional leaders permanently extends the enhanced deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory for non-corporate business taxpayers. The provision also increases the limitation on deductible contributions of food inventory and modifies the deduction to provide special rules for valuing food inventory. Wyden visited the Oregon Food Bank in Portland on Dec. 12 to thank volunteers and help pack food for delivery to hungry Oregonians. Wyden said today that he was also pleased the PATH Act also makes permanent Earned income tax credits to help working families get ahead; Child tax credits for parents trying to raise a family His PARTNERSHIPS Act to help students and families pay for college. To read more about Wydens PARTNERSHIPS Act on college affordability, click here. This bill highlights clear priorities for reforming our tax system, Wyden said. What does that mean? Millions of working families with children will not find themselves suddenly taxed into poverty. Millions of college students wont have the rug pulled out from under them when the tuition bill arrives. Charities can confidently plan and expand the good work they do. And small business an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-presses-fbi-to-step-up-efforts-against-ransomware-hackers Wyden Presses FBI to Step Up Efforts Against ‘Ransomware’ Hackers 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy FBI Reportedly Tells Ransomware Victims just to pay the ransom Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked FBI Director James Comey how the FBI is tackling the increasing problem of ransomware attacks in a letter sent today. Ransomware attacks refer to the growing criminal practice of hacking Americans devices, encrypting personal information and holding it for ransom through ransomware software commonly known as Cryptolocker and Cryptowall. With this problem becoming increasingly widespread, the FBI should explore all legal options for stopping the successful use of ransomware. Not only should these efforts focus on cyber criminals conducting encryption attacks, they should also target the ransom payments from victims to cyber criminals, Wyden wrote. As we continue to live in a global economy driven by Internet communications, the need to stop bad actors becomes more important every day. Wyden asked Director Comey what is the FBIs current approach to ransomware attacks, success rate in identifying suspects, ability to trace payments, what resources are available to victims and what additional tools the FBI may require to track payments and combat ransomware attacks. Wyden also asked if reports that FBI officials had told victims just to pay the ransom were an accurate portrayal of the FBIs advice. Victims report ransomware payments between $200 and $10,000. One type of ransomware, Cryptowall, has led to nearly 1,000 complaints and cost Americans over $18 million in 14 months. The text of the letter can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-responds-to-misstatements-on-usa-freedom-act-and-mass-surveillance Wyden Responds to Misstatements on USA Freedom Act and Mass Surveillance 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the followingstatement in response to multiplemisstatements about the USA Freedom Act during tonights debate: "Senator Rubio is mistaken when he says that the USA Freedom Act does not let the government do anything that it could not do before. Section 102 of the USA Freedom Act, which I firstproposed in 2013,gave law enforcement and intelligence agencies new authorities to obtain records in an emergency and get court approval after the fact. It also ended the mass surveillance of law-abiding Americans, which violated core American rights without making our country any safer." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-secures-major-provision-of-recently-introduced-college-affordability-bill Wyden Secures Major Provision of Recently Introduced College Affordability Bill 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Bipartisan Deal Makes Part of Wyden's PARTNERSHIPS Act Permanent - A Huge Step Toward Making College More Affordable for Students and Families Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today announced a bipartisan deal on a major part of a bill he introduced to lower the cost of college by providing much-needed tax relief and greater economic certainty for students and their families in Oregon and across the country. A centerpiece of Wydens PARTNERSHIPS Act was included in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, which congressional leaders released tonight. The bill helps working families and makes permanent the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). Without this legislation in place, this vital higher education provision runs the risk of disappearing after two years, leaving students and their families facing uncertainty as they try to plan ahead. Students and their families are getting hit with a wrecking ball when it comes to the cost of college. This legislation means that students and their families in Oregon and nationwide will now be able to plan for the cost of college without fear of the government changing the rules on them, Wyden said. I have continued to fight for fair changes to the tax code that help individuals including students and working families alike. Todays deal reflects those essential priorities for young people wanting an education and for their parents who want to help them. Under this agreement a permanent AOTC will provide a tax cut of up to $10,000 for four years to help students and families pay for college. Wyden introduced the PARTNERSHIPS Act this fall to help lower the cost of tuition for students and their families. He and Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., heard directly from students at college roundtables in Oregon this fall about how rising college debt is becoming a major worry for their lives after graduation. In Oregon, the average student graduating with debt owes more than $25,000… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-bonamici-announce-500000-grant-to-help-city-of-cornelius-build-new-library-community-convening-space Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Announce $500,000 Grant to Help City of Cornelius Build New Library, Community Convening Space 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Announce $500,000 Grant to Help City of Cornelius Build New Library, Community Convening Space Senators, Congresswoman Applaud National Endowment for the Humanities for Investment in Washington County Monday, December 14, 2015 Cornelius, Ore. Oregons U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici today announced a grant to help the City of Cornelius build a new library and community convening space. The award comes from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Challenge Grant program and recognizes Cornelius Librarys commitment to improve the cultural and civic life of the city. The city of Cornelius deserves tremendous credit for its hard work to earn this extremely competitive grant, said Senator Wyden. A new library and public space will provide residents of all ages with a wonderful asset for learning and community. In many of our rural communities, libraries are the heart of the community, said Senator Merkley. They are a gathering space for people of all ages to learn and grow, and serve as a crucial link for so many Oregonians whose only internet access may be the local library. This new library in Cornelius will help enrich the community and as a bonus will provide much needed senior affordable housing. This is a great day for the Cornelius community. Thank you to the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Cornelius Library is an important part of the community, and they truly deserve support for their expansion, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Many Cornelius residents have no internet access at home and they rely on the library for important tasks like applying for jobs or checking their childrens grades. This expansion will include a much-needed community space, increase community access to computers, and provide local affordable housing. There is no better community for this investment, said Karen Hill, Library Director. Cornelius has the highest level of poverty and illiteracy in Washington County. The new space is des… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-questions-fbi-id-policy-on-freedom-of-information-act-requests Wyden Questions FBI ID Policy on Freedom of Information Act Requests 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Wyden Asks Why Government-Issued ID is Needed to Request Public Information; Questions How IDs Submitted to FBI Will be Used Monday, December 14, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked FBI Director James Comey to explain the purpose of a new FBI policy requiring people to upload copies of government-issued identification when filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, in a letter sent today. I write to express my strong concern that the ID requirement presents serious legal and privacy concerns, Wyden wrote to Director Comey. The FBIs new eFOIA system imposes a requirement that can neither be found in statutory law nor case law. The Department of Homeland Security, among other federal agencies, does not require ID for FOIA requests. The Freedom of Information Act was passed in 1967 to shed light on the federal government by allowing Americans to request access to federal records. Classified documents, personal information and other categories of sensitive information are exempt from disclosure under FOIA. Wyden also asked Comey how long the FBI plans to retain scanned personal IDs, who can access the IDs, how they will be used and whether photo IDs will be entered into facial recognition databases. Read the full letter here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-paris-deal-represents-a-breakthrough-moment-for-climate-change Merkley: Paris Deal Represents a Breakthrough Moment for Climate Change 2015-12-12 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley: Paris Deal Represents a Breakthrough Moment for Climate Change Oregon Senator traveled to Paris to participate in the talks last weekend Saturday, December 12, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after 196 nations announced an international agreement to take on climate change at the conclusion of talks that have been ongoing in Paris. Last weekend, Merkley traveled to Paris as part of a delegation of ten U.S. Senators to take part in the talks. As part of the delegation, Merkley led a bilateral meeting with India, as well as meeting with negotiators, dignitaries, nonprofit groups, and counterparts from other nations. Todays agreement represents a breakthrough moment in the international fight to take on climate change. While this deal is by no means the end of the work we must do, having the global community come together around a shared vision of action is nonetheless a tremendous milestone on the path to averting climate catastrophe. Americans should be proud of our nation's leadership in helping forge this deal, and they should also know that science deniers in Congress cannot stop this agreement from moving forward. This deal also contains several key provisions that will help this international momentum carry forward into further action.Built into the agreement is a process that will encourage countries to revisit, and hopefully ramp up, each of their individual commitments to tackle their own carbon pollution every 5 years. Moving forward, its imperative that we partner with other developed nations to finance clean energy options to bring electricity to those who lack it, and to ramp up investment in research and development to keep driving down the cost of clean energy and to develop affordable energy storage. This successful negotiation in Paris should only strengthen our resolve to work harder to ensure our children and grandchildren have a habitable planet to call home. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-joins-president-white-house-signing-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-public Bonamici Joins President at White House for Signing of Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Public Education 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [12/10/15] Today, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act, a law that will replace No Child Left Behind and advance new K-12 education policies. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), a member of the House Education Committee, served on the select panel of House and Senate members that helped negotiate the new law. As part of this process, provisions authored by Congresswoman Bonamici to reduce testing in schools and support interdisciplinary educational programs were included in the bipartisan bill. Congresswoman Bonamici was invited to stand with the President at the White House for the bill signing. You can watch the video here:https://1.usa.gov/1Qze2mR. For the last 14 years, weve lived under No Child Left Behinds flawed provisions, which left our educators, students, and parents frustrated, said Congresswoman Bonamici. One of the top reasons I came to Congress was to strengthen public education. Today, President Obama signed the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act to give more control to states and school districts and reduce the high-stakes testing that has stifled much of the joy of teaching and learning. The new law will also help address resource inequities and give educators, who know whats best for their students, a voice in how to strengthen schools. It was an honor to serve on the bipartisan panel that finalized the bill President Obama signed. But our job doesnt end here. I look forward to working closely with the Department of Education as the law is implemented to make sure it best serves our students, parents, and educators. Our countrys economic future depends on providing all students with access to quality public education. Congresswoman Bonamici successfully included a provision in the bill to help states and school districts audit their testing systems and eliminate redundant or unnecessary tests. The Support Making Assessments Reliable and Timely (SMART) Act also provides states and local education agencies with support to improve their use of assessment dat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/oregon-delegation-announces-deal-to-save-newport-air-station Oregon Delegation Announces Deal to Save Newport Air Station 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Today, members of Oregons Congressional Delegation announced they have secured a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 that would keep the Newport air facility open for at least two years. Due to budget cuts, the Coast Guard threatened in 2014 to close the Newport air facility-- which handles half of the emergency response calls on the Central Oregon Coast. Todays announcement was made by Representatives Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, DeFazio was the lead Democratic sponsor and negotiator in the House of Representatives on the Coast Guard Authorization Act. It is impossible to overstate how critical having search and rescue helicopters nearby is to Oregons fishing industry, coastal visitors and residents. Today, we were successful in securing language in the Coast Guard Authorization Act that will keep this critical air stationwhich handles half the emergency calls on the Central Oregon Coastopen and serving the Coast for at least another two years.After that, the Coast Guard will have to jump through significant additional hoops before attempting to close it again, essentially ensuring that the Coast Guards Newport Air Facility remains open for a long time to come. I commend my colleagues in both the House and Senate who helped craft this important legislation. I look forward to this bill passing the Senate and being signed into law, said Ranking Member DeFazio. Newports Coast Guard helicopter is a proven lifesaver for a huge stretch of the Oregon Coast. Congressman DeFazio, Senator Merkley, Congressman Schrader and I fought hard to preserve this crucial part of the coastal safety net and are relieved Congress wont risk Oregonians lives at the start of the dangerous winter season and beyond, said Senator Wyden. Losing the Newport Coast Guard helicopter would put lives at risk all along the Oregon coast. In the cold waters off our shores, people in harms way dont have t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390448 Oregon Delegation Announces Deal to Save Newport Air Station 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Today, members of Oregons Congressional Delegation announced they have secured a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 that would keep the Newport air facility open for at least two years. Due to budget cuts, the Coast Guard threatened in 2014 to close the Newport air facility-- which handles half of the emergency response calls on the Central Oregon Coast. Todays announcement was made by Representatives Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, DeFazio was the lead Democratic sponsor and negotiator in the House of Representatives on the Coast Guard Authorization Act. It is impossible to overstate how critical having search and rescue helicopters nearby is to Oregons fishing industry, coastal visitors and residents. Today, we were successful in securing language in the Coast Guard Authorization Act that will keep this critical air stationwhich handles half the emergency calls on the Central Oregon Coastopen and serving the Coast for at least another two years.After that, the Coast Guard will have to jump through significant additional hoops before attempting to close it again, essentially ensuring that the Coast Guards Newport Air Facility remains open for a long time to come. I commend my colleagues in both the House and Senate who helped craft this important legislation. I look forward to this bill passing the Senate and being signed into law,said Ranking Member DeFazio. Newports Coast Guard helicopter is a proven lifesaver for a huge stretch of the Oregon Coast. Congressman DeFazio, Senator Merkley, Congressman Schrader and I fought hard to preserve this crucial part of the coastal safety net and are relieved Congress wont risk Oregonians lives at the start of the dangerous winter season and beyond,said Senator Wyden. Losing the Newport Coast Guard helicopter would put lives at risk all along the Oregon coast. In the cold waters off our shores, people in harms way dont have … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/oregon-delegation-announces-deal-to-save-newport-air-station Oregon Delegation Announces Deal to Save Newport Air Station 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Oregon Delegation Announces Deal to Save Newport Air Station Thursday, December 10, 2015 Washington, D.C. Today, members of Oregons Congressional Delegation announced they have secured a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 that would keep the Newport air facility open for at least two years. Due to budget cuts, the Coast Guard threatened in 2014 to close the Newport air facility-- which handles half of the emergency response calls on the Central Oregon Coast. Todays announcement was made by Representatives Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, DeFazio was the lead Democratic sponsor and negotiator in the House of Representatives on the Coast Guard Authorization Act. It is impossible to overstate how critical having search and rescue helicopters nearby is to Oregons fishing industry, coastal visitors and residents. Today, we were successful in securing language in the Coast Guard Authorization Act that will keep this critical air stationwhich handles half the emergency calls on the Central Oregon Coastopen and serving the Coast for at least another two years.After that, the Coast Guard will have to jump through significant additional hoops before attempting to close it again, essentially ensuring that the Coast Guards Newport Air Facility remains open for a long time to come. I commend my colleagues in both the House and Senate who helped craft this important legislation. I look forward to this bill passing the Senate and being signed into law, said Ranking Member DeFazio. Newports Coast Guard helicopter is a proven lifesaver for a huge stretch of the Oregon Coast. Congressman DeFazio, Senator Merkley, Congressman Schrader and I fought hard to preserve this crucial part of the coastal safety net and are relieved Congress wont risk Oregonians lives at the start of the dangerous winter season and beyond, said Senator Wyden. Losing the Newport Coast Guard helicop… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-portman-settle-mls-cup-bet Wyden, Portman Settle MLS Cup Bet 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Impact of Portland Timbers win over Columbus Crew Continues to Resonate Thursday, December 10, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, today settled their friendly wager on the Major League Soccer Cup result with a six-pack of Columbus Brewing Companys Winter Warmer changing hands. The Portland Timbers victory Sunday over the Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup also meant Wyden got to keep the six-pack of the Widmer Brothers Timbers Hefe he had put up on the Timbers. Since theres no pity in the Rose City, I am thrilled on behalf of Timbers supporters everywhere to accept Senator Portmans gracious acknowledgment of Portlands status as Soccer City USA, Wyden said. The Timbers Army and all of the teams fans can take huge pride in the MLS Cup and all that the Timbers do every day to make Portland and Oregon a better community. Senator Wyden wins this time around. After having to don Ohio State apparel after the Buckeyes victory over the Oregon Ducks in the college football championship last season, the Oregon Senator has redeemed himself. Congratulations to the Portland Timbers on winning the MLS Cup, Portman said. I am proud of the incredible season that Columbus Crew SC had and I look forward to seeing them in next years MLS Cup. I was glad to hold up my side of the bargain and present my friend Senator Wyden with a six-pack of the Columbus Brewing Companys Winter Warmer. Until next time! Photos from the exchange can be foundhere. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-speaks-out-against-shameful-proposal-ban-muslims-entering Rep. Blumenauer Speaks Out Against Shameful Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering the United States 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement on the proposal by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to ban all Muslims from entering the United States. This proposal is absolutely hateful. It plays right into the hands of ISIS and demonizes millions of Muslim Americans, and hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world. It is shameful and un-American. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-applauds-senate-passage-of-bill-to-revamp-broken-no-child-left-behind-law Merkley Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Revamp Broken “No Child Left Behind” Law 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Revamp Broken No Child Left Behind Law Senator had pressed for additional focus on STEM subjects and Career and Technical Education Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, comprehensive legislation to overhaul the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In addition to overhauling the controversial testing and accountability provisions of NCLB, the bill includes increased resources for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and a greater focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE), both of which Senator Merkley had pushed for. Its an enormous relief for students, educators, and parents across Oregon that the deeply broken No Child Left Behind law is finally being replaced. No Child Left Behind left a lot of children behind. It focused too much on getting some children to meet testing goals while ignoring other children, as well as wiping out numerous core courses and electives that were not tested. Its time to replace a narrow and often counterproductive focus on high-stakes testing with a broader vision of learning and accountability, and thats exactly what this bill does. As Ive talked with folks across Oregon, Ive heard again and again from employers that increased STEM education and CTE in our schools are critical to Oregons future economy. Giving students a chance to engage more deeply in these subjects will give them a chance to directly connect their education to real-life applications, and give them a leg up in the workforce. Its good news for Oregon that an increased focus on STEM education and CTE is included in this bill. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and will now head to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-lauds-final-passage-of-k-12-education-bill Wyden Lauds Final Passage of K-12 Education Bill 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy SENATE SENDS TO PRESIDENT EDUCATION BILL WITH WYDEN PRIORITY TO BOOST GRAD RATES Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., lauded todays Senate passage of the final K-12 education bill to boost high school graduation rates in Oregon and across the country as part of the much-called-for replacement of the 2001 No Child Left Behind law. The bill, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), includes a provision to help more students graduate from high school by requiring states to identify high schools with low graduation rates and ensuring those schools receive the support they need to improve. The provision is similar to one that Wyden authored and that passed the Senate in July. This bill focuses specifically on helping students by raising graduation rates in Oregon and across the country, Wyden said. Helping teenagers stay at it and get through to graduation day is a critical step on a path to greater success throughout their lives. This approach will help expand opportunity for students no matter where they live, how much their parents earn, or what obstacles they face. (AUDIO FILE) The Every Student Succeeds Act gives states more flexibility in setting standards for schools and monitoring how federal dollars are allocated to school districts. In Oregon, a task force made up of members from the Oregon Education Association and the Oregon Department of Education is working to find ways to improve student assessment systems. Judy Harris, a member of the task force and a Nationally Board Certified teacher at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill, Oregon, said the bill will give teachers more power in the classroom. There are many reasons to support this billmost importantly, it empowers educators to make important classroom decisions so we can do whats right for our students, Harris said. I appreciate that the Senator was willing to listen to us, trust our professional opinion, and take a leadership role in getting the bill passed. The bill also… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-praises-permanent-ban-on-internet-taxes-in-customs-and-trade-enforcement-bill Wyden Praises Permanent Ban on Internet Taxes In Customs and Trade Enforcement Bill 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Wyden Authored Original Internet Tax Ban; Would Prevent Discriminatory Taxes On Internet Goods and Services, Save Oregonians from Higher Costs To Get Online Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., praised the inclusion of a permanent ban on unfair taxes on Internet goods and services, as well as Internet access taxes, as part of a trade enforcement bill coming before Congress this week. Sen. Wyden co-wrote the original Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA) with former California Republican Rep. Chris Cox in 1998. ITFA prohibits state and local governments from taxing Internet access, and bans multiple and discriminatory taxation against digital goods and services delivered over the Internet. Small businesses and consumers in Oregon could soon finally be free from the threat of hundreds of dollars in new taxes each year, just to access the Internet. I co-wrote the Internet Tax Freedom Act nearly a decade ago to help spur the growth of the digital economy. Today online commerce is responsible for hundreds of thousands of jobs. In my view, when you have something that works, that has stood the test of time, you ought to make it permanent, Wyden said. The permanent ITFA in the customs bill allows the so-called grandfather states a four and a half year phase-out, through June 2020. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-celebrates-portland-timbers-mls-championship-win-house Rep. Blumenauer Celebrates Portland Timbers MLS Championship Win on House Floor 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, donning a Portland Timbers Army scarf, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) congratulated the Timbers on their victory over the Columbus Crew SC on Sunday, winning the Major League Soccer (MLS) Championship. Click here to watch Representative Blumenauer's celebratory speech. To follow are his remarks. I come to the Floor this morning barely able to talk, but not having much of a voice is common in Portland, Oregon, these days as fans shouted themselves hoarse after the Portland Timbers' stunning victory over the Columbus Crew on Sunday winning the Major League Soccer Cup. There is no doubt that my hometown of Portland, Oregon, is Soccer City USA! Fans continue to prove the point with a huge celebration today. I want to congratulate the Timbers for an amazing season and for being such a huge part indeed of Portland and all of Oregon. This season had it all injuries and bumps along the way that made Sunday's results seem highly unlikely. But under the leadership and direction of Coach Caleb Porter, the Timbers stayed focused and made course corrections that led them to a national championship finishing with a flourish. This team has so many heroes that it's impossible in the time I have to give them their due recognition. But I want to give a special mention to new U.S. citizen Darlington Nagbe, Diego Chara, Rodney Wallace, Jake Gleeson, and the old salty dog, Jack Jewsbury, all of whom have been with the Timbers since our inaugural season. I also want to highlight the Maestro, Diego Valeri, defenders Liam Ridgewell and Nat Borchers (he of the beard!), as well as Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, for their heroic efforts this season. Merritt Paulson and his management team deserve recognition for their passion for the sport and their love for our city. Of course, you can't mention the Portland Timbers without talking about, as the song goes, the greatest football supporters the world has ever seen the Timbers Army! Your dedication to Team, Town,… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/cnn-merkley-calls-donald-trump-muslim-comments-wrong-and-dangerous CNN: Merkley calls Donald Trump Muslim comments “Wrong and Dangerous” 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley speaks with CNNs John Berman on GOP presidential candidate Donald Trumps proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-social-media-reporting-bill Wyden Statement on Social Media Reporting Bill 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released the following statement on legislation filed today by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, to require Internet companies that are aware of undefined terrorist activity to report it to law-enforcement. Lets make sure the record is clear: The Director of the FBI testified a few months ago that social media companies are pretty good about telling us what they see. Social media companies must continue to do everything they can to quickly remove terrorist content and report it to law enforcement. Im opposed to this proposal because I believe it will undermine that collaboration and lead to less reporting of terrorist activity, not more. It would create a perverse incentive for companies to avoid looking for terrorist content on their own networks, because if they saw something and failed to report it they would be breaking the law, but if they stuck their heads in the sand and avoided looking for terrorist content they would be absolved of responsibility. Im for smart security policies. If law enforcement agencies decide that terrorist content is not being identified quickly enough, then the solution should be to give those agencies more resources and personnel so they know where to look for terrorist content online and who to watch, and can ensure terrorist activity is quickly reported and acted upon. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-trump-proposal-to-ban-muslims-from-entering-us-single-worst-idea-i-have-heard-from-any-presidential-candidate-ever Merkley: Trump Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering U.S. “Single Worst Idea I Have Heard from Any Presidential Candidate, Ever” 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley: Trump Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering U.S. Single Worst Idea I Have Heard from Any Presidential Candidate, Ever Senator Says Trump Playing Straight out of ISIS Playbook and Endangering National Security Monday, December 7, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, after GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump proposed to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S., Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley strongly condemned the proposal on the Senate floor, calling it the single worst idea I have heard from any presidential candidate, ever. Merkley denounced Trumps proposal, which would even seek to bar active duty American servicemembers of the Muslim faith serving abroad and other citizens from returning home, as inconsistent with the vision of the Constitution. He noted that patriotic Americans of all religions are working together to defeat the threat posed by ISIS. Merkley also blasted Trumps idea for endangering national security. Making Islam the enemy is playing straight out of ISISs playbook, Merkley said, which wants to create a war between America and Islam. And in that sense, this type of irresponsible statement endangers our national security. Video of Merkleys remarks is available here. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/the-worst-idea-from-any-presidential-candidate-ever The Worst Idea From Any Presidential Candidate. Ever. 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Today, after GOP Presidential Candidate Donald Trump issued a proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S., Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley strongly denounced the proposal on the Senate floor, calling it the single worst idea I have heard from any presidential candidate, ever. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-invites-high-school-students-compete-congressional-app-challenge Bonamici Invites High School Students to Compete in Congressional App Challenge 2015-12-04 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy Beaverton, Ore. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that her district is again participating in the annual Congressional App Challenge. High school students in the district are invited to compete. Oregons First Congressional District includes Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Columbia counties as well as part of Multnomah county. Established by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the contest is a nationwide event designed to encourage high school students to express their creativity while participating in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. Students across the country will compete by creating and demonstrating a software application, or app, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Participating in the Congressional App Challenge will require creative thinking, so students will be engaging both halves of the brain, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Creativity leads to innovation, which we need to grow our economy. As the co-chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus, I see this challenge as a great opportunity for students to develop technology while raising awareness about the value of educating innovators andproblem solvers. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students in Oregon's First Congressional District. Students entering the competition must submit their apps source code online before January 15, 2016, as well as provide a video demonstration explaining their app and what they learned through the competition process. Winners will be announced on Monday, February 15, 2016. A panel of local experts will review the submissions. Winners from each participating congressional district will be acknowledged in a district awards ceremony and featured on the House.GOV website. There will also be a display in the U.S. Capitol Building to honor all of the district winners. More information on the competition, including how to register is available at: https://bonamici.house.gov/serving-you/congressional-app-challenge. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-long-term-transportation-legislation-to-fix House Passes Bipartisan, Long-Term Transportation Legislation to Fix Crumbling Roads, Bridges, Transit Systems 2015-12-04 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio applauded House passage of the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), a bipartisan, long-term transportation bill that will create family-wage jobs, rebuild and replace the nations aging infrastructure, and boost the economy. The FAST Act is the bicameral, bipartisan agreement of the House-Senate Conference Committee that was tasked with resolving differences between the surface transportation bills passed earlier this year in the House and Senate. The bill passed the House of Representatives with 359 votes. DeFazio was the lead House Democratic negotiator on the bill. After ten years of short-term band-aids and extensions, Congress will finally pass a long-term, bipartisan surface transportation bill that will begin to deal with our aging network of roads, bridges, and transit systems, said DeFazio. This is a common-sense, bipartisan bill that provides our state and local governments with the certainty they need to begin to plan for long-term projects that bring our aging system into the 21st century. This legislation isnt perfect. However, I am happy that the FAST Act includes higher funding levels than the House-passed bill. I am also pleased that it includes a critical provision that allows for automatic adjustments and increased infrastructure investment if more money flows into the Highway Trust Fund. If Congress does the right thing and comes up with more revenue to deposit into the Highway Trust Fund, this mechanism will allow those funds to be invested in our surface transportation infrastructure, without any additional action by Congress. I commend Chairman Shuster, who Chaired the Conference, and my colleagues in both the House and Senate who helped craft this important legislation. I look forward to this bill being signed into law. Under the FAST Act, over the next five years Oregon will receive over $2.6 billion in federal highway funding to rebuild and replace our crumbling highways, and o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-arrives-in-paris-to-join-global-climate-talks Merkley Arrives in Paris to Join Global Climate Talks 2015-12-04 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Arrives in Paris to Join Global Climate Talks Friday, December 4, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Early this morning, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley arrived along with a delegation of United States Senators to participate in global climate talks that are ongoing in Paris. Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution, said Merkley. An international climate accord in Paris would be a tremendous step forward on the path toward averting climate catastrophe, and I look forward to working toward that goal with my counterparts from other nations. While in Paris, Merkley will meet with negotiators, foreign leaders and dignitaries, civil society organizations, and fellow legislators from other nations. The delegation includes Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Al Franken (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-highlights-oregon-wins-in-transportation-bill Merkley Highlights Oregon Wins in Transportation Bill 2015-12-04 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Highlights Oregon Wins in Transportation Bill Friday, December 4, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley announced several key benefits for Oregon included in the federal transportation bill passed by Congress late last night. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works and Banking Committees, Senator Merkley advocated for Oregons priorities and fought to make sure that Oregons roads, bridges and transit districts would receive much needed support and investment in the final bill. Our state and local transportation departments need a long term transportation bill to plan their major infrastructure projects and put people to work. This bill provides that certainty and will both create good jobs and build a stronger infrastructure for our economy, said Merkley. Additionally, this bill will make a much needed investment in improving our roads, bridges and transit systems here in Oregon. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was the first long-term transportation funding bill passed by Congress in more than a decade. By providing a five year roadmap for a broad range of transportation investments, state and regional transportation and transit departments will be able make longer term plans and investments that have been waiting pending clarity about federal government funding. The transportation bill also included a critical provision to reauthorize the charter of the Export-Import Bank, which expired in June after conservatives in Congress blocked its reauthorization. The Export-Import bank is an essential tool for many small businesses and manufacturers throughout Oregon and the nation. In June, Senator Merkley visited Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods, a Milwaukie, OR, employee-owned manufacturer, that has expanded its overseas business using Export-Import Bank financing. Key elements of the transportation bill that will impact Oregon include: Flexible funding for New Start projects:The bill will continue to allow state and local governments to u… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-votes-long-term-multi-modal-transportation-bill Bonamici Votes For Long-Term Multi-Modal Transportation Bill 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [12/03/15]Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) made the following statement after the House passed a five year extension of legislation that authorizes federal highway, public transit, highway safety, and other safety programs. The bill now heads to the Senate for final passage before being sent to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. Bonamici included an amendment to designate the Newberg-Dundee Bypass Route as a High Priority Corridor to raise the prominence of the project. When we make long-term investments in transportation and infrastructure, we stimulate the economy, create jobs, and help drive commerce, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Today, Congress put differences aside and found common ground to strengthen transportation systems in Northwest Oregon and our nation. This five year bill will help build and maintain our roads and bridges, while improving freight rail and public transit services. The sustained funding gives Oregon and local counties the certainty they need to start new construction projects and create comprehensive transportation plans. This bill includes my amendment to raise the prominence of the Newberg-Dundee Bypass Route by designating it as a High Priority Corridor. Designating the Bypass as a High Priority Corridor will help our region make the case for continued funding and support. The Newberg-Dundee Bypass will help ease congestion for Yamhill County residents and visitors, as well as make it easier for wine and agricultural industries to move their goods to market. Additionally, Im pleased to see Congress finally moving to reopen the Export-Import Bank. The Ex-Im Bank pays for itself and plays a crucial role in helping Oregon businessesbig and smallcompete and succeed in the global marketplace. Finally, I thank Ranking Member Peter DeFazio for his leadership in moving this bipartisan effort forward to so we can get back to work building and maintaining our nations roads and bridges. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-public-education-includes-provisions-bonamici House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Public Education; Includes Provisions by Bonamici 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Served on Conference Committee for New Law to Replace No Child Left Behind WASHINGTON, DC [12/02/15] Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, a bill to replace No Child Left Behind and write new K-12 education policies. Provisions authored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to reduce testing in schools and support interdisciplinary educational programs are included in the bipartisan bill to strengthen public education. Congresswoman Bonamici, a member of the House Education Committee, also served on the select panel of House and Senate members that reconciled the differences between education bills passed by both the House and Senate earlier this year. The Every Student Succeeds Act now heads to the Senate for final passage before being sent to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. When the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed 50 years ago, it was a monumental achievement in promoting equity for all students. Today, we honored that legacy by replacing the flawed No Child Left Behind with policies that will strengthen public education in our country, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Ive spoken with students, educators, parents, and school board members who have been waiting for this day for a long time, and I am glad my colleagues and I have finally reached agreement on a new education law. No Child Left Behind placed too much emphasis on one-size-fits-all mandates and resulted in too much high-stakes testing. Thanks to the leadership of Chairman John Kline and Ranking Member Bobby Scott, we passed a bill that will return flexibility to states and school districts to design accountability systems and interventions that meet the needs of their schools. Importantly, the Every Student Succeeds Act maintains focus on closing achievement gaps and promoting equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students. The bill requires action in any school where subgroups of studentsincluding English learners, students with disabilities, and low-income … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/reps-blumenauer-bonamici-beatty-stivers-and-tiberi-wager-mls-championship Reps. Blumenauer, Bonamici, Beatty, Stivers and Tiberi Wager on MLS Championship 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC On Sunday, December 6, the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew SC will play for the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Steve Stivers (OH-15), and Pat Tiberi (OH-12) today announced they have placed a friendly wager on the championship game between the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew with local products and favorites on the line. Representatives Blumenauer and Bonamici, who together represent Portland, are wagering Oregon craft beer, Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, and Salt & Straw ice cream. Representatives Beatty, Stivers, and Tiberi, representing the Columbus metro area, are wagering Columbus craft brews and candy buckeyes. I look forward to seeing our Portland Timbers cap their magnificent season with the MLS Cup, said Representative Blumenauer. Onward Rose City! Last time an Ohio team faced off against an Oregon team for a national title our Buckeyes came home with NCAA championship rings and the Ducks waddled home empty handed, said Representative Beatty. The Timbers will topple the Columbus Crew! We've had a great season and Im looking forward to seeing the Timbers win the MLS Cup final match, said Representative Bonamici. Im confident the Oregonians will be enjoying some Ohio craft brews and buckeye candy. RCTID! In the battle of the Os, Ohio is no stranger to blocking Oregons championship dreams, Representative Stivers said. With home field advantage, the Crew is on a roll and more than ready to take its second MLS cup. The Crew SC will ax the Timbers and I look forward to enjoying some of Oregons microbrews with my Central Ohio colleagues as we celebrate the black and golds second MLS Cup, said Representative Tiberi. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390445 Schrader, Newhouse Applaud Passage of Port Performance Program in Surface Transportation Bill 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Today, Congressmen Kurt Schrader (OR-05) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statements applauding passage of the bipartisan H.R. 22, Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to reauthorize transportation and infrastructure programs. Schrader and Newhouse led the effort to include the Port Performance Program within the FAST Act requiring the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to collect and report port statistics which will then be published in an annual report by BTS. The bill also establishes a working group to make recommendations to BTS to determine specific port metrics. The working group will have at least 22 members, including government officials and representatives from labor and industry, with the final decision on metrics resting with the BTS Director. As an essential component of our transportation system, and the global supply chain, our ports are critical to U.S. farmers and businesses. The efficient flow of cargo in and out of our ports is vital to the economic health of our country. Unfortunately, very little data exists on the performance of our ports, when it is a requirement in nearly every other sector of our transportation system and is important not only identifying and dealing with congestion in the system, but also shaping transportation policy, said Congressman Schrader. I appreciate the inclusion of this provision in the FAST Act and am hopeful this can strengthen the tools necessary to prevent further port disruptions and lead to increased investment and a boost to our economy. The Port Performance Program is a step forward for transparency on ports operations, said Congressman Newhouse. I applaud passage of the FAST Act with important provisions to establish a metrics program that will provide objective baseline economic data for ports operations. Improved port metrics will provide a critical tool to examine the economic effects of port slowdowns such as the disastrous West Coast Ports slowdown earlier this year, and I thank my colleague, Rep. Schrader, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-statement-passage-fast-act Rep. Blumenauer Statement on Passage of the FAST Act 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement on House passage of the conference report on H.R. 22, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This five-year authorization for highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects is the first long-term authorization in a decade. Today's passage of the FAST Act is a significant accomplishment. It ends the embarrassing string of 37 short-term extensions. It provides five years of certainty with modest, but important, increased spending levels. There are provisions that deal with safety, innovation, and integrating passenger rail into overall surface transportation, among many other notable items. I am pleased that a number of provisions that I have authored and championed have found their way into the final version of this legislation. One of the unheralded provisions potentially has the most significant, far-reaching consequencesthe expansion of work on an alternative user-fee to replace the gas tax. This reflects legislation I have introduced that builds upon the Oregon pilot project on road user charges. There is also a specific title dealing with innovation. The next five years will see unparalleled changes in transportation practices and technology that can have a transformational effect on our way of life, and this bill embraces this. Unfortunately, Congress continues to refuse to address a Highway Trust Fund that is inadequate and losing purchasing power by the month. Refusing to increase the gas tax for 22 years or to have any other source of revenue has complicated passage of a long-term bill. Instead, the collection of budget gimmicks paying for the legislation are, in many cases, questionable. For example, using private bill collectors to hound low-income taxpayers who run into financial difficulty is a money loser, as well as ineffective and unpopular. This is one of many ways the bill is paid for, basically to disguise the use of the Treasury's general fund instead of the tradit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-blumenauer-bonamici-beatty-stivers-and-tiberi-wager-mls Reps. Blumenauer, Bonamici, Beatty, Stivers and Tiberi Wager on MLS Championship 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC On Sunday, December 6, the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew SC will play for the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Steve Stivers (OH-15), and Pat Tiberi (OH-12) today announced they have placed a friendly wager on the championship game between the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew with local products and favorites on the line. Representatives Blumenauer and Bonamici, who together represent Portland, are wagering Oregon craft beer, Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, and Salt & Straw ice cream. Representatives Beatty, Stivers, and Tiberi, representing the Columbus metro area, are wagering Columbus craft brews and candy buckeyes. I look forward to seeing our Portland Timbers cap their magnificent season with the MLS Cup, said Representative Blumenauer. Onward Rose City! Last time an Ohio team faced off against an Oregon team for a national title our Buckeyes came home with NCAA championship rings and the Ducks waddled home empty handed, said Representative Beatty. The Timbers will topple the Columbus Crew! We've had a great season and I'm looking forward to seeing the Timbers win the MLS Cup final match, said Representative Bonamici. I'm confident the Oregonians will be enjoying some Ohio craft brews and buckeye candy. RCTID! In the battle of the O's, Ohio is no stranger to blocking Oregon's championship dreams,Representative Stivers said. With home field advantage, the Crew is on a roll and more than ready to take its second MLS cup. The Crew SC will ax the Timbers and I look forward to enjoying some of Oregon's microbrews with my Central Ohio colleagues as we celebrate the black and gold's second MLS Cup, said Representative Tiberi. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walden-releases-draft-legislation-help-solve-long-running-water-problems Walden releases draft legislation to help solve long-running water problems in Klamath Basin, asks for input from all parties 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Republican House OR Greg Walden W000791 walden.house.gov     legacy Walden releases draft legislation to help solve long-running water problems in Klamath Basin, asks for input from all parties Bill would provide water and power certainty for agriculture, boost economic development for rural communities and tribes WASHINGTON, D.C. After nearly a year of discussions with a broad range of parties in the Klamath Basin and key leaders in the U.S. Congress, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden today unveiled a draft of a bill that would help solve long-running water issues in the Basin. Throughout the year, I've worked closely with a broad range of stakeholders in the Klamath Basin as well as my colleagues in Congress to draft a viable plan that would help the Basin and the people who live there. This draft proposal would help provide water and power certainty for agriculture and boost economic development and job creation for rural communities and tribes through a transfer of federal timber lands. I encourage all parties to review the proposal and let me know your feedback, Walden said. A summary of the draft is below. For the full text of the draft, please click here. To send comments to Walden, please visit walden.house.gov/klamath. Summary of Walden's draft Klamath legislation Water certainty for agriculture: The draft authorizes and implements the water agreements in both the Upper Klamath Basin and the Klamath Project, providing for a long-term and certain water supply for farmers and ranchers. Power certainty for agriculture: The draft directs the federal Bureau of Reclamation to provide affordable power for farmers, ranchers, and communities in the Basin. Transfer of federal forest lands to Klamath and Siskiyou counties: The draft transfers 100,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land each to Klamath and Siskiyou counties. The lands would be used for timber production to grow jobs in rural communities and improve forest health. Transfer of federal lands and economic development funds to Klamath Tribes in exchange for waiving senior water rights: Under the draft, the Klamath Tribes would wai… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-republican-attempts-to-take-health-care-away-from-millions Merkley Statement on Republican Attempts to Take Health Care Away from Millions 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Statement on Republican Attempts to Take Health Care Away from Millions Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to pass a plan that would repeal key elements of the Affordable Care Act, taking health coverage away from millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Oregonians: The Republicans in the U.S. Senate today voted to kick millions of Americans off their health care plans.Their vote today tells single moms with breast cancer, 60-year-olds with Parkinsons, and so many others that their health and lives are worth less than an ideological crusade. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians have been able to access secure health coverage for the first time, and uninsured rates have fallen to record lows.People with chronic diseases who couldnt get coverage before no longer have to worry.Self-employed entrepreneurs have reliable and affordable coverage. Preventive care is free and children can stay on their parents plans through age 26. It is absurd and cruel to throw out these gains and go back to a system that rations health care to the healthy and wealthy while leaving those who are less fortunate out in the cold. I look forward to voting to uphold the Presidents veto should this misguided legislation come back for another vote in the Senate. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-statement-on-klamath-basin Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley released the following statement today on the Klamath Basin: For more than a decade, the irrigators, tribes and conservationists of the Klamath Basin have worked tirelessly to craft agreements that can break a century-long deadlock over water rights. The Oregon delegation shares the goal of working together for the success of the basin, and all of the state. Today we took a step forward towards legislation that can make Klamath Basin agreements a reality.We are gratified that Rep. Greg Walden released a draft of House legislation related to achieving the Klamath agreements. While we appreciate this step, the draft House legislation falls short of implementing the carefully-negotiated agreement of the Basin stakeholders.The giveaway of federal lands to counties is a known non-starter in the Senate.It also eliminates a provision on dam removal that is central to the bargain worked out over years with blood, sweat, and tears. Nevertheless, having a House bill on the table is a constructive step, and we will do whatever it takes to work with our colleagues in the House on something that reflects the stakeholders vision and can actually pass. The farmers, ranchers, tribes, and advocates put partisanship and ideology aside to develop a plan that works for the Klamath Basin, and thats exactly what we need to do. Federal implementation of the agreements will provide greater water supplies for the regions agricultural economy and sorely needed certainty for ranchers, tribes and conservationists alike. Oregon and the basin deserve nothing less. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-applauds-increased-focus-on-high-school-graduation-rates Wyden Applauds Increased Focus on High School Graduation Rates 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy FINAL EDUCATION BILL INCLUDES WYDEN PRIORITY TO IMPROVE GRAD RATES Thursday, December 3, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., applauded Congressional leaders for targeting high school graduation rates in Oregon and across the country as part of a larger K-12 education bill that last night passed the House of Representatives. The bill, which would replace the No Child Left Behind law from 2001, includes a provision to help more students earn their diplomas by requiring states to identify high schools with low graduation rates and ensure those schools receive the support they need to improve. The proposal is similar to a Wyden-authored provision that passed the Senate in July as part of the Every Child Achieves Act. As a parent, I know that moms and dads want their kids to be able to climb the economic ladder throughout their lives, and that begins with a top-flight education, Wyden said. Im glad Congress has taken meaningful action today to expand opportunity to every student in Oregon and across the country by helping more students graduate from high school. The bill that passed the House last night was agreed upon by a conference committee made up of House and Senate leaders to reform the Elementary and Secondary Education Act covering K-12 education. The top Senate Democrat on the conference committee, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said the Wyden-authored provision in the Senate bill drove negotiators to focus on high school graduation rates in the bill. Senator Wyden and I share a deep commitment to helping more students earn their high school diploma, so they will be prepared to compete and lead in the 21st century economy, and this legislation will help move us toward that goal, Murray said. He fought hard to make raising graduation rates a priority, and I look forward to finishing our bipartisan work and making sure this legislation can get to work for students, parents, teachers, and communities in our neighboring states and across the country. The… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-statement-on-klamath-basin- Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley released the following statement today on the Klamath Basin: For more than a decade, the irrigators, tribes and conservationists of the Klamath Basin have worked tirelessly to craft agreements that can break a century-long deadlock over water rights. The Oregon delegation shares the goal of working together for the success of the basin, and all of the state. Today we took a step forward towards legislation that can make Klamath Basin agreements a reality.We are gratified that Rep. Greg Walden released a draft of House legislation related to achieving the Klamath agreements. While we appreciate this step, the draft House legislation falls short of implementing the carefully-negotiated agreement of the Basin stakeholders.The giveaway of federal lands to counties is a known non-starter in the Senate.It also eliminates a provision on dam removal that is central to the bargain worked out over years with blood, sweat, and tears. Nevertheless, having a House bill on the table is a constructive step, and we will do whatever it takes to work with our colleagues in the House on something that reflects the stakeholders vision and can actually pass. The farmers, ranchers, tribes, and advocates put partisanship and ideology aside to develop a plan that works for the Klamath Basin, and thats exactly what we need to do. Federal implementation of the agreements will provide greater water supplies for the regions agricultural economy and sorely needed certainty for ranchers, tribes and conservationists alike. Oregon and the basin deserve nothing less. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-transportation-bill-includes-key-oregon-projects-and-tourism-priorities- Wyden: Transportation Bill Includes Key Oregon Projects and Tourism Priorities 2015-12-03 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Hood River, I-205 in Portland and Newberg-Dundee Bypass Gain from Long-term Highway Funding Legislation Thursday, December 3, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) praised tonights congressional passage of a long-term plan to rebuild the national transportation infrastructure for including three essential highway projects in Oregon as well as vital tourism priorities for the state. This long-term approach to funding our highways provides the road map thats a must for our economy to generate good-paying jobs, said Wyden, a member of the transportation infrastructure conference committee that developed the legislation. Rebuilding our countrys infrastructure creates much-needed certainty for businesses looking to invest and for state legislatures working to unsnarl transportation gridlock keeping too many workers stuck on the road instead of home with their families. The senator lauded the bill for bringing new projects within national scenic areas into the mix for transportation funding, including bridges near Hood River and Cascade Locks. He also cited another provision that upgrades both I-205 in Portland and the Newberg-Dundee Bypass to high priority corridor status, which means both routes would be poised right near the top of the list for future federal investment. Wyden looks forward to working on these projects with both Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio, who helped write the House bill; and Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that shares jurisdiction over this essential work. Wyden also praised the bill for including important tourism-related provisions that would encourage states and metropolitan planning organizations to consult with local travel leaders in the development of their long-term transportation plans. "The bill will ensure that the travel industry has a voice in transportation planning and that investments are targeted towards projects that improve traveler mobilitya key in growing Oregons econo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-defazio-larsen-fight-for-increased-funding-in-pacific-northwest Reps. DeFazio, Larsen Fight for Increased Funding in Pacific Northwest Ports 2015-12-02 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Peter DeFazio D000191 defazio.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) joined a letter led by Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) sent to the Director of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shaun Donovan urging the agency to increase funding for small ports in the Pacific Northwest in their FY 2017 budget proposal. In the letter, members urge OMB to consider the needs of small coastal waterways in the Northwest as they develop their budget proposal. Small ports and harbors are some of our nations most valuable assets and critical to maintaining and creating jobs in these states. Commercial trading and fishing and recreational boating at these small ports is critically important to the economic health of Oregon and Washington coastal port communities and to our states, region and nation, the members write. In recent years, federal commercial navigation projects on the Pacific Northwest coast have been routinely overlooked and remain critically underfunded. Even with the mandatory minimum funding allocation for small ports in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA), many Northwest emerging harbors were left unfunded in the Presidents FY 2016 budget proposal. Without adequate dredging, the navigation channels leading to these ports will silt in and the jetties protecting these communities will crumble. Without safe access to ocean fishing grounds, vessels remain docked and a major economic driver in these small communities is gone. It is imperative for the Administration to show its commitment now and fund these small ports in the FY 2017 budget proposal. We believe it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that our coastal ports in Oregon and Washington, and throughout the nation, remain open for business and continue to contribute to the economic health of the U.S, the letter continues. A copy of the letter is included below. # # # December 2, 2015 Mr. Shaun Donovan Director Office of Management and Budget 725 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20503 Dear Mr. Donovan: As y… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390444 Schrader Applauds Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act 2015-12-02 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) applauded the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation replaces the flawed No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001.The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 359-64. I am very pleased that on the 50th anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) we have finally succeeded in getting rid of NCLB and have an ESEA that rewards students progress rather than setting arbitrary benchmarks. The Every Student Succeeds Act replaces the adequate yearly progress standard with benchmarks that celebrate individual student and teacher success in moving ahead academically. Moreover, the bill reduces the testing burden and delegates to the states how best to achieve high academic standards, while keeping the U.S. Department of Education as referee so that states cannot game the system and reduce our childrens ability to compete in the global economy. The bill also retains some good provisions from NCLB that require disaggregated data to make sure minority, English-as-a-second-language and special needs students are not left behind and finally allow more district flexibility in applying for waivers when facing difficult economic situations. This is a serious effort to boost student achievement nationally, while allowing states and school systems to design programs they feel best suit their state and its children. A video statement of Congressman Schraders remarks about the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act is available HERE. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walden-merkley-convene-klamath-basin-water-meeting-key-leaders-us-house Walden, Merkley convene Klamath Basin water meeting with key leaders in the U.S. House and Senate 2015-12-02 2015 2015-12 Republican House OR Greg Walden W000791 walden.house.gov     legacy Walden, Merkley convene Klamath Basin water meeting with key leaders in the U.S. House and Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) issued the following statement on a meeting he has convened with key Congressional leaders to discuss Klamath Basin water issues: All year, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and I have worked closely with a broad range of parties in the Klamath Basin and key leaders in the Congress to find a path forward to solve the long running water problems in the Basin. Tomorrow, Sen. Merkley and I have convened a meeting with key leaders in the Congress to discuss a way forward. Attendees will include Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee (which has jurisdiction over this issue), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) whose Northern California district includes three out of the four dams slated to be removed under the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) and a large portion of Klamath Basin water users. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will also attend, along with Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.). During this session of Congress, neither committee of jurisdiction in the Senate or the House has taken any legislative action regarding the KBRA. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/media-center/photos/good-morning-oregon_-december-2015 Good Morning Oregon - December 2015 2015-12-02 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Skip to primary navigation Skip to content About Meet Jeff Issues Oregon Stories News Press Releases In the News Video & Audio Photos … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-statement-on-klamath-basin-water-meeting-with-key-congressional-leaders- Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin Water Meeting with Key Congressional Leaders 2015-12-02 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin Water Meeting with Key Congressional Leaders Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley released the following statement in advance of a meeting tomorrow on Klamath water legislation.Sens. Wyden and Merkley sought this meeting to discuss what it would take to see action in the House before the end of the year. At the beginning of this Congress, Wyden and Merkley reintroduced legislation that passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support last year. Congressman Walden stated in October he was planning to introduce companion legislation in the House. Time is of the essence to ensure long-term water certainty for the Klamath Basin. An extraordinary coalition of farmers, ranchers, tribes, and advocates has come together in this region to set aside longstanding divisions and work toward a better future. Even more impressively, they have stuck together through repeated water shortages when they could have easily broken apart and fought each other for limited water resources instead, Wyden and Merkley said. Weve been working for years to realize the vision and validate the extraordinary efforts of the stakeholders, but this groundbreaking work is at risk if Congress does not act before the end of the year when the agreements expire. We sought this meeting to discuss how together the House and Senate can get this critical legislation completed this year, and we look forward to hearing the House members views about how we can get it done. The meeting includes members who represent the Klamath Basin including the Oregon Senators, Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Jared Huffman (D-CA), and key House leaders including Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA). … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-blasts-latest-attempt-to-defund-planned-parenthood Wyden Blasts Latest Attempt to Defund Planned Parenthood 2015-12-02 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Wednesday, December 2, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today blasted the fast tracking of a bill that would block federal funding to Planned Parenthood clinics in Oregon and across the country for one year. The Senate last night began considering a House-passed budget bill that includes a provision to cut federal funding for Medicaid for use at Planned Parenthood clinics. Millions of American women including tens of thousands of Oregonians turn to Planned Parenthood for the routine health care services this bill puts at risk, Wyden said. When you wipe out Planned Parenthoods funding, you dramatically curb womens access to services that have absolutely nothing to do with abortion. Wyden, along with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., introduced an amendment to the bill that would continue to allow funding for Planned Parenthood. The amendment would also provide additional funding to help women who are uninsured or underinsured pay for health services and for health clinics to ensure the safety of their staff and patients. Planned Parenthood provides critical health care services such as cancer screenings, sexually transmitted infection tests and treatment, and HPV vaccinations to more than 70,000 Oregonians at 11 Planned Parenthood centers in Oregon. Click here for video of Wydens remarks. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-remarks-climate-change Rep. Blumenauer Remarks on Climate Change 2015-12-01 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC As global leaders meet in Paris on climate change, and the House considers this week measures to undercut the Administration's climate initiatives, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) today delivered remarks on the House floor on the best solution to the climate threat enacting a revenue-neutral fee on carbon emissions. To follow are Representative Blumenauer's remarks as prepared. Click here to watch his speech. The eyes of the world are on Paris, as it recovers from one tragedy and as 150 world leaders gather to prevent another. They meet to secure a global agreement on climate change. Reliance on fossil fuels especially coal and wasteful expensive energy consumption shortchange today's priorities and threatens our future. Ten years from now, even many of the current climate skeptics will wonder, What were we thinking?' The scientific evidence and the overwhelming consensus it has created is clear the immediate impacts of record temperatures, erratic and very dangerous weather patterns, ocean acidification, drought, disease, social disruption, and wildfires all have predictable impacts that already cost us dearly with many more severe problems on the horizon. It is sad that what should be a straightforward, scientific conclusion has become so emotionally charged and politically volatile. It is embarrassing and ironic that in the middle of this historic event on climate change, as the world consensus is strengthening and moving towards action, the best that our Republican Congress can do is vote on two pieces of legislation that would undomuch of the progress we've already made. The Republican leader in the Senate argues that the carbon rule of the Administration is a vast overreach, and that the Obama policies won't accomplish anything and yet is working to undermine their effectiveness. We will then vote on H.R. 8, a fossil fuel giveaway that will do nothing to combat climate change, but only accelerate the problem. The best solution to the climate threat is not these foolish votes or ob… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-secures-help-columbia-gorge-roads-and-bridges-final Greg Walden secures help for Columbia Gorge roads and bridges in final transportation agreement, passage into law expected soon 2015-12-01 2015 2015-12 Republican House OR Greg Walden W000791 walden.house.gov     legacy Greg Walden secures help for Columbia Gorgeroads and bridges in final transportation agreement, passage into law expected soon WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) announced today that he has secured language in the final congressional transportation agreement to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (NSA). The long-term, bipartisan transportation agreement between the Senate and the House reauthorizes and reforms federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs. It is expected to be passed by both chambers in the coming days. Residents and visitors alike depend on efficient and safe transportation in the Columbia Gorge. The federal government must recognize that unique areas like the Gorge should be eligible for transportation projects to replace crumbling roads and bridges. Last month, the House unanimously passed our bipartisan proposal to do just that, and I worked hard to include it in the final House and Senate transportation agreement. When this proposal becomes law soon, it will be a win for Gorge residents, visitors, and our local economy, Walden said. Last month, Walden worked closely with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Camas) to include language in the House transportation bill that ensures that projects within NSA's, including the Columbia River Gorge NSA, are eligible for federal transportation grants to help them serve the needs of their local economies, residents, and visitors. Walden then led a letter, signed by seven other Northwest Senators and Representatives, urging negotiators in the House and the Senate to include the language in the final agreement. For a copy of that letter, please click here. During debate on the House floor last month, Walden urged his colleagues to recognize the importance of transportation projects in federal scenic areas. While scenic areas like the Columbia Gorge provide tourist opportunities to thousands of visiting Americans from all across the country, this unique… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/irs-commits-to-follow-justice-department-guidelines-on-stingrays-in-letter-to-wyden IRS Commits to Follow Justice Department Guidelines on Stingrays in Letter to Wyden 2015-12-01 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy IRS Requires Warrants for use of Cell-Site Simulators; Wyden-Chaffetz GPS Act would Require Warrants for ALL Geolocation Tracking Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Washington, D.C. In response to questions by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen committed to seeking warrants for future use of cell-site simulator technology. The devices, often referred to as Stingrays, can be used to track cell phones and intercept information about calls. The IRS said cell-site simulators are used exclusively for criminal investigations and that its policy mirrors the Justice Departments, which requires warrants to use the devices, except in exigent or exceptional circumstances. Wyden said the new policy puts important safeguards on the IRS use of tracking devices. The IRS has an important role to play in combating money laundering, drug trafficking, and international tax dodging, but tax enforcement and protection of personal privacy must not be mutually exclusive, Wyden said. The IRS is taking reasonable steps to protect due process, while using all the tools at its disposal to catch people who may be ripping off U.S. taxpayers. The IRS also disclosed new details about its use of cell-site simulators: The agency has owned 1 cell-site simulator since October 2011, and is in the process of purchasing a second; It has tracked 37 cellular devices using the device, as part of 11 federal investigations; It has used the cell-site simulator to assist in four non-IRS investigations - one federal case and three state cases. To better protect Americans privacy, Wyden has introduced the Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance Act (GPS Act), with Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, which would require a warrant for any government tracking of Americans electronic location data. The bill would apply to stingrays, cellphones, cars and any other device. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-grassley-sovaldi-investigation-finds-revenue-driven-pricing-strategy-behind-84000-hepatitis-drug Wyden-Grassley Sovaldi Investigation Finds Revenue-Driven Pricing Strategy Behind $84,000 Hepatitis Drug 2015-12-01 2015 2015-12 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy 18-Month Investigation Reveals a Pricing and Marketing Strategy Designed to Maximize Revenue with Little Concern for Access or Affordability Tuesday, December 1, 2015 WASHINGTON Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and senior committee member Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, today released the results of an 18-month investigation into the pricing and marketing of Gilead Sciences Hepatitis C drug Sovaldi and its second-wave successor, Harvoni. Drawing from 20,000 pages of internal company documents, dozens of interviews with health care experts, and a trove of data from Medicaid programs in 50 states and the District of Columbia, the investigation found that the company pursued a marketing strategy and final wholesale price of Sovaldi $1,000 per pill, or $84,000 for a single course of treatment that it believed would maximize revenue. Building on that price, Harvoni was later introduced at $94,500. Fostering broad, affordable access was not a key consideration in the process of setting the wholesale prices. In the 18 months following Sovaldis approval, Medicare spent nearly $8.2 billion before rebates on Sovaldi and Harvoni. Over that same span, Medicares monthly spending on Hepatitis C treatments increased more than six-fold. In 2014 alone, Medicare and Medicaid combined to spend more than $5 billion on Sovaldi and Harvoni before rebates. That total is projected to climb in 2015. Gileads recent financial statements show U.S. sales of Sovaldi and Harvoni, including through public programs and private payers, totaled $20.6 billion after rebates in the 21 months following Sovaldis introduction. Senators Wyden and Grassley will hold a press conference today at 11:15 a.m. in the Senate Radio/TV Gallery, S-325, to discuss the investigation. Details are below, including a streaming feed for media unable to attend in person. Further resources are also online and additional findings from the investigation are below. Gilead pursued a calculated scheme for pricing and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-end-of-nsa-phone-records-dragnet Wyden Statement on End of NSA Phone Records Dragnet 2015-11-29 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Sunday, November 29, 2015 Washington, D.C. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., hailed the end of the National Security Agencys phone records dragnet, which was officially shut down today,as the result of the USA Freedom Act. Wyden fought for nearly a decade to draw attention to secret interpretations of the Patriot Act that the government used to justify this bulk collection, and then to end this unnecessary program that violated Americans privacy. This is a victory for everyone who believes in protecting both American security and Americans constitutional rights.Today the NSA is shutting down a mass surveillance program that needlessly violated the privacy of millions of Americans every day, without making our country any safer,Wyden said. This programs very existence was concealed from the American public for over a decade. Across two administrations, senior officials from US intelligence agencies and the Justice Department repeatedly made false and misleading statements that concealed the truth about what they were doing. These officials relied on a secret body of law to justify the mass surveillance of the American people. Fortunately, in America sooner or later the truth always comes out. When Americans found out about this secret, unconstitutional surveillance two years ago, they were rightfully outraged. And they made their voices heard. The result was historic reform legislation that requiredthe government to shut this program down. I am grateful to every American who stood up and made his or her voice count on this issue, and to all of my colleagues who listened to them.Former senators Russ Feingold and Mark Udall, in particular, both fought tirelessly to end mass surveillance long before it was public. Infifteen years of service on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ihave seen many reminders thatthis is a dangerous world, andthe recent attacks in Paris and Mali are just the latest brutal examples.After every such attack, politicians who would play to Americans fears call for liberty to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-call-for-closing-terrorist-gun-loophole- Wyden, Colleagues Call for Closing Terrorist Gun Loophole 2015-11-24 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy According to the GAO, In Last Decade, Suspected Terrorists Attempted to Purchase Guns from American Dealers At Least 2,233 Times & Were Cleared To Do So In 91 Percent of These Instances Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., joined colleagues today calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Paul Ryan to quickly schedule votes on legislation that would close an egregious loophole and prevent individuals on the Federal Terrorist Watchlist from being able to purchase firearms and explosives that may be used in connection with terrorism. Under current law, a member of a terrorist organization is not prohibited from possessing firearms or explosives or from being able to purchase handguns or assault-style rifles. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that between 2004 and 2014, suspected terrorists attempted to exploit this loophole and purchase guns at least 2,233 times, succeeding in 2,043 of those instances, or 91 percent of the time. The letter supporting the legislation, which is already sponsored in the House of Representatives by leading Republican Representative Peter King, comes after the Republican frontrunner for President, Donald Trump, said that anyone on a terror watchlist should absolutely not be allowed to purchase a gun. Specifically, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015, empowers the U.S. Attorney General to deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of firearms and explosives licenses to suspected terrorists if it is reasonably believed those individuals may use firearms or explosives in connection with an act of terrorism, all while protecting legitimate gun owners rights to acquire guns or explosives. The full text of the Senate Democrats letter can be found below: Dear Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan, We write to urge you to quickly bring S. 551/H.R. 1076, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 to the Senate and House F… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-todays-presidential-medal-of-freedom-ceremony-for-oregon-civil-rights-hero-is-a-well-deserved-honor Wyden: Today’s Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony for Oregon Civil Rights Hero is a Well-Deserved Honor 2015-11-24 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Senator Praises Minoru Yasuis Fight for Equality and Justice Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said todays Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony for Oregon civil rights hero Minoru Yasui is a well-deserved honor for a steadfast champion of civil and human rights. Minoru dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and equality under the law, said Wyden, who twice wrote the White House to urge that Mr. Yasui receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. He was a trailblazer whose courage, eloquence and dogged fight against unjust government bigotry should always be remembered as an example of what one person with a powerful voice can accomplish for others. Born in Hood River, Mr. Yasui earned undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Oregon. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he sought nine times to join the U.S. Army but was denied because of his Japanese heritage. Mr. Yasui challenged President Franklin Roosevelts Executive Order 9066 placing restrictions on his fellow Japanese-Americans, including the internment of 120,000 in camps across several Western states. While the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against him, an Oregon district court eventually overturned his conviction. Although that ruling did not cover the broader constitutionality of wartime internment, Mr. Yasui ultimately prevailed in his fight for Japanese-Americans interned during World War II when Congress in 1988 passed the Civil Liberties Act, which formally apologized for the relocation and internment and provided financial compensation. More information about all 17 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390442 Text of the Syria Refugee Bill 2015-11-20 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Text of the Syria Refugee Bill f t # e Washington, November 20, 2015 This is the text of H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015. I encourage constituents of the 5th District to read this bill and judge for themselves what it does. H.R. 4038, American SAFE Act f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-announce-introduction-of-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-breastfeeding-protections-at-work Senators Announce Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Breastfeeding Protections at Work 2015-11-20 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Senators Announce Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Breastfeeding Protections at Work Friday, November 20, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC Today, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), joined by Sens. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Al Franken (D-MN), announced the introduction of the Supporting Working Moms Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that more working mothers can continue to breastfeed their babies after they return to work. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) also announced the introduction of the Supporting Working Moms Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill builds on an existing law authored by Merkley and Maloney in 2010 that provides space and time for hourly employees to pump breastmilk at work. The Supporting Working Moms Act would extend these protections to salaried workers. Ensuring that new mothers returning to the workplace have the option to continue breastfeeding is good for business and good for families, said Merkley. No one should have to choose between her job and breastfeeding her baby. With this bill, businesses can improve retention of valuable employees and workers will be empowered to make whichever choice they feel is right for their family. I am proud to introduce this legislation to support nursing mothers and their newborn babies in one of the most critical stages of development, said Murkowski. By encouraging breastfeeding for working mothers, and making it more accessible for them to do so, we are helping to improve the health and well-being of both mother and child. Oregon law already recognizes that businesses do better when they allow their employees flexibility to meet child care and family needs, Wyden said. New moms whether salaried or paid hourly should be able to take time to breastfeed, and Im proud to support this bill that takes another step toward a fair work-family balance. According to theBusiness Case for… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-announce-introduction-of-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-breastfeeding-protections-at-work Senators Announce Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Breastfeeding Protections at Work 2015-11-20 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Friday, November 20, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC Today, Oregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), joined by Sens. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Al Franken (D-MN), announced the introduction of the Supporting Working Moms Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that more working mothers can continue to breastfeed their babies after they return to work. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) also announced the introduction of the Supporting Working Moms Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill builds on an existing law authored by Merkley and Maloney in 2010 that provides space and time for hourly employees to pump breastmilk at work. The Supporting Working Moms Act would extend these protections to salaried workers. Oregon law already recognizes that businesses do better when they allow their employees flexibility to meet child care and family needs, Wyden said. New moms whether salaried or paid hourly should be able to take time to breastfeed, and Im proud to support this bill that takes another step toward a fair work-family balance. Ensuring that new mothers returning to the workplace have the option to continue breastfeeding is good for business and good for families, said Merkley. No one should have to choose between her job and breastfeeding her baby. With this bill, businesses can improve retention of valuable employees and workers will be empowered to make whichever choice they feel is right for their family. I am proud to introduce this legislation to support nursing mothers and their newborn babies in one of the most critical stages of development, said Murkowski. By encouraging breastfeeding for working mothers, and making it more accessible for them to do so, we are helping to improve the health and well-being of both mother and child. According to theBusiness Case for Breastfeedingpublished by the Department of Health and Human Services, employers that pr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-urges-usda-to-clarify-industrial-hemps-eligibility-for-federal-research-grants_ Wyden Urges USDA to clarify industrial hemp’s eligibility for federal research grants 2015-11-20 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Friday, November 20, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to clarify that industrial hemp research programs are eligible for existing federal research dollars. Wyden was among a bipartisan group of 12 senators, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.); and 37 members of the House of Representatives including Oregon Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader -- to write Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack about industrial hemp research. It appears that USDA has the authority to award competitive grants for the development of industrial hemp, the members wrote in the letter. Nevertheless, it seems the USDA has provided conflicting information regarding whether the agency is willing to exercise its authority to award existing federal grant dollars for the research of industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is used throughout the world in thousands of products, including paper, fabrics, lotions, canvas, rope, and construction material. Under the Agricultural Act of 2014, institutions of higher education and state departments of agriculture are permitted to launch industrial hemp research pilot programs if certain conditions are met. Twenty-six states have authorized industrial hemp pilot studies or production. However, USDA has yet to clarify whether these programs are eligible for research dollars as other research programs that focus on the industrial uses of commodities are. Some individuals seeking clarity from the USDA on this issue report being told by USDA officials that it is not worth it to apply for research funds, whereas a Dec. 23, 2014 internal USDA memo suggests that the USDA is supportive of industrial hemp research and may be willing to award funds for that purpose. Due to this lack of consistency, researchers are reluctant to apply for federal funds because of the large amount of time, effort, and cost that goes into any grant application, th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-provisions-included-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-public-education Bonamici Provisions Included in Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Public Education 2015-11-19 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [11/19/15] Today, provisions authored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to reduce testing in schools and support interdisciplinary educational programs were included in a bipartisan bill to strengthen public education. Congresswoman Bonamici served on the select panel of House and Senate members that negotiated a bill to replace the No Child Left Behind Act and write new K-12 education policies. One of the primary reasons I came to Congress was to strengthen public education in our country, and it was an honor to serve on the bicameral, bipartisan conference committee to replace the unpopular No Child Left Behind Act, said Congresswoman Bonamici. This process was a reminder of what Congress can accomplish when we come together, set differences aside, and find common ground. The agreement reached today removes the one-size-fits-all mandates of No Child Left Behind and gives more control and flexibility to states and school districts. The agreement also puts in place meaningful provisions to make sure students in every community receive a high-quality education. Like any compromise, the agreement isnt perfect but it represents a significant improvement for Oregons and our nations schools. Congresswoman Bonamici successfully included a provision in the bill to help states and school districts audit their testing systems and eliminate redundant or unnecessary tests. The Support Making Assessments Reliable and Timely (SMART) Act also provides states and local education agencies with support to improve their use of assessment data, which could include providing more time for educators to design instruction based on test results and speeding the delivery of test data to students and families. Educators, parents, and students are rightly concerned that test scores are over-emphasized in our classrooms, continued Congresswoman Bonamici. My commonsense provision to streamline testing in schools will allow teachers to focus more of their time on teaching and helping students succeed. Well-designed as… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390440 Schrader Supports Ensuring FBI, Intelligence Community Coordinates Refugee Screening 2015-11-19 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Kurt Schrader S001180 schrader.house.gov     legacy Today Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) voted in support for H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015. The bill simply adds Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) review and unanimous agreement between the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence before refugees from Iraq and Syria are admitted to the United States. We live in a world where threats to our homeland have become an unfortunate part of life. This commonsense bill does not shut down the asylum process, but makes it stronger and makes it safer for America to do the right thing by accepting legitimate refugees into our country, said Congressman Schrader. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-turning-our-back-syrian-refugees-un-american-un-patriotic-and Blumenauer: Turning our back on Syrian refugees is un-American, un-patriotic and morally weak 2015-11-19 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC (November 19, 2015)Today, the House considers H.R. 4038, the so-called American SAFE Act, that would shut down the U.S. Syrian refugee program for years. Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement in opposition of the legislation: Americans take pride in our ability to keep our people safe, while simultaneously upholding our values. The bill before us today turns that bedrock tradition on its head. It is a foolish notion that Daesh terrorists need to pretend to be refugees in order to attack America. Proponents are saying this bill simply hits pause' until we can get a safe refugee process in place. Republicans ought to know that America already has the most thorough vetting process of any nation. Anyone involved in the refugee vetting process knows that a single, tiny shred of concern about an applicant ensures they would never set foot in America as a refugee. Worse, this bill will delay the lengthy process another two years or more. We should not hit pause' on America's moral courage, especially not when doing so plays into the hands of the enemy. If a terrorist wants to get into the United States, they are not going to wait for the vetting process, where they are likely to get denied. They'll take a lesson from the 9/11 hijackers, and come on a student or tourist visa. What, exactly, does this bill accomplish? If it's to bolster our security, it's clear that those who brought this bill to the floor have drawn the wrong conclusions from Friday's horrific attacks and from our very own history. If France had passed a similar bill and closed their doors to all Syrian refugees, it would not have prevented the disgusting individuals who carried out those attacks from entering the country because not a single one of them was a refugee. Since 1980, not one of the millions of refugees brought into America has committed an act of terror in our country. Another deeply troubling aspect of this proposal for me is that it will upend the work we've been doing on a bipartisan basis… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-other-members-urge-president-obama-find-new-leadership Rep. Blumenauer, Other Members Urge President Obama to Find New Leadership for DEA 2015-11-19 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCToday, Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), joined by Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Sam Farr (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Jim McDermott (D-WA), sent a letter to President Obama calling for new leadership at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) following recent comments by the Acting Administrator, referring to the notion of smoking medical marijuana as a joke.' Mr. Rosenberg's comments are outrageous and misleading. The last 20 years has shown overwhelming testimonial evidence of the benefits of medical marijuana, leading 23 states, DC, and Guam to change their laws, said Representative Blumenauer. President Obama has taken action to respect state medical marijuana laws. Mr. Rosenberg is out of step with the Administration and out of touch. It's time for new leadership. In the letter, the lawmakers also call out Rosenberg's hypocrisy in statements he made highlighting a lack of information demonstrating the safety or effectiveness of marijuana as medicine. Current federal policies make it very difficult for doctors and scientists to conduct the medical research with marijuana necessary to obtain this information, and the DEA has been integral to limiting access to marijuana that can be legally used for research. The real joke is that the DEA has played a huge role in propping up federal policies that have systematically blocked research of marijuana's medicinal value. If there are any questions about its safety or effectiveness, it's because the federal government continues to stymie science, said Representative Blumenauer. Yesterday, November 18, Representative Blumenauer took to the floor of the House calling for a new DEA chief. Additionally, a petition organized by Marijuana Majority on Change.org demanding that Rosenberg be fired has garnered more than 90,000 signatures. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/king-merkley-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-justice-department-to-protect-americas-craft-brewers King, Merkley Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Justice Department to Protect America’s Craft Brewers 2015-11-19 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy King, Merkley Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Justice Department to Protect Americas Craft Brewers Senators express concern about potentially anti-competitive practices by large beer conglomerates and distributors Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led a bipartisan group of Senators on a letter urging the U.S. Department of Justice to protect craft brewers across America from potentially unfair and illegal trade practices on the part of larger beer companies. In the letter, which was sent to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the senators express concern aboutthe possibility of larger beer companies pressuring beer distributers to favor their products, creating an unfair advantage for beer giants and limiting the ability of consumer to find craft brewers products in the stores, bars and restaurants where they shop. The past decade has seen a dramatic change in the American beer industry, which was long dominated by a small number of products from large brewers such as AB InBev and SABMiller. Craft beer now drives expansion of domestic beer sales. Small and independent craft breweries exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia,the Senators wrote in their letter. As members with robust craft brewing industries in our states, we ask that you take the necessary steps to ensure that AB InBevs purchase of SABMiller does not allow the new combined company to squeeze out Americas craft brewing industry, stifle innovation, further constrain beer distribution to U.S. retailers, or create further barriers to entry. Large multinational brewers should not be allowed to use their market power to limit consumer choice and access to small innovative breweries.Put simply, we believe craft brewers must be able to conduct their business without being denied access to necessary raw materials and distribution companies. The Senators particularly expressed concern about the potential for anti-competitive distribution practices… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-responds-to-fda-approval-of-genetically-modified-salmon Merkley Responds to FDA Approval of Genetically-Modified Salmon 2015-11-19 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Merkley Responds to FDA Approval of Genetically-Modified Salmon Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the FDA announced their approval of genetically-modified salmon for human consumption: The United States has never approved a genetically-modified animal for human consumption before, and for good reason. Many Americans are troubled by how many of our crops are now genetically engineered, and are even more deeply troubled by the idea of bringing this new technology into the animal kingdom. Our fishing communities are very worried that if these Frankenfish end up in the wild, growing twice as fast as our native salmon, they will devastate our ocean ecosystem. Its outrageous that the FDA would approve this product, and even moreso that they wouldnt at least make sure consumers have the right to know when a salmon they buy actually contains the DNA of an eel-like bottom dweller. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/merkley-decries-republican-efforts-to-slip-wall-st-favors-into-must-pass-spending-bills Merkley decries Republican efforts to slip Wall St. favors into must-pass spending bills 2015-11-19 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov     legacy Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley, the Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection, speaks on the Senate floor to decry Republican efforts to slip poison pill riders letting Wall Street return to reckless and risky practices into must-pass, year-end spending bills. Despite the risk of a government shutdown if Democrats and Republicans dont work together to pass consensus spending bills, Republicans are working to attach poison pill policy riders that would enable more risky and reckless behavior on Wall Street. This include provisions to gut the independence of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has returned more than $10 billion to cheated consumers in five years, and a 250-page Wall Street deregulation bill. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-syrian-refugees Wyden Statement on Syrian Refugees 2015-11-19 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Thursday, November 19, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today called for the United States to uphold its traditional values and continue to allow refugees from violent oppression and terror to our shores, while ensuring a rigorous screening process is in place to protect the country. Our country must ensure the refugee screening process is as strong as possible and protects all Americans. America can uphold its values and its tradition of welcoming refugees from violent oppression and terror. Our American tradition has always allowed refugees, like my parents, to come to this country and contribute to the greatest and freest nation on earth, Wyden said. Politicians not recognizing the connection between these two priorities undermine the foundational values of our republic and take the country in the wrong direction. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-statement-refugee-crisis Bonamici Statement on Refugee Crisis 2015-11-18 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [11/18/15] Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) made the following statement on the refugee crisis: Recent terrorist attacks across the globe have raised fears toward refugees and immigrants. We must maintain our focus on keeping our nation safe and securerefugees go through intensive and lengthy screeningbut we cannot allow hateful rhetoric to dictate our nations policies. American values do not include leaving the victims of terrorism to wander in hunger, seeking shelter from bullets and bombs. In the United States it is our diversity that makes us stronger. With that strength we must summon our collective humanity to provide a place for refugees, many of whom are women and children, fleeing war and terrorism. Oregon has been a welcoming home to many immigrants, and we have elected leaders like former Governor Vic Atiyeh, who was the son of Syrian immigrants. Governor Brown honored Oregons values by welcoming those seeking refuge and opening the doors of opportunity to them. We must not forget the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. I will continue to stand against both the hateful words and policies that discriminate against lawful immigrants and refugees seeking peace. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-calls-new-dea-leadership Blumenauer Calls for New DEA Leadership 2015-11-18 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Following recent comments by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg, calling medical marijuana a joke, today on the House floor, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) called for new DEA leadership. To follow are Congressman Blumenauer's remarks as prepared. Click here to watch his speech. Chuck Rosenberg, the Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, recently called the notion of smoking medical marijuana a joke.' What is a joke is the job Rosenberg is doing as Acting DEA Administrator. He is an example of an inept, misinformed zealot, who has mismanaged America's failed policy of marijuana prohibition. Americans recognize it's time for a change in direction to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana. Fifty-eight percent now support legalization, continuing an upward trend in public opinion polls and at the ballot box. Over 75 percent of the American public supports medical marijuana, as does a majority of American physicians. Rosenberg claims medical marijuana is a joke, but the proven therapeutic value of cannabis has prompted 23 states, Guam, and the District of Columbia to approve its medical application, and an additional 17 states have authorized its more limited use. Rosenberg's claim that more research is necessary is true, but reeks of hypocrisy because the DEA under his leadership has made badly needed cannabis research difficult and often impossible. If Rosenberg was doing his job, he would have visited with some of the hundreds of thousands who have found medical marijuana has had a profound effect on their lives and that of their families. President Obama is the first sitting president to tell the truth about cannabis. His Administration has not acted to shut down the adult or medical marijuana reforms that are sweeping the country, but sadly it isn't just his DEA Administrator who is undercutting his policy. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice took an outrageously flawed position on the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment that pas… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gun-safety-wyden-19-senators-ask-government-accountability-office-to-examine-gun-safety-programs GUN SAFETY: Wyden, 19 Senators Ask Government Accountability Office to Examine Gun Safety Programs 2015-11-18 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., and 18 of their Democratic Senate colleagues today asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess public health and safety programs designed to affect gun safety, and to provide best practices for the storage and security of guns in households. In a letter to Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, the senators wrote that prevention of gun deaths and injuries should be an essential component of the federal governments commitment to public health and safety, and that previous federal campaigns on other challenges have helped to reduce dangerous behavior and improve public health and safety. With more than 300 million guns in American homes, we write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study to assess the efficacy of public health and safety programs designed to impact gun safety, including the storage and security of guns in households throughout our country, the Senators wrote in the letter. Too many families have suffered tragic losses and hardships as a result of gun deaths and injuries. This public health burden demands an assessment of potential actions by the federal government, including the possibility of robust partnerships with established nonprofits and provider organizations in the development of a public campaign aimed at informing physicians, clinicians, parents, and families about the public health need to address this urgent issue. The senators requested a GAO report that analyzes the effectiveness of public health and safety programs at the federal, state, and local levels that raise awareness and provide best practices for safe and secure storage of guns in households; identifies programs that seek to address unsafe gun access and ensure safe practices with regard to firearms; and details which federal agencies can influence public health or safety, childrens health, criminal justice, or violence prevention p… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-announce-farm-to-school-grants-in-oregon Wyden, Merkley Announce Farm-to-School Grants in Oregon 2015-11-18 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Funds go to Bend, Cottage Grove and Eugene Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Washington, DC Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that projects in Bend, Cottage Grove and Eugene have earned federal farm-to-school grants totaling almost $225,000. From apples to zucchini, Oregons farm-to-school programs achieve two key goals: local farmers gain lifetime customers and youngsters grow up with the knowledge of fresh, healthy and tasty produce, Wyden said. These awards from the Agriculture Department re-affirm the hard work happening in our state to realize both of those essential goals. Helping establish healthy eating habits in our children and supporting our local farms are just two of the benefits of Farm to School programs, said Merkley. These grants will help our local communities and highlight Oregons abundance of agricultural products. The three federal Agriculture Department grants in Oregon were as follows: Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, Bend: $99,289 for technical support and professional development trainings to nutrition staff on recipe development and fresh local food preparation with three rural school districts (20 schools) and two schools in the tribal community of Warm Springs. South Lane School District 45j3, Cottage Grove: $99,620 to implement a farm-to-school program that serves all students in grades K-12. The district will procure more locally grown food for student breakfast and lunch menus and implement the Harvest of the Month program to introduce seasonally available produce to students. Willamette Farm and Food Coalition, Eugene: $22,853 to convene the Oregon Farm-to-School and School Garden Summits for a statewide audience that will include training in local food procurement and educational programming. For more information, visit www.fns.usda.gov. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-spotlights-key-oregon-projects-in-transportation-bill- Wyden Spotlights Key Oregon Projects in Transportation Bill 2015-11-18 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy Senator: Hood River, I-205 in Portland and Newberg-Dundee Bypass Would Benefit from Legislation Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said today that a trio of essential highway projects in Oregon would benefit from a long-term plan to rebuild the national transportation infrastructure. A member of the Transportation Infrastructure Conference Committee, Wyden praised the House bill for bringing new projects within national scenic areas into the mix for transportation funding, including bridges near Hood River and Cascade Locks. He also cited another provision that upgrades both I-205 in Portland and the Newberg-Dundee Bypass to high priority corridor status, which means both routes would be poised right near the top of the list for future federal investment. Wyden looks forward to working on these projects with both Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio, who helped write the House bill; and Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that shares jurisdiction over this essential work. Wyden also said the committees top priority should be extending infrastructure programs for as long as five years to provide long-term certainty for state legislatures working on transportation planning. You cant have a big league-economy with little-league infrastructure, Wyden said. Theres no question that nearly three dozen short-term extensions of our highway funding program has been a little-league strategy. Today thats one step closer to changing, he said, as this conference committee begins work on a unified, long-term plan to rebuild this countrys transportation infrastructure. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-appointed-panel-complete-bipartisan-education-bill Bonamici Appointed to Panel to Complete Bipartisan Education Bill 2015-11-17 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [11/17/15] Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) was appointed to a panel that will negotiate a bill to improve the nations K-12 education policies. The conference committee is a select group of House and Senate members who will reconcile differences between education bills passed by both chambers earlier this year, and write a new law to replace No Child Left Behind. Since coming to Congress, Ive worked to strengthen our nations education policies because our economic future depends on providing students equal access to quality public education, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Im very encouraged to hear that congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle are coming together to get a bill to the Presidents desk by the end of the year. No Child Left Behind has limited teachers and frustrated students and parents. Its an honor to be named to the conference committee and have an opportunity to work on the final version of a law that will replace the one-size-fits-all mandates of No Child Left Behind. I am optimistic that my colleagues and I will find common ground to pass legislation that supports educators and emphasizes equity and opportunity for all students. This is the first conference committee appointment for Congresswoman Bonamicia member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-bonamici-senator-markey-lead-call-limit-unwanted-debt-collection Congresswoman Bonamici, Senator Markey Lead Call to Limit Unwanted Debt Collection Robocalls 2015-11-17 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC [11/17/15] Today, Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) led a group of 41 Senate and House members in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to limit unwanted robocalls and texts to those with debt owed to or backed by the federal government. The recently passed budget bill potentially opens the door to unwanted robocalls and texts to the cell phones of student loan borrowers, mortgage borrowers, veterans and others with debt owed to or guaranteed by the federal government. In 1991 Congress passed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the law that ensures that consumers should not be subject to intrusive and unsolicited calls from telemarketers. A copy of the letter to the FCC can be found HERE. Student loan borrowers and others struggling to meet the commitments of a federal loan still deserve privacy and protections from harassment from debt collectors, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Thats why I joined with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and Senator Ed Markey to call on the FCC to protect consumers from excessive calls or text messages. Senators signing the letter include Bill Nelson (D Fla.), Robert Menendez (D N.J.), Patrick Leahy (D Vt.), Bernard Sanders (I Vt.), Al Franken (D Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D Minn.), Ron Wyden (D Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D Conn.), Jeffrey A. Merkley (D Ore.). House members signing the letter include Frank Pallone Jr. (D N.J.), Ral M. Grijalva (D Ariz.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D D.C.), Betty McCollum (D Minn.), Charles B. Rangel (D N.Y.), Mark Pocan (D Wis.), James P. McGovern (D Mass.), Alan Grayson (D Fla.), Mike Thompson (D Calif.), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D Va.), Diana DeGette (D Colo.), Paul D. Tonko (D N.Y.), John Lewis (D Ga.), Henry C. Hank Johnson (D Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D Md.), Suzan DelBene (D Wash.), John Yarmuth (D Ky.), Joe Courtney (D Conn.), Jackie Speier (D Calif.), Earl Blumenauer (D Ore.), Doris Matsui (D Calif.), Barbara Lee (D Cali… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representative-blumenauer-introduces-legislation-support-clean-energy Representative Blumenauer Introduces Legislation to Support Clean Energy Industry 2015-11-17 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Earl Blumenauer B000574 blumenauer.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) introduced legislation with 18 of his colleagues that extends critical clean energy incentives to provide market certainty and strengthen investment in renewable technologies. Among its provisions, the Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2015 extends the Production Tax Credit for wind energy until January 1, 2017, offering parity with the duration of the Investment Tax Credit, as well as granting the solar industry access to credits at the start of a project's construction. The bill also provides a range of other important incentives, such as expanding the advanced energy project credit, which aids U.S. manufacturers across the clean energy industry. These measures are fully paid for by permanently ending outdated and wasteful tax breaks to the oil and gas energy sector. With the impacts of climate change already upon us, now more than ever our focus should be on helping clean energy industries grow and thrive. At the federal and state level including in Oregon we've already made notable investments in renewable energy resources, and this legislation will expand these efforts, said Representative Blumenauer. These investments will not only help us transition to a clean energy future, but simultaneously will create good jobs and support American innovation. Making sure the companies deploying clean technology across the country are able to compete with the highly profitable oil and gas sector will be critical to bringing stability, reliability, and efficiency to the emerging clean energy sector. Click here for a detailed summary of provisions in the Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2015. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-urges-fcc-to-limit-unwanted-debt-collection-robocalls Wyden Urges FCC to Limit Unwanted Debt Collection Robocalls 2015-11-17 2015 2015-11 Democrat House OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov     legacy 41 lawmakers sign letter to FCC in wake of passage of provision in budget bill Tuesday, November 17, 2015 Washington, DCSen. Ron Wyden, DOre., today joined Sen. Edward J. Markey, DMass., Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, DOre., and 38 other Senate and House members in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to limit unwanted robocalls and texts to those with debt owed to or backed by the federal government. Section 301 of the recently passed budget bill potentially opens the door to unwanted robocalls and texts to the cell phones of student loan borrowers, mortgage borrowers, veterans and others with debt owed to or guaranteed by the federal government. In 1991, Congress passed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the law that ensures that consumers should not be subject to intrusive and unsolicited calls from telemarketers. We urge you to consider the important role the Commission has in protecting the convenience and privacy that the TCPA has provided for more than two decades,write the lawmakers in the letter to the FCC.These protections should continue for years to come. Calls from debt collectors, even for debts owed to or guaranteed by the federal government, should be closely limited to further the goals of the TCPA. A copy of the letter to the FCC can be foundHERE. Senators signing the letter include: Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Bill Nelson, DFla., Robert Menendez DN.J., Patrick Leahy, DVt., Bernard Sanders IVt., Al Franken, DMinn., Elizabeth Warren, DMass., Amy Klobuchar, DMinn., Ron Wyden, DOre., Richard Blumenthal, DConn., and Jeffrey A. Merkley, DOre. House members signing the letter include: Suzanne Bonamici, DOre., Anna G. Eshoo, DCalif., Frank Pallone Jr., DN.J., Ral M. Grijalva, DAriz., Eleanor Holmes Norton, DD.C., Betty McCollum, DMinn., Charles B. Rangel, DN.Y., Mark Pocan, DWis., James P. McGovern, DMass., Alan Grayson, DFla., Mike Thompson, DCalif., Donald S. Beyer Jr., DVa., Diana DeGette, DColo., Paul D. Tonko, DN.Y., John Lewi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

Next page

Advanced export

JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 667.338ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press