press: releases: 1,171 rows where state = "OR" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending

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1,171 rows where state = "OR" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending

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url	title	date ▲	year	month	party	chamber	state	member_name	bioguide_id	domain	date_source	text	has_text	collected_at	updated_at
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-condemns-gop-decision-postpone-votes-reopen-government	Bonamici Condemns GOP Decision to Postpone Votes to Reopen Government	2018-12-23	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC [12/23/18] Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) issued the following statement in response to the decision of GOP Congressional leaders to postpone votes on government funding until at least Thursday. One of the most basic and important responsibilities of Congress is to keep the government funded. It is deeply troubling that GOP Congressional leaders and President Trump have put politics over the safety of our nation and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of federal employees who are now furloughed through the holidays with no relief in sight, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. The decision to postpone a vote to reopen the government guarantees a prolonged shutdown for significant portions of the federal government, leaving families scrambling without the certainty of knowing when their next paycheck will arrive. There is no excuse for quitting before the job is done, especially when both chambers of Congress and the White House are all controlled by leaders from the same political party. Oregonians and people across the country need certainty and stability. This dysfunction shows a total disregard for the families and communities who rely on Congress to keep our nation safe and stable. Speaker Ryan and House GOP leaders should stop governing by crisis and immediately re-open the government by allowing us to vote on the bipartisan funding plan that was already passed unanimously in the Senate. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/end-disastrous-era	The end of a (disastrous) era	2018-12-21	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	Let's face it: the House of Representatives has been a disaster for the last eight years. In the past two years alone, with Republicans in charge of Congress and White House, we've seen an alarming rise in hate crimes and ugly rhetoric, a ballooning deficit, and an unfair tax policy penalizing every day Americans. Even the minimal steps to we've taken to address the climate crisis have been under constant attack and Trump and his Republicans are spiraling us into our third government shutdown in one year. As their eight-year grip in the House comes to an end, Republicans have left a trail of failure and missed opportunities, and making a broken tax system worse. The Republican tax bill added $2 trillion to the deficit and put Medicare, Medicaid, and the middle class at risk. Most benefits flow to the largest corporations and the wealthiest 1 percentfurther widening the income gap. As Paul Ryan ends his tenure as Speaker of the House, it gave us an opportunity to reflect on his legacy which: Exploded the deficit with increased spending, especially for defense and nuclear weapons; Made a hash of the tax code while increasing income inequality; Pushed Trump's anti-immigrant agenda and separated desperate families; Continued the GOP assault the healthcare system; Made no meaningful steps to prevent the epidemic of gun violence; Rolled back Wall Street reform; and Refused to stand up to Trump and his reckless administration. No wonder Ryan led his party to the largest defeat in 42 years. When history is written, the story of Republican congressional rule will be one of heartless policies, spineless complicity, and thoughtless decision-making. There is a bright spot: their time in power is coming to an end. In 13 days, Democrats will take back control of the House, keep the liar-in-chief in check, and push for our vision of Americaone that does not include a wall. I'm focused on rebuilding and renewing America's crumbling infrastructure, advancing Medicare-for-all, and developing a Green New Deal to address th…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-passage-first-step-act	Blumenauer Statement on Passage of First Step Act	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC The House today passed the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill to reform the criminal justice system, after the Senate approved the bill earlier this week. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), leading advocate in Congress for drug policy reform, issued the following statement: This bill is called the First Step Act for a reason as it is merely the first step toward long overdue reform. After decades, it is time to finally address the worst aspects of this broken system like mandatory minimums, unreasonable sentences, and programs to reduce recidivism rates. Those who are actually looking to champion criminal justice reform should work with us on key elements surrounding our outdated federal marijuana policy, like federal decriminalization and expungement for non-violent drug offenses. Congress needs to do more to transform our justice system from punitive to rehabilitative. I'll support this bill, but again, this is just the first step. This has a relatively small impact on our nationwide issue of mass incarceration and we are long overdue to fix this unfair, expensive and ineffective system. We can't stop here. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-third-trump-shutdown	Blumenauer Statement on Third Trump Shutdown	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2018 Blumenauer Statement on Third Trump Shutdown Washington, DC Congressman Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement: This shutdown is entirely at the whim of one unstable person. Past shutdowns were driven by deep ideological differences but could be understood. This defies comprehension. The Senate is gone and even Republicans are shaking their heads. Democrats don't want a third shutdown. Republicans don't want a third shutdown. Donald Trump should stop holding the American people hostage and work with Congress. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-applauds-first-step-act-calls-further-criminal-justice-reforms	Bonamici Applauds First Step Act, Calls for Further Criminal Justice Reforms	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC [12/20/18] Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) issued the following statement after the House and Senate passed S. 756, the First Step Act, to make reforms to the criminal justice system. For too long our criminal justice system has meted out punishment that outweighs the crimes.Too many nonviolent offenders have been locked away for lengthy periods of time, preventing them frombeing with their families andcontributing to their communities,said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.Thousands of individuals and families will benefit from the bipartisan First Step Act, which makes important reforms to reduce excessive prison sentences and increase resourcesfor evidence-based programming that prevents recidivism.I am proud to support a bill that ends federal juvenile solitary confinement, expands supervised release opportunities, ends many mandatory minimum sentences,and provides resources to help incarcerated individuals struggling with addiction.I applaud my colleague and incoming Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries for his leadership in advancing this important legislation. As the name of this legislation suggests, this is an important first step to fixing our criminal justice system - but more remains to be done. I will continue to push forfurthercriminal justice reformthat protects the public and provides incarcerated individuals with the programs they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities after they are released. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-applauds-updated-law-address-harmful-algal-blooms	Bonamici Applauds Updated Law to Address Harmful Algal Blooms	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC [12/20/18] Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), lead Democrat of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's Environment Subcommittee, applauded the House passage of S. 2200, which reauthorizes the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA). The legislation has already passed the Senate. Much of this legislation is the companion bill to Bonamici's H.R. 4417, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act. Harmful algal blooms, which are associated with climate change, harm fisheries and threaten public health. With the new law, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency will be able to continue to help communities prepare for, mitigate, and respond to harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs occur naturally but can be triggered by environmental stressors that are linked to climate change. As harmful algal blooms die and decompose, they consume oxygen, leaving oceans and waterways in a hypoxic state that can result in the formation of dead zones where marine life cannot survive. This,decimates fisheries and the economies and communities that rely on them. Harmful algal blooms in drinking water sources can produce toxins that threaten public health. Updating this program and investing in research on HABs and hypoxia will help Oregonians and people across the country who are facing the dangerous effects of exposure to harmful algal blooms in drinking water sources, oceans, and lakes, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.Recently we've seen harmful algal blooms cut off access to clean drinking water for residents of Salem, and they've stifled recreational activities on the Willamette River. Harmful algal blooms in the marine environment produce dangerous toxins that make Oregon's prized Dungeness crabs toxic and deprive fishing communities of income. As co-chair of both the House Oceans Caucus and House Estuary Caucus, I'm pleased to reauthorize the research programs that help us better predic…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-bonamici-press-epa-alarming-reuters-asbestos-investigation	Merkley, Bonamici Press EPA on Alarming Reuters Asbestos Investigation	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici today pressed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for answers following an alarming new Reuters report revealing that some everyday consumer products, including baby powders, may contain asbestosa highly toxic chemical. We write to express our deep concern about recent reporting from Reuters detailing the presence of asbestos in talcum powder products used in a variety of consumer goods, including baby powders commonly used on infants, wrote Merkley and Bonamici. Research shows that asbestos exposure is responsible for more than 15,000 deaths per year, causing mesothelioma; lung, ovarian, and laryngeal cancers; and respiratory diseases such as asbestosis. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and one for which there is no controlled use or safe level of exposure, they continued. Fifty-five countries have already banned asbestos. Unfortunately, the United States still permits the use of asbestos, joining such countries as China, India, and Russia, the latter of which remains by far the largest exporter of asbestos. Without a ban, the United States also imports millions of dollars' worth of asbestos-contaminated consumer goods every year. Merkley and Bonamici have introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, which would expedite a ban on asbestos imports and use in the United States. Following the Reuters report, Merkley and Bonamici plan to make a renewed push for this legislation in January in the next session of Congress. In today's letter to the EPA, Merkley and Bonamici asked the administration to respond to the following questions: What policies and guidance does EPA have in place or in development to reduce the presence of talcum powder or any other asbestos mixtures in household consumer goods? Asbestos is a known carcinogen. What steps is the EPA taking to educate and protect pregnant women, infants, and other vulnerable populations and to help them minimize exposure to asbestos? The Frank R. Lautenberg Ch…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-merkley-to-kick-off-2019-with-town-halls-across-oregon	Merkley to Kick Off 2019 with Town Halls Across Oregon	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley to Kick Off 2019 with Town Halls Across Oregon Thursday, December 20, 2018 Portland, OR Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will hold town halls in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Benton, Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook counties, Wednesday through Friday, January 2, 3, and 4. He will update constituents on his work in Washington, D.C., and answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America.In our We the People' democracy, town hall meetings are an essential tool for me to hear from Oregonians and represent their interests back in D.C., Merkley said. I invite everyone in these counties to come and discuss what we need to do to strengthen our state and our nation.Since joining the Senate in 2009, Merkley has held a town hall in each of Oregon's 36 counties every year. These nine town halls will be his 361st, 362nd, 363rd, 364th, 365th, 366th, 367th, 368th and 369th as a U.S. Senator. Details are below. Media RSVP: Please RSVP to State Communications Director Sara Hottman by email at sara_hottman@merkley.senate.gov or by phone at 503-326-3386 if you are going to cover any of these events. She will provide details for media-only opportunities to media that RSVP. Wednesday What: Multnomah County Town Hall When: Wednesday, January 2, 2019 10:30 a.m. Where: East Portland Community Center 740 SE 106th Ave. Portland, OR, 97216 What: Washington County Town Hall When: Wednesday, January 2, 2019 2 p.m. Where: Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center 9985 SW 125th Ave. Beaverton, OR, 97008 What: Clackamas County Town Hall When: Wednesday, January 2, 2019 6 p.m. Where: Gladstone High School 18800 Portland Ave. Gladstone, OR, 97027 -- Thursday What: Lane County Town Hall When: Thursday, January 3, 2019 10:30 a.m. Where: Hamlin Middle School 326 Centennial Blvd. Springfield, OR, 97477 What: Benton County Town Hall When: Thursday, January 3, 2019 2…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/after-returning-from-border-merkley-and-chu-introduce-legislation-to-shut-down-tornillo-child-prison	After Returning from Border, Merkley and Chu Introduce Legislation to Shut Down Tornillo Child Prison	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	After Returning from Border, Merkley and Chu Introduce Legislation to Shut Down Tornillo Child Prison The Shut Down Child Prison Camps Act follows visit inside the site on December 15 and key Trump policy reversal earlier this week. Thursday, December 20, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Following their visit to the Tornillo child tent prison on Saturday, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA-27) today announced they are introducing bicameral legislationthe Shut Down Child Prison Camps Actto shut down the facility and another similar temporary shelter in Florida immediately. After Merkley and Chu's delegation put pressure on the Administration over the weekend, the Trump Administration backed down earlier this week on a key policy that has kept thousands of children fleeing persecution abroad locked in prison camps like Tornillo. That policy change makes it possible to transfer thousands of children out of detention and into homes and schoolsmany placed with their own family membersmaking it inexcusable for the Administration to keep Tornillo open. It was absolutely chilling to see children locked up in a desolate, isolated tent prison in the desert, said Merkley. Children belong in homes, schools, and parksnot behind barbed wire. Our taxpayer dollars are being used to traumatize children by keeping them in a child prison camp instead of in the arms of their families. This is evil. We need to shut down Tornillo and end Trump's war on children. What I saw and learned in Tornillo was shocking and outrageous, said Chu. Thousands of children who fled horrors and endured a difficult journey are being housed in a tent city in the desert, watched over by staff who have not had to go through a background check, and forbidden from even walking from tent to tent without adult supervision. This makes children vulnerable to abuse, poses serious developmental challenges, and risks retraumatizing them, both of which will have long-term consequences. Worst of all, this is a choice th…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-announces-introduction-of-bill-to-ban-usda-slaughter-of-kittens	Merkley Announces Introduction of Bill to Ban USDA Slaughter of Kittens	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley Announces Introduction of Bill to Ban USDA Slaughter of Kittens The KITTEN Act would stop USDA practice of killing kittens Thursday, December 20, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today announced the introduction of theKittens In Traumatic Testing Ends Now Act, orKITTEN Act, which would end the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) practice of killing kittens after they're used inagencytesting. In this testing, kittens arefed raw meat infected with parasites, which grow in the kittens and are later harvested for study. But instead of being treated after the study, thekittens are thenkilled. This is an archaic practice and horrific treatment, and we need to end it, Merkley said. TheKITTEN Actwill protect these innocent animals from being needlessly euthanized in government testing, and make sure that they can be adopted by loving families instead. Since 1970, the USDA has spent $650,000 each year to infect and later kill kittens in its Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory in Beltsville, MD. The lab breeds up to 100 kittens per year. Once they're 2 months old, the kittens are fed parasite-infected raw meat. Their fecesare thencollected and parasitic eggs are harvested for use in other experiments. Once the eggs are collected, the 3-month-old kittens are killed and incineratedeven though the kittens couldeasilybe treated and adopted out. The Centers for Disease Control, American Veterinary Medical Association, and Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges say that these kittens are safe to have as pets. That's why Merkley secured language in the Senate Appropriations Committee agricultural bill that urges USDA to consider alternativetesting methods toinfecting and killing kittens. TheKITTEN Actwould fully protect these kittens by requiring that the Secretary of Agriculture end the use of kittens and cats in any USDA experiments thatunnecessarily hurts the animals. A House version of the bill (H.R. 5780) was introduced in June by Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-bonamici-press-epa-on-alarming-reuters-asbestos-investigation	Merkley, Bonamici Press EPA on Alarming Reuters Asbestos Investigation	2018-12-20	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Bonamici Press EPA on Alarming Reuters Asbestos Investigation New reporting finds presence of asbestos in talcum powder, including baby powders marketed for use on infants Thursday, December 20, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici today pressed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for answers following an alarming new Reuters report revealing that some everyday consumer products, including baby powders, may contain asbestosa highly toxic chemical. We write to express our deep concern about recent reporting from Reuters detailing the presence of asbestos in talcum powder products used in a variety of consumer goods, including baby powders commonly used on infants, wrote Merkley and Bonamici. Research shows that asbestos exposure is responsible for more than 15,000 deaths per year, causing mesothelioma; lung, ovarian, and laryngeal cancers; and respiratory diseases such as asbestosis. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and one for which there is no controlled use or safe level of exposure, they continued. Fifty-five countries have already banned asbestos. Unfortunately, the United States still permits the use of asbestos, joining such countries as China, India, and Russia, the latter of which remains by far the largest exporter of asbestos. Without a ban, the United States also imports millions of dollars' worth of asbestos-contaminated consumer goods every year. Merkley and Bonamici have introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, which would expedite a ban on asbestos imports and use in the United States. Following the Reuters report, Merkley and Bonamici plan to make a renewed push for this legislation in January in the next session of Congress. In today's letter to the EPA, Merkley and Bonamici asked the administration to respond to the following questions: What policies and guidance does EPA have in place or in development to reduce the presence of talcum powder or any other asbestos mixtures in household consumer goo…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391474	Bipartisan Bill to Control Sea Lions, Save Salmon on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers Signed Into Law	2018-12-19	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Kurt Schrader	S001180	schrader.house.gov	legacy	Today, the bipartisan bill authored by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) giving tribal members and government fish managers the authority to lethally remove sea lions that are decimating endangered salmon and steelhead runs was signed into law. TheEndangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Actpassedthe U.S. House earlier this year, and companion legislation passed the U.S. Senate earlier this month. After 12 years of hard work by so many on this legislation, seeing it finally become law today represents a momentous step in the effort to protect our endangered salmon and steelhead runs. Today, we have reason to be optimistic that our fight to prevent the extinction of entire Northwest salmon runs, and the species that depend on them, can succeed,said Rep. Herrera Beutler. This has been an issue that I have worked on since first coming to Congress. I want to thank everyone Rep. Herrera Beutler, Senators Risch and Cantwell, and our states, tribes, and local communities for the exceptional work to get this bill over the finish line this year,said Rep. Schrader.In the last few years especially, we've seen a record number of sea lions in the Columbia River from Astoria to Bonneville Dam. Ratepayers and my constituents are paying hundreds of millions of dollars annually towards the largest mitigation program in the country for threatened and endangered salmon. These sea lions, whose population has become totally inconsistent with their historic range, have been undoing all of that work by feasting on the endangered species. Our law will provide a great step forward in eliminating this threat to our iconic Oregon salmon that are struggling to survive once and for all. This legislation affirms our collective determination to keep Columbia River salmon robust and abundant. The entire Northwest Congressional delegation really went to bat for these fish and we're grateful for that. We're eager to put this new law into action and provide better balance between these spe…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/kaptur-joyce-bonamici-and-mast-lead-bipartisan-letter-trump-budget-office	Kaptur, Joyce, Bonamici and Mast lead bipartisan letter to Trump budget office on harmful algal blooms	2018-12-19	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) wrote a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney urging the Trump Administration to fully fund all programs related to addressing harmful algal blooms in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2020 budget. We write to respectfully request that you allocate robust funding in the President's Fiscal Year 2020 budget request for programs that address a widespread and ever-increasing problem: toxic algal blooms, also called harmful algal blooms (HABs), the Members wrote. Toxic algae affect marine, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater systems in all 50 states and all U.S. territories. A strong investment in programs that address toxic algae will help protect economic activity, the health of millions of Americans, and our environment. The letter was signed by a bipartisan group of 61 members. To make the necessary progress toward understanding and addressing the significant and expanding threats that toxic algae pose to human health and our national economy, we ask that you prioritize a strong and coordinated federal response in this year's budget request by including robust funding to support multi-investigator research programs for HAB-related work, the Members concluded. Read the entire letter here. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-releases-report-detailing-alleged-opioid-dumping-rural	Greg Walden releases report detailing alleged opioid-dumping in rural communities	2018-12-19	2018	2018-12	Republican	House	OR	Greg Walden	W000791	walden.house.gov	legacy	Greg Walden releases report detailing alleged opioid-dumping in rural communities WASHINGTON, D.C. --The Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River), today released a report summarizing its findings after concluding its bipartisan investigation into allegations of opioid-dumping in West Virginia. Walden's Energy and Commerce Committee spent more than 18 months investigating large quantities of opioids sent to rural towns. The Energy and Commerce Committee spent more than 18 months investigating allegations of pill dumping in West Virginia -- the epicenter of the nation's opioid epidemic and the state with the highest drug overdose death rate in the country," said Chairman Greg Walden and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ). "Our bipartisan investigation revealed systemic failures by both distributors and the DEA that contributed to -- and failed to abate -- the opioid crisis in West Virginia. The Majority Staff Report released today identified several flaws limiting the effectiveness of the distributors' compliance programs and DEA's enforcement. While we've already been hard at work this Congress to combat the opioid crisis with the signing of H.R. 6 into law, more work remains. The report details numerous warning signs and red flags missed by wholesale drug distributors and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that contributed to the worsening of the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. The report concludes with a series of recommendations and suggested legislative solutions to help improve the effectiveness of the distributors' compliance programs and the DEA's enforcement. The recommendations include: Congress should consider enacting additional suspicious order requirements to clarify registrant responsibilities and to supplement the suspicious order requirements recently codified in Walden's SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act; DEA should work to establish a data platform with third-party experts to provide more real-time data to registrants; DEA should establis…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-rubio-cardin-collins-and-merkley-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-atrocities-against-rohingya-in-burma	Senators Markey, Rubio, Cardin, Collins, and Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Atrocities Against Rohingya in Burma	2018-12-19	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Senators Markey, Rubio, Cardin, Collins, and Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Atrocities Against Rohingya in Burma Resolution urges Trump administration to make a determination on whether crimes committed by the Burmese military amount to genocide, encourages sanctions against responsible senior Burmese military officials Wednesday, December 19, 2018 Washington (December 19, 2018) Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today introduced a bipartisan resolution that highlights the horrific acts of violence against the Rohingya people in Burma. Underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis that followed the brutal crackdown by Burmese security elements in Rohingya communities in 2017, the resolution calls for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to make a determination on whether these crimes constitute genocide. Earlier this month, the Public International Law and Policy Group released a report detailing the atrocities and calling for tribunals for those responsible for the genocide. And an August United Nations report found that Myanmar's military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingyas with genocidal intent and made the case for prosecuting its commander-in-chief and five generals under international law. The Trump administration has yet to label the crimes against the Rohingya a genocide, instead calling it ethnic cleansing. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Genocide Convention, we must acknowledge that atrocitiescontinuing inBurmameets the definition of a genocide. However, the voice United States has been silent on this issue,said Senator Markey. This resolution demonstrates that the United States Senate is fully committed to upholding the rights and dignities of persecuted minorities, accountability for the Burmese military's actions, and the promotion of peace and democratic freedoms for the Burmese people. We cannot allow the United States to once again play gl…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-on-latest-facebook-privacy-scandal-when-companies-repeatedly-lie-to-the-public-and-congress-congress-must-act-to-protect-americans-privacy	Wyden on Latest Facebook Privacy Scandal: When Companies Repeatedly Lie To the Public And Congress, Congress Must Act to Protect Americans’ Privacy	2018-12-19	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 19, 2018 Wyden on Latest Facebook Privacy Scandal: When Companies Repeatedly Lie To the Public And Congress, Congress Must Act to Protect Americans' Privacy Wyden's Privacy Bill Would Create Strict Penalties for Companies That Misuse Americans' Data Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., called for Congress to pass strong privacy legislation in response to the latest privacy scandal at Facebook, revealed in today's New York Times. Mark Zuckerberg had a lot of chutzpah telling Congress that Americans could control their data, when seemingly every other week Facebook faces a new privacy scandal for abusing our personal information. Sheryl Sandberg told me that personal privacy is a matter of national security, while we now know that Facebook shared vast amounts of data with Russian and Chinese telecom companies with strong links to their governments. When foreign governments have ready access to Americans' data, it makes it even easier for them to microtarget us with divisive messages and false content designed to undermine our democracy. When companies repeatedly lie to Congress and the American people about what they do with our messages, location, likes and everything else, Congress has a duty to do something about it. I wrote a tough new consumer privacy bill to punish companies - and even put CEOs in jail if they lie about protecting your privacy. Clearly these people need some skin in the game before they will take Americans' privacy seriously. Wyden pressed Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg about the company's partnerships with foreign corporations earlier this year. His review of privacy audits by the Federal Trade Commission revealed that Facebook failed to police how its partner companies handled user data. In response to failures at Facebook and other major corporations, last month Wyden introduced a consumer privacy bill to give Americans control over their pers…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-secures-improved-wildfire-resiliency-and-protections-for-oregon-wildlands-and-rivers-in-bipartisan-public-lands-legislation	Wyden Secures Improved Wildfire Resiliency and Protections for Oregon Wildlands and Rivers in Bipartisan Public Lands Legislation	2018-12-19	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 19, 2018 Wyden Secures Improved Wildfire Resiliency and Protections for Oregon Wildlands and Rivers in Bipartisan Public Lands Legislation Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden announced tonight that he secured several critical measures for Oregonincluding improved flexibility for hazardous fuels reduction efforts and protections for wilderness and wild and scenic riversin a bipartisan package of public lands legislation that U.S. Senate leadership guarantees will be voted on by the full Senate in January. The management of our public lands is nothing to mess around with it impacts public safety, our local and regional economies, and the clean water and clean air so important to Oregonians and Americans,said Wyden.Today the Senate is one step closer to protecting special places and ensuring Oregon's recreation economy can continue to thrive, all while tackling the growing risk of wildfires facing Oregon communities. Improved Wildfire Resiliency Efforts The bipartisan lands package includes a provision to improve the efforts of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to protect Crooked River Ranch, a community in central Oregon, from the catastrophic effects of wildfire. The provision would release a small number of acres near Crooked River Ranch from a wilderness study area, and includes an amendment secured by Wyden to ensure those lands are managed for forest health and wildfire resiliency. Public Land and River Protections The bipartisan public lands package includes provisions of Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley's Oregon Wildlands Act that will: Create the Devil's Staircase Wilderness by designating roughly 30,000 acres of remote lands in the Oregon Coast Range. Permanently protect the Chetco Rivera critical source of drinking water and habitat for endangered salmon in southwest Oregonfrom mining and mineral extraction. Designate 250 miles of prime Oregon salmon- and steelhead-producing rivers and streams as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, including: about 120 m…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391473	Oregon Members Announce AVA Designation for Van Duzer Corridor	2018-12-18	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Kurt Schrader	S001180	schrader.house.gov	legacy	Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05), along with Senators Ron Wyden, and Jeff Merkley and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), announced the designation of Oregon's Van Duzer Corridor as an American Viticulture Area (AVA) this month. Receiving the AVA designation is huge for our Oregon wineries and vineyards in their ability to grow in and beyond the region, said Schrader. This kind of recognition helps solidify the Corridor's place on the map. I'd like to congratulate our communities and small businesses across the Van Duzer Corridor and express my appreciation to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for moving this process along this year. This great news for our state's wineries and vineyards will allow them to build on their well-deserved national and international renown, Wyden said. Willamette Valley communities throughout the Van Duzer Corridor can share a celebratory toast this holiday season to earning an AVA designation that will help to create jobs and economic activity in one of Oregon's signature industries. This designation is a huge step forward for businesses and communities in the Van Duzer Corridor region of Oregon's beautiful, productive wine country, Merkley said. Our delicious pinots, Rieslings and more create jobs and fuel our tourist economy, and tools that make their business stronger should never be held up by bureaucracy. I will continue to work to be a strong federal partner to Oregon's small businesses. Oregon's winegrowers and winemakers have truly transformed this region and have demonstrated an incredible ethic and understanding of the land, said Blumenauer. This designation recognizes the unique qualities of the Van Duzer Corridor and its importance to Oregon's wine industry, whichis distinctive, delicious, and world-renowned. I'm proud to support the Van Duzer area in finally receiving this important recognition, a critical addition to one of our state's most exciting industries. Oregon winemakers produce world-class wines and are a vital part of o…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-trump-and-devos-do-your-job-protect-all-students-and-make-our-schools	Bonamici to Trump and DeVos: Do Your Job to Protect All Students and Make Our Schools Safe	2018-12-18	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC [12/18/18] Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Vice Ranking Member on the House Education and Workforce Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump and Secretary DeVos' Federal Commission on School Safety announced its intention to arm teachers and roll back civil rights protections for students. The Federal Commission on School Safety's recommendations prove once again that the Trump Administration is not acting in the best interest of students, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. The Commission completely fails to address gun violence in our schools and takes the dangerous step of encouraging schools to arm teachers. This would endanger the lives of students and make our schools less safe. Further, these recommendations would also reignite a civil rights crisis by again subjecting students of color to disproportionate discipline in schools. According to a recent GAO report, African American students are disciplined at disproportionately high rates and are subject to harsher discipline than their white counterparts. The Obama-era school discipline guidance was a critical resource to help schools address racial disparities in school discipline. The Department of Education is charged with promoting equal educational opportunities, and must not roll back civil rights protections for vulnerable students. Rescinding this guidance would set students of color up for academic failure and perpetuate the school-to-prison pipeline. I call on Secretary DeVos to protect students from discrimination and provide schools with resources to create safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environments. I will be questioning her directly about this report in hearings next year, and will work to make our schools safe for all students. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/oregon-members-announce-ava-designation-van-duzer-corridor	Oregon Members Announce AVA Designation for Van Duzer Corridor	2018-12-18	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05), along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), announced the designation of Oregon's Van Duzer Corridor as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) this month. Receiving the AVA designation is huge for our Oregon wineries and vineyards in their ability to grow in and beyond the region, said Schrader. This kind of recognition helps solidify the Corridor's place on the map. I'd like to congratulate our communities and small businesses across the Van Duzer Corridor and express my appreciation to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for moving this process along this year. This great news for our state's wineries and vineyards will allow them to build on their well-deserved national and international renown, Wyden said. Willamette Valley communities throughout the Van Duzer Corridor can share a celebratory toast this holiday season to earning an AVA designation that will help to create jobs and economic activity in one of Oregon's signature industries. This designation is a huge step forward for businesses and communities in the Van Duzer Corridor region of Oregon's beautiful, productive wine country, Merkley said. Our delicious pinots, Rieslings and more create jobs and fuel our tourist economy, and tools that make their business stronger should never be held up by bureaucracy. I will continue to work to be a strong federal partner to Oregon's small businesses. Oregon's winegrowers and winemakers have truly transformed this region and have demonstrated an incredible ethic and understanding of the land, said Blumenauer. This designation recognizes the unique qualities of the Van Duzer Corridor and its importance to Oregon's wine industry, whichis distinctive, delicious, and world-renowned. I'm proud to support the Van Duzer area in finally receiving this important recognition, a critical addition to one of our state's most exciting industries. Oregon winemakers produce world-class wines and ar…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-introduces-legislation-requiring-congressional-oversight-and-transparency-for-funding-transfers	Merkley Introduces Legislation Requiring Congressional Oversight and Transparency for Funding Transfers	2018-12-18	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley Introduces Legislation Requiring Congressional Oversight and Transparency for Funding Transfers Merkley bill follows scandal of FEMA funds diverted to ICE; comes as Trump Administration claims it will find border wall money through different funding sources' Tuesday, December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced the Transparency in Federal Spending Act, legislation that would require full transparency and congressional oversight of funding transfers within federal agencies. Merkley's legislation follows the revelations this fall that the Trump Administration diverted nearly half a billion dollars in funding from other programs to fund family detention centers and child prisons. It also comes as White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Tuesday that there are a number of different funding sources that we've identified that we can use to fund President Trump's border wall. The Transparency in Federal Spending Act would require public transparency, including an online public database, of all funding transfers made within and between agencies. The American people deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to how their taxpayer dollars are being spent, said Merkley. President Trump should not be able to make secret decisions to move vast sums of money to fund projects Congress has not authorized and even projects that Congress has explicitly rejected. Since the summer, the Trump Administration has aggressively pursued a strategy of forcing families fleeing persecution abroad to wait in internment camps for their asylum hearings. In recent months, Trump officials have doubled down on this strategy, proposing a new regulation that would allow children to be detained indefinitely alongside their parents. Over the weekend, Merkley went back to the border to inspect facilities where families and children are being held. At Tornillo, a tent prison camp currently holding 2,800 children, he learned that more than 2,000 of those …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/oregon-members-announce-ava-designation-for-van-duzer-corridor	Oregon Members Announce AVA Designation for Van Duzer Corridor	2018-12-18	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Oregon Members Announce AVA Designation for Van Duzer Corridor Tuesday, December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05), along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), announced the designation of Oregon's Van Duzer Corridor as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) this month. Receiving the AVA designation is huge for our Oregon wineries and vineyards in their ability to grow in and beyond the region, said Schrader. This kind of recognition helps solidify the Corridor's place on the map. I'd like to congratulate our communities and small businesses across the Van Duzer Corridor and express my appreciation to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for moving this process along this year. This great news for our state's wineries and vineyards will allow them to build on their well-deserved national and international renown, Wyden said. Willamette Valley communities throughout the Van Duzer Corridor can share a celebratory toast this holiday season to earning an AVA designation that will help to create jobs and economic activity in one of Oregon's signature industries. This designation is a huge step forward for businesses and communities in the Van Duzer Corridor region of Oregon's beautiful, productive wine country, Merkley said. Our delicious pinots, Rieslings and more create jobs and fuel our tourist economy, and tools that make their business stronger should never be held up by bureaucracy. I will continue to work to be a strong federal partner to Oregon's small businesses. Oregon's winegrowers and winemakers have truly transformed this region and have demonstrated an incredible ethic and understanding of the land, said Blumenauer. This designation recognizes the unique qualities of the Van Duzer Corridor and its importance to Oregon's wine industry, whichis distinctive, delicious, and world-renowned. I'm proud to support the Van Duzer area in finally receiving this important recognition, a critical additi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/oregon-members-announce-ava-designation-for-van-duzer-corridor	Oregon Members Announce AVA Designation for Van Duzer Corridor	2018-12-18	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 18, 2018 Oregon Members Announce AVA Designation for Van Duzer Corridor WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05), along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), announced the designation of Oregon's Van Duzer Corridor as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) this month. Receiving the AVA designation is huge for our Oregon wineries and vineyards in their ability to grow in and beyond the region, said Schrader. This kind of recognition helps solidify the Corridor's place on the map. I'd like to congratulate our communities and small businesses across the Van Duzer Corridor and express my appreciation to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for moving this process along this year. This great news for our state's wineries and vineyards will allow them to build on their well-deserved national and international renown, Wyden said. Willamette Valley communities throughout the Van Duzer Corridor can share a celebratory toast this holiday season to earning an AVA designation that will help to create jobs and economic activity in one of Oregon's signature industries. This designation is a huge step forward for businesses and communities in the Van Duzer Corridor region of Oregon's beautiful, productive wine country, Merkley said. Our delicious pinots, Rieslings and more create jobs and fuel our tourist economy, and tools that make their business stronger should never be held up by bureaucracy. I will continue to work to be a strong federal partner to Oregon's small businesses. Oregon's winegrowers and winemakers have truly transformed this region and have demonstrated an incredible ethic and understanding of the land, said Blumenauer. This designation recognizes the unique qualities of the Van Duzer Corridor and its importance to Oregon's wine industry, whichis distinctive, delicious, and world-renowned. I'm proud to support the Van Duzer area in finally receiving this important recognition, a critical addition to one…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-asks-fcc-to-adopt-new-three-digit-number-for-mental-health-and-suicide-support	Wyden Asks FCC to Adopt New Three-Digit Number for Mental Health and Suicide Support	2018-12-17	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 17, 2018 Wyden Asks FCC to Adopt New Three-Digit Number for Mental Health and Suicide Support Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden today asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt a new three-digit phone number for those needing mental health and suicide support. Wyden noted in his letter to the FCC that suicide rates are rising nationally with the Centers for Disease Control reporting more than 40,000 Americans died by suicide last year. And unfortunately, according to Mental Health America, Oregon ranks poorly among states for prevalence of mental illness for youth, and 49th for prevalence of mental illness for adults. More needs to be done to help those in need, and to increase resources and improve access to mental health professionals to help those thinking of suicide, Wyden wrote the FCC. I believe that a 3-digit code number, similar to 9-1-1 for emergencies, would most easily come to mind for those in need of intervention services, Wyden wrote. A new designated 3 digit code, such as 6-1-1, which has been recommended by my friends from Oregon Lines for Life, would be best because we need a dedicated hotline for only this issue. We all know that for fire, or rescue, or physical injury, we call 911. Well, we need a 911 for the brain -- and that's what a three-digit lifeline will deliver, said Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton. We all struggle from time to time. It's time we make it easy for folks in crisis to get connected with folks who can help. And we very much appreciate Senator Wyden's leadership on this issue. A copy of the letter is here. Related Files Print Email Tweet Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/nice-try-not-enough	Nice try, but not enough	2018-12-14	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	After months of jockeying, hand wringing, and horse trading largely behind closed doors, this week Congress passed another disappointing Farm Bill agreement that does more of the same. It unfortunately is a missed opportunity to provide American families with desperately needed reforms that impact health care, climate change, economic development, and the food we eat. Instead of developing more ambitious, equitable, and cost-effective legislation like our proposed Food and Farm Act, their agreement continues to fail family farmers and ranchers, vulnerable communities, and the environment. I spent three years listening to the needs of farmers around the country and this bill does not address those needs. This bill cuts an important conservation programand provides subsidies to non-farming cousins, nieces and nephews. Every day that we continue the status quo, we delay improving and enriching communities, and helping families live healthier lives. We can and must do better to help increase access to healthy food for all families. This final bill fundamentally misses the mark on addressing critical reforms that communities across the country desperately need. Americans deserve a Farm Bill that works for them and their familiesnot corporate mega farms. I will continue to lead the opposition to the current Farm Bill structure, fighting instead for a better outcome for all Americans. Courage, Earl Blumenauer Member of Congress	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-and-colleagues-file-amicus-brief	Wyden, Merkley & Colleagues File Amicus Brief	2018-12-14	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Wyden, Merkley & Colleagues File Amicus Brief As Part Of Litigation Against Trump's Illegal Asylum Ban Friday, December 14, 2018 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit filed by six asylum seekers in the D.C. District Court challenging the legality of Donald Trump's Presidential Proclamation and rule effectively barring all asylum claims outside of ports of entry. The Oregon senators on Thursday joined Sens. Patrick Leahy, Sheldon Whitehouse, Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker and Kamala Harris to argue in their court filing as part of O.A. v. Trump that Trump's executive action contravenes unambiguously clear provisions in statute protecting the right of migrants to apply for asylum anywhere along U.S. borders. They describe in the brief that the Proclamation is an unlawful attempt to override overwhelmingly bipartisan congressional intent reaffirmed repeatedly, over decades by executive fiat, and that it abandons the historic role of the United States as a refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution in the face of humanitarian crises in the Northern Triangle of Central America. My parents fled the horrors of Nazi Germany for the safety and promise of the United States, said Wyden. Providing refuge for huddled masses yearning to breathe free' is America's legacy, and Donald Trump's illegal asylum ban cannot wipe it away. The Trump Administration's efforts to deter asylum seekers from our borderby putting them in child or family prisons and blocking them from declaring asylumis un-American and inhumane, said Merkley. Many of these people are fleeing deadly violence in their home countries, and have the international right to seek asylum. Yet the president is making every effort to throw roadblocks in front of them. We cannot let this administration undermine our American values as a nation of freedom and hope. The full text of the court filing can be found here. A web version of this release is available here. …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/senator-jeff-merkley-on-new-day	Senator Jeff Merkley on New Day	2018-12-14	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy		0	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-and-colleagues-file-amicus-brief_as-part-of-litigation-against-trumps-illegal-asylum-ban	Wyden, Merkley & Colleagues File Amicus Brief As Part Of Litigation Against Trump’s Illegal Asylum Ban	2018-12-14	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 14, 2018 Wyden, Merkley & Colleagues File Amicus Brief As Part Of Litigation Against Trump's Illegal Asylum Ban Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit filed by six asylum seekers in the D.C. District Court challenging the legality of Donald Trump's Presidential Proclamation and rule effectively barring all asylum claims outside of ports of entry. The Oregon senators on Thursday joined Sens. Patrick Leahy, Sheldon Whitehouse, Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker and Kamala Harris to argue in their court filing as part of O.A. v. Trump that Trump's executive action contravenes unambiguously clear provisions in statute protecting the right of migrants to apply for asylum anywhere along U.S. borders. They describe in the brief that the Proclamation is an unlawful attempt to override overwhelmingly bipartisan congressional intent reaffirmed repeatedly, over decades by executive fiat, and that it abandons the historic role of the United States as a refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution in the face of humanitarian crises in the Northern Triangle of Central America. My parents fled the horrors of Nazi Germany for the safety and promise of the United States, said Wyden. Providing refuge for huddled masses yearning to breathe free' is America's legacy, and Donald Trump's illegal asylum ban cannot wipe it away. The Trump Administration's efforts to deter asylum seekers from our borderby putting them in child or family prisons and blocking them from declaring asylumis un-American and inhumane, said Merkley. Many of these people are fleeing deadly violence in their home countries, and have the international right to seek asylum. Yet the president is making every effort to throw roadblocks in front of them. We cannot let this administration undermine our American values as a nation of freedom and hope. The full text of the court filing can be found here. Print Email …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-beyer-lead-96-members-calling-trump-act-climate-change-defend-findings	Bonamici, Beyer Lead 96 Members in Calling on Trump to Act on Climate Change, Defend the Findings of the National Climate Assessment	2018-12-13	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC [12/13/18] Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's Environment Subcommittee,and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Vice Ranking Member of the Committee,led 96 members in urging President Trump to heed the dire warnings in the second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA) and act on climate change. The NCA is the most comprehensive science-based evaluation of the consequences of climate change, the risks of inaction, and potential adaptation strategies for the United States to date. In a recent Washington Post interview, the President dismissed the NCA's findings. The Members call on President Trump to reverse his Administration's attacks on the environment and take climate change seriously. We write to convey our grave concern that time is running out for the United States to work to reverse and mitigate the worst effects of a warming climate, the Members write. We ask that you heed the dire warning of the Fourth National Climate Assessment and work with us to protect the health of our planet. The NCA adds to the overwhelming research indicating that the consequences of inaction on climate change will be serious and swift. According to the NCA, without intervention, we will see record heat waves, more acidic oceans, raging wildfires, rising sea levels, and a surge in extreme weather events all in our lifetime. The National Climate Assessment makes clear that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are the only explanation for the observed global warming over the last six decades. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are now higher than at any time in the last three million years, and we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than ignoring the important findings of the NCA, we request that you reconsider maintaining the nation's commitment to the Paris Agreement and fully implement and enforce the Clean Power Plan, fuel economy standards, methane emission controls, and safeguards for clean …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-announces-launch-of-a-new-rural-broadband-program	Merkley Announces Launch of a New Rural Broadband Program	2018-12-13	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley Announces Launch of a New Rural Broadband Program The pilot will provide critical connections for rural America Thursday, December 13, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley today announced that after securing a $600 million investment in rural broadband in the 2018 spending bill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a pilot program that will provide loans and grants to build broadband infrastructure across Americaimproving rural communities' economies, health care, and quality of life. In today's connected world, we need high-speed broadband in every rural community across Oregon and across America. Everyone needs it; rural health care providers, businesses, schools, small businesses, and farmers and ranchers, said Merkley, who fought for the creation of the program as the Ranking Member of the Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Subcommittee. Oregonians in some of the most remote parts of my state said that high-speed internet would be a game-changer for them, and so I used my position to fight for a massive increase in rural broadband. I am pleased that in addition to important traditional agriculture programs, we are investing in the future of our rural communities. Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee, considered to be one of the most powerful on Capitol Hill. Through the pilot program, the USDA will make available $200 million for grants, $200 million for loan and grant combinations, and $200 million for low-interest loans. Projects funded through the pilot will serve communities with fewer than 20,000 people that currently have no broadband service, or have service that is extremely slow. Approved projects will improve access upload and download speeds by at least three-fold. ### …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-to-return-to-texas-lead-delegation-investigating-trump-administrations-ongoing-mistreatment-of-migrant-children	Merkley to Return to Texas, Lead Delegation Investigating Trump Administration’s Ongoing Mistreatment of Migrant Children	2018-12-13	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley to Return to Texas, Lead Delegation Investigating Trump Administration's Ongoing Mistreatment of Migrant Children On oversight trip, Sens. Merkley, Hirono, and Smith and Rep. Chu will inspect family internment centers and child prisons in Texas Thursday, December 13, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Six months after his Father's Day tripexposing the child imprisonment and family separation crisis on the Texas border, Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley will lead a congressional oversight trip investigating the Trump Administration's treatment of children who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border fleeing persecution and danger abroad. Merkley will be joined on the delegation this Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15, by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-27). RepresentativeBeto O'Rourke (D-TX-16) will also join the delegation on Saturday at Tornillo. The delegation will look at how children have been treated in two different settings: family internment centers and child prisonseach of which have been called out by experts for their traumatizing effects on children. Specifically, the delegation will inspect family internment centers in Karnes City and Dilley, Texas; and the child prison in Tornillo, Texas. The Tornillo child prison is currently incarcerating more than 2,000 children in a tent encampment in the desert. WHO: Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) Representative Judy Chu (D-CA-27) RepresentativeBeto O'Rourke (D-TX-16)* *Saturday only WHAT: Congressional delegation investigating the Trump Administration's mistreatment of child asylum seekers WHERE: South Texas Family Residential Center, Dilley, TX (Friday) Karnes Residential Center, Karnes City, TX (Friday) Tornillo Children's Detention Camp, Tornillo Port of Entry (Saturday) WHEN: Friday, December 14, and Saturday, December 15, 2018 …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-merkley-join-sponsorship-of-wyden-crapo-secure-rural-schools-legislation	RISCH, MERKLEY JOIN SPONSORSHIP OF Wyden, Crapo secure Rural Schools LEGISLATION	2018-12-13	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	RISCH, MERKLEY JOIN SPONSORSHIP OF Wyden, Crapo secure Rural Schools LEGISLATION Thursday, December 13, 2018 Washington, D.C. Senate leaders from Oregon and Idaho are joining together in a long-term reform of the Secure Rural Schools Program. The legislation, introduced today by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and co-sponsored by U.S Senators Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, provides certainty for rural counties to ensure they have the long-term funding needed for schools, road maintenance, law enforcement and other essential services. The bipartisan Forest Management for Rural Stability Act makes the Secure Rural Schools programwhich expired at the end of FY 2018permanent by creating an endowment fund to provide stable, increasing and reliable funding for county services. Rural communities in Idaho rely on SRS payments, and our schools and counties shoulder the greatest burden when active forest management isn't made a priority, said Senator Risch. We owe our communities the certainty of a long-term solution. This bipartisan legislation provides that stability and also makes strides to expand the program's contribution to timber management and local economies. With our county funds stretched thin, this stable funding would provide a much-needed lifeline for critical services in Oregon counties, Senator Merkley said. This bipartisan bill provides reliable funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, ensuring there are police officers to keep communities safe, managing our forests, and providing mental health resources in rural counties. Establishing a growing endowment for the Secure Rural Schools program will end the need for short-term or retroactive reauthorizations of this program. said Senator Crapo. The Secure Rural Schools program has become vital in budgeting for essential services in Idaho's forested counties with large tracts of tax-exempt federal lands. This endowment will stabilize the program for generati…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/join-me	Join Me	2018-12-13	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy		0	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-crapo-introduce-legislation-to-provide-much-needed-certainty-for-secure-rural-schools-program	Wyden, Crapo Introduce Legislation to Provide Much-Needed Certainty for Secure Rural Schools Program	2018-12-13	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 13, 2018 Wyden, Crapo Introduce Legislation to Provide Much-Needed Certainty for Secure Rural Schools Program Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, today introduced legislation to provide much-needed financial certainty for rural counties to ensure they have the long-term funding needed for schools, road maintenance, law enforcement and other essential services. The bipartisan Forest Management for Rural Stability Act makes the Secure Rural Schools programwhich expired at the end of FY 2018permanent by creating an endowment fund to provide stable, increasing and reliable funding for county services. Without a permanent fiscal solution, forested counties in Oregon and across the country will continue to slide into financial uncertainty. Oregonians will continue to be left with fewer teachers and law enforcement officers, forced to close libraries, and unable to repair broken bridges and roads, said Wyden. This bipartisan, bold approach will finally end the financial roller coaster and provide Oregonians living and working in rural counties the security they need and deserve. Establishing a growing endowment for the Secure Rural Schools program will end the need for short-term or retroactive reauthorizations of this program. said Crapo. The Secure Rural Schools program has become vital in budgeting for essential services in Idaho's forested counties with large tracts of tax-exempt federal lands. This endowment will stabilize the program for generations and maintain the important link between economic growth and forest management in our forested counties, while ending the perpetual temporary band-aids that create instability and uncertainty. In the coming year, I will work with Senator Wyden to advance and refine today's proposal by gathering the input of other stakeholders and our Senate colleagues. The Secure Rural Schools program is important to dozens of states and this proposal should receive strong, bipartisan support. The Secure Rural Schools and …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391471	Schrader, Welch Legislation to Close Billion Dollar Medicaid Drug Rebate Loophole Passes the House	2018-12-12	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Kurt Schrader	S001180	schrader.house.gov	legacy	Legislation introduced by Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) and Congressman Peter Welch (VT-At Large) to close a loophole in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program thatis reported to have cost the Medicaid program as much as $1 billion passed in the House this week as part of the IMPROVE Act. Reps. Schrader and Welch introduced theMedicaid Drug Rebate Accountability Actearlier this yearfollowing the release ofan Inspector General report,and followed up by introducing the House version of theRight Rebate Actlast week. I'm pleased that our legislation was included in the IMPROVE Act and passed out of the House today,said Rep. Schrader.It's ridiculous that these blatant abuses of the system have resulted in a billion dollar loss for taxpayers. Our legislation gives CMS the proper authority to deal with these inaccuracies, preventing bad actors from taking advantage of the system and honest mistakes from costing us even more money. VIDEO: Rep. Schrader Urges Colleagues to Close Billion Dollar Loophole in Medicaid Drug Rebate Program For too long, drug companies have been ripping off the Medicaid program by misclassifying their products to limit required price discounts, said Rep. Welch. This commonsense legislation puts a stop to this unethical practice and ensures that all drugs covered by Medicaid are correctly classified. Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, drug manufacturers who wish to have their drugs covered by Medicaid must pay a rebate to federal and state governments, and the rebate rate is different for brand drugs, at 23.1 percent of the Average Manufacturer Price (AMP) per unit, and generic drugs, at 13 percent of AMP per unit. When applying for the rebate, the manufacturer must indicate whether their drug is brand or generic. According to an HHS Inspector General Report published in December of last year, however, hundreds of drugs in the rebate program that should be considered brand were marked in their applications as generic. That same report found that this may have cost the rebate program upward…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-supports-nutrition-programs-hemp-farmers-bipartisan-farm-bill	Bonamici Supports Nutrition Programs, Hemp, Farmers in Bipartisan Farm Bill	2018-12-12	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, DC [12/12/18] Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) supported a five-yearFarm Bill reauthorization that will provide a safety net for hardworking farmers,legalize hemp production, protect nutrition assistance programs for millions of people facing food insecurity,and strengthen programs to conserve our natural resources. Federal agriculture and food programs have not kept pace with the new challenges facing many small farms and our most vulnerable populations, and it is past time that we act to provide a meaningful safety net, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "This is a new and improved bipartisan Farm Bill, and although it is not perfect, I am pleased that it will protect the food assistance programs for the nearly41 million Americans still facing food insecurity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is vital for low-income families in Oregon and across the country who benefit from access to affordable food and free school meals for their children." Bonamici has long been a champion for legalizing industrial hemp and allowing it to be defined as an agricultural commodity. The Farm Bill, which included a provision to accomplish that goal, passed the House today. I have been fighting to legalize industrial hemp since my days in the Oregon Legislature, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. Legalizing hemp will be a boon to Oregon's economy by allowing farmers to expand their markets while continuing to research and cultivate their crops. We have already seen how hemp can be used in thousands of products, including food and beverages, beauty products, rope, and clothing. I look forward to accelerated growth and innovation in this industry. The Farm Bill is the result of bipartisan negotiations and does not include many of the harmful provisions in H.R. 2, the House Republican's Agriculture and Nutrition Act,which Bonamici opposed earlier this year. In addition to the SNAP and hemp provisions, the new Farm Bill: Eliminates harmful cuts and work requirements for SNAP benefici…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/warren-bonamici-colleagues-call-devos-rescind-acics-reinstatement	Warren, Bonamici, Colleagues Call on DeVos to Rescind ACICS Reinstatement	2018-12-12	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) and Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), along with four of their Senate colleagues and five of their House colleagues, sent a letter urging Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and officials at the Department of Education to immediately rescind the decision to fully reinstate federal recognition of the controversial for-profit college accreditor, the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). In the letter, the lawmakers also released new evidence confirming reports that the Department ignored major red flags and premised its decision on false, misleading evidence about support for ACICS among other federally recognized college accreditors. The letter comes in the wake of news that Education Corporation of America, the largest remaining college chain accredited by ACICS, has abruptly gone out of business. ACICS now has the unique distinction of being the sole accrediting agency that has overseen the three largest collapses of institutions of higher education in American history. In every case, ACICS disregarded clear warning signs and failed to act quickly enough to protect students and taxpayers. In the letter sent yesterday, Warren and her colleagues released new evidence confirming initial reports that that the Department misrepresented evidence about peer support for ACICS. In a memo explaining its final decision, the Department claimed that five agencies had written letters in support of ACICS's reinstatement. But in response to Warren and her colleagues' earlier inquiry, four out of five agencies denied having issued explicit statements of support. "These deeply troubling findings confirm the initial reporting that [Education Department officials] - either knowingly or unknowingly - cited or relied on false and misleading information to reach the conclusion that ACICS's federal recognition should be restored. These major and ongoing falsehoods raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the entire reinstatement …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-applauds-2018-farm-bill-calls-greater-action-forest	Greg Walden applauds 2018 Farm Bill, calls for greater action on forest management reform	2018-12-12	2018	2018-12	Republican	House	OR	Greg Walden	W000791	walden.house.gov	legacy	Greg Walden applauds 2018 Farm Bill, calls for greater action on forest management reform Click here or on the image above to view Walden's remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives WASHINGTON, D.C. --Representative Greg Walden today applauded H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Farm Bill), but said that more work remains to improve forest management to prevent catastrophic wildfires in Oregon. Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, Walden said that while he intends to vote in support of the 2018 Farm Bill, he is disappointed that the legislation did not include the sweeping improvements to federal forest policy that he helped secure in the House-passed version of the bill. These fires are monsters when they light up. They kill. It's unfortunate that the provisions that the House passed as part of the Farm Bill were rejected by the Democrats in the Senate. It's unfortunate because after these catastrophic fires, we should be able to get in and remove the fuel load so the next fire does not burn even more intensely, which is what happens, said Walden. But Senate Democrats rejected that. And while we're expanding categorical exclusion authorities in some forests, the House provisions said that we should expand the authority to all forests so that we can begin to catch up and remove the excess fuel load from our forests. Unfortunately, again, Senate Democrats rejected that. Walden applauded the 2018 Farm Bill's inclusion of provisions that will help improve the management of federal forests by extending expedited management tools for insect and disease projects in eastern Oregon and expanding it to hazardous fuels reduction to reduce the threat of fire and smoke. The legislation also allows more local involvement from counties in forest management projects and extended funding for collaborative forest projects. However, Walden said that Senate Democrats removed important provisions such as requiring cleanup projects after a fire and the replanting of a new healthy forest. A…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-urge-faa-to-implement-and-improve-airport-contract-tower-program	Merkley, Wyden Urge FAA to Implement and Improve Airport Contract Tower Program	2018-12-12	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Wyden Urge FAA to Implement and Improve Airport Contract Tower Program The program would benefit the eight contract towers across Oregon Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden are urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement a provision in this year's FAA spending bill that would allow airports that utilize the contract tower program to become eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants from the small airport fund. In a bipartisan letter to FAA Acting Administrator Daniel K. Ewells, Merkley, Wyden and 33 other senators stressed that this provision will enhance air traffic safety at small, rural airportssuch as Oregon's contract towers in Pendleton, Redmond, Klamath Falls, Aurora, Troutdale Salem, North Bend, and Medford. Not only do these contract towers provide an important safety service, but they do it in a very cost-effective manner, the Senators wrote. It is Congress's clear intent that tower construction, improvement, and related equipment should be given priority when deciding which projects should receive grants from the small airport fund. In addition to Senators Merkley and Wyden, the letter was signed by Senators Cortez Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev) Jerry Moran (R-Kan), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Doug Jones (R-Ala.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-urge-faa-to-implement-and-improve-airport-contract-tower-program	Merkley, Wyden Urge FAA to Implement and Improve Airport Contract Tower Program	2018-12-12	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2018 Merkley, Wyden Urge FAA to Implement and Improve Airport Contract Tower Program The program would benefit the eight contract towers across Oregon Washington, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden are urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement a provision in this year's FAA spending bill that would allow airports that utilize the contract tower program to become eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants from the small airport fund. In a bipartisan letter to FAA Acting Administrator Daniel K. Ewells, Merkley, Wyden and 33 other senators stressed that this provision will enhance air traffic safety at small, rural airportssuch as Oregon's contract towers in Pendleton, Redmond, Klamath Falls, Aurora, Troutdale Salem, North Bend, and Medford. Not only do these contract towers provide an important safety service, but they do it in a very cost-effective manner, the Senators wrote. It is Congress's clear intent that tower construction, improvement, and related equipment should be given priority when deciding which projects should receive grants from the small airport fund. In addition to Senators Merkley and Wyden, the letter was signed by Senators Cortez Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev) Jerry Moran (R-Kan), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Doug Jones (R-Ala.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Patty Murray …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-tester-lead-charge-to-overturn-administrations-controversial-dark-money-rule	Wyden, Tester Lead Charge to Overturn Administration’s Controversial Dark Money Rule	2018-12-12	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 12, 2018 Wyden, Tester Lead Charge to Overturn Administration's Controversial Dark Money Rule Bipartisan Senate Vote Sheds More Light on Dark Money Washington, D.C. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) led the charge today to repeal a controversial new rule allowing dark money groups to hide the identities of their donors. After the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced in July that they would no longer require certain tax-exempt organizations to report the names of their major donors to the IRS, Wyden and Tester introduced a Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the controversial decision and bring more transparency and accountability to our democracy. That resolution passed the Senate 50-49. Today the Senate voted on a bipartisan basis to throw out Trump's dark money rule and bring transparency back to our elections, Wyden said. This is a huge first step in America's fight against anonymous political insiders looking to tighten their grip on Washington. I urge Paul Ryan to act swiftly on this issue of great importance and lead the House in reversing course on the Trump administration's reckless decision. These dark money forces are a threat to our democracy and they must be reined in, Tester said. Today's action sheds more light on the wealthy few who are trying to buy our elections and drown out the voices of regular folks. We must wrestle our country back and continue to bring transparency and accountability back to political campaigns. More than 30 other Senators signed on to Wyden and Tester's resolution, forcing today's vote on the Senate Floor. Under the Congressional Review Act, members of Congress must introduce a disapproval resolution within 60 calendar days from when the final rule was issued. After 20 calendar days, the resolution can be discharged from Fina…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391470	Bipartisan Bill to Save Salmon On the Columbia and Willamette Rivers Headed to the Presidents Desk	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Kurt Schrader	S001180	schrader.house.gov	legacy	The bipartisan Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, led by Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) in the House, passed out of Congress today and is headed to the President's desk to become law. The legislation gives tribal members and government fish managers the authority to remove sea lions from specific areas of the Columbia River system and its tributaries where they are posing the most harm to endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish runs. This has been an issue that I have worked on since first coming to Congress. I want to thank everyone Rep. Herrera Beutler, Senators Risch and Cantwell, and our states, tribes, and local communities for the exceptional work to get this bill over the finish line this year, said Rep. Schrader. In the last few years especially, we've seen a record number of sea lions in the Columbia River from Astoria to Bonneville Dam. Ratepayers and my constituents are paying hundreds of millions of dollars annually towards the largest mitigation program in the country for threatened and endangered salmon. These sea lions, whose population has become totally inconsistent with their historic range, have been undoing all of that work by feasting on the endangered species. Our legislation will provide a great step forward in eliminating this threat to our iconic Oregon salmon that are struggling to survive once and for all. Today's passage of our bill to control sea lions was a hard-fought victory it's a personal victory for each of us who treasure our Northwest salmon runs and want to see them preserved for generations to come, said Rep. Herrera Beutler. I'm grateful for the partnership of my colleague Kurt Schrader, and for Senators Risch and Cantwell for shepherding this through the Senate. I'm so pleased we are able to give Northwest fish managers this critical tool to help save our salmon and steelhead runs. Historic recovery efforts of endangered salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River have been compromised by expon…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-blumenauer-statement-latest-farm-bill-agreement	Congressman Blumenauer Statement on Latest Farm Bill Agreement	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC CongressmanEarl Blumenauer (OR-03) today released the following statement in opposition of the newest Farm Bill expected to be considered in the House this week: Congress is bringing up yet another bad Farm Bill that pays too much to the wrong people to grow the wrong foods in the wrong places.After more American people spoke up in opposition,this is a missedopportunity to make real improvements for farmers, the climate, and the food we eat every single day,said Congressman Blumenauer. While the agriculture committees have been drafting this disappointing proposal behind closed doors,I spent three years listening to the needs of farmers around the country and this bill does not address those needs. This bill cuts an important conservation programand expands subsidies paid to non-farming cousins, nieces and nephews. My Food and Farm Act is an example of how it could be done right. We can and must do better. Last year, Blumenauer introduced an alternative bill that comprehensively advances reforms on four principles: 1) focusing resources on those who need it most; (2) fostering innovation; (3) encouraging investments in people and the planet; (4) ensuring access to healthy foods. Blumenauer's legislation is the result of his Sing YourOwn Farm Bill project, a multi-year effort to engage a wide variety of stakeholders. As part of this project, Blumenauer met with agricultural researchers, farmworkers, nutritionists, small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers, conservationists and advocates committed tocreating a more visionary, equitable, and cost-effective Farm Bill Click here to learn more about Blumenauer'sFood and Farm Act. Click here to read Blumenauer's report, Growing Opportunities: Reforming the Farm Bill for Every American. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/defazio-napolitano-slam-the-trump-administration-s-proposal-to-rollback	DeFazio, Napolitano Slam the Trump Administrations Proposal to Rollback Clean Water Rule	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Peter DeFazio	D000191	defazio.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. -- Today, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment Grace Napolitano (D-CA) released the following statements after the Trump administration released a proposal to significantly limit which of our Nation's waterways are protected by the Clean Water Act. Today, too many Americans are uncertain whether their drinking water is safe for themselves and their families. Now is not the time to cut back on the protections of our nation's clean water, the Members said. Clean and safe water is a basic human need. Unfortunately, this Administration has made it a priority to dismantle the Clean Water Act, regardless of the science or the law. The President's #DirtyWaterRule puts our water and health at risk, and must be stopped.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-wyden-merkley-announce-major-development-on-hemp-legalization	Wyden, Merkley Announce Major Development on Hemp Legalization	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Wyden, Merkley Announce Major Development on Hemp Legalization Tuesday, December 11, 2018 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced their legislation to legalize industrial hemp is included in the 2018 Farm Bill, which was passed by the full Senate today. The Farm Bill now advances U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. Wyden and Merkley worked with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to ensure the bipartisan Hemp Farming Act of 2018 was included in the final Farm Bill.The Hemp Farming Act clearly defines hemp as an agricultural commodity and removes it from the list of controlled substances. It also gives states the opportunity to become the primary regulators of hemp production, allows hemp researchers to apply for competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and makes hemp farmers eligible to apply for crop insurance. Wyden, Merkley, McConnell, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.,introduced the billearlier this year. For too long, the outrageous and outdated ban on growing hemp has hamstrung farmers in Oregon and across the country,Wyden said.Hemp products are made in America, sold in America, and consumed in America. Now, hemp will be able to be legallygrownin America, to the economic benefit of consumers and farmers in Oregon and nationwide. Finally we are recognizing industrial hemp for the agricultural product it is,Merkley said.This is a cash crop that hasn't been allowed to meet its full economic potential because of outdated restrictions. When I visited a hemp farm mid-harvest, I saw firsthand the enormous potential of this diverse crop under the limited 2014 farm bill. This full legalization provides economic opportunity for farmers across rural Oregon and rural Americagood for jobs, good for our communities, and just good common sense. The legislation builds on the past successful bipartisan efforts by Wyden and Merkley, who in 2014 helped legalize hemp pilot programs. In 2016, Wyden secured clarification for farmers after thr…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-stop-predatory-unsolicited-loans	Merkley Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Stop Predatory Unsolicited Loans	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Stop Predatory Unsolicited Loans Bill ends practice of mailing high-interest loans to consumers in the form of live checks Tuesday, December 11, 2018 Washington, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, along with Senators Doug Jones (D-AL) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), today announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation that would halt the predatory practice of mailing high-interest loans to consumers in the form of live checks. When consumers receive these loan checks, many unknowingly believe they have received money from their bank or financial institution, not realizing that the check is often a high-interest loan. The Unsolicited Loan Act of 2018 would prohibit this practice and ensure that consumers access loans only when they proactively apply for them. This legislation mirrors the decades-old prohibition on the mailing of live credit cards. When you receive a check in the mail, it's natural to assume that depositing it will helpnot hurtyour bottom line. But these checks don't pad consumers' pocketbooks; instead, they send them into a vortex of debt. The practice of mailing high-interest loans disguised as checks is unconscionable and clearly predatory. Today, we're sending a bipartisan message that this unacceptable practice must end, said Senator Merkley. As working Americans look to make ends meet, lenders will often target cash-strapped families with these mailings. It is unconscionable that someone would take advantage of another person's dire financial situation to make a quick buck for themselves. We need to end this predatory lending tactic and pass this legislation to protect consumers and their pocketbooks, said Senator Jones. People should understand clearly when they are taking on debt. But because live' checks mailed directly to consumers don't require an application or any previous relationship with the consumer, many individuals don't realize that these checks are actually high-interest loans until it's too late. Just like Congress end…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-expanded-collaborative-forest-investment-included-in-2018-farm-bill	Merkley, Wyden Announce Expanded Collaborative Forest Investment Included in 2018 Farm Bill	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Wyden Announce Expanded Collaborative Forest Investment Included in 2018 Farm Bill Final Farm Bill doubles the program's funding to $80 million per year, with a five-year authorization Tuesday, December 11, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the 2018 Farm Bill doubles the size of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) and extends it through 2023. This critical program, which helps fund collaborative and community-based forest management, has a proven track record of improving forest health, reducing wildfire risk, and supporting rural communities. In May, Merkley and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) led a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the legislation to continue the collaborative forest program, and to expand its reach by doubling the authorized funding. The legislation was cosponsored by Sens. Wyden, Jim Risch (R-ID), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Tom Udall (D-NM) and Jon Tester (D-MT). Collaborative forest management strategies have proven successful on many levels: thinning overgrown forests and creating better timber stands, improving ecosystems, building better fire resistance, and creating more jobs and more saw logs, Merkley said. I've visited the Deschutes National Forest and been a witness to the valuable progress that is made when communities work together to manage our forests. Doubling the size of this program will double its positive impacts. Collaboration at the local, state, and federal level is essential to responsible and effective forest management, Wyden said. As the West continues to be devastated by massive wildfires, this win provides rural communities across Oregon the additional support they need to improve the health of our forests and protect local jobs. Since its enactment in 2009, CFLRP has a proven track record of success in managing forests to increase forest health, mitigate wildfires, and support rural economies and local voices. CFLRP requires vari…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-mass-wood-products-provisions-included-in-2018-farm-bill	Merkley, Wyden Announce Mass Wood Products Provisions Included in 2018 Farm Bill	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Wyden Announce Mass Wood Products Provisions Included in 2018 Farm Bill The bipartisan Timber Innovation Act is included in the 2018 Farm Bill, supporting both rural and urban Oregon economies Tuesday, December 11, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that provisions of the Timber Innovation Act areincluded in the 2018 Farm Bill, supporting the development of mass timber products for building construction. In May, Merkley co-led a letter with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) which urged the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to include the Timber Innovation Act in the 2018 Farm Bill. Other cosigners included Sens. Wyden, James Risch (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Steven Daines (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). We have been working to establish Oregon as a hub for mass timber products, using local timber and bolstering our forest products economy, Merkley said. The Timber Innovation Act supports innovative manufacturing that helps to create jobs in the rural part of the state, and lays the groundwork for future sustainable tall wood building construction across America. This is an exciting advancement for Oregon's wood products industry. Today's good news for mass timber products in Oregon adds to our state's well-deserved reputation for trailblazing fresh paths that succeed in creating jobs using innovative technologies, Wyden said. This bill provides essential resources to allow the state's world-renowned timber industry to build on its strengths and creativity in rural Oregon. Oregon has been at the forefront of developing mass timber products, including cross-laminated timber, mass plywood products, nail laminated timber, glue laminated timber, laminated strand lumber, and laminated veneer lumber. However, U.S. building codes do not currently recognize mass timber products as official construction materials, leaving the products without a standard rating system fo…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-and-merkley-call-for-immediate-and-indefinite-suspension-of-any-nuclear-cooperation-agreement-with-saudi-arabia	Senators Markey and Merkley Call for Immediate and Indefinite Suspension of Any Nuclear Cooperation Agreement with Saudi Arabia	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Senators Markey and Merkley Call for Immediate and Indefinite Suspension of Any Nuclear Cooperation Agreement with Saudi Arabia Request a briefing on status of recent negotiations with Energy Secretary Perry, reiterate call for any agreement to include highest nonproliferation standards Tuesday, December 11, 2018 Washington (December 11, 2018) Senators Edward J. Markey and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today called on Energy Secretary Rick Perry to brief Congress on any discussions he has had with Saudi Arabia on a potential civil nuclear cooperation agreement, or 123 agreement, on his recent trip to the region. For months, there have been reports of negotiations between the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia on a potential 123 agreement, but members of Congress have yet to be briefed, despite the legal obligation by the Administration to do so. In their letter, the Senators reiterate their belief that any 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia include the highest nonproliferation standards, including forgoing any enrichment or reprocessing activities within the Kingdom's territory. Additionally, in light of Saudi Arabia's flagrant disregard for international rule of law, including the murder of U.S. journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Senators Markey and Merkley call for the immediate and indefinite suspension of any negotiations for a 123 agreement. Unfortunately, Mr. Khashoggi's murder if just the latest and most blatant demonstration by Saudi Arabia that it will do as it pleases with little regard or respect for human rights for the international rule of law, write the Senators in their letter to Secretary Perry. It is imperative that you brief us and all other interested members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on any and all of your discussions regarding civil nuclear cooperation during your recent trip to the region, as well as the Trump administration's rationale for continuing these sensitive discussions at all. A copy of the Senators' lett…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/senator-jeff-merkley-on-cnn-out-front	Senator Jeff Merkley on CNN Out Front	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy		0	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-expanded-collaborative-forest-investment-included-in-2018-farm-bill	Merkley, Wyden Announce Expanded Collaborative Forest Investment Included in 2018 Farm Bill	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2018 Merkley, Wyden Announce Expanded Collaborative Forest Investment Included in 2018 Farm Bill Final Farm Bill doubles the program's funding to $80 million per year, with a five-year authorization WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the 2018 Farm Bill doubles the size of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) and extends it through 2023. This critical program, which helps fund collaborative and community-based forest management, has a proven track record of improving forest health, reducing wildfire risk, and supporting rural communities. In May, Merkley and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) led a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the legislation to continue the collaborative forest program, and to expand its reach by doubling the authorized funding. The legislation was cosponsored by Sens. Wyden, Jim Risch (R-ID), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Tom Udall (D-NM) and Jon Tester (D-MT). Collaborative forest management strategies have proven successful on many levels: thinning overgrown forests and creating better timber stands, improving ecosystems, building better fire resistance, and creating more jobs and more saw logs, Merkley said. I've visited the Deschutes National Forest and been a witness to the valuable progress that is made when communities work together to manage our forests. Doubling the size of this program will double its positive impacts. Collaboration at the local, state, and federal level is essential to responsible and effective forest management, Wyden said. As the West continues to be devastated by massive wildfires, this win provides rural communities across Oregon the additional support they need to improve the health of our forests and protect local jobs. Since its enactment in 2009, CFLRP has a proven track record of success in managing forests to increase forest health, miti…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-mass-wood-products-provisions-included-in-2018-farm-bill	Merkley, Wyden Announce Mass Wood Products Provisions Included in 2018 Farm Bill	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2018 Merkley, Wyden Announce Mass Wood Products Provisions Included in 2018 Farm Bill The bipartisan Timber Innovation Act is included in the 2018 Farm Bill, supporting both rural and urban Oregon economies WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that provisions of the Timber Innovation Act areincluded in the 2018 Farm Bill, supporting the development of mass timber products for building construction. In May, Merkley co-led a letter with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) which urged the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to include the Timber Innovation Act in the 2018 Farm Bill. Other cosigners included Sens. Wyden, James Risch (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Steven Daines (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). We have been working to establish Oregon as a hub for mass timber products, using local timber and bolstering our forest products economy, Merkley said. The Timber Innovation Act supports innovative manufacturing that helps to create jobs in the rural part of the state, and lays the groundwork for future sustainable tall wood building construction across America. This is an exciting advancement for Oregon's wood products industry. Today's good news for mass timber products in Oregon adds to our state's well-deserved reputation for trailblazing fresh paths that succeed in creating jobs using innovative technologies, Wyden said. This bill provides essential resources to allow the state's world-renowned timber industry to build on its strengths and creativity in rural Oregon." Oregon has been at the forefront of developing mass timber products, including cross-laminated timber, mass plywood products, nail laminated timber, glue laminated timber, laminated strand lumber, and laminated veneer lumber. However, U.S. building codes do not currently recognize mass timber products as officia…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-cheers-passage-of-bill-to-boost-maternal-health-care	Wyden cheers passage of bill to boost maternal health care	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2018 Wyden cheers passage of bill to boost maternal health care Senate Clears Wyden-Sponsored Legislation That Helps Bring Maternity Care Providers to Underserved Areas Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today celebrated passage of a bill he co-sponsored that would encourage more maternity health care providers to work in rural or underserved areas where lack of access to this key health care puts expecting mothers at risk. It's a national disgrace that more women die from pregnancy-related complications here than anywhere else in the developed world,Wyden said.Too often, I hear from Oregonians in rural and underserved areas about the long wait times and long distances they must travel to access maternal care. I'm proud that this legislation is becoming law it is a start to ensure resources can be sent to areas where they will have the biggest impact in giving women access to timely maternity care. The bill, called the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act, would require the federal government to identify areas that have a shortage of maternity care health professionals. Areas with this designation would receive additional resources to encourage providers to serve them, including improved student loan repayment. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-secures-critical-provisions-in-farm-bill	Wyden Secures Critical Provisions in Farm Bill	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2018 Wyden Secures Critical Provisions in Farm Bill Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced that he secured several critical measures in the 2018 Farm Bill, including provisions to legalize industrial hemp, help hop growers and provide drought relief to Oregon farmers. The Farm Bill was passed by the full Senate today and now advances U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. Rural Oregon communities can grow stronger with this bill's big wins for hemp, hops and innovative opportunities in timber and agriculture, Wyden said. I am gratified that the fight for legislation that provides so many seeds for job growth has emerged with this bill helping Oregonians throughout our state. Hemp Legalization Wyden and Sen. Jeff Merkley worked with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to ensure the bipartisan Hemp Farming Act of 2018 was included in the final Farm Bill. The Hemp Farming Act clearly defines hemp as an agricultural commodity and removes it from the list of controlled substances. It also gives states the opportunity to become the primary regulators of hemp production, allows hemp researchers to apply for competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and makes hemp farmers eligible to apply for crop insurance. Wyden, Merkley, McConnell, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.,introduced the billearlier this year. For Hop Growers Wyden secured a provision to allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fight the two costliest diseases that affect hop plants, ensuring that Oregon State University can continue its work to address these threats. The provision was cosponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and supported by the Brewers Association. Soil Health Wyden also secured a win for climate with a provision to establish a pilot project for farmers across the country to implement advanced farming practices to capture carbon in soil. These farming practices have been shown to im…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-hemp-legalization	Wyden Statement on Hemp Legalization	2018-12-11	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 11, 2018 Wyden Statement on Hemp Legalization Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced his legislation to legalize industrial hemp is included in the final Farm Bill legislation released last night. The Farm Bill now must be voted on by both the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Wyden worked with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to ensure their bipartisan Hemp Farming Act of 2018 was included in the final Farm Bill. The Hemp Farming Act clearly defines hemp as an agricultural commodity and removes it from the list of controlled substances. It also gives states the opportunity to become the primary regulators of hemp production, allows hemp researchers to apply for competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and makes hemp farmers eligible to apply for crop insurance. Wyden, McConnell, and Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., introduced the bill earlier this year. For too long, the outrageous and outdated ban on growing hemp has hamstrung farmers in Oregon and across the country, Wyden said. Hemp products are made in America, sold in America, and consumed in America. Now, hemp will be able to be legally grown in America, to the economic benefit of consumers and farmers in Oregon and nationwide. The legislation builds on the past successful bipartisan efforts by Wyden, who in 2014 helped legalize hemp pilot programs and in 2016, secured clarification for farmers after three federal agencies issued new guidance that conflicted with current laws governing the growing and selling of industrial hemp. The Hemp Farming Act is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, Vote Hemp, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NSCL). ### Print Email Tweet …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-leads-oregon-delegation-effort-urging-department-homeland	Blumenauer Leads Oregon Delegation Effort Urging Department of Homeland Security to Withdraw Proposed Public Charge Rule	2018-12-10	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) led five of his colleagues in the Oregon Congressional delegation in urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen to rescind her proposed changes to the definition of public charge, a longstanding component of federal immigration law. After sending the letter,Blumenauer released the following statement: This is a transparent attempt by the Trump administration toreduce legal immigration by further complicating the process for those who decide to immigrate legally to the United States.As if separating children at the border wasn't enough,people will now be penalized forapplying to programs that support their basic needs. Secretary Nielsen must withdraw this proposal. Under current immigration law, the federal government can deny entry or adjust legal permanent resident status to any individual if he or she is determined to likely become a public charge, or receive benefits considered to be cash assistance, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Under the proposed new rule, immigration officials would also consider benefits that are not cash assistance, including programs like Medicaid and SNAP.If implemented, this rule would impact nearly 300,000 people in Oregon, including more than 113,000 children, and result in worse health outcomes, increased rates of poverty and housing instability, and higher levels of food instability. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-oregon-delegation-effort-urging-department-homeland	Blumenauer Leads Oregon Delegation Effort Urging Department of Homeland Security to Withdraw Proposed Public Charge Rule	2018-12-10	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy		0	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-oregon-on-hemp-latest-farm-bill	Congressman Blumenauer Statement on Hemp Provision in Latest Farm Bill	2018-12-10	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy		0	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-blumenauer-statement-hemp-provision-latest-farm-bill	Congressman Blumenauer Statement on Hemp Provision in Latest Farm Bill	2018-12-10	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) led five of his colleagues in the Oregon Congressional delegation in urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen to rescind her proposed changes to the definition of public charge, a longstanding component of federal immigration law. After sending the letter,Blumenauer released the following statement: This is a transparent attempt by the Trump administration toreduce legal immigration by further complicating the process for those who decide to immigrate legally to the United States.As if separating children at the border wasn't enough,people will now be penalized forapplying to programs that support their basic needs. Secretary Nielsen must withdraw this proposal. Under current immigration law, the federal government can deny entry or adjust legal permanent resident status to any individual if he or she is determined to likely become a public charge, or receive benefits considered to be cash assistance, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Under the proposed new rule, immigration officials would also consider benefits that are not cash assistance, including programs like Medicaid and SNAP.If implemented, this rule would impact nearly 300,000 people in Oregon, including more than 113,000 children, and result in worse health outcomes, increased rates of poverty and housing instability, and higher levels of food instability. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-to-protect-endangered-salmon-and-steelhead-passes-senate-without-objection	Bipartisan Bill to Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead Passes Senate Without Objection	2018-12-10	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Bipartisan Bill to Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead Passes Senate Without Objection Passage of the legislation underscores the bipartisan urgency to protect ESA-listed salmon and steelhead from predatory sea lions threatening their existence Monday, December 10, 2018 Washington, D.C. Critical, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to protectEndangered Species Act (ESA) listedsalmon and steelhead from extinction has passed the Senate without objection. The entire Northwest Senate delegation, including U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR),Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID)have cosponsored S.3119, the Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act, emphasizing how critical this legislation is to the existence of salmon and steelhead inthe interconnected Northwest waterways. The House is expected to consider the bill before the end of the year. Idaho's efforts to restore populations of endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River has been significantly compromised by predatory sea lions, said Senator Risch.Passage of this legislation will help ensure vibrant, healthy populations for years to come. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill expeditiously. Wild salmon play a critical role in the economy, culture, and tribal treaty rights of the Pacific Northwest," Senator Cantwell said. "As endangered salmon face extinction, we must take steps to protect them. Science-based predation management will allow state and tribal wildlife officials to protect vulnerable salmon populations and the orcas that feed on them." Salmon are critical to Oregon's economy, culture and heritage, and it's clear that sea lions are creating a serious threat to the very survival of endangered salmon, Senator Merkley said.I'm glad we could finda bipartisan path forward to address this problem in a targeted way that enables equitable tribal management and does not materially impact sea lion populations. For too long, predatory…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-announces-19-million-grant-port-morrow	Greg Walden announces $19 million grant for Port of Morrow	2018-12-07	2018	2018-12	Republican	House	OR	Greg Walden	W000791	walden.house.gov	legacy	Greg Walden announces $19 million grant for Port of Morrow $19,414,875 grant provided by the Department of Transportation for Port of Morrow Columbia River Barge Terminal Rail Access Project WASHINGTON, D.C. --Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River) today announced that the Port of Morrow will receive $19,414,875 from the Department of Transportation through the department's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Representative Walden worked with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to secure the grant, which will be used for the Port of Morrow's Columbia River Barge Terminal Rail Access Project. I spoke with Secretary Chao this morning, and am pleased to announce that the Port of Morrow has been awarded this incredibly important grant to help expand the Port's rail network to enable rail-to-barge transloading at four marine terminals along the Columbia River. The enhancement to the Port's rail-to-barge system will enable the transloading of commodities directly between barge ships and rail cars to create cost-effective shipping options for new and existing industries at the Port. This grant is vital for the completion of a project that will help reduce transportation costs, relieve rail congestion, create jobs, and facilitate the movement of U.S. exports. I am proud to have worked with Secretary Chao and the Port of Morrow team to secure this grant funding, and look forward to the Port's successful completion to this project that will boost job growth and the local economy in our district and state. This grant is a huge boost to the Port of Morrow and the economic development of the region, said Port of Morrow General Manager Gary Neal. Greg went above and beyond advocating for us at the Department of Transportation with letters of support and working closely with Secretary Chao. I'd like to thank Greg for his help, and I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition. The Port of Morrow is Oregon's second largest port, and contributes to the economic competitiveness of …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-protect-small-businesses-from-burdensome-internet-sales-tax-collection-requirement	Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Small Businesses From Burdensome Internet Sales Tax Collection Requirement	2018-12-07	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Small Businesses From Burdensome Internet Sales Tax Collection Requirement Friday, December 7, 2018 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have introduced a bill that would prevent new red tape from being imposed as soon as Jan. 1, 2019 on small businesses as a result of the Supreme Court ruling inSouth Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. That Supreme Court ruling in June overturned precedent, letting states collect sales tax from out-of-state businesses. This new burden will hurt small businesses, which lack the resources to navigate collecting sales taxes for more than 10,000 taxing jurisdictions across the country. Small businesses in Oregon should be focused on making this holiday season their most successful one yet. Instead, owners are living in fear,Wyden said. They're thinking about what jobs they might have to cut because of compliance costs and financial burdens that await their online business in the New Year. This bill protects small businesses from cash grabs by out-of-state politicians, bans retroactive tax bills and delays outrageous collection requirements. Action by Congress is the only way to give small businesses more time to prepare for this new and disastrous internet sales tax regime. Small business owners in Oregon should be able to focus on making their businesses a success, not forced to collect a thousand different taxes for other states, said Merkley. We need to respect the will of Oregonians, and make sure our small businesses aren't ringing in the New Year by juggling burdensome new requirements. TheOnline Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Actintroduced this week would ban retroactive taxation, preventing states from imposing sales tax collection responsibilities on sellers for any sale that occurred prior to theWayfairdecision.The bill would also create an exemption for small businesses that see less than $10 million a year in total sales. Additionally, the legislation would also establish an orderly phase-in o…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-to-protect-endangered-salmon-and-steelhead-passes-senate-without-objection	Bipartisan Bill to Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead Passes Senate Without Objection	2018-12-07	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 07, 2018 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead Passes Senate Without Objection Washington, D.C. Critical, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to protectEndangered Species Act (ESA) listedsalmon and steelhead from extinction has passed the Senate without objection. The entire Northwest Senate delegation, including U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR),Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID)have cosponsored S.3119, the Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act, emphasizing how critical this legislation is to the existence of salmon and steelhead inthe interconnected Northwest waterways. The House is expected to consider the bill before the end of the year. Idaho's efforts to restore populations of endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River has been significantly compromised by predatory sea lions, said Senator Risch.Passage of this legislation will help ensure vibrant, healthy populations for years to come. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill expeditiously. Wild salmon play a critical role in the economy, culture, and tribal treaty rights of the Pacific Northwest," Senator Cantwell said. "As endangered salmon face extinction, we must take steps to protect them. Science-based predation management will allow state and tribal wildlife officials to protect vulnerable salmon populations and the orcas that feed on them." Salmon are critical to Oregon's economy, culture and heritage, and it's clear that sea lions are creating a serious threat to the very survival of endangered salmon, Senator Merkley said.I'm glad we could finda bipartisan path forward to address this problem in a targeted way that enables equitable tribal management and does not materially impact sea lion populations. For too long, predatory sea lions have been taking an unhealthy chomp out of Oregon's salmon and steelhead stocks. This bill applies a reasoned, collaborative approach to address, in a permanent…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-protect-small-businesses-from-burdensome-internet-sales-tax-collection-requirement	Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Small Businesses From Burdensome Internet Sales Tax Collection Requirement	2018-12-07	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 07, 2018 Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Protect Small Businesses From Burdensome Internet Sales Tax Collection Requirement Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have introduced a bill that would prevent new red tape from being imposed as soon as Jan. 1, 2019 on small businesses as a result of the Supreme Court ruling inSouth Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. That Supreme Court ruling in June overturned precedent, letting states collect sales tax from out-of-state businesses. This new burden will hurt small businesses, which lack the resources to navigate collecting sales taxes for more than 10,000 taxing jurisdictions across the country. Small businesses in Oregon should be focused on making this holiday season their most successful one yet. Instead, owners are living in fear,Wyden said. They're thinking about what jobs they might have to cut because of compliance costs and financial burdens that await their online business in the New Year. This bill protects small businesses from cash grabs by out-of-state politicians, bans retroactive tax bills and delays outrageous collection requirements. Action by Congress is the only way to give small businesses more time to prepare for this new and disastrous internet sales tax regime. Small business owners in Oregon should be able to focus on making their businesses a success, not forced to collect a thousand different taxes for other states, said Merkley. We need to respect the will of Oregonians, and make sure our small businesses aren't ringing in the New Year by juggling burdensome new requirements. TheOnline Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Actintroduced this week would ban retroactive taxation, preventing states from imposing sales tax collection responsibilities on sellers for any sale that occurred prior to theWayfairdecision.The bill would also create an exemption for small businesses that see less than $10 million a year in total sales. Additionally, the legislation would also establish an orderly phase-in of complian…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-praises-senate-vote-on-compact-migrants	Wyden Praises Senate Vote on “Compact Migrants”	2018-12-07	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 07, 2018 Wyden Praises Senate Vote on Compact Migrants Bipartisan bill would help Pacific Island residents in Oregon and the country to get driver's licenses Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden praised yesterday's Senate passage of a bipartisan bill clarifying that citizens of three former U.S. territories now living in the United States can qualify for important identification documents such as driver's licenses. The bill, H.R, 3398, covers more than 30,000 citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau -- including an estimated several thousand living in Oregon. The affected residents of these Pacific Island nations are often referred to as compact migrants because their nations are in a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Although compact migrants are not U.S. citizens, they are considered legal non-immigrants and don't need a visa to live and work in the United States. The Real ID Modification for FreelyAssociated States Act passed yesterday by the Senate makes a fix to the REAL ID Act of 2005 setting identification standards so that compact migrants are among those able to get state identification cards and drivers' licenses. Compact migrants contribute much to Oregon and our country, and access to driver's licenses is essential to their ability to work and raise a family, said Wyden, who wrote the original legislation in 2014. Fixing this oversight to the Real ID Act has been a longstanding interest of mine, and I'm gratified it's done at long last. The Senate's unanimous passage of the House bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) now sends the legislation to the White House. Print Email Tweet Next A…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-expected-nomination-of-william-barr-for-attorney-general	Wyden Statement On Expected Nomination of William Barr for Attorney General	2018-12-07	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 07, 2018 Wyden Statement On Expected Nomination of William Barr for Attorney General Washington, D.C.Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released the following statement on Donald Trump's announcement he will nominate William Barr to serve as Attorney General: Donald Trump is nominating a man whose writings endorse the antidemocratic notion that the president is effectively royalty, unaccountable to laws, the Constitution, or constraint by Congress. William Barr has defended the firing of FBI Director James Comey, backed Trump's calls for investigations of political rivals, supported unconstitutional surveillance of Americans, opposed Roe vs. Wade, and advocated for the use of torture. As Attorney General, he rubber-stamped pardons for key figures involved the secret, illegal sale of weapons to Iran. These views would be unacceptable under normal circumstances; when combined with Donald Trump's constant attempts to end-run the law, they are potentially disastrous. On top of his troubling history, Barr must answer questions about whether Donald Trump demanded his loyalty, or extracted promises about constraining Robert Mueller's investigation as a condition of being nominated. A failure to fully answer those questions will be disqualifying. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-urges-protection-of-text-messages-from-unreasonable-blocking-and-discrimination	Wyden Urges Protection of Text Messages from Unreasonable Blocking and Discrimination	2018-12-07	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 07, 2018 Wyden Urges Protection of Text Messages from Unreasonable Blocking and Discrimination FCC will vote next week on a proposed ruling permitting carriers to block and discriminate against lawful text messages Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden today called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to classify text messaging as a telecommunications service. During its open meeting on Dec. 12, the FCC will vote on a proposed declaratory ruling classifying text messaging as an information service, which would permit telephone carriers to block text messages to favor their own texting services and stifle free speech. In 2007, Verizon Wireless blocked mass text messages from Naral Pro-Choice America, an advocacy group supporting women's reproductive rights. Verizon argued it had the right to censor this content, deeming the messages controversial and unsavory. In recent years, several petitioners have submitted filings to the FCC detailing a series of incidents in which carriers try to force texters to pay for more expensive short code system or enterprise text messaging to reach their audience, rather than by traditional text messages. In the 21st century, text messaging is as essential as telephone service, facilitating trillions of messages between senders and receivers each year from businesses and customers, from organizations and supporters, from parents and teachers, and from doctors and patients, Wyden and nine other senators wrote in today's letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. Should text messaging be classified as an information service, telephone carriers would be free to block any text message they wish, they wrote.We urge you to right this wrong and classify text messaging as a telecommunications service, affording this vital means of communications protections that promote innovation and support freedom of speech. Joining Wyden in signing the letter are Senators Ed Mark…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/defazio-merkley-wyden-announce-major-federal-grants-for-oregon	DeFazio, Merkley, Wyden, Announce Major Federal Grants for Oregon Infrastructure	2018-12-06	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Peter DeFazio	D000191	defazio.house.gov	legacy	Congressman Peter DeFazio, expected incoming Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the 116th Congress, along with Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today announced that the federal Department of Transportation is awarding two major grants to Oregon ports. The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants will go to the Port of Morrow and the Port of Coos Bay. The Port of Morrow in Boardman, OR, will receive $19.4 million, while the Port of Coos Bay will receive $20 million, both for rail investments. This is great news for Southwest Oregon, said DeFazio, expected Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the 116th Congress. These funds will be used to improve the rail line and help major employers in the Coos Bay area get their goods to market. This is exactly the type of federal investment we need to improve our long-term economic viability and put Americans back to work rebuilding our vital infrastructure. This is huge news for Oregon's rural infrastructure, said Merkley, who has used his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fight for federal investments in Oregon's communities. These grants are a huge boost to developing the rail infrastructure we need to make Oregon's economy even more competitive in the 21st Century. This big-time investment in Oregon's ports and rail infrastructure will have a tremendous impact on the Oregonians living and working in Morrow County, as well as for Oregonians in communities along the Coos Bay Rail line from Coquille to Eugene, Wyden said. You can't have a big-league economy without big-league infrastructure, and I am gratified to have worked with the delegation to achieve these significant wins for jobs and the economy in rural Oregon. The Port of Morrow will use its funds to extend its existing rail network from the Union Pacific mainline to reach four marine terminals on the Columbia River. These enhancements would enable the transloading of commodities directl…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-brown-introduce-legislation-to-stop-government-officials-from-profiting-off-of-their-positions	Merkley, Brown Introduce Legislation to Stop Government Officials From Profiting Off of Their Positions	2018-12-06	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Brown Introduce Legislation to Stop Government Officials From Profiting Off of Their Positions The Ban Conflicted Trading Act would put a stop to inappropriate trading activities in Congress Thursday, December 6, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today introduced the Ban Conflicted Trading Act, new legislation that would prohibit members of Congress from abusing their public positions for personal financial gain. The Ban Conflicted Trading Act responds to multiple scandals in recent years in which members of Congress have been found buying and selling stocks in certain industries while at the same time crafting legislation that affects those industries. It's way past time to end conflicted trading, in which legislators and top staff trade in stocks while making decisions affecting their value. This is scandalous, said Merkley. It undermines both the integrity of governance and the perception of integrity. Let's end this corruption now! Members of Congress serve the American people, not their stock portfolios, said Brown. Elected officials have access to nonpublic information that can affect individual companies and entire industries. There must be more accountability and transparency to prevent members from using this information and abusing their positions for personal gain. The Ban Conflicted Trading Act follows two major congressional trading scandals in recent years. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Representative Chris Collins (R-NY) bought nearly $1 million in discounted shares from the Australian pharmaceutical company Innate Immunotherapeutics. Chris Collins sat on the company's board, while he and his family members owned about 20%with a personal investment worth $720,000of the company. He sat on the Health Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Commerce during that time. On August 8, 2018 Collins was arrested by the FBI, along with his son and son's father-in-law, for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securitie…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-senators-introduce-bill-to-make-public-transit-cleaner-healthier-more-affordable	Merkley, Senators Introduce Bill to Make Public Transit Cleaner, Healthier, More Affordable	2018-12-06	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Senators Introduce Bill to Make Public Transit Cleaner, Healthier, More Affordable The bill would provide zero-interest loans to purchase electric buses, reducing both emissions and maintenance costs Thursday, December 6, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Kamala Harris (D-CA), today introduced a bill that would provide transit authorities with zero-interest loans to purchase electric busescurbing emissions among the top source of greenhouse gas pollution in the United States, and cutting fleet maintenance costs by tens of thousands of dollars. Climate chaos is threatening our future, and we need to act boldly and quickly to stop it, Merkley said. Electric buses mean lower operating costs as well as better health and less pollution, but they cost more to buy. A little up-front help from the federal government turns regular transit updates into opportunities to cut down on emissions and save money. It's common sense and will help build the foundation for a greener future. Combatting climate change isn't just important; it also is good for our economy. Smith said. Beyond a smaller carbon footprint, electric buses are quieter, more efficient, produce far fewer health harming emissions, and have dramatically lower fuel costs than petroleum diesel buses. Quieter buses and no petroleum diesel smoke make our roads more pleasant for those sharing them, like bikers and pedestrians. With this bill, we're helping our cities make an upfront investment in the health of their communities. Nevada is a leader in clean energy. And I'm doing all I can to ensure that we continue to strengthen that leadership and support opportunities to create good-paying green jobs, improve the quality of the air we breathe, and help curb climate change, said Cortez Masto. This legislation will empower our local transit agencies to combat carbon emissions, improve residents' qual…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-defazio-announce-major-federal-grants-for-oregon-infrastructure	Merkley, Wyden, DeFazio Announce Major Federal Grants for Oregon Infrastructure	2018-12-06	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Wyden, DeFazio Announce Major Federal Grants for Oregon Infrastructure BUILD grants will be awarded to Port of Morrow and Port of Coos Bay Thursday, December 6, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Congressman Peter DeFazio, today announced that the federal Department of Transportation is awarding two major grants to Oregon ports. The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants will go to the Port of Morrow and the Port of Coos Bay. The Port of Morrow in Boardman, OR, will receive $19.4 million, while the Port of Coos Bay will receive $20 million, both for rail investments. This is huge news for Oregon's rural infrastructure, said Merkley, who has used his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fight for federal investments in Oregon's communities. These grants are a huge boost to developing the rail infrastructure we need to make Oregon's economy even more competitive in the 21st Century. This big-time investment in Oregon's ports and rail infrastructure will have a tremendous impact on the Oregonians living and working in Morrow County, as well as for Oregonians in communities along the Coos Bay Rail line from Coquille to Eugene, Wyden said. You can't have a big-league economy without big-league infrastructure, and I am gratified to have worked with the delegation to achieve these significant wins for jobs and the economy in rural Oregon. This is great news for Southwest Oregon, said DeFazio, expected Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the 116th Congress. These funds will be used to improve the rail line and help major employers in the Coos Bay area get their goods to market. This is exactly the type of federal investment we need to improve our long-term economic viability and put Americans back to work rebuilding our vital infrastructure. The Port of Morrow will use its funds to extend its existing rail network from the Union Pacific mainline to reach four…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/-	Merkley, Wyden, DeFazio Announce Major Federal Grants for Oregon Infrastructure	2018-12-06	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 06, 2018 Merkley, Wyden, DeFazio Announce Major Federal Grants for Oregon Infrastructure BUILD grants will be awarded to Port of Morrow and Port of Coos Bay WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Congressman Peter DeFazio, today announced that the federal Department of Transportation is awarding two major grants to Oregon ports. The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants will go to the Port of Morrow and the Port of Coos Bay. The Port of Morrow in Boardman, OR, will receive $19.4 million, while the Port of Coos Bay will receive $20 million, both for rail investments. This is huge news for Oregon's rural infrastructure, said Merkley, who has used his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fight for federal investments in Oregon's communities. These grants are a huge boost to developing the rail infrastructure we need to make Oregon's economy even more competitive in the 21st Century. This big-time investment in Oregon's ports and rail infrastructure will have a tremendous impact on the Oregonians living and working in Morrow County, as well as for Oregonians in communities along the Coos Bay Rail line from Coquille to Eugene, Wyden said. You can't have a big-league economy without big-league infrastructure, and I am gratified to have worked with the delegation to achieve these significant wins for jobs and the economy in rural Oregon. This is great news for Southwest Oregon, said DeFazio, expected Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the 116th Congress. These funds will be used to improve the rail line and help major employers in the Coos Bay area get their goods to market. This is exactly the type of federal investment we need to improve our long-term economic viability and put Americans back to work rebuilding our vital infrastructure. The Port of Morrow will use its funds…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-urge-fda-to-go-further-in-combatting-youth-tobacco-use-	Wyden, Merkley Urge FDA to Go Further In Combatting Youth Tobacco Use	2018-12-06	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 06, 2018 Wyden, Merkley Urge FDA to Go Further In Combatting Youth Tobacco Use Oregon senators say recent study showing spike in youth e-cigarette use requires swift action Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to act quickly to implement plans to ban flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes. In a letter sent this week by Wyden, Merkley and 19 other senators to FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the lawmakers also ask Gottlieb to follow the FDA's recent efforts to address rising youth e-cigarette use with additional steps. The lawmakers call for ending the marketing of all tobacco products to youth and removing from market all flavored tobacco products that have not undergone a thorough FDA review that shows they benefit public health. It is well past time to end the marketing of products that so clearly impact the health of our youth, and we urge the agency to act quickly to make good on its commitment to take them off the market once and for all, the senators wrote. It is clear flavored tobacco products are leading to a new generation of youth becoming addicted to nicotine, and we have repeatedly urged the FDA to act swiftly and strongly to end the scourge of youth tobacco use. "While the agency's planned actions on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars would generate substantial public health improvements, we remain concerned the new steps do not go far enough, especially with regard to e-cigarettes, they wrote. We therefore urge FDA to move quickly to not only ban flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes, but also to end the marketing of all tobacco products to youth and remove all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from the market until or unless they have undergone a thorough FDA review that shows they are of benefit to the public health. The letter comes after the FDA's recent announcement of new steps…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/in-the-news/us-lawmakers-challenge-rwanda-government-over-diane-rwigara	US lawmakers challenge Rwanda government over Diane Rwigara	2018-12-05	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	The Rwandan opposition politician Diane Rwigara faces up to 22 years in prison on charges of inciting insurrection and forgery. She is due to be back in court on Thursday. She denies the charges, saying they are politically motivated after she decided to run against Paul Kagame in presidential elections. Now congressional lawmakers in the US are urging the Rwandan government to reconsider her case. One of those is congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici who says that the eyes of the world are on Mr Kagame's government. the ey Now congressional lawmakers in the US are urging the Rwandan government to reconsider her case. One of those is congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici who says that the eyes of the world are on Mr Kagame's government.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-introduces-bill-for-opioid-treatment-surge	Merkley Introduces Bill for Opioid Treatment Surge	2018-12-05	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley Introduces Bill for Opioid Treatment Surge Bill levies fees on companies that flooded the market and fueled the crisis to pay for a dramatic increase in treatment Wednesday, December 5, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. In the wake of new data showing record number of opioid overdose deaths, Oregon's U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley today introduced the Opioid Treatment Surge Act to fund a big increase in treatment capacity funded by imposing fees on the drug companies that created the opioid crisis. Drug companies flooded the streets with massive quantities of opioids to enrich themselves while a generation of Americans got hooked, Merkley said. It is time for those companies to commit a portion of those profits to dramatically increase treatment capacity to address this crisis. I have heard heart-wrenching stories from Oregonians who have lost loved ones after a prescription for an injury or treatment turned into an addiction, Merkley continued. This addiction is tough enough to kick in the best of circumstances, but too often when people are looking for treatment it's not available. An enormous spike in addictions requires an enormous spike in treatment capacity, and it's only right that the companies that profited creating the problem help pay for the solutions. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that drug overdoses killed more than 70,000 Americans in 2017. That record-setting number was largely due to a staggering 45 percent increase in deaths involving opioids. In 2013, about 3,000 deaths were associated with opioids. In 2017, about 28,000 people died because of an opioid overdose. Drug companies irresponsibly fueled the opioid epidemic with overprescribing and aggressive marketing tactics. Merkley's Opioid Treatment Surge Act would require those same drug companies to pay for additional treatment to address this crisis. The bill would establish a $2 billion per year treatment surge for the next ten years, paid for by a fee on opioid manufacturers. The companies…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-calls-on-senate-colleagues-to-oppose-ferc-nominee	Wyden Calls on Senate Colleagues to Oppose FERC Nominee	2018-12-05	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 05, 2018 Wyden Calls on Senate Colleagues to Oppose FERC Nominee Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today on the Senate floor urged his colleagues to oppose the nomination of Bernard L. McNamee to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the FERC or the Commission). Video of the floor speech is available here. In his speech, Wyden expressed serious concerns over McNamee's role in developing the U.S. Department of Energy policy that would have reached into American household budgets to pad the pockets of coal and nuclear corporationsa policy so outrageous that it was rejected outright by the FERC. If Mr. McNamee takes a seat on the commission, it means that Christmas is coming early for the executives who want big, dirty energy bailouts, Wyden said. Mr. McNamee has had for some time a plan to build out and bail out some of the oldest, dirtiest plants in America, and he wants typical Americans to pay for it with higher utility rates. . . . You shouldn't sugarcoat the McNamee's plan. It's a ripoffplain and simple. Wyden announced his opposition to McNamee's nomination in November during a U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing. Wyden pressed McNamee on his concerns during that hearing. He also called on McNamee to recuse himself from any matters regarding specific rates and subsidies for coal and nuclear energy that would come before FERC if confirmed. Even if confirmed, Wyden will continue to pressure McNamee to recuse himself from these clearly conflicted issues. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-presses-justice-department-on-whitaker-benczkowski-conflicts-of-interest	Wyden Presses Justice Department on Whitaker, Benczkowski Conflicts of Interest	2018-12-05	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 05, 2018 Wyden Presses Justice Department on Whitaker, Benczkowski Conflicts of Interest Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden is asking the Department of Justice to detail its handling of the serious financial, professional, and political conflicts of interest of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, Brian Benczkowski. In a letter this week signed by 10 other senators, Wyden noted that the two officials' activities before arriving at the Justice Department present ethical concerns that agency ethics officials have not yet fully resolved and memorialized. Despite repeated requests for ethics records by members of Congress, and growing concern with the influence Whitaker and Benczkowski have over highly sensitive Justice Department work like Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, the Justice Department has not been forthcoming. To maintain the public's trust in an impartial DOJ, we urge you to provide prompt, complete, and public responses to the issues we raise, the senators wrote to the Justice Department's Assistant Attorney General for Administration and Designated Agency Ethics Official and Professional Responsibility Advisory Office. The impartiality and credibility of DOJ's leadership are of national importance. According to financial disclosures, Whitaker has accepted more than $1.2 million in compensation as executive director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), an organization that filed at least 14 complaints in recent years against Democratic politicians, and has spent thousands of dollars on contracts with conservative political attack groups. FACT has received at least $2.45 million from the secretive DonorsTrust, which has been described as the dark-money ATM for the right. Whitaker also allegedly accepted campaign donations this year while serving as a senior Justice Department official to a campaign committee he used for a 2014 run for U.S. Senate. In response to complaints by S…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-congratulates-local-students-who-won-district-s-congressional-app	Bonamici Congratulates Local Students Who Won Districts Congressional App Challenge	2018-12-04	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Suzanne Bonamici	B001278	bonamici.house.gov	legacy	BEAVERTON, OR [12/03/18] Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), a member of the House Education and Science Committees, announced that Layton Rosenfeld, Natalie Dodson, and Audrey Daniels all students at Portland's Catlin Gabel School won the Congressional App Challenge for Oregon's First Congressional District. The students' mobile phone application, JonApp, is a task management app for employees with disabilities. It was developed in partnership with a teaching assistant who has developmental disabilities and works at Catlin Gabel. The app helps users with disabilities independently transition between tasks using dictation, images, positive reinforcement, and an intuitive interface. You can watch a video of the students describing their app here. Creativity and innovation are key to our economy and essential to future economic growth, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. This year's Congressional App Challenge brought in thoughtful submissions from an impressive group of students. I congratulate Layton, Natalie and Audrey and their teammates for creating the JonApp. These insightful students have identified a significant need in our communities and developed a useful tool that could benefit people with disabilities in their daily lives. A panel of expert judges from Northwest Oregon selected the winning app. The judges evaluated the submissions for creativity, originality, user experience, and design. What's so great about this application is that the developers specifically indicate that no other applications have the functionality people with developmental and cognitive disabilities can use, said Melissa Smith, a judge and software engineer at New Relic. Ilana Davis, a judge and Director of Technology at PDXWIT, said that the JonApp is incredibly simple yet highly valuable and well executed. We designed the JonApp to help Jon, an employee of our school with cognitive disabilities, said Natalie Dodson. The JonApp helps Jon become more efficient and independent by providing the same support his job coa…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-trump-revoke-illegal-proclamation-targeting-asylum-seekers	Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Revoke Illegal Proclamation Targeting Asylum Seekers	2018-12-03	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Revoke Illegal Proclamation Targeting Asylum Seekers Letter: This cruel policy will undermine law and order in our immigration system, needlessly cause death and suffering to refugees seeking safety, and imperil our national security. Monday, December 3, 2018 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined their colleagues in calling on Donald Trump to immediately revoke an illegal Presidential Proclamation that would drastically limit the ability of refugees to claim asylum. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar recently granted a temporary restraining order blocking implementation of the Proclamation, which directly contradicts existing statute. There is overwhelming evidence that this Proclamation is plainly illegal. Our immigration statutes are clear that any individual who arrives in the United States whether or not at a designated port of arrival' may apply for asylum. Our courts have long recognized this principle, repeatedly emphasizing that asylum seekers cannot have their claims denied solely because of how they entered the country, the senators wrote in a letter to Trump on Friday. The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). A full copy of the letter can be found here. A web version of this release is available here. Print Email Tweet	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-demand-trump-revoke-illegal-proclamation-targeting-asylum-seekers	Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Revoke Illegal Proclamation Targeting Asylum Seekers	2018-12-03	2018	2018-12	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	December 03, 2018 Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Revoke Illegal Proclamation Targeting Asylum Seekers Letter: This cruel policy will undermine law and order in our immigration system, needlessly cause death and suffering to refugees seeking safety, and imperil our national security. Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined their colleagues in calling on Donald Trump to immediately revoke an illegal Presidential Proclamation that would drastically limit the ability of refugees to claim asylum. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar recently granted a temporary restraining order blocking implementation of the Proclamation, which directly contradicts existing statute. There is overwhelming evidence that this Proclamation is plainly illegal. Our immigration statutes are clear that any individual who arrives in the United States whether or not at a designated port of arrival' may apply for asylum. Our courts have long recognized this principle, repeatedly emphasizing that asylum seekers cannot have their claims denied solely because of how they entered the country, the senators wrote in a letter to Trump on Friday. The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). A full copy of the letter can be found here. Print Email Tweet Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-elected-top-republican-energy-and-commerce-committee	Greg Walden elected as top Republican on Energy and Commerce Committee	2018-11-30	2018	2018-11	Republican	House	OR	Greg Walden	W000791	walden.house.gov	legacy	Greg Walden elected as top Republican on Energy and Commerce Committee WASHINGTON, D.C. --The House Republican Steering Committee has elected Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River) to serve as the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the upcoming session of Congress. Walden today released the following statement: I thank my colleagues and am honored to have earned their support to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the next session of Congress. The Energy and Commerce Committee has broad jurisdiction over many of the issues we face in Oregon and across the West. Under my leadership, the Energy and Commerce Committee has worked in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner to advance key legislation for our district. "We've made historic strides in the fight against the opioid crisis, which takes the lives of more Oregonians than traffic accidents. We've modernized the Food and Drug Administration, to help patients in Oregon get access to the best cures and treatments available. Legislation we advanced to bridge the digital divide will help bring high-speed Internet to our district so rural communities can tap into the 21st Century economy. And we've passed into law measures that will help Oregon boost hydropower production, put old industrial sites back into active use through the EPA's Brownfields Program, and ensure people across our state have safe water to drink by upgrading our drinking water infrastructure. There is much more work to be done, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure that bipartisan success continues for Oregonians. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-calls-for-assistance-for-winegrape-growers-threatened-by-wildfire-smoke-related-losses	Wyden Calls for Assistance for Winegrape Growers Threatened by Wildfire Smoke Related Losses	2018-11-30	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	November 30, 2018 Wyden Calls for Assistance for Winegrape Growers Threatened by Wildfire Smoke Related Losses Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today urged colleagues to provide additional federal assistance for winegrape growers facing serious losses from wildfire smoke damage. In a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leadership, Wyden requested that any year-end funding bill include an extension of the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program to provide a measure of compensation for winegrape growers and other producers affected by natural disasters. Wyden also requested additional funding to support research on the effects of smoke exposure to winegrapes to help limit future losses associated with smoke exposure. Like 2017, the 2018 wildfire season subjected winegrapes to persistent exposure to heavy smoke. Many purchasers have informed growers that their smoke-tainted grapes are not acceptable for winemaking, forcing growers to leave their grapes on the vine or sell them for vastly reduced prices, Wyden wrote. Additionally, the effects of smoke exposure on winegrapes is relatively unknown, which further exacerbates the economic damage inflicted on producers during bad smoke years. Congress established the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program in the FY 2018 spending bill to assist producers, including winegrape growers affected by wildfire smoke, following a historic year for natural disasters in 2017. A full copy of the letter can be found here. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-from-rep-peter-defazio-ahead-of-planned-nafta-20-signing	Statement from Rep. Peter DeFazio Ahead of Planned NAFTA 2.0 Signing	2018-11-29	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Peter DeFazio	D000191	defazio.house.gov	legacy	Tomorrow, President Trump will sign the text of NAFTA 2.0 along with Mexico and Canada. Although the president has repeatedly and emphatically stated that he would get rid of the disastrous trade policies of the last twenty-five years, this agreement promotes many of the same damaging provisions as its predecessor. As currently written, this agreement does not truly protect American jobs, American workers, or our environment. While I'm pleased the deal addresses some long-standing issues I have fought against, including threats to U.S. highway safety, the agreement remains incomplete. The agreement contains new labor standards and protections for workers, but lacks the proper mechanisms to enforce them. Without robust enforcement of these standards, American workers will continue to suffer from the same job outsourcing inflicted upon working families by the original agreement. Furthermore, the new agreement does not address climate change and fails to require participating countries to adopt and enforce environmental protections. I remain committed to working on much-needed improvements to the agreement in order to create a trade deal that works for all Americans, not just the wealthiest.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-proposes-bill-to-slash-drug-prices	Merkley Proposes Bill to Slash Drug Prices	2018-11-29	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley Proposes Bill to Slash Drug Prices Bill prohibits drug companies from charging more than they do in other countries Thursday, November 29, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley today introduced a bill that would ensure Americans do not pay more for prescription drugs than people do in other developed countrieshelping to address a top concern among Oregonians and Americans who time and time again are facing the impossible choice between affording prescription drugs or other necessities. Americans have been ripped off by pharmaceutical companies for too long, Merkley said.The only people in this country who think drug prices aren't way too high are getting rich from drug company profits.It's time to stand up to the drug companies' lobbyists, and stand up for the Americans who right now are choosing between life-saving medicines and basic necessities.My plan is simple: drug companies sell to Americans at the same price they sell to other developed countries, or they get shut out of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Nearly a quarter of Americans who take prescription medications say they or a family member has not filled a prescription, has cut pills in half, or has skipped doses simply because of the cost. Of the 6 in 10 Americans who report taking at least one prescription medicine, 80 percent say the cost of their prescription drugs is unreasonable. And prices keep increasing: From January to July of 2018, there were price increases on 4,412 drugs and decreases on just 46. For every decrease in price, 96 other drugs become more expensive. Merkley's Low Drug Prices Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure Americans do not pay more for prescription drugs than the median price per drug in11 other countries: Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Swedenthe developed countries that,among others, sell the same prescription drugs Americans take, but often fo…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-ahead-of-nafta-20-signing	Merkley Statement Ahead of NAFTA 2.0 Signing	2018-11-29	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley Statement Ahead of NAFTA 2.0 Signing Thursday, November 29, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement ahead of the planned NAFTA 2.0 signing at the G20 summit tomorrow: For decades, NAFTA has been a disaster for American jobs and American wages. If we want to have a middle class in America, we have to make things in America. We need a fresh start and a new direction. Unfortunately, what we're getting is not so much a new direction as a NAFTA 2.0. The text that will be signed tomorrow contains some improvements, but still falls far short of a deal that will stop NAFTA's ongoing job outsourcing, environmental damage, and downward pressure on wages. We need a transformation that will put American workers back on fair footingnot a tweak and a rebranding. Without swift and meaningful enforcement provisions for labor and environmental standards, this is a raw deal for American workers. We must set our sights much higher than simply continuing the global race to the bottom at a slightly slower pace. We should be pursuing a truly fair and level playing field in trade, one with clear and enforceable labor and environmental standards, that will finally reverse outsourcing and create good jobs here in America. I'm going to keep fighting for improvements to this deal, and for the trade policies American workers need. Print Email Tweet	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-warren-gillibrand-markey-senators-introduce-bill-to-prevent-nuclear-arms-race-	Merkley, Warren, Gillibrand, Markey, Senators Introduce Bill to Prevent Nuclear Arms Race	2018-11-29	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Warren, Gillibrand, Markey, Senators Introduce Bill to Prevent Nuclear Arms Race Thursday, November 29, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley and Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), today announced the introduction of the Prevention of Arms Race Act of 2018, new legislation that would stop the United States from entering into a 21stCentury nuclear arms race. Merkley and Markey are members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Warren and Gillibrand serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee. President Trump's reckless decision to pull the U.S. out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty alienates us from our allies and risks returning us to the Cold War postures of yesterday, said Merkley. A new nuclear arms race would be costly to our treasury and dangerous for the world. Today, we are coming together to send a message: Congress must not fund new ground-launched or ballistic missiles that will fuel a dangerous arms race across the globe. Instead, President Trump should convene U.S. allies at the G-20 Summit later this week to develop a unified approach to resolve Russia's violation of the Treaty. Instead of scrapping a nuclear arms control treaty negotiated by President Reagan that makes America safer, the Trump Administration should listen to our European allies and stick to this agreement while working to get Russia back into compliance, said Warren. Withdrawing from the INF Treaty is yet another example of the Trump Administration's dangerous and costly embrace of nuclear weapons, and the Prevention of Arms Race Act would help reverse this misguided policy. An arms race would endanger the entire world and threaten every single person in our country, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure that President Trump does not start one. Now that President Trump has announced his intent to unilaterally withdraw fr…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/low-drug-prices-act	Low Drug Prices Act	2018-11-29	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Americans are being ripped off by the cost of prescription drugs. We pay the highest prices of any nation in the world, even though our taxpayers do more than any other nation's to fund groundbreaking research. Let's work to take on the pharmaceutical industry and say it's time to put PEOPLE before corporate PROFITS.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-gop-release-unexpected-tax-bill-0	Blumenauer Statement on GOP Release of New Tax Bill	2018-11-28	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Yesterday, House Republicans unexpectedly released a 297 page, end of the year tax bill they hope to move forward during the lame-duck session of Congress. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement: You would think after losing a national election, creating a blue wave, and exploding the budget deficit, Republicans would have learned that tax cuts for the wealthy and powerful are not popular. Not so. They just dropped another tax bill that does more of the same. Voters elected Democrats to actually listen to the needs of our families, especially those who struggle to pay for healthcare and their children's education. We must reject the latest Republican attempt to make the tax system worse without helping those who need help the most. It's time Congress commit to working with Americans.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-sends-wyden-merkley-earthquake-resilience-act-to-presidents-desk	Congress Sends Wyden, Merkley Earthquake Resilience Act to President’s Desk	2018-11-28	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Congress Sends Wyden, Merkley Earthquake Resilience Act to President's Desk Wednesday, November 28, 2018 Washington, D.C. The House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to improve earthquake preparedness in Oregon and nationwide. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act modernizes earthquake-safety programs that help states prepare for and respond to earthquakes. Being as prepared as we can be for natural disasters is the name of the game. When the West Coast is struck by a large earthquake it is absolutely crucial that communities be prepared, Wyden said. This legislation will help make sure communities in Oregon have the resources to be ready to protect families, businesses and infrastructure for when the big one hits. Oregonians, especially people living on the coast, know that it's just a question of time before a big earthquake hits our state, Merkley said. We've been working to prepare for that day, and this bipartisan bill helps our state take important steps forward. We can't stop an earthquake, but we have to make the smart investments now to make sure our communities get through it as safely as possible. First authorized in 1977, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) has led to significant improvements in earthquake early warning, monitoring and research. The most recent reauthorization expired in 2009. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the program for five years, enabling earthquake-prone communities to better prepare and protect themselves by minimizing losses through infrastructure improvements and hazard and risk assessments. The full text of the legislation can be viewed here. In September, the Senate unanimously passed the bill introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). It was cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.),…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-applauds-major-senate-action-to-end-americas-support-for-saudi-strikes-on-yemen	Merkley Applauds Major Senate Action to End America’s Support for Saudi Strikes on Yemen	2018-11-28	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley Applauds Major Senate Action to End America's Support for Saudi Strikes on Yemen Merkley has been a leading voice in the Senate opposing American complicity in the humanitarian crisis in Yemen Wednesday, November 28, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the Senate voted 63-37 to advance a resolution that would force the Trump Administration to withdraw U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen: It is long past time we stopped supporting Saudi Arabia in the atrocities taking place in Yemen. Already, 85,000 children have starved to death and millions more are at risk of starvation if we don't act. Today's vote sends a strong bipartisan message to Saudi Arabia that the U.S. Senate will no longer stand by and tolerate this horrifying humanitarian crisis. I hope today's vote marks a major turning point in Yemen's humanitarian catastropheone that has already cost far too many civilian lives, and one we must work urgently with the global community to end. As we pursue accountability for Jamal Khashoggi's murder and other human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, today's vote also sends an important signal that the Senate will no longer turn a blind eye to the Saudi leadership's misdeeds. Merkley has been a leading voice in the Senate opposing American munitions sales and refueling missions in support of the Saudi war efforts. He has led colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to change course, and introduced an amendment to the Pentagon's annual authorization bill calling for an end to refueling support. Print Email Tweet	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-whitehouse-introduce-bold-new-legislation-to-transition-the-us-to-100-zero-emission-vehicles	Merkley, Whitehouse Introduce Bold New Legislation to Transition the U.S. to 100% Zero-Emission Vehicles	2018-11-28	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Whitehouse Introduce Bold New Legislation to Transition the U.S. to 100% Zero-Emission Vehicles Wednesday, November 28, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)both senior members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committeetoday unveiled ambitious new legislation that would put the U.S. on the path to achieving 100% zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the coming decades. The Merkley-Whitehouse legislation, the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, builds on the movements of 10 states, including California, Oregon, Maine and New York, that have enacted state-level ZEV standards. Much like renewable energy standards, these ZEV standards require a certain percentage of new vehicles sold in the state to be vehicles that emit no carbon pollution, such as fully battery-powered electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act would, for the first time, set a comprehensive federal ZEV standard, requiring that of all new car sales in America, at least 50% be zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and ultimately, 100% by 2040. A bold national ZEV standard would put the U.S. at the forefront of the emerging electric vehicles market, positioning the U.S. to lead in innovation and manufacturing. As the National Climate Assessment spelled out in stark, disastrous detail, we have no time to waste in taking on climate chaos, said Merkley. To save our economy and our way of life, we have to aggressively reduce carbon pollution. Since transportation is currently the largest source of carbon emissions in America, we must address that challenge head-on and drive the transition to zero-emission vehicles. This will also make America a leader in clean energy vehicle innovation, positioning us to create great manufacturing jobs right here at home. The writing is on the wall: to avoid the worst of climate change, we need to transition away from fossil fuels across our economy, said Whitehouse.Our auto industry is already making some of the most exciting…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-call-on-senate-leadership-to-protect-small-businesses-from-burdensome-sales-tax-collection-requirement	Merkley, Wyden Call on Senate Leadership to Protect Small Businesses from Burdensome Sales Tax Collection Requirement	2018-11-28	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Merkley, Wyden Call on Senate Leadership to Protect Small Businesses from Burdensome Sales Tax Collection Requirement The senators joined their colleagues in calling for a ban on retroactive sales tax collection and a moratorium on collection requirements until Congress acts to protect small businesses Wednesday, November 28, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden in a letter call on Senate Leadership to take action before the end of the year to protect small businesses from red tape resulting from the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. In the wake of the ruling, many states have passed laws requiring out-of-state small businesses to start collecting sales taxes as soon as January 1, 2019. The letter, cosigned by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), requests a delay to allow more time for Congress to enact protections for small businesses and urges a ban on retroactive collection requirements. While we disagree with the decision and believe it should be overturned, we hope to work with you to, at a minimum, enact robust protections for small businesses, the senators wrote. Some states have established implementation dates as soon as January 1, 2019. As the Government Accountability Office has noted, integrating sales tax collection will require significant time and labor intensive' start-up costs for small businesses. We do not believe it is realistic to ask small businesses to have these new systems set up shortly after the holiday season, which is the busiest time of year for retailers. This is especially true in states where firms have no experience collecting sales taxes. Under South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., and without action from Congress, some small businesses in Oregon, New Hampshire, and other states without sales taxes will be forced to collect sales tax for other states. In their letter, the senators also urge Senate leadership to enact a moratorium on collection requirements and a prohibition on re…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/senator-merkley-on-cnn-new-day	Senator Merkley on CNN New Day	2018-11-28	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy		0	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/congress-sends-wyden-merkley-earthquake-resilience-act-to-presidents-desk	Congress Sends Wyden, Merkley Earthquake Resilience Act to President’s Desk	2018-11-28	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	November 28, 2018 Congress Sends Wyden, Merkley Earthquake Resilience Act to President's Desk Washington, D.C. The House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to improve earthquake preparedness in Oregon and nationwide. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act modernizes earthquake-safety programs that help states prepare for and respond to earthquakes. Being as prepared as we can be for natural disasters is the name of the game. When the West Coast is struck by a large earthquake it is absolutely crucial that communities be prepared, Wyden said. This legislation will help make sure communities in Oregon have the resources to be ready to protect families, businesses and infrastructure for when the big one hits. Oregonians, especially people living on the coast, know that it's just a question of time before a big earthquake hits our state, Merkley said. We've been working to prepare for that day, and this bipartisan bill helps our state take important steps forward. We can't stop an earthquake, but we have to make the smart investments now to make sure our communities get through it as safely as possible. First authorized in 1977, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) has led to significant improvements in earthquake early warning, monitoring and research. The most recent reauthorization expired in 2009. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the program for five years, enabling earthquake-prone communities to better prepare and protect themselves by minimizing losses through infrastructure improvements and hazard and risk assessments. The full text of the legislation can be viewed here. In September, the Senate unanimously passed the bill introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). It was cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Martin Heinri…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-crapo-lead-bipartisan-call-to-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-funding-in-year-end-legislation	Wyden, Crapo Lead Bipartisan call to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Funding in Year-end Legislation	2018-11-28	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	November 28, 2018 Wyden, Crapo Lead Bipartisan call to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Funding in Year-end Legislation WASHINGTON Citing the importance of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today led a bipartisan call with 23 of their Senate colleagues calling for a one-year reauthorization of the program in any year-end funding measures. Over the last nearly two decades, SRS has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations, the Senators wrote in their letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York), adding, Congress has an obligation to ensure counties with swaths of tax-exempt forestlands can adequately provide essential services for their residents. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that is tax-exempt. Earlier this month, Crapo and Wyden introduced stand-alone legislation to extend SRS by one year. It is hoped that Senate leadership will include that measure in its year-end funding proposal. The senators added, As we work to establish a permanent county payments solution, diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies, a short-term reauthorization of at least one year is critical to provide fiscal certainty for forested counties. The letter is also signed by Idaho Senator Jim Risch and Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, along with senators Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) Bennett (D-Colorado), Booker (D-New Jersey), Boozman (R-Arkansas), Cantwell (D-Washington), Capito (R-West Virginia), Daines (R-Montana), Feinstein (D-California)…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bill-to-save-newport-air-station	House Passes Bill to Save Newport Air Station	2018-11-27	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Peter DeFazio	D000191	defazio.house.gov	legacy	Today, the United States House of Representatives passed S. 140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, which includes language from Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR) that should keep the Newport air facility open permanently. S.140 also authorizes funding for the Coast Guard, one of the nation's five armed services, through fiscal year 2019 and supports the service's plans to recapitalize and modernize its assets to carry out its critical missions. It is impossible to overstate how critical having search and rescue helicopters nearby is to Oregon's fishing industry, coastal visitors and residents. The Newport air station handles half the emergency calls on the Central Oregon Coast and without it, people in imminent danger will have to wait for a helicopter from North Bend or Astoria to rescue them. It is imperative that the Newport air facility stay open, and I will continue to do everything I can here in Washington DC to ensure that the Newport AIRFAC continues to provide lifesaving services for future generations,said DeFazio, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and lead Democratic sponsor and negotiator in the House of Representatives on the Coast Guard Authorization Act. With today's passage of the Coast Guard reauthorization, we have been able to ensure that the air facility in Newport will continue to serve its critical mission protecting our fishing industry and visitors on the central Oregon Coast. Protecting this asset is paramount and has been a top priority of those of us in the Oregon delegation. I have been proud to partner with our coastal community back home and thank them for their tireless efforts to help make this happen, said Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR-05). 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. S. 140 includes a provision to guarantee that the Newport air facility will stay open and serve Oregon's coastal com…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-national-climate-assessment-merkley-and-colleagues-introduce-senate-resolution-endorsing-findings-of-recent-climate-change-reports-and-urging-immediate-action	Following National Climate Assessment, Merkley and Colleagues Introduce Senate Resolution Endorsing Findings of Recent Climate Change Reports & Urging Immediate Action	2018-11-27	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Following National Climate Assessment, Merkley and Colleagues Introduce Senate Resolution Endorsing Findings of Recent Climate Change Reports & Urging Immediate Action 25 senators sign Merkley resolution backing IPCC report and National Climate Assessment on the consequences of climate change Tuesday, November 27, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today introduced a Senate resolution outlining key findings of the recent Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) report and last week's National Climate Assessment. The resolution affirms the signing members' recognition and acceptance of these findings, and calls for bold action to combat climate change. Merkley was joined on the resolution by 24 of his Senate colleagues. On Oct. 8, the IPCC released a report outlining the consequences of rising global temperatures and the ways in which climate chaos will become substantially worse as the planet continues to experience pre-industrial levels of warming. The report showed that the difference between warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2 degrees Celsius is substantial, and limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is affordable, feasible, and necessary to protect people from the worst impacts of climate change. The report concludes that unless the current path of climate change is slowed, massive impactssuch as limited water supply availability, sea-ice free Arctic summers, mass die-offs of coral reefs, and intense and unprecedented heat waveswill become reality as soon as 2040. On Friday, the Trump Administration released the National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report from American climate experts throughout the federal government. Despite the Trump Administration's attempts to bury the report on Black Friday, the report has gained widespread attention for its alarming findingswhich include evidence that the U.S. is already feeling the effects of climate change, and conclusions that…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/murray-merkley-and-blumenauer-announce-new-step-forward-for-tribal-housing-plan-along-columbia-river	Murray, Merkley, and Blumenauer Announce New Step Forward for Tribal Housing Plan Along Columbia River	2018-11-27	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Jeff Merkley	M001176	www.merkley.senate.gov	legacy	Murray, Merkley, and Blumenauer Announce New Step Forward for Tribal Housing Plan Along Columbia River After lawmakers' urging, federal agencies green light funding to complete plan to address housing needs decades after construction of dam took out tribes' homes and villages on Columbia River Tuesday, November 27, 2018 (Washington, D.C.) Today, Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), joined by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) has allocated $1.8 million to complete The Dalles Dam Tribal Housing Village Development Plan, following the lawmakers' request in October 2018 to complete this critical plan. Congress already provided additional funding for the Army Corps, but needed agencies to allocate the funding to The Dalles Dam Tribal Housing Village Development Plan to allow the Army Corps to move forward. The plan is necessary to address the loss of tribal homes and villages in the 1950s due to construction of The Dalles Dam. This represents another welcome step in fulfilling the federal government's long overdue obligation to restore tribal housing and access to the Columbia River, said Sen. Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Now that the latest investment is in place, we will continue holding federal agency officials accountable to ensure that the plan is not only completed, but also carried out so tribal members get the facilities and river access they were promised more than 65 years ago. This is a critical step in righting a decades-long wrong, said Sen. Merkley. Displacing tribal nations and leaving them without safe, reliable housing is simply wrong. Ever since the construction of the Columbia River dams, the federal government has owed it to these tribes to provide the housing and infrastructure that was promised. This funding is one step closer to making good on our commitments. Moving this process forward under the Trump administration has been like pulling teeth, said Rep. Blumenauer. I'…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov//news/press-releases/wyden-heinrich-reed-introduce-bill-requiring-public-report-on-khashoggi-murder-by-saudi-arabia	Wyden, Heinrich, Reed Introduce Bill Requiring Public Report on Khashoggi Murder by Saudi Arabia	2018-11-27	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Ron Wyden	W000779	www.wyden.senate.gov	legacy	November 27, 2018 Wyden, Heinrich, Reed Introduce Bill Requiring Public Report on Khashoggi Murder by Saudi Arabia Following Conflicting Statements by Trump and Silence from IC Leaders, Wyden Bill Requires Public Assessment of Killing of Washington Post Columnist Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., introduced legislation today requiring a public report on the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, following Donald Trump's announcement that his administration will not respond to Khashoggi's killing by Saudi officials. Bowing to the Saudi government over the murder of a Washington Post columnist is unacceptable for any American president, let alone one who claims to put America first, said Senator Wyden. Donald Trump claims that we may never know' who is responsible for ordering the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. I disagree. Today I'm introducing legislation requiring a public assessment from our intelligence leaders about who is responsible for planning and executing Mr. Khashoggi's brutal murder. The United States must remain the world's voice for human rights. But right now, in the case of the brutal murder of journalist and American resident Jamal Khashoggi, this White House is attempting to cover up a murder, said Senator Heinrich. The American people deserve nothing less than the truth and transparency about any role the Saudi government played in this shameful act. That starts with ensuring the public hears directly from the intelligence community identifying who carried out or ordered Mr. Khashoggi's death. "Mr. Khashoggi was a U.S. resident and a Washington Post columnist when he was lured to his murder, and the American people deserve to know the truth. But Saudi leaders lied about his killing, and continue to engage in a cover up," said Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee and an ex officio …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-us-border-patrol-agents-firing-tear-gas-asylum	Blumenauer Statement on U.S. Border Patrol Agents Firing Tear Gas at Asylum-Seeking Migrants	2018-11-26	2018	2018-11	Democrat	House	OR	Earl Blumenauer	B000574	blumenauer.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) today released the following statement on reports that the Trump administration ordered United States Border Patrol agents to fire tear gas at a group of migrants seeking asylum at the southern border: In the last six months, Donald Trump has defended murder, befriended dictators, and put children in cages.Add the tear-gassing of migrants seeking asylum to the despicable human rights record of this administration.It's reprehensible. This is another unnecessary crisis' entirely of Trump's making. We should be treating desperate people fleeing violence with dignity and respect.It's just another black eye for Trump and sadly, the United States.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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Press releases

1,171 rows where state = "OR" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending

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