home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

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

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

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

1,128 rows where state = "OR" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

party 2

  • Democrat 1,105
  • Republican 23

chamber 2

  • Senate 602
  • House 526

year 1

  • 2025 · 1,128 ✖

state 1

  • OR · 1,128 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/ranking-member-shaheen-senators-tillis-rosen-barrasso-coons-king-moran-merkley-van-hollen-statement-on-russias-christmas-bombing-of-ukraine/ Ranking Member Shaheen, Senators Tillis, Rosen, Barrasso, Coons, King, Moran, Merkley, Van Hollen Statement on Russia’s Christmas Bombing of Ukraine 2025-12-25 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “We condemn Russia’s brutal attacks on Kherson, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk and Kryvyi Rih waged on innocent Ukrainians as they convened to mark the birth of the Prince of Peace with their loved ones and in prayer. “It bears repeating that President Zelenskyy agreed to a Christmas truce, but Putin declined, yet he directs soldiers to continue to commit brutal crimes of aggression on one of Christianity’s holiest days. “Even for countries at war, there is a long history of Christmas ceasefires, including notably during World War I. Today’s decision by Putin to launch attacks rather than hold fire is a sobering reminder for us all: Putin is a ruthless murderer who has no interest in peace and cannot be trusted. “We stand with the people of Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Kherson and Donetsk marking the birth of Christ under the most challenging of circumstances. Ukrainians’ faith is a stronger force than the evil unleashed today by the Kremlin.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/blumenthal-murkowski-merkley-lead-call-for-inspector-general-audit-following-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files-as-demanded-by-survivors-required-by-law/ BLUMENTHAL, MURKOWSKI & MERKLEY LEAD CALL FOR INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT FOLLOWING DOJ’S FAILURE TO RELEASE THE FULL EPSTEIN FILES AS DEMANDED BY SURVIVORS, REQUIRED BY LAW 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume requesting the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) perform an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential,” the senators wrote. “As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.” In addition to Blumenthal, Murkowski, and Merkley, today’s letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Gary Peters (D-MI). “Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes,” the senators concluded. “Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.” The full text of today’s letter is available here and copied below. Dear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume: We write to you following the December 19 deadline imposed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or “the Department”) to release all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. By the Department’s own admission, it is in violation of the law—before DOJ had even begun to release the f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-raise-alarm-over-loss-of-mental-health-access-in-eastern-oregon/ Wyden, Merkley Raise Alarm Over Loss of Mental Health Access in Eastern Oregon 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Senators: Trump and congressional Republicans’ budget bill threatens essential mental care for nearly 800 Malheur County residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today wrote health care providers serving Malheur County to ask how they’ll ensure nearly 800 residents keep access to the mental health services they need in the wake of new coordinated care organization (CCO) coverage changes brought on by the devastating cuts by Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to Medicaid. “We understand your organization faces unprecedented financial strain as Oregon braces for nearly $4 billion in Medicaid cuts to rural communities alone signed into law by Donald Trump as part of Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill,” the lawmakers wrote to Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. CEO Ann Ford and Eastern Oregon CCO CEO Sean Jessup. “As you manage through this calamity, We ask that you do everything in your power to maximize access to a wide range of providers, ease patient transitions, and ensure continuity of care.” “In Oregon, Malheur County stands to lose most of all. With more than half of its residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, it has the highest share among Oregon’s 36 counties,” the lawmakers continued. “Among those enrolled, the vast majority (almost 80%) are children, nearly 25% have a disability, nearly 50% are Hispanic or Latino, and more than 25% speak Spanish as their primary language. We voted against these devastating cuts to protect these very residents and providers like yourselves.” The senators asked Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI), which distributes Medicaid dollars for mental health in eastern Oregon, to answer the following questions no later than January 9, 2026: How will GOHBI manage this process to limit disruption for patients and their health care providers? What determination did GOHBI make to ensure network adequacy and sufficient access for patients? What circumstances led GOHBI to make these changes to its p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-pause-discriminatory-national-park-entry-fees Wyden, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Pause Discriminatory National Park Entry Fees 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senators express concerns over January 1 implementation — without proper notice — of $250 America the Beautiful non-resident annual passes and $100 non-resident fee for highly visited national parks Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said today he has joined colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to pause its expensive new national park entry fees and annual passes for non-residents scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Wyden and the other senators emphasized these new passes and fees were not properly noticed in accordance with the law, will slow park entry, and will further limit international visitation. In late November, the federal Department of Interior announced a new fee structure for access to public lands. Beginning next year, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. citizens and residents and $250 for non-residents, the first time the United States has required proof of residency to have access to public lands. Non-residents age 16 and up who don’t have an annual pass will be forced to pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the country’s most visited national parks. “America’s national parks serve as destinations for visitors both domestically and internationally to experience our country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history,” the senators wrote Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “While we understand that entrance and recreation fees are vital to enhancing the visitor experience, we want to ensure all feel welcome to enjoy all national treasures. Since these new fees are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, we strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike.” “We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitation are studied, and clarity on implementation is provided to Congress, NPS employees, and impacted stakeholders,” the senators wrote. The National… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-raise-alarm-over-loss-of-mental-health-access-in-eastern-oregon Wyden, Merkley Raise Alarm Over Loss of Mental Health Access in Eastern Oregon 2025-12-24 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senators: Trump and congressional Republicans’ budget bill threatens essential mental care for nearly 800 Malheur County residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today wrote health care providers serving Malheur County to ask how they’ll ensure nearly 800 residents keep access to the mental health services they need in the wake of new coordinated care organization (CCO) coverage changes brought on by the devastating cuts by Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to Medicaid. “We understand your organization faces unprecedented financial strain as Oregon braces for nearly $4 billion in Medicaid cuts to rural communities alone signed into law by Donald Trump as part of Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill,” the lawmakers wrote to Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. CEO Ann Ford and Eastern Oregon CCO CEO Sean Jessup. “As you manage through this calamity, We ask that you do everything in your power to maximize access to a wide range of providers, ease patient transitions, and ensure continuity of care.” “In Oregon, Malheur County stands to lose most of all. With more than half of its residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, it has the highest share among Oregon’s 36 counties,” the lawmakers continued. “Among those enrolled, the vast majority (almost 80%) are children, nearly 25% have a disability, nearly 50% are Hispanic or Latino, and more than 25% speak Spanish as their primary language. We voted against these devastating cuts to protect these very residents and providers like yourselves.” The senators asked Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI), which distributes Medicaid dollars for mental health in eastern Oregon, to answer the following questions no later than January 9, 2026: How will GOHBI manage this process to limit disruption for patients and their health care providers? What determination did GOHBI make to ensure network adequacy and sufficient access for patients? What circumstances led GOHBI to make these changes to its p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/dexter-concludes-first-year-senate-passage-legislation-support-veterans Dexter Concludes First Year with Senate Passage of Legislation to Support Veterans 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Maxine Dexter D000635 dexter.house.gov dexter https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper PORTLAND, OR — Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) announced that her bipartisan legislation, the Focused Assistance and Skills Training for Veterans’ Employment and Transition Success (FAST VETS) Act passed the U.S. Senate. The legislation passed out of the House in the fall and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “As someone who worked at the VA, I have seen firsthand how critical it is for veterans to have access to timely, outcomes-based support as they transition to civilian life,” said Dexter. “The FAST VETS Act ensures we are meeting veterans where they are and more efficiently connecting them with the career resources they need to succeed in civilian life. I’m grateful that in a historically divided Congress, the Senate has passed this legislation and moved it one step closer to becoming law.” "I'm thrilled to see the FAST VETS Act pass the Senate with bipartisan support," said Ranking Member Mark Takano. "This legislation represents our continued commitment to ensuring veterans receive the employment support and career counseling they've earned through their service. Strengthening the VR&E program will make a lasting difference in veterans' lives as they transition to civilian careers. I look forward to working with my colleagues and Representative Maxine Dexter to pass more legislation that safeguards the benefits and services our veterans depend on." FAST VETS Act strengthens the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program to better connect veterans with meaningful employment opportunities. If signed into law, this bill will improve outcomes for individual veterans in the VR&E program, while expanding the number of veterans who can access its critical supports. Congresswoman Dexter serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and is one of only three physicians in Congress who provided care to veterans at the VA. She serves on both the Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs. For a o… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-960881-coming-to-wasco-county-for-distance-learning Merkley, Wyden Announce $960,881 Coming to Wasco County for Distance Learning 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a federal investment of $960,881 for the Dufur School District 29 to support distance learning in Wasco County. With this funding, instructors at Portland Community College in Multnomah County, Baker Technical Institute in Baker County, Columbia Gorge Community College in Wasco County, and the Oregon Veterans Home in Wasco County will deliver technical training, STEM coursework, and certified nurse assistant training courses to three locations benefiting 655 Dufur School District 29 students. “As I hold a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, I frequently hear from folks about the challenges they are facing, especially in rural communities that have unique hurdles in accessing education and health care services,” said Merkley. “This critical investment will ensure that working families living in more remote communities will have better access to the tools and services they need to thrive.” “Distance to a city should not determine whether or not hard-working students are able to access a quality education,” said Wyden. “This grant closes that gap and ensures students in Wasco County can gain the technical skills required to expand the healthcare workforce. I applaud this federal award to Dufur School District, and I will fight for more programs like this that provide opportunities for students living in Oregon’s rural communities.” This federal funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants, which help rural communities access advanced telecommunications technology. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-janelle-bynums-first-year-office Congresswoman Janelle Bynum’s First Year in Office 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Janelle S. Bynum B001326 bynum.house.gov bynum https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper December 22, 2025 Image 2025 Video Recap Congresswoman Bynum took office at a critical point for our country, with the nation preparing to swear-in Donald Trump for the second time, our politics facing a deep partisan divide, and Americans dealing with skyrocketing costs. Through it all, her laser-focus on working across the aisle to deliver real results and to show up for her constituents has shown that she’s the right person to fight for Oregonians in Congress. As Senator Merkley put it: “From working together to lead bipartisan legislation to protect the environment to always putting Oregonians and our communities first, Rep. Bynum has been listening and securing wins during her first year in Congress. I look forward to partnering with her in 2026 and beyond to make sure Oregonians and all Americans have strong foundations to thrive.” Showing Up and Delivering for Oregon Congresswoman Bynum hosted 94,000 Oregonians at 21 town halls across Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District. She made it a top priority to ensure all of her constituents could make their voices heard, so she hosted town halls in Clackamas, Deschutes, Linn, and Marion Counties, as well as over the phone. This summer, Congresswoman Bynum traveledacross the district on her 10-stop “Give ‘Em Hell Tour”, which turned out over 42,000 constituents, in response to the Trump Administration’s cruelty and chaos. According to one constituent, “Bynum showed up and made it clear she was committed to employing every tool to fight back during these unprecedented times.” When the City of Portland became a target for the Trump Administration’s unwanted deployment of the National Guard, Rep. Bynum stood up for Oregon and called out the overreach. Immediately following the announcement, she held a town hall with over 13,000 participants to answer questions and show her support for the community. She also took the fight to national TV and social media, emphasizing that Portland didn’t ask for, need, or want troops in the city, and calling on the presiden… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-led-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-30-years-of-u-s-vietnam-relationship-passes-senate/ Merkley-led Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing 30 Years of U.S.-Vietnam Relationship Passes Senate 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—announced that his bipartisan resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the normalization of relations between the United States and Vietnam unanimously passed the Senate. Merkley led the resolution alongside U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). “Vietnam is a critical partner to the United States, and only together will we be able to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our two nations,” said Merkley.“The unanimous passage of our bipartisan resolution reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to sustaining a productive bilateral relationship, ongoing support of war legacy programs to bring closure to all who suffered in the Vietnam War, and our determination to work together to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.” As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, Merkley has long advocated for the United States’ strategic partnerships in the region, including with Vietnam. In 2023, he led a bicameral congressional delegation to Vietnam, meeting with senior Vietnamese government officials, examining the painful wartime legacy of the Vietnam conflict, and traveling to a town on the Mekong River experiencing rising sea levels due to climate chaos. Full text of the bipartisan resolution can be found by clicking here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-announce-960881-coming-to-wasco-county-for-distance-learning/ Merkley, Wyden Announce $960,881 Coming to Wasco County for Distance Learning 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a federal investment of $960,881 for the Dufur School District 29 to support distance learning in Wasco County. With this funding, instructors at Portland Community College in Multnomah County, Baker Technical Institute in Baker County, Columbia Gorge Community College in Wasco County, and the Oregon Veterans Home in Wasco County will deliver technical training, STEM coursework, and certified nurse assistant training courses to three locations benefiting 655 Dufur School District 29 students. “As I hold a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, I frequently hear from folks about the challenges they are facing, especially in rural communities that have unique hurdles in accessing education and health care services,” said Merkley. “This critical investment will ensure that working families living in more remote communities will have better access to the tools and services they need to thrive.” “Distance to a city should not determine whether or not hard-working students are able to access a quality education,” said Wyden. “This grant closes that gap and ensures students in Wasco County can gain the technical skills required to expand the healthcare workforce. I applaud this federal award to Dufur School District, and I will fight for more programs like this that provide opportunities for students living in Oregon’s rural communities.” This federal funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants, which help rural communities access advanced telecommunications technology. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warn-of-devastating-impacts-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands/ Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warn of Devastating Impacts to Ecosystems and Public Lands 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)—the top Democrat overseeing funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)—and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)—former chairman and current senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources—joined their colleagues in urging the administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the FWS, which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges, putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country—with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. According to public reports, Oregon and Washington have lost a combined 50 senior level scientists and staff. “Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the Senators wrote. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,” the Senators continued. The Senators also emphasized that operating with few… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warn-of-devastating-impacts-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warn of Devastating Impacts to Ecosystems and Public Lands 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)—the top Democrat overseeing funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)—and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)—former chairman and current senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources—joined their colleagues in urging the administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the FWS, which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges, putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country—with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. According to public reports, Oregon and Washington have lost a combined 50 senior level scientists and staff. “Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the Senators wrote. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,” the Senators continued. The Senators also emphasized that operating with few… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-applauds-the-advancement-to-delist-the-gray-wolf Congressman Bentz Applauds the Advancement to Delist the Gray Wolf 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Republican House OR Cliff Bentz B000668 bentz.house.gov bentz https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– Following Congressman Bentz (R-OR) House floor speech last week outlining the dangers posed by the unchecked growth of gray wolf populations, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of delisting the gray wolf. The passage of H.R. 845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act is an important step toward restoring common sense wildlife management and returning authority to state agencies. “Today’s vote is a long-overdue acknowledgment that the federal government’s approach to gray wolf management has failed,” said Congressman Bentz. “From my first days in Congress, I have pushed to delist the gray wolf because the consequences of inaction are being felt every day in Oregon’s Second Congressional District. Ranching families are paying the price for policies made in Washington that ignore conditions on the ground. Delisting the gray wolf is a necessary first step toward restoring balance, protecting livestock, driving down the cost of beef prices, and returning wildlife management to the state agencies best equipped to do the job. I strongly urge the Senators of Oregon and the rest of their chamber to pass this legislation.” “Oregon’s livestock producers have been hard hit economically due to predator activity. It is for this reason, the Oregon Cattleman’s Association supports the passage of HR845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act, by the house of representatives which is the first step toward the delisting of the wolf. In Oregon, delisting will be a welcome relief to producers in ¾ of the state allowing for long overdue management options under the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. The assurances this bill offers will allow for quality wolf management and protection of private property,” said Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Tammy Dennee. “Our most basic human and American rights are denied when we can’t legally take action to protect our own livestock from being harassed and killed right in front of our eyes. The current law is a form of entrapment that turns law abiding cit… 1 2026-04-12T05:43:33Z 2026-04-12T05:44:50Z
https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salinas-leads-15-colleagues-urging-usda-fairly-include-specialty-crops Rep. Salinas Leads 15 Colleagues in Urging USDA to Fairly Include Specialty Crops in Farm Aid Package 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Andrea Salinas S001226 salinas.house.gov salinas https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led 15 of her colleagues in sending a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins expressing concern that their farm aid package fails to provide adequate support for specialty crops and other agriculture sectors. The lawmakers expressed that any farm aid package must treat specialty crops with the same urgency, dignity, and commitment as row-crop producers. They continue to state that equitable assistance for all farmers and producers is essential to preserving the diversity, resilience, and sustainability of American agriculture. Click here or see below for the full letter: Dear Secretary Rollins, We write to express our concerns that the Trump Administration’s recently announced farm aid package fails to provide adequate support for specialty crops and other sectors of the agricultural economy. While we recognize the need for the $11 billion dedicated to the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program, the remaining $1 billion that may or may not go towards specialty crops, coupled with the lack of clarity surrounding eligibility, distribution, and timing, falls far short of the relief these farmers need. This level of uncertainty and the disproportionate allocation itself are unacceptable for an industry already under significant strain. Over the past year, specialty crop producers have endured severe economic hardship. Many operations have faced supply-chain disruptions, rising input costs, labor shortages, and unstable market conditions. Specialty growers also continue to operate without the same depth of risk-management tools, crop-insurance coverage, and market-stabilization support available to other sectors, leaving many more vulnerable when markets shift or disasters strike. These challenges have been severely exacerbated by the instability and uncertainty created under the Trump Administration, whose irrational tariffs and erratic behavior have disrupted foreign markets and reduced revenues for speci… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-trump-administration-breaking-the-law-by-failing-to-comply-with-epstein-files-transparency-act/ Merkley: Trump Administration Breaking the Law by Failing to Comply with Epstein Files Transparency Act 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—the lead Senate sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act—issued the following statement after the Trump Administration indicated it would only release part of the Epstein Files, a violation of the law he championed: “The Trump Administration has had almost one year since Trump returned to office to appropriately redact the Epstein Files to prepare them for release. Instead of meeting the legally required deadline today to release all of the files, they have chosen to illegally disregard the law I led the fight in the Senate to pass. By failing to comply, the Administration is openly denying ‘equal justice under the law’ to all of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. “It is beyond unacceptable that Donald Trump would side with the rich and powerful to help cover up the abuse of our most vulnerable. I’ll keep fighting to release all the Epstein Files and am exploring all avenues and legal tools to get justice for the victims and transparency for the American people.” Earlier this month, Merkley led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to demand a briefing from Attorney General Pam Bondi on the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and fully release the Epstein Files by December 19, 2025. In response to the Trump Administration’s failure to provide said briefing, he teamed up with New Mexico’s U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján—who co-led the Senate introduction of the Epstein Files Transparency Act with Merkley—to block over 90 pending civilian nominations before the Senate from being carried over to the new session of Congress. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-announce-2-2-million-in-federal-support-for-coastal-erosion-work-in-lincoln-county/ Merkley, Wyden Announce $2.2 Million in Federal Support for Coastal Erosion Work in Lincoln County 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Funds will support MidCoast Watersheds Council’s work in Siletz and Yaquina Estuaries Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is awarding $2,210,835 to the MidCoast Watersheds Council to restore 125 acres of tidal wetlands and 6.2 miles of stream channels across Oregon’s Siletz and Yaquina estuaries in Lincoln County to enhance habitat for salmonids and buffer communities from storm surge. Tidal wetlands on Oregon’s central coast are increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, flooding, drought, and degraded water quality. The project will reduce flood risk and enhance sediment retention for local communities through floodplain reconnection, fish passage improvements, native plant and tidal channel restoration, large wood placement, and native Olympia oyster reef reestablishment. “The health of Oregon’s estuaries is vital to our state’s ecosystems and communities,” said Merkley, who serves as the top Democrat on the spending subcommittee that oversees funding for NFWF. “This critical federal funding along with strong matching support will leverage MidCoast Watersheds Council’s work in restoring tidal wetlands and reducing risk to the community at the same time.” “As extreme weather continues to disrupt fragile coastal ecosystems, Oregon’s coastal communities suffer,” said Wyden. “I applaud this federal award to the MidCoast Watersheds Council that improves the resilience of Oregon’s Siletz and Yaquina estuaries, and I will continue to support programs that protect communities from the worsening effects of the climate crisis.” “The degradation of tidal wetlands has not only negatively affected our beloved and economically important fish and wildlife species, including our resident Chinook, coho, and chum salmon, but it has made coastal residents more vulnerable to storms, sea level rise, and coastal flooding. Restoring and protecting tidal wetlands not only helps all these critters, but everyone who lives, visits, o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-colleagues-celebrate-srs-reauthorization-for-rural-oregon-counties/ Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Celebrate SRS Reauthorization for Rural Oregon Counties 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today celebrated the signing of their bipartisan Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act into law, reauthorizing funding for the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through FY 2026 and providing lapsed payments to counties in Oregon and nationwide for FY 2024 and 2025. “The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline for rural communities across Oregon and nationwide since I originally authored the program back in 2000. I’m grateful we were able to get our legislation over the finish line to restore funding for communities that need it the most,” Wyden said. “This lapse in funding is exactly why we need a permanent solution to get rural communities off the financial rollercoaster and ensure they have the support they need to not just survive, but thrive.” “With our bipartisan bill now law, the federal government has finally taken action to restore funding that is crucial to keeping schools open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep rural communities safe,” Merkley said. “Extending the SRS program ensures Oregon communities and local governments can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources.” SRS expired in FY 2023, and the last payment from the program went out in calendar year 2024. As a result of the expiration, counties have reverted back to the 1908 and 1937 revenue sharing laws. This has meant counties have only received 25% from the Forest Service and 50% from the Bureau of Land Management of all revenue generated on federal lands in those counties since 2024, resulting in diminished funding for critical resources like law enforcement, schools, roads, and more. The reauthorization means an estimated $75 million for the 33 Oregon counties that receive SRS payments. SRS was authored by Wyden and enacted in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands. The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-22-million-in-federal-support-for-coastal-erosion-work-in-lincoln-county Merkley, Wyden Announce $2.2 Million in Federal Support for Coastal Erosion Work in Lincoln County 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Funds will support MidCoast Watersheds Council’s work in Siletz and Yaquina Estuaries Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is awarding $2,210,835 to the MidCoast Watersheds Council to restore 125 acres of tidal wetlands and 6.2 miles of stream channels across Oregon's Siletz and Yaquina estuaries in Lincoln County to enhance habitat for salmonids and buffer communities from storm surge. Tidal wetlands on Oregon's central coast are increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, flooding, drought, and degraded water quality. The project will reduce flood risk and enhance sediment retention for local communities through floodplain reconnection, fish passage improvements, native plant and tidal channel restoration, large wood placement, and native Olympia oyster reef reestablishment. “The health of Oregon’s estuaries is vital to our state’s ecosystems and communities,” said Merkley, who serves as the top Democrat on the spending subcommittee that oversees funding for NFWF. “This critical federal funding along with strong matching support will leverage MidCoast Watersheds Council’s work in restoring tidal wetlands and reducing risk to the community at the same time.” “As extreme weather continues to disrupt fragile coastal ecosystems, Oregon’s coastal communities suffer,” said Wyden. “I applaud this federal award to the MidCoast Watersheds Council that improves the resilience of Oregon’s Siletz and Yaquina estuaries, and I will continue to support programs that protect communities from the worsening effects of the climate crisis.” “The degradation of tidal wetlands has not only negatively affected our beloved and economically important fish and wildlife species, including our resident Chinook, coho, and chum salmon, but it has made coastal residents more vulnerable to storms, sea level rise, and coastal flooding. Restoring and protecting tidal wetlands not only helps all these critters, but everyone who lives, visits, o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-colleagues-celebrate-srs-reauthorization-for-rural-oregon-counties Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Celebrate SRS Reauthorization for Rural Oregon Counties 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today celebrated the signing of their bipartisan Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act into law, reauthorizing funding for the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through FY 2026 and providing lapsed payments to counties in Oregon and nationwide for FY 2024 and 2025. “The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline for rural communities across Oregon and nationwide since I originally authored the program back in 2000. I’m grateful we were able to get our legislation over the finish line to restore funding for communities that need it the most,” Wyden said. “This lapse in funding is exactly why we need a permanent solution to get rural communities off the financial rollercoaster and ensure they have the support they need to not just survive, but thrive.” “With our bipartisan bill now law, the federal government has finally taken action to restore funding that is crucial to keeping schools open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep rural communities safe,” Merkley said. “Extending the SRS program ensures Oregon communities and local governments can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources.” SRS expired in FY 2023, and the last payment from the program went out in calendar year 2024. As a result of the expiration, counties have reverted back to the 1908 and 1937 revenue sharing laws. This has meant counties have only received 25% from the Forest Service and 50% from the Bureau of Land Management of all revenue generated on federal lands in those counties since 2024, resulting in diminished funding for critical resources like law enforcement, schools, roads, and more. The reauthorization means an estimated $75 million for the 33 Oregon counties that receive SRS payments. SRS was authored by Wyden and enacted in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands. The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-warren-press-trump-administration-over-compass-anywhere-real-estate-merger-sound-alarm-on-impact-to-housing-costs Wyden, Warren Press Trump Administration Over Compass-Anywhere Real Estate Merger, Sound Alarm on Impact to Housing Costs 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper As Americans face a housing affordability crisis, key Democratic Senators warn that merger could increase housing costs Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., today sent a series of letters to the Trump administration, pressing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to closely scrutinize the proposed $1.6 billion merger between real estate brokerage giants Compass, Inc. (“Compass”) and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc. (“Anywhere”), over concerns the merger could drive up housing costs. "The Compass-Anywhere merger threatens to stifle consumer choice and fair industry competition while entrenching existing antitrust and price manipulation concerns that have been at the center of mounting litigation. These risks demand close scrutiny under federal antitrust laws,” the lawmakers wrote to Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson. The senators also highlighted housing discrimination concerns. Compass has driven an industry shift towards private listing practices, also known as pocket listings, that are not made available to every agent or consumer. Experts find that pocket listings may perpetuate housing discrimination prohibited under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, and make potential discrimination harder to detect. These practices also hurt homeowners by limiting the pool of potential buyers and diminishing their earnings on home equity. “Allowing Compass and Anywhere to merge is likely to significantly expand the use of these private exclusives, posing both antitrust and civil rights concerns,” the lawmakers continued. “[I]t is clear that a Compass-Anywhere merger, which comes on the coattails of the Rocket-Redfin merger announcement, will only perpetuate the industry’s race to the bottom and further consolidate market control that weakens consumers’ fair and open access to real estate listings.” Additionally, the merger could weaken small… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-schrier-introduce-bill-improve-food-bank-storage Bonamici, Schrier Introduce Bill to Improve Food Bank Storage 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov bonamici https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC [12/18/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) introduced legislation to help food banks and other emergency food organizations make needed infrastructure updates to better serve their communities. The Supporting Transportation Organization and Refrigeration Expansion (STORE) Act would update The Emergency Food Assistance Program’s (TEFAP) Infrastructure Grant program to provide additional infrastructure and outreach resources to food banks, soup kitchens, and food pantries serving rural and underserved populations. “For years food banks have provided a lifeline for individuals, families, and children facing hunger,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I have heard from food banks in NW Oregon that sometimes they have to limit the number of people they can serve because of insufficient storage. I’m introducing the STORE Act to provide emergency food organizations with the resources they need to upgrade infrastructure, including refrigerators and freezers, so they can serve more people.” "Meeting the infrastructure needs of local food banks is essential to ensuring that members of our community have access to the nutrition they need," said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. "This legislation strengthens TEFAP by making a much-needed and long-overdue investment in its infrastructure grant program and will be a huge win for our communities' battle against food insecurity and a win for our farmers." To combat hunger and address overdue infrastructure needs, the STORE Act would: Update the TEFAP Infrastructure Grants program through Fiscal Year 2030 and increase annual funding by $10 million; Include mobile and home delivery options and assessments of outreach activities as allowable activities; Align the structure of the TEFAP Infrastructure Grants program with the TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Initiative by distributing funds through state TEFAP agencies; Direct USDA to issue a report on cold storage needs for all emergency food organizations na… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyle-lawler-dingell-fitzpatrick-introduce-saw-act-to-ban-snowmobile-based-wolf-hunting-on-federal-lands Hoyle, Lawler, Dingell and Fitzpatrick Introduce SAW Act to Ban Snowmobile-based Wolf Hunting on Federal Lands 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Val T. Hoyle H001094 hoyle.house.gov hoyle https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) introduced the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons (SAW) Act, bipartisan legislation that would make it plainly illegal to use a motor vehicle to intentionally hurt or kill wolves and other species on federal land. The SAW Act establishes clear federal penalties for using vehicles as weapons against wildlife, while preserving an exception for situations involving imminent danger to human life. “At a time when the House is taking up problematic legislation to remove federal protections for gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act, it’s more important than ever to stand up for responsible stewardship of our public lands and wildlife,” said Congresswoman Hoyle. “This bipartisan legislation shows we can work through thoughtful policy debates on conservation and wildlife management without condoning cruel and dangerous practices that threaten animals and public safety.” “Using motor vehicles as weapons against wildlife has no place on our federal lands. This legislation makes clear that intentionally harassing, hunting, or killing animals with motor vehicles is unacceptable and will be met with serious consequences. The SAW Act protects both public safety and wildlife while allowing for common-sense exceptions for self-defense,” said Congressman Lawler. “Our public lands are places where wildlife, especially endangered species like wolves, are federally protected. Anyone who uses a motor vehicle to intentionally harm or kill wildlife on public lands must be held accountable. I’m proud to co-lead this commonsense bipartisan legislation to uphold protections for wildlife to live safely on public lands,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I take seriously our responsibility to ensure wildlife on federal lands is protected under clear and enforceable law. The SAW Act clarifies federal standards by prohibiting the intentional use of m… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyle-secures-passage-of-columbia-river-clean-up-act-in-committee Hoyle Secures Passage of Columbia River Clean-Up Act in Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Val T. Hoyle H001094 hoyle.house.gov hoyle https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) today announced the successful passage of the Columbia River Clean-Up Act in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, marking an important step forward in the effort to protect the health, economy and communities of the Pacific Northwest. “I am grateful that this bill passed with bipartisan support and is moving forward from the committee,” Rep. Hoyle said. “It is crucial that we reauthorize this program to ensure stable funding for community partners to make meaningful progress on the rehabilitation of the Columbia River, and I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill to the House floor for a full vote.” The Columbia River Clean Up Act would reauthorize the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program, which was created by U.S. Senator Merkley in 2016 to focus federal attention on reducing toxics and pollution through voluntary efforts in the Columbia River Basin. However, funding for the program is set to expire next year. The Columbia River Clean-Up Act would ensure the program can be funded for another five years, through 2030. Senator Merkley introduced the Senate version of this legislation, and it is co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) Background The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program: 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andrea-salinas-delivers-remarks-condemning-legislation-will-jeopardize Rep. Andrea Salinas Delivers Remarks Condemning Legislation that will Jeopardize LGBTQ+ Youth Access to Health Care 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Andrea Salinas S001226 salinas.house.gov salinas https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) delivered remarks on the House Floor in opposition of the Protect Children’s Innocence Act. During her remarks, Rep. Salinas highlighted the detrimental effects that this will have on the youth mental health crisis. Rep. Salinas voted in opposition to the legislation. Image Click here to watch Rep. Salinas’ full remarks. A transcript of Salinas’ floor speech is available below: Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this disgusting bill that does nothing to protect children's innocence. It endangers parents, health care providers, and children. It allows health care providers and parents to be fined and possibly jailed if they help a minor access lifesaving care, and it permits federal law enforcement to act as the “national gender police”, allowing them to invade children's private medical records. This bill puts even more children in harm's way and exacerbates the mental health crisis that our young people are facing, because it stops them from actually receiving the care that they need right now. Madam Speaker, why is our focus on this when what I'm hearing from constituents is that Republicans are falling short in addressing the cost of groceries, health care, and housing? To my Republican colleagues, why not focus on the issues that will impact millions of families who are just one paycheck away from homelessness or losing their health care, instead of waging a war on children's genitals? What is this unhealthy obsession? Let's end it today by voting no on H.R. 3492. I yield back. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/alsobrooks-cramer-merkley-curtis-introduce-legislation-to-reauthorize-wildlife-crossings-program/ ALSOBROOKS, CRAMER, MERKLEY, CURTIS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REAUTHORIZE WILDLIFE CROSSINGS PROGRAM 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “The Wildlife Crossings Program at the Federal Highway Administration provides a unique opportunity to protect both our wildlife and our drivers – it is a true win-win. I am proud of the ongoing work in Maryland to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions across our state and look forward to supporting Maryland’s efforts by reauthorizing this important program. I want to thank Senators Cramer, Merkley, and Curtis for their partnership on this legislation,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Wildlife Crossings Program to better protect people and animals from the dangers of vehicle collisions, especially in rural states like North Dakota where the two frequently cross paths,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill reauthorizes and expands the program to support infrastructure projects directly aimed at improving roadway safety. I’m grateful to Senator Alsobrooks for her leadership of this bipartisan effort, which will benefit critters and communities across the nation.” “Wildlife crossings safeguard wildlife and protect drivers from dangerous collisions and costly damages to their vehicles,” said Senator Merkley. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Congress made a once-in-a-generation investment in these crossings, supercharging projects such as the I-5 wildlife crossing in Southern Oregon. Federal investments like this ensure we can continue to build on this progress for years to come.” “In Utah, we’ve long understood that protecting our natural heritage and keeping people safe go hand in hand,” said Senator Curtis. “The Wildlife Crossings Program is a smart, science-backed solution that reflects those values, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in the effort to reauthorize this important program.” “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is excited to see Senators Alsobrooks, Cramer, Curtis, and Merkley introduce the bipartisan Wildlife Crossings Program Reauthorization Act. There are an estimated 1 to 2 million wildlife vehicle collisio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/cantwell-and-merkley-lead-senate-democrats-in-demanding-answers-on-nists-unauthorized-dismantling-of-the-manufacturing-extension-partnership-program/ Cantwell and Merkley Lead Senate Democrats in Demanding Answers on NIST’s Unauthorized Dismantling of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Senators call on NIST to reverse course and fund MEP Centers nationwide, which provide critical services to over 600,000 American manufacturers WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, led 27 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter demanding Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology Craig Burkhardt provide clear answers to why the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been withholding and delaying congressionally-approved funds to the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program’s Centers and why the Administration has repeatedly insisted MEP is inconsistent with their priorities. The MEP Program is a national network of go-to experts that help small and medium-sized manufacturers enhance productivity and adopt advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. “On April 1, 2025, the Administration began withholding and delaying funds Congress already enacted and appropriated for MEP Centers,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Burkhardt. “Since then, NIST and the Administration have put the future of the MEP Program in deep uncertainty with its ever-shifting chronology of statements and actions. This uncertainty has already caused roughly 90% of MEP Centers to conduct layoffs or freeze hiring, with some at risk of entirely shutting down. Our offices are also deeply troubled by reports that the Administration has issued Reduction in Force (RIF) and possible separation notices to every MEP employee. These actions disregard Congress’s explicit statutory direction to fully fund the MEP Program and its Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.” These actions come despite longstanding broad, bipartisan support from Congress, and the fact that both the House and Senate Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bills provide $175 million for MEP… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-baldwin-booker-41-senators-no-new-anti-lgbtq-anti-abortion-provisions-in-must-pass-government-funding-bills/ Merkley, Baldwin, Booker, 41 Senators: No New Anti-LGBTQ+, Anti-Abortion Provisions in Must-Pass Government Funding Bills 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “Partisan, discriminatory, and harmful policy riders have no place in must-pass legislation such as appropriations bills” Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, Wisconsin’s U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, and New Jersey’s U.S. Senator Cory Booker led a group of over 40 Senators to urge Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) to keep any new dangerous, hyper-partisan policy provisions that would curtail the freedoms of women and LGBTQ+ individuals out of must-pass government funding legislation. House Republicans have inserted more than 65 so-called ‘poison pill’ provisions targeting abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, which would otherwise fail the scrutiny of congressional debate, into critical government funding bills that require broad, bipartisan consensus to pass. Over the last two years, Merkley, Baldwin, and Booker have continuously and successfully led the Senate Democratic Caucus to keep any new anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion policy provisions from being included in must-pass government funding legislation. Merkley, Baldwin, Booker, and 41 Senators write, “Dangerous poison pill provisions like those included in the FY26 House appropriations bills will severely undermine Congress’ ability to push forward must-pass legislation and keep the government open and working for the American people. As such, we urge you to reject these extremist riders from the remaining final FY26 appropriations bills.” In addition to Merkley, Baldwin, and Booker, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-leads-senate-resolution-denouncing-horrors-of-authoritarianism/ Merkley Leads Senate Resolution Denouncing ‘Horrors of Authoritarianism’ 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a new resolution condemning authoritarianism in all its forms and opposing the implementation of authoritarian policies in the United States of America. The resolution continues Merkley’s work to sound the alarm bells over what he has called the “authoritarian slide” both here in the U.S. and around the world. His effort highlights how authoritarian governments—including Russia and Venezuela—have consolidated executive power at the expense of individual freedom. Merkley’s resolution emphasizes that “most modern democracies do not die at the hands of armed militias, but instead at the hands of elected officials who erode the separation of powers to tighten their authoritarian grip.” “The authoritarian takeover of the United States of America is not around the corner—it is here right now,” said Merkley. “We have all three ingredients for a strongman state: a rubber-stamp Congress doing the President’s bidding, a deferential Supreme Court delivering more and more power to the Executive Branch, and a power-hungry President behaving like a king. Authoritarians are not new—they’ve been following this playbook to weaken democracies around the world, and now, Donald Trump is using this playbook here to dismantle our democratic institutions right before our eyes. We will keep ringing the alarm bells.” Merkley’s resolution follows his speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate earlier this year to speak directly to the American people and ring the alarm bells about the Trump Administration’s authoritarian takeover of the country. He spoke for 22 hours 37 minutes—the third longest speech in Senate history. Merkley’s resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). Full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-now-is-the-time-for-bipartisan-action-on-commonsense-cannabis-reforms/ Merkley: Now is the Time for Bipartisan Action on Commonsense Cannabis Reforms 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—the lead sponsor of the bipartisan SAFER Banking Act—issued the following statement in response to President Trump announcing that he has signed an Executive Order directing the U.S. Department of Justice to complete the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, a change that would open the door to medical research and treatment: “Cannabis rescheduling is a step in the right direction, allowing medical research and legal cannabis businesses to be appropriately taxed on their net profits. But this change from Schedule I to Schedule III still leaves these cannabis businesses in violation of criminal law because the production and use of cannabis for non-medical purposes remain a federal crime. As such, these legal businesses are still prevented from accessing the banking system. “That remains a huge problem, encouraging all sorts of criminal activities, including robberies of cannabis businesses operating in all cash, false accounting, money laundering, and organized crime. That’s why we still need to pass the bipartisan SAFER Banking Act, which during his campaign, President Trump urged Congress to send to his desk. “I will continue to push for fully descheduled cannabis—which is essential to addressing the harms perpetuated by the War on Drugs and the criminalization of cannabis on communities of color—and work with both Republicans and Democrats to advance common-sense cannabis reforms for banking services and medical treatment.” Merkley has been a fierce and longtime leader advocating for sensible cannabis reform and cannabis business laws. He is the lead sponsor of the SAFER Banking Act, which would ensure that state-legal cannabis businesses would have access to critical banking and financial services. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has also led the fight for over a decade for veterans to be able to discuss medical cannabis programs with their doctors at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-blast-trump-fcc-for-weakening-consumer-broadband-protections-raising-costs Wyden, Colleagues Blast Trump FCC for Weakening Consumer Broadband Protections, Raising Costs 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper A new FCC rule gives internet providers the green light to charge hidden fees Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reverse its decision to weaken broadband pricing labeling rules that inform consumers about the types of internet services they are buying before committing to a provider. “The broadband label framework was designed to work like nutrition labels, giving consumers a clear, consistent way to understand what services they are buying before they commit,” the senators wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. “The entire purpose of the broadband label is to show consumers the real, total cost of service so that they can make informed choices. Allowing providers to bundle these fees into vague line items recreates exactly the kind of billing opaqueness that Congress sought to end. Families need to see what they are being charged and why.” These broadband consumer label requirements were unanimously adopted in 2022. Congress gave the FCC explicit instructions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to create these labels showing speeds, costs, and data allowances of internet plans. This FCC proposal reduces broadband consumer transparency by allowing internet service providers to remove the price listed of active plans in customer accounts, cut off phone support on pricing, and limit labels in various languages. Wyden has been a longtime advocate in making broadband accessible and affordable. In October 2025, Wyden signed onto a similar letter on the FCC’s vote to advance these changes that would weaken consumer broadband protections. As a result of Wyden’s advocacy to correct inaccuracies in the National Broadband Map, the Department of Commerce under the Biden administration in 2023 announced $689 million to expand access to broadband internet to Oregon’s rural and underserved communities. In August 2025, Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced more than $2.2 million for rural broadband technical assistance across Oregon… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-increase-transparency-of-supreme-court-shadow-docket-decisions Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Increase Transparency of Supreme Court Shadow Docket Decisions 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to introduce legislation to increase transparency of decisions on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket, also known as the “shadow docket,”a backdoor way for the Supreme Court to hand down consequential rulings with limited public argument or transparency. “Trump’s hand-picked Supreme Court is increasingly relying on the shadow docket to legislate from the bench to push a far-right agenda,” Wyden said. “As the Trump administration has pushed the boundaries of institutions and trampled on due process, the court has relied on these covert rulings to hand down some of its most consequential decisions with real world impacts, leaving the American people entirely in the dark about how the rulings came to be. This legislation would help restore much-needed transparency and accountability to the most powerful court in our nation.” The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act requires the Supreme Court to provide a written explanation for shadow docket decisions and a vote count detailing how each Justice voted on the decision, promoting public understanding and consistency in judicial decision making. The Supreme Court has increasingly relied on the shadow docket—making decisions on short notice without oral argument or any legal explanation of the Court’s reasoning. The Court has utilized the shadow docket to make decisions on a number of wide-ranging, highly consequential cases, including the September 8, 2025 decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo. The decision allows ICE agents to stop and arrest individuals based on their appearance, the language they speak, where they live, and what they do for work. The bill was led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and U.S. Representative Deborah Ross, D-N.C. In addition to Wyden, the bill was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker, D-N.J., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Chuck Schumer, D-N.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-cannabis-rescheduling Wyden Statement on Cannabis Rescheduling 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement on Donald Trump’s executive order to reschedule cannabis from a schedule I drug to a schedule III: “This is just a half step that doesn't include legalization, doesn't put the nascent industry on stronger footing, and doesn't do anything for the many Black and Latino Americans who are behind bars for the kind of cannabis use that millions of Americans engage in freely every day,” Wyden said. “I'll continue pushing to pass my Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act into law, which would legalize cannabis at the federal level and right the wrongs of the failed War on Drugs.” Wyden’s Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would end the federal prohibition of cannabis while implementing strong consumer protections. The legislation was co-authored by Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Cory Booker, D-N.J. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-announces-winner-oregons-first-congressional-districts-2025 Bonamici Announces Winner of Oregon’s First Congressional District’s 2025 Congressional App Challenge 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov bonamici https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper BEAVERTON, OR [12/17/25] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici announced that Dhruv Singh, a Junior at Westview High School, won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Oregon’s First Congressional District. His app, ReinforceLearn, teaches people the basics of reinforcement learning, an AI method where systems learn by trial and error using rewards. This approach helps machines make smart, independent decisions and is changing how technology is built. “The Congressional App Challenge empowers students to identify challenges and then use creative and tech skills to solve them,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “It was inspiring to see the variety of thoughtfully executed apps responsive to issues facing society today. Congratulations to Dhruv, whose work on educating his peers about reinforcement learning is an important step in giving young people the tools they need to successfully use emerging technologies.” “Through my own personal learning struggles and experience, I created ReinforceLearn to aid young students in their pursuit of the future of AI, Reinforcement Learning,” said Dhruv Singh. “Much of learning AI and Reinforcement Learning is difficult to grasp due to all the complex formulas, concepts, and coding involved. My platform aims to remove these barriers and provide students with an interactive and simplified way of learning. Through ReinforceLearn, I hope to fuel curiosity and inspire the next generation with the essential expertise to shape and innovate the future of intelligence systems.” You can view a video presentation of the app here. Judges gave an honorable mention to Lincoln High School juniors Brian Wei & Siddharth Modha. Their app, Preparedness & Response for Emergency Planning (PREP), helps people prepare for natural disasters and stay safe by showing real-time weather and wildfire alerts and nearby hospitals and shelters on a map. It also provides directions and real-time weather and wildfire alerts to keep users safe. A panel of expert judges from Northwest Oregon selected the winner an… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-advances-bipartisan-housing-bill-out-financial-services-committee Bynum Advances Bipartisan Housing Bill Out of Financial Services Committee 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Janelle S. Bynum B001326 bynum.house.gov bynum https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) advanced the bipartisan, bicameral Accelerating Home Building Act, as part of a broader package, through the Financial Services Committee, marking a key step on the process to becoming law. The bill will help build more and lower the cost of housing in Oregon and across the country. This bill is co-led by Congressmen Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and is the fourth bipartisan bill Rep. Bynum has advanced through the committee. “Housing has been a day-one priority for me,” said Rep. Bynum. “I’m proud that this bill to build more housing and lower costs is one step closer to becoming law. I’ll partner with anyone to get it done for Oregon’s Fifth, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver results for our small businesses.” Background: In a recent study of housing affordability and homebuilding, Oregon earned an ‘F,’ ranking 45th out of the 50 states. It is estimated that Oregon will likely need to build over 140,000 single-family homes by 2030 to meet demand. Moreover, delays caused by complex and restrictive permitting processes and other regulatory burdens have resulted in a nationwide housing shortage of nearly 5 million homes. Nationwide, communities are investing in a process called pattern zoning, in which architects and local governments develop pattern books full of pre-approved, standardized plans and designs. This bipartisan bill would establish a grant program to fund the creation of these pattern books, speeding up the permitting and home building process and lowering costs for home-buyers. Specifically, this legislation would: Establish a pilot HUD-administered grant program to fund the creation of pattern books with a focus on missing middle and infill construction; and Provide set-asides for rural communities and prioritize high-opportunity areas and localities working to reduce barriers to housing development. This legislation was also introduced… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/dexter-speaker-johnson-get-out-way-and-call-vote-today Dexter to Speaker Johnson: “Get out of the way and call a vote today.” 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Maxine Dexter D000635 dexter.house.gov dexter https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, at a press conference with the Democratic Women’s Caucus, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), called on Speaker Mike Johnson to hold a vote to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits before sending Congress home for the year. This comes as four House Republicans joined Democrats in using a procedural move known as a discharge petition to force a vote on the House floor within seven legislative days. “I did not spend 20 years saving lives in the intensive care unit to come to Congress and sit back while Republicans strip healthcare coverage from millions,” said Dexter.“Despite a majority of the House supporting a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits, Mike Johnson is standing in the way of the will of the people. My message is simple: get out of the way and call a vote today.” Watch Dexter’s remarks from this morning’s press conference here. If Speaker Johnson refuses to extend ACA tax credits before the end of the year, health insurance costs will skyrocket for at least 22 million Americans, including 111,000 Oregonians. This comes just months after Republicans cut federal Medicaid funding by $1 trillion to fund tax breaks for billionaires. ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-salinas-harshbarger-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-mental-health Reps. Salinas, Harshbarger Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Mental Health Telehealth Services for Rural Americans 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Andrea Salinas S001226 salinas.house.gov salinas https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) reintroduced the bipartisan Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act. Their legislation would expand access to telehealth services, including mental health and substance use care, for rural Americans who continue to face barriers to in-person care, especially for individuals working in the farming, fishing, and forestry industries. “In Oregon and across the country, rural communities are facing the same impossible math: too many needs and too few providers,” said Rep. Salinas. “Telehealth is already transforming care for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. Our bipartisan bill would extend these tools to farmers, ranchers, and fishers. This is a common-sense investment to help more Oregonians get the health care they need, where and when they need it.” “As someone who has spent more than 30 years caring for patients in one of the most rural districts in America, I know the barriers they face and how transformational home-based care can be,” said Rep. Harshbarger. “By reintroducing this bipartisan bill, we are reaffirming a simple promise: rural patients — including those working in the farming, fishing and forestry industries should be able to access high-quality mental health and substance abuse services right from their own home. This legislation will help close the care gap, strengthen rural communities, and deliver real support to those who are struggling.” The bipartisan legislation establishes a new grant program to help public and nonprofit telemental health provider networks deliver mental health and substance use care remotely to people in rural and medically underserved communities. The program prioritizes individuals living in rural Health Professional Shortage Areas and people working in farming, fishing, and forestry, with grants awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Funding may be used to provide home-based telement… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-closure-of-ashland-community-hospitals-birthing-center-and-inpatient-care-will-negatively-impact-southwestern-oregonians/ Merkley: Closure of Ashland Community Hospital’s Birthing Center and Inpatient Care Will Negatively Impact Southwestern Oregonians 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley said today he is concerned about the planned closure of labor and delivery services and inpatient care at Ashland Community Hospital and called on Asante Health System to support families and clinicians affected by the decision. Earlier this month, Asante announced it was planning to close the hospital’s birthing center and convert it into a satellite campus of Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, as well as ending inpatient care. “I anticipate that this decision will hurt the health and safety of individuals seeking inpatient care, as well as expectant mothers and newborns, who will no longer have local access to care,” Merkley cautioned in his letter to Asante President & CEO Tom Gessel. While Merkley deeply understands the numerous economic challenges facing rural labor and delivery units across Oregon—including low volumes of births, workforce shortages, challenging reimbursement rates, and the changing health care landscape brought on by the passage of Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly’ betrayal of a budget bill—he has also seen the negative impacts of closing labor and delivery units and the shuttering of inpatient care have on Oregon families. During this transition time, he is calling for Asante to support the families, clinicians, and communities it serves. “Ashland Community Hospital has served Southwest Oregon for almost 120 years, and the closure of its birthing center and inpatient hospital could force patients to travel long distances to receive routine and emergency obstetric care as well as treatment for severe conditions and major surgeries. In addition, this closure would likely create an undue burden for many families, especially those with limited funds, limited transportation, or complex medical needs, and it may cause them to bypass necessary care,” he continued. Previously, Merkley led his Oregon congressional delegation colleagues to oppose the closure of labor and delivery services by Providence Health & Services and Samaritan Health S… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-puts-support-behind-expanding-workplace-rights-for-domestic-workers/ Merkley Puts Support Behind Expanding Workplace Rights for Domestic Workers 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Bill by Sens. Gillibrand, Luján Would Guarantee Domestic Workers Basic Rights Such as Overtime Pay, Time Off, Sick Leave, Meal and Rest Breaks, and Legal Protections from Harassment and Unsafe Working Conditions Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced his continued support for the reintroduced Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, commonsense legislation that would extend common workplace rights to the 2.2 million domestic workers in the United States. Under current law, domestic workers—including home health aides, nannies, cleaners, and live-in caretakers—are excluded from many of the labor, harassment, and discrimination protections guaranteed to other workers under federal law. As a result, severe financial insecurity and lack of workplace benefits are all too common in these professions. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act—led by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07)—would patch these gaps in existing labor law and also create new protections for domestic workers. “Receiving respect and dignity at work shouldn’t depend on where you work,” said Merkley. “And the millions of domestic workers who provide care and life-saving support in our homes should be entitled to strong protections from harassment and discrimination. There is dignity in all work, and I stand with Oregon’s domestic workers.” “Caretakers, cleaners, nannies, and other domestic workers play a vital role in the economy and in American life. However, they’ve too often been overlooked in the fight for workers’ rights, leaving many working long hours, earning low wages, and struggling to make ends meet. This is unacceptable,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By closing loopholes that exclude domestic workers from federal labor and civil rights laws, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act would afford these workers the safety, stability, and dignity that they deserve. I am honored to introduce this bill, and I will fight tooth and nail to get it passed.” “Dome… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-colleagues-demand-answers-from-ice-on-racial-profiling-of-tribal-members-refusal-to-accept-tribal-ids/ Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Demand Answers from ICE on Racial Profiling of Tribal Members, Refusal to Accept Tribal IDs 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues to demand answers regarding the outrageous mistreatment of Tribal citizens by ICE in a number of recent incidents. In their letter, the lawmakers called out reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance, and urged Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem to develop policy and trainings to ensure all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands. “We write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented,” the senators wrote to Noem. “In February, several Senators wrote to you following reports of ICE agents improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens. In June, you replied with a letter in which you failed to respond to the majority of the questions raised in the letter.” “Over the past month, we have heard additional alarming reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance,” the senators wrote. “The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.” In November, Elaine Miles, an Indigenous actor, was approached by four men who identified themselves as ICE agents while waiting for a bus in Redmond, Washington. When she handed them her Tribal ID issued by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, the immigration agents reportedly claimed her ID was “fake” and that “anyone can make that.” When she tried to call the Umatilla Tribal enrollment office phone number to verify her ID to the officers, an officer tried unsuccessfully to pry her phone out of her hands, then departed with his co… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-applauds-passage-of-prescribed-fire-legislation-through-key-senate-committee Wyden Applauds Passage of Prescribed Fire Legislation Through Key Senate Committee 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Senator’s bipartisan legislation would support hazardous fuels cleanup to reduce wildfire risk Watch Wyden deliver remarks at today’s Committee meeting here Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today applauded the passage of his bipartisan legislation through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee that would increase funding and resources for prescribed fires during colder, wetter months, to reduce wildfire risk during the hotter, drier months of fire season. “I’ve long believed that the federal government needs to be in the business of wildfire prevention, not just after-the-fact recovery,” Wyden said. “My legislation will make much-needed investments in smart, science-backed prevention tools that reduce the risk of infernos that grow more dangerous and destructive each year. I’ll be working as hard as I can to get this legislation passed into law ahead of the next fire season to protect communities across Oregon and the nation.” The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 would invest in hazardous fuels management to reduce the risk of blistering infernos by increasing the pace and scale of prescribed burns during cooler, wetter months. The legislation would boost a prescribed fire workforce and provide new tools to aid in smoke management and prescribed fire permitting during cooler, wetter months to reduce catastrophic fires and smoke in the summer. Passage of Wyden’s legislation through the ENR Committee comes amid reports that current hazardous fuels reduction levels are lagging behind previous years due to the longest government shutdown in history, coupled with staffing shortages and funding cuts. More information about Wyden’s bill can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-colleagues-demand-answers-from-ice-on-racial-profiling-of-tribal-members-refusal-to-accept-tribal-ids Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Demand Answers from ICE on Racial Profiling of Tribal Members, Refusal to Accept Tribal IDs 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Letter cites reported abuses of Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation member Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues to demand answers regarding the outrageous mistreatment of Tribal citizens by ICE in a number of recent incidents. In their letter, the lawmakers called out reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance, and urged Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem to develop policy and trainings to ensure all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands. “We write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented,” the senators wrote to Noem. “In February, several Senators wrote to you following reports of ICE agents improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens. In June, you replied with a letter in which you failed to respond to the majority of the questions raised in the letter.” “Over the past month, we have heard additional alarming reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance,” the senators wrote. “The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.” In November, Elaine Miles, an Indigenous actor, was approached by four men who identified themselves as ICE agents while waiting for a bus in Redmond, Washington. When she handed them her Tribal ID issued by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, the immigration agents reportedly claimed her ID was “fake” and that “anyone can make that.” When she tried to call the Umatilla Tribal enrollment office phone number to verify her ID to the officer… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-votes-no-on-bloated-military-authorization-bill Wyden Votes No on Bloated Military Authorization Bill 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper NDAA Increases Military Spending by Billions; Lacks Guardrails Against Deploying Troops to U.S. Cities, Purging Military Leaders Without Cause and Other Trump Abuses Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “I cannot support a bill that increases military spending by tens of billions of dollars and fails to include guardrails against Donald Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s authoritarian abuses. “Donald Trump has repeatedly used the military to occupy major U.S. cities, including Portland—endangering our servicemembers, disrupting our economy, and eroding trust in our communities. “He has also shown that he will use the Department of Defense to conduct deadly military operations without congressional authorization to intimidate political opponents and immigrants through the military, to purge senior military leaders without cause, to funnel billions of dollars in contracts to his personal supporters, and to waste billions of taxpayer dollars. “I do support parts of this bill, such as giving our military servicemembers a needed raise, repealing the deeply flawed 2002 authorization for use of military force against Iraq, and increasing support for our Indo-Pacific allies and Ukraine. “And while this bill includes the Intelligence Authorization Act, it lacks important oversight guardrails as well as critical Intelligence Community whistleblower protections passed by the Senate Intelligence Committee. The bill does include a provision I added to declassify information on whether foreign governments have helped their nationals accused of crimes in the United States flee the country to avoid justice, however, the bill’s faults far outweigh its benefits. “For these reasons, among many other flaws in this bill, I voted ‘no.’” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/oregon-delegation-no-new-ice-facilities-oregon Oregon Delegation: No New ICE Facilities in Oregon 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov bonamici https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today the Democratic members of Oregon's congressional delegation—Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)— demanded urgent answers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about any plans to expand ICE’s footprint in Oregon. “We write to request a full and detailed description of any plans to open or expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in Oregon. Recent public job postings in the Portland and Newport areas suggest that planning is well underway to contract for a new or expanded detention facility, but no formal notice has been provided to local or state leaders, or to Oregon’s congressional delegation,” wrote the Oregon delegation to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. “We strongly and unequivocally reject the need for any new detention capacity and urge you to honor the public’s right to be informed and review your plans before any contracts are signed or facilities are opened. Oregonians deserve far better from the Trump administration than this shabby track record of absolute secrecy and total disdain for their communities’ viewpoints.” The lawmakers raised serious concerns about increased ICE detentions of U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike, regardless of criminal history, and illegally denying due process. They emphasized, “The information we require is critical to support Congress’s responsibility to protect detainees’ bedrock human and legal rights. As witnessed in the disastrous setup of Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades, hastily assembled detention centers invite horrific abuse and fail to effectively support efforts to detain dangerous criminals who pose a genuine threat to community safety. One recent report from Amnesty International found that people detained in Alligator Alcatraz are living in inhumane and unsanitary… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/stansbury-davids-bonamici-and-senators-kim-and-merkley-introduce-talents-act Stansbury, Davids, Bonamici and Senators Kim and Merkley Introduce TALENTS Act to Protect and Strengthen Federal Leadership Pipeline 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov bonamici https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today announced the introduction of the Training Aspiring Leaders Emerging Now to Serve (TALENTS) Act, to codify and strengthen the Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) Program—one of the federal government’s premier leadership development initiatives. Since 1977, the PMF Program has served as a cornerstone of federal workforce development, placing a highly accomplished cohort of emerging leaders into government agencies each year. The program has been a vital pipeline to strengthen public service and elevate the next generation of civil service leaders. However, in February, President Trump terminated the program through executive order after more than four decades of existence. “Without the Presidential Management Fellows Program, I likely would not have ended up in federal service,” said Congresswoman Stansbury. "The PMF Program has long served as a pipeline for the next generation of federal leaders, bringing highly qualified talent from across the country to serve our nation. I am proud to colead this legislation to restore and build upon this program at a time when we need America’s best and brightest to address the challenges we face.” “Programs like the Presidential Management Fellows are how we bring the next generation of talented public servants into government,” said Rep. Davids (D-KS). “It also gives federal agencies a pool of highly qualified, pre-vetted candidates, saving them time and resources in hiring. Gutting this pipeline doesn’t make government work better for everyday Americans — it makes it weaker and harder to navigate. This bill keeps that pipeline intact so we can continue bringing top talent into public service, and I’m glad to support it.” "Creating more pathways for post-graduate students to enter into public service will benefit our country for generations to come,” said Rep. Bonamici (D-OR). “The late President Carter created the Presidential Management Fellowship Program m… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-andrea-salinas-advocates-student-mental-health-bill Rep. Andrea Salinas Advocates for Student Mental Health Bill at House Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Andrea Salinas S001226 salinas.house.gov salinas https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Image Click here to watch Rep. Salinas’ full remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) spoke to the House Energy and Commerce Committee to advocate for her bipartisan bill, the Mental Health Services for Students Act. The bill, which passed the House in the 117th Congress, would bring critical, on-site mental health services to students in public schools across the country and provide $300 million in federal funding for school-based mental health programs to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis. A transcript of Salinas’ floor speech is available below: Thank you, Chair Guthrie and members of the committee for holding this Member Day. I am here to present my bipartisan bill, H.R. 5557, the Mental Health Services for Students Act. Our children and young people are really struggling today. The United States is in the midst of a mental health crisis, and our youth are really bearing the brunt of this. Last year, over 20 percent of children aged 12-17 reported at least one major depressive episode in the preceding year. And 15 percent of youth who experienced a major depressive episode reported that their ability to function at work, school, and home was impacted. In 2023, more than 20 percent of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide. That’s one in five. That is not okay, and I know that’s not okay to every single member of this committee. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Mental Health Caucus, I have spent a lot of time engaging with families, children, and providers to understand exactly what it is that our children need to thrive. This past May, the Mental Health Caucus hosted a roundtable with children and young people from across the country to hear their frustrations with mental health services that don’t truly meet their needs. And they were very articulate. They knew the ins and outs of our system. There’s no great mystery about what it takes to help these children. It’s quite simple. They need resources. And they need those resources… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-lujan-no-business-as-usual-until-justice-delivered-for-jeffrey-epsteins-victims/ Merkley, Luján: No Business as Usual Until Justice Delivered for Jeffrey Epstein’s Victims 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and New Mexico’s U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján—the lead Senate sponsors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act—announced they would block any pending civilian nominations before the Senate from being carried over to the new session of Congress in response to the Trump Administration’s failure to provide a briefing to lawmakers on the release of the Epstein Files. Merkley and Luján issued this statement announcing their hold: “There can be no business as usual until justice is delivered for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes. The Trump Administration’s lack of transparency about its plans to release the Epstein Files signals it is gearing up to disregard the law we led the fight in the Senate to pass, which overwhelmingly passed both chambers of Congress. Without full transparency and accountability, there can be no ‘equal justice under the law.’ Until the administration reverses course and provides a common-sense briefing, which lawmakers from both parties requested, we are blocking the Senate from carrying over any outstanding civilian nominations into next year.” Earlier this month, Merkley teamed up with Luján and a bipartisan group of lawmakers to demand a briefing from Attorney General Pam Bondi on the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and fully release the Epstein Files by December 19, 2025—as required by the law Merkley and Luján championed. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-marshall-launch-new-bipartisan-effort-to-unlock-federal-support-for-hazardous-cleanup-following-wildfires/ Merkley, Marshall Launch New Bipartisan Effort to Unlock Federal Support for Hazardous Cleanup Following Wildfires 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Kansas’ U.S. Senator Roger Marshall introduced the brand-new Post-Wildfire Environmental Assistance Act. The bipartisan bill provides a straightforward solution for communities in Oregon and across the nation to access federal aid for hazardous material cleanup following a wildfire. “Fighting wildfires requires strong, commonsense policies to support both prevention and recovery efforts,” said Merkley. “Our bipartisan bill comes after Oregonians were left with nothing to help clean up hazardous materials following a devastating wildfire. We can and should fix this to ensure all communities can safely clean up following a fire by unlocking federal assistance for state and local governments to clean up hazardous substances and materials that are too often left behind.” “When a fast-moving wildfire tore through Yates Center and destroyed its nursing home, community members and first responders heroically evacuated every resident to safety. But the danger didn’t end when the flames were extinguished. Wildfires leave behind hazardous debris, contaminated sites, and serious long-term health risks that small communities are often not equipped to manage on their own,” said Marshall. “I am proud to partner with Senator Merkley to ensure local governments have the tools and support they need to respond to wildfires, safely clean up hazardous debris, and protect the health and safety of their communities.” In June 2025, the Rowena Fire in Wasco County Oregon tore up the Historic Columbia River Highway and destroyed 56 homes. The fire was granted approval for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG), but the damage did not meet the threshold for a Major Disaster declaration – which would have unlocked federal aid for the cleanup of hazardous material debris – including toxic exposure from asbestos and heavy metals from burned structures, and contaminated wells and septic systems. Learning from this disaster, Merkley wrote the Post-Wildfire Environmental Ass… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-oregon-delegation-no-new-ice-facilities-in-oregon/ Merkley, Oregon Delegation: No New ICE Facilities in Oregon 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon congressional delegation—Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—in demanding urgent answers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about any plans to expand ICE’s footprint in Oregon. “We write to request a full and detailed description of any plans to open or expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in Oregon. Recent public job postings in the Portland and Newport areas suggest that planning is well underway to contract for a new or expanded detention facility, but no formal notice has been provided to local or state leaders, or to Oregon’s congressional delegation,” wrote the Oregon delegation to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. “We strongly and unequivocally reject the need for any new detention capacity and urge you to honor the public’s right to be informed and review your plans before any contracts are signed or facilities are opened. Oregonians deserve far better from the Trump administration than this shabby track record of absolute secrecy and total disdain for their communities’ viewpoints.” The lawmakers raised serious concerns about increased ICE detentions of U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike, regardless of criminal history, and illegally denying due process. They emphasized, “The information we require is critical to support Congress’s responsibility to protect detainees’ bedrock human and legal rights. As witnessed in the disastrous setup of Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades, hastily assembled detention centers invite horrific abuse and fail to effectively support efforts to detain dangerous criminals who pose a genuine threat to community safety. One recent report from Amnesty International found that people detained in Alligator Alcatraz are liv… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-leads-colleagues-calling-on-trump-administration-to-crack-down-on-growing-threat-of-synthetic-opioids Wyden Leads Colleagues Calling on Trump Administration to Crack Down on Growing Threat of Synthetic Opioids 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Letter comes as Trump administration reduces funding and workforce to counter ongoing fentanyl crisis Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today led his colleagues in pressing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on how it is prioritizing a federal response to the growing threat of synthetic opioids, specifically a class of drugs known as “nitazenes.” Although nitazenes were originally developed as pain relievers in the 1950s, these synthetic opioids are now illicitly manufactured abroad and then trafficked across the United States. Illicitly-manufactured nitazenes have been shown to be more than ten times more powerful than fentanyl. Nitazenes frequently go undetected in toxicology screenings, so the full extent of its role in overdoses and addiction remains unknown. Despite the growing threat, the federal response to the growing crisis has remained insufficient. “Without swift intervention, nitazenes will drive a new wave of addiction and overdose deaths,” the senators wrote to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “There is an urgent need for a coordinated federal response that prioritizes prevention, early detection, treatment, and expanded access to harm reduction tools like naloxone, especially as law enforcement agencies like the DEA have classified nitazenes as an emerging threat. We urge the Department of Health and Human Services to formulate a strategy to address the rising threat of nitazenes before it escalates into a full-scale public health crisis.” “We certainly support the efforts of Sen. Wyden to keep dangerous drugs off our streets and we appreciate his efforts specifically to attack the flow of Nitazenes,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez. “Synthetic opioids continue to pose a serious and growing threat to Eastern Oregon communities, placing increased demands on law enforcement, first responders, and local health systems.," said La Grande Police chief Gary Bell. "Strong federal coordination and improved detection capabilities are critical to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-press-lutnick-on-administrations-decision-to-sell-out-national-and-economic-security-by-greenlighting-the-sale-of-advanced-chips-to-china Wyden, Colleagues Press Lutnick on Administration’s Decision to Sell Out National and Economic Security by Greenlighting the Sale of Advanced Chips to China 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper The lawmakers highlight concerns from Department of Justice law enforcement officials about letting advanced AI chips fall into China’s hands; Question if Justice Department officials were involved in the decision Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to raise concerns over the Trump Administration’s decision to disregard warnings from its own Department of Justice and allow NVIDIA to export its advanced H200 AI chips to China. “The President’s dangerous decision to give away critical national security controls represents a significant departure from longstanding bipartisan efforts to ensure that U.S. technology does not turbocharge China’s military and technological capabilities,” the lawmakers wrote to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik. “The PRC seeks NVIDIA’s H200s chips to develop and deploy AI systems, including for military and cyber operations.” “The Department confirmed that these advanced chips are the ‘building blocks of AI superiority’ that ‘are integral to modern military applications.’ The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas underscored that ‘(t)he country that controls these chips will control AI technology; the country that controls AI technology will control the future,’” the lawmakers continued. “During your confirmation hearing, you advocated for stronger export controls, saying ‘if they are going to compete with us, let them compete, but stop using our tools to compete with us.’ Unfortunately, under your tenure, the Department of Commerce appears to be handing out key favors that undermine our national security based on which corporate CEOs can do the best job of wooing President Trump,” the lawmakers continued. The senators concluded by requesting answers no later than December 19, 2025 to their questions on the decision to allow H200 AI chips to be sold to China. The letter was led by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. In addition to Wyden, the letter was also signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-addresses-the-nation-on-the-dangers-and-costs-of-wolves Congressman Bentz Addresses the Nation on the Dangers and Costs of Wolves 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Republican House OR Cliff Bentz B000668 bentz.house.gov bentz https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C.– Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives addressing the growing gray wolf populations across the Western United States and the serious threats they pose to ranchers, farmers, and outdoorsmen. Here is what he said: WATCH: Congressman Bentz Remarks on the Dangers of the Gray Wolf “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call out the injury and injustice being inflicted upon my state and my constituents by the inappropriate and unfair enforcement of the Endangered Species Act as it has been and is being applied in the reintroduction of the Grey Wolf. This injustice is apparent in the federal government’s inability to manage and control the killing and maiming of livestock and in the failure of the government to properly pay for the costs of its decision to reintroduce the wolf. I will address the lack of management first. Let me begin my discussion of failed management by showing several pictures which are graphic illustrations of the reality that my ranching families all too often have to face: As you can see, there is nothing refined about how a wolf goes about feeding itself. You can imagine the feelings of the rancher when he or she finds livestock torn apart and dying. You can try to imagine the anger that they feel knowing that they are legally prevented from stopping the wolf that caused this pain and horror to their cattle and calves from doing this again. And again. And again. I have held meeting after meeting across my district listening over and over to stories about wolves attacking herds, scattering cattle, and ignoring the ineffective “hazing” efforts that owners of these cattle are allowed to use under the law to try to protect their livelihoods. The anger that they feel, their intense frustration, is totally understandable and is why I’m on this floor today sharing their pain with you. If we are to protect those who are trying their best to feed this country, to make a living, to keep their communities alive, to put out range fir… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-s-safe-social-media-act-passes-out-of-the-energy-and-commerce-subcommittee-on-commerce-manufacturing-and-trade Congressman Bentz’s “Safe Social Media Act” Passes out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Republican House OR Cliff Bentz B000668 bentz.house.gov bentz https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C.– Congressman Bentz (R-OR), one of the lead sponsors of H.R. 6290, the Safe Social Media Act, is pleased to announce that this bill passed unanimously out of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) on Thursday, December 14th. This bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a comprehensive study on social media among individuals under the age of 17. Said Congressman Bentz: “Every day, millions of young Americans log onto platforms that are collecting their information, shaping what they see and influencing how they think. I have heard from parents, teachers, and mental health professionals all of whom are increasingly worried about what these platforms are doing to our kids. This Act will require a study that will gather the data necessary to learn how and what social media is impacting our children. My bill is a necessary step toward real accountability.” 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-introduces-bill-update-federal-work-study-program Bonamici Introduces Bill to Update Federal Work Study Program 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov bonamici https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC [12/12/25] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced legislation to modernize the Federal Work Study Program. The Opportunities for Success Act, HR 6606, would update and improve the Federal Work Study Program by expanding access to employment opportunities aligned with students’ career goals. It would also increase program funding and provide a long-overdue update to the Federal Work Study formula so funding goes to students with the greatest need. “For decades the Federal Work Study program has helped thousands of students afford higher education, but the program is overdue for updates to better reach those who need it most,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Additionally, this legislation will provide more students with work experience that is relevant to their interests and field of study. I benefited from Work Study when I was in college and know how it can help students throughout their careers. I’m pleased to introduce the Opportunities for Success Act to improve this program and open doors of opportunity for more students.” The Opportunities for Success Act will: Invest in low-income students and increase the five-year budget for FWS to $2.5 billion. Reform the FWS anddistribution formula to allocate FWS funds based on the total Pell Grant funding an institution receives relative to other participating institutions, in addition to their share of total undergraduate and graduate student need across all institutions. Direct FWS to low-income students by rewarding institutions that enroll and graduate high numbers of students with Pell Grants. Promote career readiness by increasing funding for Job Location and Development programs and mandating that institutions prioritize placing low-income students and FWS students in work-based learning positions. Improve access to career-related work experience by allowing students to earn FWS wages during periods of non-enrollment and requiring institutions to use at least 7 percent of FWS funds for work-based learning opportunities. … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-wicker-kiggans-bonamici-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-effort-oppose-new Merkley, Wicker, Kiggans, Bonamici Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Oppose New Limits on Student Loans for Nurses 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov bonamici https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Mississippi’s U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, along with U.S. Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), led over 140 bipartisan lawmakers to sound the alarm over a proposed framework by the U.S. Department of Education to declassify nursing degrees as “professional” and undermining the entire future of the nursing workforce. Their letter follows a recently released proposed framework from the Education Department’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee that omits post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from the regulatory definition of “professional degree,” meaning they would be classified as a “graduate degree.” If this framework is adopted during the upcoming rulemaking, the proposed definition threatens more debt for post-baccalaureate nursing students, as student loans are currently capped for new borrowers at $20,500 annually and $100,000 in the aggregate for “graduate” programs and $50,000 annually and $200,000 in the aggregate for “professional” programs. “At a time when our nation is facing a health care shortage, especially in primary care, now is not the time to cut off the student pipeline to these programs,” the bipartisan group of over 140 lawmakers wrote to the Education Department. “According to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), fifty-seven percent of Medicare beneficiaries received a primary care service from an NP or physician associate (PA), and sixty-six percent of rural Medicare patients received a primary care service from an NP or PA. Consequently, we believe that post-baccalaureate nursing degrees should be included in the department’s definition of a ‘professional degree.’” “Nurses and nurse faculty make up the backbone of our health system, and post-baccalaureate nursing degrees lead to demonstrated outcomes, with a recent study from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity showing that nursing was one of the top three master’s degrees for return on invest… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-successfully-defends-community-engagement-detroit-lake-drawdown-proposal Bynum Successfully Defends Community Engagement on Detroit Lake Drawdown Proposal 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Janelle S. Bynum B001326 bynum.house.gov bynum https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC – On December 1st, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) led Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in requesting additional time for community engagement on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) proposed drawdown of Detroit Lake. Earlier this week, on December 10th, USACE announced that it would be extending the comment period until January 13, 2026 for the project’s draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Rep. Bynum’s successful advocacy will allow her constituents in impacted communities additional time to robustly engage with this drawdown proposal. In their letter, the Members expressed concern that the overlaps of the comment period with the holidays would inhibit engagement. “When a proposal as impactful as the Detroit Lake drawdown is being evaluated, community input is critical,” said Rep. Bynum. “The original comment window – and its overlap with the holiday season – left people without enough time to meaningfully engage on the issue. I’m proud and encouraged that our efforts will allow communities around Detroit Lake the time they need to make their voices heard.” For reference, you can find the letter sent on December 1st by clicking here. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases/seec-lands-waters-and-nature-task-force-endorses-bills-protect-americas SEEC Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Endorses Bills to Protect America’s Natural Treasures 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Maxine Dexter D000635 dexter.house.gov dexter https://dexter.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force, led by Co-Chairs Reps. Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Doris Matsui (CA-07), announced the endorsement of ten bills that work to protect and preserve America’s natural treasures for generations to come. “Today, the SEEC Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force endorsed federal policy priorities that will ensure future generations of Americans can continue to enjoy the great American outdoors and all of our country’s natural treasures,” said the Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Maxine Dexter, Don Beyer, and Doris Matsui. “Regardless of political stripe, our public lands and waters are a fundamental part of our national identity and an inherent part of America’s heritage. “Yet, from day one of the Trump Administration, the American people have witnessed just how far President Trump will go to fulfill his corrupt promise to sell off our public lands to the highest bidder. The bills this Task Force is endorsing today will protect our nation’s lands and waters, defending vulnerable wildlife and protecting delicate ecosystems for current and future generations of Americans. In the face of the Trump Administration’s un-American attacks on our lands, waters, and nature, we are upholding our commitment to a more prosperous, resilient, and healthy future for us all.” Today, the Task Force endorsed ten bills: H.R. 3930 - Roadless Area Conservation Act, Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) H.R. 3067 - Arctic Refuge Protection Act, Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) H.R. 2848 - Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act, Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) H.R. 470 - West Coast Protection Act, Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) H.R. 2865 - New England Coastal Protection Act of 2025, Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02) H.R. 2886 - Defend our Coast Act, Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02) H.R. 3071 - Increasing Penalties for Offshore Polluters Act, Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36) H.R. 3604 - Reducing Waste in National Parks Act, Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) H.R. 1… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyle-wyden-and-merkley-secure-written-commitment-from-coast-guard-acting-commandant-lunday-that-newport-helicopter-will-remain Hoyle, Wyden and Merkley Secure Written Commitment from Coast Guard Acting Commandant Lunday that Newport Helicopter Will Remain 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Val T. Hoyle H001094 hoyle.house.gov hoyle https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle, along with Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, announced that they secured written commitments from Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, to ensure the rescue helicopter located at the Newport Air Facility remains in the community, as well as a pledge from Lunday to visit the Newport area within one year. "I want to thank Acting Commandant Lunday for his letter today committing to us to keep the Coast Guard helicopter in Newport," said Hoyle. "It is a huge win for our coastal community, and it wouldn’t have happened without the collective effort of Senators Wyden and Merkley and every Oregonian who raised their voice. When our community stands together, we get results.” “After hearing from countless Oregonians about the importance of the search and rescue helicopter in Newport, I led the charge to secure written confirmation from the Coast Guard that the helicopter would remain in the community, consistent with the law I wrote in 2014. For fishermen and coastal communities, this is a huge win, especially during winter crab season and in the face of cold-water conditions,” said Merkley. “I am lifting my hold on Admiral Lunday’s nomination and look forward to his forthcoming visit to Newport and to a productive working relationship going forward.” “I’m gratified that Acting Commandant Lunday today wrote in plain English the verbal commitment he made last week to Senator Merkley and me over the phone – namely that the Coast Guard helicopter will remain right where it belongs in Newport,” said Wyden. “This is great news for fishermen and both residents of -- and visitors to -- the central Oregon Coast. Thanks to the Newport Fishermen’s Wives and all the local officials who worked with Senator Merkley, Congresswoman Hoyle and me to achieve this victory for public safety, the law and common sense.” Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle worked together to keep the rescue helicopter in Newport, leading a coordinated series of effor… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-salinas-urges-nih-continue-funding-landmark-menopause-study Rep. Salinas Urges NIH to Continue Funding Landmark Menopause Study 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Andrea Salinas S001226 salinas.house.gov salinas https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led thirty-three of her colleagues in sending a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya urging continued funding for the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a long-running, federally funded research study examining women’s health during midlife and menopause. The lawmakers emphasized that SWAN has followed participants for more than 25 years and has produced critical findings on menopause’s impacts on mental health, cognitive function, bone health, cardiovascular risk, and sleep. In the letter, they stressed that menopause affects roughly half the population but remains significantly underfunded in federal research, and urged NIH to prioritize sustained support for SWAN to advance women’s health research and improve long-term health outcomes. Click here or see below for the full letter: Dear Director Bhattacharya: As you evaluate the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, we urge you to continue funding the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). As you may know, SWAN is a foundational longitudinal, epidemiologic study that examines the health of women during their middle years, and specifically how the biological, psychological, and social changes women experience in midlife affect their overall health and long-term outcomes. Funding for SWAN is especially important because menopause impacts about half of the population, and many women who experience moderate to severe menopause symptoms do not receive the care they need. This emphasizes the need for more NIH funding for menopause research, which totaled only $56 million in 2023. Because SWAN researchers have followed participants for over 25 years, this study is a uniquely rich resource that is poised to make major breakthroughs in understanding how menopause and midlife changes impact women’s health as they age. In particular, SWAN has provided a wealth of information about the menopause transition (perimenopause and menopause)… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wicker-kiggans-bonamici-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-effort-to-oppose-new-limits-on-student-loans-for-nurses/ Merkley, Wicker, Kiggans, Bonamici Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Oppose New Limits on Student Loans for Nurses 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Mississippi’s U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, along with U.S. Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), led over 140 bipartisan lawmakers to sound the alarm over a proposed framework by the U.S. Department of Education to declassify nursing degrees as “professional” and undermining the entire future of the nursing workforce. Their letter follows a recently released proposed framework from the Education Department’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee that omits post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from the regulatory definition of “professional degree,” meaning they would be classified as a “graduate degree.” If this framework is adopted during the upcoming rulemaking, the proposed definition threatens more debt for post-baccalaureate nursing students, as student loans are currently capped for new borrowers at $20,500 annually and $100,000 in the aggregate for “graduate” programs and $50,000 annually and $200,000 in the aggregate for “professional” programs. “At a time when our nation is facing a health care shortage, especially in primary care, now is not the time to cut off the student pipeline to these programs,” the bipartisan group of over 140 lawmakers wrote to the Education Department. “According to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), fifty-seven percent of Medicare beneficiaries received a primary care service from an NP or physician associate (PA), and sixty-six percent of rural Medicare patients received a primary care service from an NP or PA. Consequently, we believe that post-baccalaureate nursing degrees should be included in the department’s definition of a ‘professional degree.’” “Nurses and nurse faculty make up the backbone of our health system, and post-baccalaureate nursing degrees lead to demonstrated outcomes, with a recent study from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity showing that nursing was one of the top three master’s degrees for return on invest… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-hoyle-secure-written-commitment-from-coast-guard-acting-commandant-lunday-that-newport-helicopter-will-remain/ Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Secure Written Commitment from Coast Guard Acting Commandant Lunday that Newport Helicopter Will Remain 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “After hearing from countless Oregonians about the importance of the search and rescue helicopter in Newport, I led the charge to secure written confirmation from the Coast Guard that the helicopter would remain in the community, consistent with the law I wrote in 2014. For fishermen and coastal communities, this is a huge win, especially during winter crab season and in the face of cold-water conditions,” said Merkley. “I am lifting my hold on Admiral Lunday’s nomination and look forward to his forthcoming visit to Newport and to a productive working relationship going forward.” “I’m gratified that Acting Commandant Lunday today wrote in plain English the verbal commitment he made last week to Senator Merkley and me over the phone – namely that the Coast Guard helicopter will remain right where it belongs in Newport,” said Wyden. “This is great news for fishermen and both residents of — and visitors to — the central Oregon Coast. Thanks to the Newport Fishermen’s Wives and all the local officials who worked with Senator Merkley, Congresswoman Hoyle and me to achieve this victory for public safety, the law and common sense.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-colleagues-raise-alarm-over-trump-administration-siphoning-at-least-2-billion-from-military-budget-for-immigration-enforcement/ Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Raise Alarm Over Trump Administration Siphoning At Least $2 Billion from Military Budget for Immigration Enforcement 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined Senate and House colleagues to release a new report detailing the Trump administration’s diversion of funds and resources from the Department of Defense to the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement, and its impact on readiness and morale of U.S. troops. “The investigation found that the Department of Defense (DoD) has obligated over $2 billion in support of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration enforcement in 2025, diverting it from the intended use – our national security and military servicemembers,” the lawmakers wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. “This is a baffling waste of military resources considering the appropriation of $170 billion to DHS to fund immigration enforcement earlier this year. We are particularly concerned that DHS may not be reimbursing DoD for these funds. Allowing DHS to continue to pick DoD’s pockets puts our military readiness at risk.“ Under the Trump administration, the U.S. military has become heavily involved in immigration enforcement. The report is the first detailed review of the Pentagon’s spending on immigration, and found that DoD has committed at least $2 billion to support immigration enforcement through mobilizing and deploying troops to U.S. cities and the Southern border, deporting and transporting immigrants on military aircrafts, detaining individuals on U.S. military installations and more. Despite an unprecedented $170 billion budget allocated to DHS, it’s unclear how much DoD has received in reimbursement for any of its spending on immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, the military is funding these efforts with money allocated for other DoD projects including updates to barracks, maintenance hangers, and military construction projects in the Pacific. Concerningly, the Pentagon has requested an additional $5 billion for further immigration support in its budget request for 2026. “Diverting the military from its existing missions and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-hoyle-secure-written-commitment-from-coast-guard-acting-commandant-lunday-that-newport-helicopter-will-remain Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Secure Written Commitment from Coast Guard Acting Commandant Lunday that Newport Helicopter Will Remain 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Follows Merkley placing his hold on Lunday’s nomination to lead Coast Guard, joint efforts to advocate for this essential rescue helicopter Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with Senator Ron Wyden and Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), announced that they secured written commitments from Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, to ensure the rescue helicopter located at the Newport Air Facility remains in the community, as well as a pledge from Lunday to visit the Newport area within one year. “After hearing from countless Oregonians about the importance of the search and rescue helicopter in Newport, I led the charge to secure written confirmation from the Coast Guard that the helicopter would remain in the community, consistent with the law I wrote in 2014. For fishermen and coastal communities, this is a huge win, especially during winter crab season and in the face of cold-water conditions,” said Merkley. “I am lifting my hold on Admiral Lunday’s nomination and look forward to his forthcoming visit to Newport and to a productive working relationship going forward.” “I’m gratified that Acting Commandant Lunday today wrote in plain English the verbal commitment he made last week to Senator Merkley and me over the phone – namely that the Coast Guard helicopter will remain right where it belongs in Newport,” said Wyden. “This is great news for fishermen and both residents of -- and visitors to -- the central Oregon Coast. Thanks to the Newport Fishermen’s Wives and all the local officials who worked with Senator Merkley, Congresswoman Hoyle and me to achieve this victory for public safety, the law and common sense.” "I want to thank Acting Commandant Lunday for his letter today committing to us to keep the Coast Guard helicopter in Newport," said Hoyle. "It is a huge win for our coastal community, and it wouldn’t have happened without the collective effort of Senators Wyden and Merkley and every Oregonian who raised their voice. When our community stands… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-demand-answers-from-usfs-on-stalled-hazardous-fuel-reduction-projects Wyden, Colleagues Demand Answers from USFS on Stalled Hazardous Fuel Reduction Projects 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Lawmakers’ letter notes that wildfire prevention work under Trump is down nearly 40 percent from previous years Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to demand information from the Trump administration on the number of hazardous fuels projects that have completed environmental reviews pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, but have not yet been implemented – commonly referred to as “shelf stock.” “Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) work to reduce hazardous fuels across the national forest system in Fiscal Year 2025 was down nearly 40% from its previous four-year average. In a letter to Congress on August 6, 2025, you attributed your constrained “capacity to treat additional acres” in part to “significant resource and personnel” needs elsewhere at the agency,” the lawmakers wrote to USFS Chief Tom Schultz. “Given these issues, and the Trump administration’s reduction of nearly 5,000 USFS staff, we are concerned that the decline in hazardous fuels projects stems from insufficient staffing needed to implement already-approved projects, including for mechanical thinning and prescribed fire.” The lawmakers highlight that the Trump administration has failed to complete hazardous fuels reduction projects at the same pace and scale as in prior years or at the rate needed in their communities. “As you know, the best measures to protect lives and property from wildfire is preparedness – reducing fire risks before a conflagration ignites,” the lawmakers concluded. The letter was led by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, D-Colo. In addition to Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-codify-fee-free-days-of-public-service-on-federal-lands Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Codify Fee-Free Days of Public Service on Federal Lands 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Trump Removed MLK Day and Juneteenth from List of Fee-Free Days, Included His Birthday Instead Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate and House colleagues to introduce legislation that would guarantee that visitors can enter National Parks and other federal lands free-of-charge six days a year. The Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act would direct the Secretary of the Interior to officially designate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day as fee-free entry days. “It is practically embedded in the DNA of all Oregonians to be good stewards for our beautiful natural spaces,” Wyden said. “With this legislation, I hope to export Oregonians’ rich history of forest stewardship and support for outdoor economies, and I will continue to advocate for solutions that protect and expand access to our nation’s scenic public lands.” Since the National Park System and other land management agencies began collecting entry and recreation fees, the Department of the Interior has offered fee-free days to promote America’s public lands and encourage visitors to volunteer in the National Parks, especially on select federal holidays where many Americans already have the day off. Last week, the Trump Administration cut Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and Juneteenth, two holidays honoring Black history, from its list of free entrance days next year and replaced them with Trump’s birthday. The legislation would restore these two holidays to the list of free entrance days and make a list of public service days permanently fee-free. Additional free entry days would be possible at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior. The dates are as follows: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, the third Monday in January The first day of National Park Week in April Juneteenth, June 19 Great American Outdoors Day, August 4 National Public Lands Day, th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-colleagues-raise-alarm-over-trump-administration-siphoning-at-least-2-billion-from-military-budget-for-immigration-enforcement Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Raise Alarm Over Trump Administration Siphoning At Least $2 Billion from Military Budget for Immigration Enforcement 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined Senate and House colleagues to release a new report detailing the Trump administration’s diversion of funds and resources from the Department of Defense to the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement, and its impact on readiness and morale of U.S. troops. “The investigation found that the Department of Defense (DoD) has obligated over $2 billion in support of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration enforcement in 2025, diverting it from the intended use – our national security and military servicemembers,” the lawmakers wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. “This is a baffling waste of military resources considering the appropriation of $170 billion to DHS to fund immigration enforcement earlier this year. We are particularly concerned that DHS may not be reimbursing DoD for these funds. Allowing DHS to continue to pick DoD’s pockets puts our military readiness at risk.“ Under the Trump administration, the U.S. military has become heavily involved in immigration enforcement. The report is the first detailed review of the Pentagon’s spending on immigration, and found that DoD has committed at least $2 billion to support immigration enforcement through mobilizing and deploying troops to U.S. cities and the Southern border, deporting and transporting immigrants on military aircrafts, detaining individuals on U.S. military installations and more. Despite an unprecedented $170 billion budget allocated to DHS, it’s unclear how much DoD has received in reimbursement for any of its spending on immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, the military is funding these efforts with money allocated for other DoD projects including updates to barracks, maintenance hangers, and military construction projects in the Pacific. Concerningly, the Pentagon has requested an additional $5 billion for further immigration support in its budget request for 2026. “Diverting the military from its existing missions and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-introduces-bipartisan-bill-help-firefighters-combat-wildfires Bynum Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Firefighters Combat Wildfires 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Janelle S. Bynum B001326 bynum.house.gov bynum https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Congressmen Eli Crane (AZ-02), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) introduced the bipartisan Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act to support wildfire response operations by addressing the impact of unauthorized drones flying in restricted airspace during a wildfire. When an unauthorized drone enters restricted airspace during a wildfire, fire response agencies are often required to ground their aircraft to avoid the risk of a collision. In Oregon, and across the country, there have been several instances of this happening, including during the Flat Fires in 2025, which caused delays to wildfire response efforts. The bill would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a study on the impact of drone incursions on wildfire suppression and explore available techniques to address unauthorized drone activity. "Earlier this year, a drone delayed the aerial fire response to the Flat Fire in Central Oregon,” said Rep. Bynum. “We know all too well that wildfires are challenging enough to get controlled without any additional obstacles. The last thing we need is recreational drones getting in the way of our firefighters’ critical work to save lives and property. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to ensure fire crews can do their work without interference.” "I'm proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation to address the growing issue of drones interfering with aerial fire suppression efforts. Arizona is prone to devastating wildfires, and it's imperative that we minimize obstruction and delays," said Rep. Crane. "With our bill, Congress would have the necessary information to craft policies that help our firefighters combat wildfires before they get out of control. I urge my colleagues to support our approach.” “Fires in Colorado and across the West now rage year-round, growing both in duration and intensity, which is why our bill, the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act, is so necessary,” said Rep. Neguse. … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-statement-on-december-2025-vote-to-not-table-impeachment REP. HOYLE STATEMENT ON TODAY’S VOTE TO NOT TABLE IMPEACHMENT 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Val T. Hoyle H001094 hoyle.house.gov hoyle https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) released the following statement after she voted against tabling the impeachment resolution: “It is undeniable that this administration has abused its power and acted unconstitutionally. It is also true that any serious effort to impeach requires bipartisan support and we do not have that. In previous and successful efforts to impeach federal officials, the Judiciary Committee first held hearings and completed investigative reports to develop a broader consensus before moving forward on a full vote on the House floor. We are fortunate to have Congressman Jamie Raskin, one of the nation’s foremost constitutional lawyers, leading Democrats on the Judiciary Committee. Congressman Raskin also led the effort to impeach President Trump for his role in the January 6 insurrection. It was his strong recommendation to not table this resolution and instead refer this matter to the Judiciary Committee, and that was my intention with this vote.” ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-statement-on-voting-against-2026-ndaa REP. HOYLE STATEMENT ON VOTING AGAINST IRRESPONSIBLE MILITARY SPENDING 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Val T. Hoyle H001094 hoyle.house.gov hoyle https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) released the following statement after she voted against allowing more unchecked Pentagon spending in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) yesterday evening: “I voted no on the NDAA as this legislation enables more irresponsible military spending, adding a staggering $8 billion on top of the almost $900 billion in funding initially requested by President Trump. I will not vote to fund an agency that has failed the last 7 audits while shoveling money to private contractors with little oversight. The American taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability, and this bill offers neither.” ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-salinas-ciscomani-budzinski-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation Reps. Salinas, Ciscomani, Budzinski, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen America’s Mental Health Workforce 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Andrea Salinas S001226 salinas.house.gov salinas https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced bipartisan legislation with Reps. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) to strengthen the mental and behavioral health workforce to better support rural and underserved communities that lack access to these essential providers. The Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act would establish a loan repayment program to help more people obtain degrees in mental and behavioral health to address the workforce crisis. “Where you live shouldn’t determine the mental health care you receive. But too often, folks in rural and underserved corners of Oregon struggle because there aren’t enough providers nearby, and the wait for care is too long,” said Rep. Salinas. “Our bill helps change that by making degrees in mental and behavioral health more affordable and by helping new clinicians build their careers in the communities that need them most. I’m grateful to my colleagues for standing with me to make sure every Oregonian, regardless of where they live, can access the care they deserve.” “Mental health care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. But when half the country lives in a provider shortage area, necessity becomes impossibility, and far too many are left waiting for care they urgently need,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “With this legislation, we are correcting that imbalance: breaking down the debt barriers that keep clinicians out of the field, placing providers in the communities where help is hardest to find, and building a workforce strong enough to confront this crisis. Every American deserves timely, qualified treatment, and we must ensure they receive it.” “Access to mental health care is a growing challenge in rural communities, including many across Arizona’s Sixth District,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “At a time when we’re seeing a rise in suicides, I’m proud to cosponsor this bill, which takes a practical, bi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-schiff-underwood-lead-push-to-increase-nursing-education-and-workforce-support/ Merkley, Schiff, Underwood Lead Push to Increase Nursing Education and Workforce Support 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “Nurses continue to find themselves on the front lines of our major public health battles, often without the full support they need,” said Merkley. “As the husband of a nurse, I know the sacrifices nurses make to care for patients. We must do everything we can to support our nursing workforce, just as they support each and every one of us, and the FAAN Act is one way we can help achieve this commitment by invigorating nursing education.” “Nurses and health care workers are heroes in our communities, and it’s crucial that the federal government makes the proper investments to support this workforce,” said Schiff. “I am proud to join Senator Merkley and my colleagues in introducing this legislation which would help strengthen our health care system and address the nursing shortage that our country is grappling with.” “Nurses provide critically important care that keeps our families and communities healthy. As one of just three nurses serving in Congress, I’ve always been committed to advancing policies that strengthen our nursing workforce,” said Underwood. “By making a critical $1 billion investment in schools of nursing, my FAAN Act would grow the nursing workforce and expand and diversify the pipeline of nurses in underserved and rural areas. I look forward to working with Senators Merkley and Schiff to pass the FAAN Act and provide the investments we need to create a stronger health care system that addresses nursing shortages and meets the needs of our families and communities.” “Federal support for nursing education is crucial to ensuring that our nursing workforce is prepared to meet the healthcare needs of all communities,” said Dr. Jean Giddens, Board Chair for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. “The FAAN Act is a crucial step forward as we work to recruit and retain nursing students and faculty amid ongoing shortages, support our schools of nursing, facilitate academic-practice partnerships, and ensure the educational pathways remain strong as we work to serve America’s patients.” “AACN … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-applauds-house-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-program Wyden Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today applauded the House passage of his bipartisan legislation introduced with Senators Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and James Risch, R-Idaho, to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program and ensure rural, forested communities across Oregon and the country receive funding for roads, schools, law enforcement and other critical services. “The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline for rural communities across Oregon since I originally authored the program back in 2000,” Wyden said. “I’m relieved the House has finally done its job with the long-overdue passage of my bill to return the safety net for critical services to communities that need it the most. This is exactly why we need a permanent solution to get rural communities off the financial rollercoaster and ensure they have the resources they need to not only survive, but grow and thrive.” “By passing our bipartisan bill, Congress has finally taken critical action to restore funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep rural communities safe,” said Merkley. “Extending the SRS program ensures Oregon communities and local governments can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources, and I look forward to President Trump swiftly signing our bill into law.” Wyden first authored the SRS program in 2000. Funding for the program lapsed in September 2023, and counties have not received payments since early 2024. Wyden’s bill to reauthorize the program had previously passed the Senate, but stalled in the House, delaying crucial funding for rural schools, law enforcement, and infrastructure projects. Last week, 83 bipartisan, bicameral members, led by Wyden and Crapo, called on House leadership to take up the reauthorization bill for final passage. "SRS is a lifeline for hundreds of rural school districts and counties across 43 states. These commun… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-slam-trump-administration-over-plans-to-slash-social-security-field-office-visits Wyden, Colleagues Slam Trump Administration Over Plans to Slash Social Security Field Office Visits 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Lawmakers raise alarm about whether Trump administration is seeking to “quietly kill field offices,” implement backdoor benefits cuts Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he is joining his Senate colleagues in pressing the head of Social Security on reports about a new goal of slashing nearly 15 million field office visits every year in Oregon and nationwide. “We are concerned that these efforts are in fact part of a plan to ‘quietly kill[] field offices,’ implementing a back-door cut in benefits by making it harder for Americans to access the Social Security customer services they need,” the senators wrote in their letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano. “Once again, you seem to have adopted a slash-first, think-later approach to "modernizing" SSA, and beneficiaries will pay the price.” The Trump administration has relentlessly attacked Social Security. Under Bisignano, the administration has made it harder for Americans to get their benefits, including implementing burdensome in-person and bug-prone identification processes that force millions of Americans to visit field offices each year. The administration is also slashing SSA’s workforce by around 6,000 people and closing regional offices. Instead of staffing up to meet these needs, SSA’s field office capacity has significantly declined. Beneficiaries are being forced to wait hours to get help, only to be told they must call to schedule an appointment. Recent reports now indicate SSA plans to slash field office visitors in half, making it even harder for seniors and people with disabilities to access their earned benefits. Wyden and his colleagues requested critical details by January 6, 2026 on SSA’s plans to reduce the number of field office visits, including which services SSA will be deployed for online users and individuals calling the National 1-800 number, whether beneficiaries will receive assistance in field offices without an appointment, what the current average wait time is to schedule a fi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-introduces-bipartisan-bill-expand-access-youth-homeless-services Bynum Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Youth Homeless Services 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Janelle S. Bynum B001326 bynum.house.gov bynum https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC – Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Homeless Children and Youth Act to help millions of children and young people experiencing homelessness access support. The current definition of homelessness used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) excludes children and youth in particular living situations from accessing services, often leaving them in unstable and unsafe situations. This legislation would expand the definition of homelessness to ensure all eligible young people can access the services they need to help them exit homelessness. "Oregon has one of the highest rates of youth and teen homelessness in the country, and too many of these children are unable to access support they need because of red tape,” said Rep. Bynum. “We know that teen homelessness is the strongest predictor of homelessness as an adult, and that expanding access to support can be life-changing for these kids. That’s why I’m proud to be leading this bipartisan bill to cut through the red tape and offer young Oregonians – and Americans – a pathway out of homelessness.” "Schools identify about 1.4 million children and youth as homeless, yet most can’t access HUD resources because they don’t fit its narrow definition. Ignoring these hidden but serious cases strains families and local communities, which sets many kids on a path toward adult homelessness. Updating the definition is a necessary step to break that cycle and ease economic strain on our local communities,” said Rep. Lawler. The Senate version of the bill has been introduced by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Senator Katie Britt (D-AL). Read the full text of the legislation here. This legislation is endorsed by SchoolHouse Connection, National Network for Youth, New Avenues for Youth, Jackson Street Youth Services, the Maslow Project, and Family Promise’s national organization, as well as their affiliates serving communities in the Mid-Willamette Valley and Tual… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/salinas-baldwin-collins-van-orden-introduce-bill-support-organic-farmers-and Salinas, Baldwin, Collins, Van Orden Introduce Bill to Support Organic Farmers and Producers 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Andrea Salinas S001226 salinas.house.gov salinas https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), alongside U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), introduced legislation to give organic producers tools to increase capacity, modernize their operations, and expand their businesses to meet growing demand. The Domestic Organic Investment Act would make a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program permanent that helps solve supply chain gaps for the organic market by providing grants to farmers and businesses. While certified organic sales have grown to over $71.4 billion in 2024, domestic organic acreage has not kept pace with demand for organic products. “Oregon has long been a national leader in organic agriculture, yet too many of our growers still face hurdles when it comes to getting their crops onto grocery store shelves,” said Representative Salinas. “Whether it’s the lack of modern processing facilities, storage capacity, or the technology needed to stay competitive, these gaps stop family farms across Oregon from reaching their full potential. This bill will invest in our organic growers, supporting local jobs, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring Oregon farmers remain at the forefront of a resilient, innovative organic economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their work to support organic farmers in Oregon and across the country.” “Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland, and to keep that legacy, we need to support our farmers and make sure they can meet the demands of families. With the demand for organic foods continuing to skyrocket, we need to make sure that any farmer who wants to grow their business, has the tools and resources to do it,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m working with Democrats and Republicans so more organic farmers can expand their operations, support good paying jobs, and continue to be the beating heart of our rural communities.” “Maine’s organic agriculture industry continues to grow at a rapid pace with the support of federal investments and stro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/following-republican-hemp-ban-wyden-merkley-reintroduce-bill-to-keep-hemp-on-market-with-strong-consumer-protections/ Following Republican Hemp Ban, Wyden, Merkley Reintroduce Bill to Keep Hemp on Market with Strong Consumer Protections 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today reintroduced legislation that would return hemp to the market and create national safety standards for hemp-derived products, keep these products out of the hands of children, and ban unsafe, untested hemp products. Reintroduction of the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) follows passage of last month’s government funding bill containing a provision to outlaw hemp products nationwide. Wyden has long pressed for common-sense consumer regulations and protections instead of a one-size-fits-all approach that does nothing to protect kids or consumers from unsafe or untested hemp products. “There’s no question that more needs to be done to protect kids and consumers from unsafe, untested hemp products,” Wyden said. “We learned from the failed war on drugs that a one-size-fits all approach banning hemp products from the market outright does nothing to protect kids and consumers, and will be a gut-punch to thousands of jobs and small businesses across the country. My legislation takes the thoughtful and measured approach necessary to implement strong consumer protection regulations while fostering growth and innovation in this growing industry.” “A blanket ban on hemp harms research and the entire industry. That’s why I spearheaded a bipartisan effort to remove such a ban from recently becoming law,” said Merkley. “Instead, the FDA must establish clear, commonsense guidelines—as it does for other foods, drinks, and products—to protect the health of all Americans and prevent children from purchasing these hemp products.” The bill would mandate a minimum age of 21 to buy and set a serving size limit for intoxicating content in hemp-derived products where states do not have limits in place. The legislation would require that all hemp-derived products be tested for safety and manufactured using clean and safe processes. The CSRA would require truth in labeling, and would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall or ban any hemp-der… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senate-republicans-block-merkleys-bill-to-prevent-war-with-venezuela/ Senate Republicans Block Merkley’s Bill to Prevent War with Venezuela 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked consideration of his Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025, which would block federal funds from being used for military actions in Venezuela: “As the Constitution so clearly says, Congress has the power to declare war—not the President. We must not stand by while Donald Trump prepares to wage war without authorization. Yet, Senate Republicans once again chose to rubber-stamp Trump’s agenda, trampling our Constitution in the process. “Certainly, Nicolás Maduro is a brutal dictator, but that does not give Trump a blank check for launching a war. Congress must reassert its constitutional responsibility. I’ll keep fighting for this body to exercise its authority over the decision to go to war, regardless of who is in the White House.” On Wednesday, Merkley took to the Senate Floor in an attempt to pass his Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025, legislation he leads with Virginia’s U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, that would prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Venezuela without explicit Congressional authorization. Merkley’s bill does not prevent the United States from acting to defend itself or its citizens from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack, pursue lawful counternarcotics operations, or provide humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people. The Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 is also co-sponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Andy Kim (D-NJ). Full text of the Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 can be found by clicking here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senators-blunt-rochester-merkley-warnock-introduce-bill-to-repair-infrastructure-bridge-communities/ Senators Blunt Rochester, Merkley, Warnock Introduce Bill to Repair Infrastructure, Bridge Communities 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) today introduced the Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient (REPAIR) Infrastructure Program Act. The bill would reauthorize and expand the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Reconnecting Communities Program as the REPAIR Infrastructure Program, building on the groundwork laid by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bridge communities separated by ill-conceived transportation and infrastructure barriers. This would ensure more neighborhoods are vibrant and safe, contributing to healthier lives and creating more opportunities for American families. Senators Blunt Rochester, Merkley, and Warnock all championed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. This bill is led in the House by U.S. Representatives Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.-18) and Shomari Figures (D-Ala.-2). “When my colleagues and I were shaping what would become the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, I made sure it included significant funding for communities to correct historic injustices that resulted from past infrastructure policies. Now, the time has come to reauthorize and expand that program,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Over the last four years, the Reconnecting Communities Program has proven successful, including critical work done in Delaware. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the REPAIR Infrastructure Act and invest more of this critical funding into communities across our nation.” “The federal government must uphold its commitment to righting the historical wrongs associated with infrastructure projects in our communities, like Portland’s I-5 Rose Quarter project,” said Senator Merkley, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “The Trump Administration has spent the last year relentlessly undermining once-in-a-generation investments and critical federal funding for infrastructure project… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/van-hollen-merkley-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-aid-workers-in-conflict-zones/ Van Hollen, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Conflict Zones 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON – Today, on Human Rights Day, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to protect humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones. The lawmakers’ legislation, the Commitment to Aid Workers Act, would strengthen U.S. efforts to safeguard those who risk their lives to deliver humanitarian assistance. The bill creates new oversight and enforcement mechanisms to hold foreign militaries accountable for actions that endanger humanitarian workers as they deliver American aid. U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has previously introduced companion legislation in the House. “Humanitarian workers do some of the most vital but dangerous jobs in the world as they come to the aid of civilians caught in the middle of armed conflict. After two extremely deadly years for these workers, we must do more to protect them. This bill will employ U.S. leverage to help ensure the safety of humanitarian workers as they conduct their lifesaving missions,” said Senator Van Hollen. “When conflict or disaster strikes, humanitarian aid workers are the first line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter,” said Senator Merkley. “Our top priority must be to support and protect those who serve on the frontlines of crisis, and the Commitment to Aid Workers Act does just that.” “Humanitarian aid workers put their lives on the line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter to civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict. Their work is guided by a basic principle: that even in war, human dignity must be preserved,” Representative Pingree said. “Tragically, we are seeing aid workers targeted like never before. This year, 326 have been killed—and last year was the deadliest on record, with over 370 killed across the globe. These are attacks on the very foundation of humanitarian law. The United States cannot stand by while those delivering life-saving assistance are treated as collateral damage. The Commitment to Aid Workers Act ensures accoun… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-extend-tax-relief-for-wildfire-victims Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Extend Tax Relief for Wildfire Victims 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to introduce legislation that would permanently ensure wildfire survivors in Oregon and nationwide are not taxed on compensation they receive for losses and damages suffered during a wildfire. “The last thing Oregonians need when they’re rebuilding after a wildfire is to get clobbered by a big tax bill on their financial settlements,” Wyden said. “This bill will make it possible for wildfire survivors to use every settlement dollar they receive to repair their homes and businesses. It’s also a smart way to pump more resources back into devastated communities that need all the help they can get. My colleagues and I are going to fight to get this passed as soon as possible, because making this tax relief permanent is a no-brainer.” The Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act would extend and make permanent the protections signed into law last year within the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which excluded wildfire-related settlement payments from federal income tax calculations. This includes payments that cover living expenses, lost wages, or compensation for injury, death, or emotional distress. However, this exclusion is set to expire at the end of 2025. Failure to extend this provision means any wildfire-related settlement payments beginning in 2026 will again be subject to federal income tax obligations. More and more states have qualifying settlements or active litigation related to wildfires. This bill would allow wildfire survivors to put the full amount of their settlement money toward recovering from devastating losses. Additionally, the bill would allow victims to claim the exemption in the year they receive payments rather than to amend prior tax returns for a refund. The bill was led by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, D-Calif. In addition to Wyden, the bipartisan bill was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Tim Sheehy, R-Mont. The bill was led in the House by U.S. Represe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-airline-passengers-from-flight-cancellation-and-delay-fees Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Airline Passengers from Flight Cancellation and Delay Fees 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Legislation follows the Trump administration’s move to roll back a Biden-era rule that protected consumers and held airlines accountable Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined colleagues in introducing legislation that would protect travelers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. Introduction of the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act follows the decision by the Trump administration earlier this year to rescind a Biden-era rule that protected travelers against these fees and costs. The legislation would also direct the federal Department of Transportation to mandate airlines reimburse passengers for hotels, meals, and transportation to lodging incurred by canceled or delayed flights. “The biggest winners under Donald Trump’s presidency are corporations and the ultra-rich, and airlines are no exception,” Wyden said. “On top of his costly government shutdown that left travelers hamstrung and airports woefully understaffed by safety and air traffic controllers, now Trump is going out of his way to make flying more expensive for travelers. This legislation would restore much-needed consumer protections and financial relief during one of the busiest holiday travel seasons on record.” The bill was introduced by Senators Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Edward J. Markey, D-Mass. In addition to Wyden, the bill is also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. The legislation would require the Transportation Department to issue regulations that would: Establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee that includes consumer protection groups to develop recommendations to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-objects-to-bill-that-would-threaten-encryption-calls-for-new-resources-to-crack-down-on-predators-online Wyden Objects to Bill That Would Threaten Encryption, Calls for New Resources to Crack Down on Predators Online 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper As prepared for delivery I don’t often disagree with my colleague from Illinois, and I very much share the stated goals of the STOP CSAM Act. Child sexual abuse material is a toxic plague on the internet. There are real victims who need support, and criminals who need to be hunted down and locked up. I don’t take a backseat to anyone when it comes to helping kids and punishing predators. Last Congress, Senator Durbin and I compromised on a different version of this bill and agreed to let that version pass by unanimous consent. Let me say that again, last Congress we reached agreement on a version of this bill that could have passed unanimously. Today, the sponsors have chosen to abandon those negotiations and instead seek to advance a dangerous bill that would make internet users unsafe. This bill would weaken the single strongest technology protecting children and families online - strong encryption. It will make it easier to punish sites that use encryption to secure private conversations and personal devices. While STOP CSAM’s sponsors claim that their bill does not target encryption, the bill explicitly allows courts to punish companies that offer strong encryption. It also would encourage scanning of content on users’ phones or computers, before information is sent over the internet, which has the same consequences as breaking encryption. Weakening encryption and other security technologies is the single biggest gift you could give to the predators and creeps who want to stalk and spy on children. Sexual predators will have a far easier time stealing and extorting photographs of children, tracking their phones and spying on their private messages once encryption is breached. Doing so threatens the privacy and security of every single law-abiding American. Let’s look at who supports this bill. Big Tech - Google and X - have endorsed it. It’s the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union who oppose it. This is really about who you’re for. I’m here for women who depend on e… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-reintroduces-bill-to-keep-hemp-on-the-market-with-strong-consumer-protections Wyden Reintroduces Bill to Keep Hemp on the Market with Strong Consumer Protections 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today reintroduced legislation that would return hemp to the market and create national safety standards for hemp-derived products, keep these products out of the hands of children, and ban unsafe, untested hemp products. Reintroduction of the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) follows passage of last month’s government funding bill containing a provision to outlaw hemp products nationwide. Wyden has long pressed for common-sense consumer regulations and protections instead of a one-size-fits-all approach that does nothing to protect kids or consumers from unsafe or untested hemp products. “There’s no question that more needs to be done to protect kids and consumers from unsafe, untested hemp products,” Wyden said. “We learned from the failed war on drugs that a one-size-fits all approach banning hemp products from the market outright does nothing to protect kids and consumers, and will be a gut-punch to thousands of jobs and small businesses across the country. My legislation takes the thoughtful and measured approach necessary to implement strong consumer protection regulations while fostering growth and innovation in this growing industry.” The bill would mandate a minimum age of 21 to buy and set a serving size limit for intoxicating content in hemp-derived products where states do not have limits in place. The legislation would require that all hemp-derived products be tested for safety and manufactured using clean and safe processes. The CSRA would require truth in labeling, and would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall or ban any hemp-derived products that contain too much THC, dangerous chemicals, byproducts or additives. Following the legalization of hemp production and hemp-derived consumer products under the 2018 Farm Bill, the FDA failed repeatedly to regulate these products despite pressure from Wyden and other members of the Senate to do so. Wyden has long maintained that the FDA must do its part in monitoring the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-s-bill-to-expand-the-city-of-the-dalles-water-passed-in-us-house-of-representatives Congressman Bentz's Bill to Expand the City of The Dalles Water Passed in U.S. House of Representatives 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Republican House OR Cliff Bentz B000668 bentz.house.gov bentz https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR2) voted YES and the U.S. House of Representatives PASSED his bill, H.R. 655: “The City of the Dalles Watershed Development Act”, paving the way for Senate consideration. This legislation, if enacted, would transfer ownership of 150 acres of U.S. Forest Service land within The Dalles’ municipal watershed to the City of The Dalles. The City relies on its municipal watershed for 80% of its annual water supply. Expanding the size of the reservoir is essential if the city is to meet future demand. “This transfer will help the City of The Dalles expand its potable water resources.” said Congressman Cliff Bentz. “A reliable and secure water supply for the City is one of my highest priorities. When this legislation is passed by the Senate and signed by the President, The Dalles will have the ability to better manage its watershed, expand its reservoir and support the Cities’ long-term growth. I am happy to see this bill advance and I thank my colleagues in the House and local leaders in the City who helped move it forward.” “With 85% of our drinking water coming from this watershed, consolidating ownership of the land around the Crow Creek Dam and Reservoir is a tremendous step forward for our community,” said The City of The Dalles Mayor, Richard Mays. “This transfer will strengthen our ability to protect water quality, improve system management, and ensure a reliable water supply for the 16,000 residents of The Dalles. We’re excited about what this means for our future. Thank you to Congressman Bentz and the House Natural Resources Committee for advancing this critical legislation.” "I am very excited to hear that The Dalles will have the property needed to address future water development needs with the passage of H.R. 655—The Dalles Watershed Development Act. This measure ensures that The Dalles will be able to collect surface water for the future of our community. Thank you to Congressman Bentz and his staff for "carrying the water" on this important issue.… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-supports-house-passage-of-the-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act Congressman Bentz Supports House Passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Republican House OR Cliff Bentz B000668 bentz.house.gov bentz https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) voted YES on Senate Bill 356, the “Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act”, which will bring some 50 million dollars, for each of three years, to Oregon’s timber dependent counties. Said Congressman Bentz: “In 1990 the Spotted Owl was listed under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species. Almost immediately timber production from federal forests in the Western United States plummeted by 80%. The economic and societal cost to timber dependent states and their timber reliant counties was appalling. Demand for SNAP and Medicaid shot up, alcoholism and meth addiction became routine. County tax revenues were decimated. A belated but needed response was the Secure Rural Schools Act first passed in 2000, ten years after the listing of the Owl. This law, and the funding it provides, was designed to partially offset the massive decline in federal timber revenue. It provides a modest amount of funding for critical services including infrastructure maintenance (roads), wildfire mitigation, conservation projects, search and rescue operations, fire prevention initiatives, and most importantly, money for children’s education.” “When society enacts socially attractive laws that seemingly benefit the broader public but end up harming small communities, society must mitigate that harm. This is what the SRS bill does. It mitigates at least a part of the billions in damage done to small communities by the implementation of social goals such as, in this case, the Endangered Species Act. I thank my colleagues and Speaker Johnson for supporting this essential bill and the funding that my counties so desperately need.” ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-accelerate-education Bonamici, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Accelerate Education Research 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Suzanne Bonamici B001278 bonamici.house.gov bonamici https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC [12/9/25] –Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced bipartisan legislation to spur innovation in teaching and learning techniques. The New Essential Education Discoveries (NEED) Act of 2025 would improve student learning by creating a National Center for Advanced Development in Education (NCADE) to promote informed-risk, high-reward education research. The new national center would focus on developing and disseminating effective practices and tools to improve students’ academic performance and close longstanding achievement gaps. The NCADE would be the fifth center under the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and follow a successful model similar to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). “Strengthening education is the best way to improve lives and sustain the economy,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Technology is evolving rapidly and there are many ways it can help students learn and close opportunity gaps. The NEED Act will empower researchers to develop new educational strategies and technologies that are based in science.” “To prepare every student to thrive in a rapidly changing world, we must pursue innovation with both ambition and accountability,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. “The NEED Act builds a smarter bridge between research and the classroom—accelerating evidence-based breakthroughs, strengthening data transparency, and empowering educators with tools that deliver real results. This bipartisan effort is about stronger outcomes for students, greater opportunity for families, and a more competitive workforce for America.” “Everyone should have the information they need to make informed decisions about their own education and workforce pathways, support individuals navigating these pathways, and create policies that might help others navigate smoother pathways,” said Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger, president and CEO, Data Quality Campaign. “Data Quality Campaign applauds the efforts of Rep. Bonamici and Rep. F… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-announces-tele-town-hall-for-monday-december-15th Rep. Hoyle Announces Tele-Town Hall for Monday, December 15th 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Val T. Hoyle H001094 hoyle.house.gov hoyle https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) announced she will host a telephone town hall on Monday, December 15th at 5:30 PM Pacific Time (PT). Rep. Hoyle will share end of year updates about what's going on in Congress and how it's impacting communities in the district. It is also an opportunity to ask Rep. Hoyle questions and get answers directly from her. How to Join To join the tele-town hall, constituents of Oregon’s 4th district should fill out the form linked here. The form will close on Monday, December 15th at 10:00 AM PT. What’s a telephone town hall? A tele-townhall is a town hall meeting done over the telephone with Rep. Hoyle and other constituents in the district. It's a way for her to be in conversation with as many people as possible and provide direct updates while she is in Washington, D.C. for votes. After filling out the form above, you will receive a call from her at the designated start time and be invited to stay on the line to join. After joining the call, attendees will receive instructions on how to ask a question. ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-delivers-for-rural-oregon-with-passage-of-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act-of-2025 Rep. Hoyle Delivers for Rural Oregon with Passage of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Val T. Hoyle H001094 hoyle.house.gov hoyle https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) today joined in celebrating House passage of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation she helped lead to ensure rural counties can continue funding critical public services. The bill reauthorizes the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which helps rural, timber-dependent counties to be able to fund their schools, maintain their roads and deliver emergency services. During remarks on the floor of the House earlier today, Rep. Hoyle emphasized why rural communities need this support. “When the timber industry collapsed, Congress made a commitment to support rural communities and their critical infrastructure to make sure they did not get left behind,” said Rep. Hoyle. “The Secure Rural Schools program, SRS, has been a lifeline.” Earlier this year, the Republican Budget Bill made matters worse by taking away the standard county revenue shares for timber harvest on federal lands. Rep. Hoyle stressed that this makes it even more important for Congress to honor its commitment to rural America by reauthorizing SRS. “We still have a long way to go to deliver on the investments and job opportunities that rural America needs and deserves, which is one of my top priorities in Congress,” Rep. Hoyle noted. “But letting this program expire and pulling the rug out from under rural counties is simply not an option.” In Fiscal Year 2023, the last time SRS was authorized, counties in Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District received over $31.5 million through the program. The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act now goes to the President’s desk for signature. ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-cortez-masto-lead-new-bill-to-block-donald-trump-from-putting-his-face-on-dollar-coin/ Merkley, Cortez Masto Lead New Bill to Block Donald Trump from Putting His Face on Dollar Coin 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Nevada’s U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto introduced new legislation to prevent any living or sitting U.S. President from being featured on any U.S. currency. The Change Corruption Act would ensure President Trump cannot be featured on an upcoming one-dollar coin in celebration of the Semiquincentennial, America’s 250th birthday. Public reporting and draft designs suggest the U.S. Mint is considering a dollar coin featuring Trump, despite the historical precedent of America not featuring a living or sitting President on a circulating coin. A final decision on the design could come as soon as this week. “President Trump’s self-celebrating maneuvers are authoritarian actions worthy of dictators like North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, not the United States of America,” said Merkley. “We must reject his efforts to dismantle our ‘We, The People’ republic and replace it with a strongman state by demanding strong accountability to prevent further abuse of taxpayer dollars. As we look ahead to America’s 250th birthday, I’ll keep fighting back against Trump’s corruption and partisan propaganda.” “While monarchs put their faces on coins, America has never had and never will have a king,” said Cortez Masto. “Our legislation would codify this country’s long-standing tradition of not putting living Presidents on American coins. Congress must pass it without delay.” The Change Corruption Act is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). “Donald Trump will stop at nothing to steal the spotlight, and that includes putting an image of himself on a U.S. coin,” said Wyden. “While kings insist on immortalizing their image on shiny objects, real leaders care about focusing on the issues of today. I’m proud to support this bill that ensures our country does not worship its leaders like kings.” “President Trump seeks to disobey the law and betray our American values by having his portrait minted on U.S. currency,” said Blumenthal. … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-applaud-house-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-program/ Wyden, Merkley Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today applauded the House passage of his bipartisan legislation introduced with Senators Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and James Risch, R-Idaho, to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program and ensure rural, forested communities across Oregon and the country receive funding for roads, schools, law enforcement and other critical services. “The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline for rural communities across Oregon since I originally authored the program back in 2000,” Wyden said. “I’m relieved the House has finally done its job with the long-overdue passage of my bill to return the safety net for critical services to communities that need it the most. This is exactly why we need a permanent solution to get rural communities off the financial rollercoaster and ensure they have the resources they need to not only survive, but grow and thrive.” “By passing our bipartisan bill, Congress has finally taken critical action to restore funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep rural communities safe,” said Merkley. “Extending the SRS program ensures Oregon communities and local governments can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources, and I look forward to President Trump swiftly signing our bill into law.” Wyden first authored the SRS program in 2000. Funding for the program lapsed in September 2023, and counties have not received payments since early 2024. Wyden’s bill to reauthorize the program had previously passed the Senate, but stalled in the House, delaying crucial funding for rural schools, law enforcement, and infrastructure projects. Last week, 83 bipartisan, bicameral members, led by Wyden and Crapo, called on House leadership to take up the reauthorization bill for final passage. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-stop-trump-administration-replacing-immigration-judges-with-inexperienced-attorneys/ Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Stop Trump Administration Replacing Immigration Judges with Inexperienced Attorneys 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they are joining their Senate colleagues in introducing legislation that would prevent Donald Trump from abusing loopholes to appoint inexperienced attorneys as temporary immigration judges. The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act aims to close loopholes the Trump administration has been using to short-circuit due process and accelerate its mass deportation agenda. This bill follows Trump weaponizing U.S. immigration courts and torching due process rights by replacing more than 100 immigration judges with up to 600 military lawyers. “Trump is weaponizing our immigration courts and torching due process rights by replacing experienced judges with unqualified lawyers who will rubberstamp his mass deportation agenda,” Wyden said. “Congress needs to ensure that judges hearing these critical and complex cases have the knowledge to give immigrants the fair hearings that they deserve.” “We can’t stand idly by as an authoritarian strongman tramples on due process,” Merkley said. “Trump is replacing qualified judges with inexperienced lackeys who will carry out his cruel immigration agenda without question. Congress needs to act swiftly to defend the rule of law and make sure that the judges serving on our immigration courts are experienced, qualified, and fair.” The bill would: Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services. Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals from being appointed as temporary immigration judges. Authorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice who meet the eligibility requirements. Establish basic training requirements. The bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, American Immigration Council, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Association of Immigration Judges. The bill was led by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-budd-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-family-farmers-grow-agritourism Wyden, Budd Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Family Farmers, Grow Agritourism 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ted Budd, R-N.C., today introduced bipartisan legislation to support the economic development and growth of agritourism businesses nationwide by increasing federal resources like loans, grants, broadband, and educational programs to small family farmers. “Small family farmers are the backbone of our country’s agricultural sector,” Wyden said. “There’s no question that the federal government needs to step up and support family farmers at a time when most are operating on a shoestring budget and barely making ends meet. Our bipartisan legislation would give family farmers much-needed resources to not only survive, but grow and thrive.” “Agritourism is essential to keeping working farms afloat, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. Without it, many of North Carolina’s farms would have been forced to cease operations following Hurricane Helene. I’m proud to lead this legislation alongside Senator Wyden to streamline federal resources for North Carolina’s booming agritourism industry,” Budd said. Wyden and Budd’s Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces (AGRITOURISM) Act would support local, family-owned businesses by designating a senior official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the federal agritourism advisor. This role would coordinate with stakeholders and other federal agencies to promote the growth of family-owned farms and advise the Secretary of Agriculture on this essential industry. Agritourism is one of the fastest growing industries that serves as a critical lifeline for rural economies nationwide by allowing family farms to offer outdoor recreational services like beer tasting, berry picking, seasonal festivities, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, and event venues. Oregon State University found that each Oregon county has at least one farm participating in agritourism. In North Carolina alone, agritourism is nearly a $1 billion industry. In … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-applaud-house-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-program Wyden, Merkley Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today applauded the House passage of his bipartisan legislation introduced with Senators Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and James Risch, R-Idaho, to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program and ensure rural, forested communities across Oregon and the country receive funding for roads, schools, law enforcement and other critical services. “The Secure Rural Schools program has been a lifeline for rural communities across Oregon since I originally authored the program back in 2000,” Wyden said. “I’m relieved the House has finally done its job with the long-overdue passage of my bill to return the safety net for critical services to communities that need it the most. This is exactly why we need a permanent solution to get rural communities off the financial rollercoaster and ensure they have the resources they need to not only survive, but grow and thrive.” “By passing our bipartisan bill, Congress has finally taken critical action to restore funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep rural communities safe,” said Merkley. “Extending the SRS program ensures Oregon communities and local governments can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources, and I look forward to President Trump swiftly signing our bill into law.” Wyden first authored the SRS program in 2000. Funding for the program lapsed in September 2023, and counties have not received payments since early 2024. Wyden’s bill to reauthorize the program had previously passed the Senate, but stalled in the House, delaying crucial funding for rural schools, law enforcement, and infrastructure projects. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-stop-trump-administration-replacing-immigration-judges-with-inexperienced-attorneys Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Stop Trump Administration Replacing Immigration Judges with Inexperienced Attorneys 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Ron Wyden W000779 www.wyden.senate.gov wyden https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper Since day one of the Trump administration, more than 100 immigration judges have been fired or forced to leave their positions Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they are joining their Senate colleagues in introducing legislation that would prevent Donald Trump from abusing loopholes to appoint inexperienced attorneys as temporary immigration judges. The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act aims to close loopholes the Trump administration has been using to short-circuit due process and accelerate its mass deportation agenda. This bill follows Trump weaponizing U.S. immigration courts and torching due process rights by replacing more than 100 immigration judges with up to 600 military lawyers. “Trump is weaponizing our immigration courts and torching due process rights by replacing experienced judges with unqualified lawyers who will rubberstamp his mass deportation agenda,” Wyden said. “Congress needs to ensure that judges hearing these critical and complex cases have the knowledge to give immigrants the fair hearings that they deserve.” “We can’t stand idly by as an authoritarian strongman tramples on due process,” Merkley said. “Trump is replacing qualified judges with inexperienced lackeys who will carry out his cruel immigration agenda without question. Congress needs to act swiftly to defend the rule of law and make sure that the judges serving on our immigration courts are experienced, qualified, and fair.” The bill would: Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services. Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals from being appointed as temporary immigration judges. Authorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice who meet the eligibility requirements. Establish basic training requirements. The bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, American Immigration Council, American Immigration Lawyers Association,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/as-oregon-s-economic-conditions-worsen-democrats-flounder As Oregon’s Economic Conditions Worsen, Democrats Flounder 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Republican House OR Cliff Bentz B000668 bentz.house.gov bentz https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– State Representatives Lieber and Sanchez, both of whom represent parts of Portland, wrote earlier this week in the Oregonian newspaper that it's “Trump’s cuts” (in the One Big Beautiful Bill) that are creating a “billion dollar problem for Oregon with no easy solutions”. In the same piece, they assert the importance of “growing private sector jobs (to) stimulate our broader economy and provide good wages to hardworking Oregonians”. What they intentionally fail to mention is that the Big Beautiful Bill, which every Democrat in Oregon's federal delegation voted against, protected Oregonians from a 20% federal tax increase which would have been effective just a few weeks from now. If the Democrats had had their way, this 20% tax increase would have been allowed to happen, small business would have been devastated, millions of jobs would have been lost and a recession may have occurred. Yet, not a peep about this in Lieber and Sanchez’s editorial. Instead, they say, with a straight face, that the Big Beautiful Bill is horrible, and that it’s actually Democrats who want to grow jobs and Oregon’s economy. It’s bad enough that these two don’t support the tax reductions for business and individuals in the Big Bill, but they then confound the reader by saying it’s their intent to “stimulate the broader economy and grow jobs”. Just how is it that they are going to do this when they plan to raise your taxes and leave untouched the tangled mess of complicated, confusing, expensive, anti-business laws they have imposed upon Oregon’s businesses? Having ignored their complicity in creating economic stagnation, they go on to unabashedly assert that the reduction in federal funds flowing to Oregon will “hamper economic activity and risk business closures at a time when we can least afford it”. This statement, read in conjunction with their opposition to the tax cuts in the Big Bill, is that Oregonian’s taxes should be higher and the federal government should send Oregonian’s tax money back in the form of gov… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyle-calls-on-congress-and-va-to-fund-roseburg-state-veterans-home Rep. Hoyle Calls on Congress and VA to Fund Roseburg State Veterans Home, Expand State Veterans Home Construction Program 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Val T. Hoyle H001094 hoyle.house.gov hoyle https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Congress to fully fund the Roseburg State Veterans Home and strengthen the State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program, which she said has been chronically underfunded and delayed critical care for rural veterans. “Veterans in my district have been advocating for this home since 2011,” said Rep. Hoyle. “Our veterans have served, sacrificed, and shown the ultimate commitment to our country. In return, it is our responsibility to make sure they are taken care of and can get the health care they need.” Rep. Hoyle’s district is home to more veterans than any other district in the state, many of whom live in rural and remote communities. The lack of a funded state veterans' home in Roseburg has forced veterans and families to travel long distances or go without needed long-term care. Under the State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program, states are required to provide 35 percent of project funding, with the VA responsible for the remaining share. The Oregon State Legislature has repeatedly secured state matching funds, including in 2011 and again in 2024. Despite the state’s preparedness, Rep. Hoyle said the Roseburg application has been repeatedly overlooked, causing project costs to rise due to inflation and construction delays. The current state funding is set to expire in 2027, creating added urgency for immediate federal action. Rep. Hoyle also highlighted that Congress has underfunded the State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program by nearly $1 billion, limiting the VA’s ability to approve new construction and forcing the agency to prioritize smaller repair and renovation projects instead. To address these shortfalls, Rep. Hoyle submitted an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to increase funding for the program. However, House Rules Committee Republicans blocked the amendment from recei… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-salinasthompson-newhouse-lamalfa-and-panetta-introduce-bill-deliver Reps. Salinas,Thompson, Newhouse, Lamalfa, and Panetta Introduce Bill to Deliver Tariff Relief for Wine and Specialty Crop Growers 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat House OR Andrea Salinas S001226 salinas.house.gov salinas https://salinas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper “Oregon’s wine producers and specialty crop growers make world-class products, but as countries impose tariffs in response to Trump’s trade policies, our farmers are facing higher costs, shrinking export opportunities, and real economic pain,” said Salinas. “Specialty crops and wine producers have been harmed by tariffs just like row crops, and the federal government has a responsibility to provide equal relief. This bill ensures they get the support they need to weather the economic hardship tariffs have caused. Ultimately, we need to get rid of Trump’s barriers to trade so our world-class products can truly be enjoyed all over the world, but in the meantime, Congress must step up to help our farmers where the Trump Administration has failed them.” “Farmers and wine producers in our district are being hit hard with rising costs at home and retaliatory tariffs abroad,” said Thompson. “Northern California agriculture feeds our country and fuels our local economy. When our producers are targeted with tariffs, families here at home feel it immediately. This bill gives them targeted relief they need to stay competitive. California’s agricultural and wine community are cornerstones of our local economies, from family farms to world-class producers. Ensuring they can weather sudden tariff hikes isn’t just an economic necessity, it’s a commitment to protecting the livelihoods that make our district and community special.” “While many crops are struggling in farm country, specialty crops are at a breaking point,” said Newhouse. “For too long, specialty crops have been left out of the conversation when financial relief for farmers is on the table, and it is essential that we begin to balance the scales. This bipartisan legislation directs USDA to establish a program that delivers much needed relief to our producers who grow some of the highest quality specialty crops in the world. If we want to continue to boost our specialty crop industry, then the federal government must make it a priority when planning for financial … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-statement-on-trumps-farmer-bailout-to-fix-crisis-created-by-trump/ Merkley Statement on Trump’s Farmer Bailout to Fix Crisis Created by Trump 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the unveil of a $12 billion bailout package for U.S. farmers who have been hurt by President Trump’s reckless and haphazard tariffs, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the below statement. Due to the Trump Administration’s policies, farmers across several commodities – especially soybeans – have faced devastating financial loses this year when foreign governments dramatically decreased or halted purchasing U.S. commodities altogether. These actions by the Trump Administration have caused farm bankruptcies to rise by nearly 60% compared with 2024. “The financial strain U.S. farmers have faced throughout this year has been devastating and completely avoidable. There is only one person to blame – Donald Trump. Soybean farmers were projected to have a bumper crop this year – and they did – but Trump’s self-inflicted tariff agenda left farmers with no market to sell to. Now, the Trump Administration is using U.S. tax dollars to provide a bailout to farmers to fix the President’s mistakes. Unfortunately, for many family farms, it’s too late. Farmers are the latest to suffer at the hands of the Trump families lose and billionaires win agenda,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley. This bailout by the Trump Administration not only does very little to support farmers who have faced significant loss this year, it also puts another strain on the pocketbook of the American taxpayer. Given that U.S. consumers and businesses initially paid for the tariffs that Trump put in place, using U.S taxpayer funds to bailout these farmers means U.S. taxpayers are essentially being charged twice for the president’s policies. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/ranking-member-merkley-trump-administration-weaponizing-u-s-park-police-to-further-its-authoritarianism/ Ranking Member Merkley: Trump Administration Weaponizing U.S. Park Police to Further Its Authoritarianism 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—the top Democrat overseeing funding for the National Park Service— today led U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to sound the alarm over President Trump’s proposed plans to turn the U.S. Park Police into a federal police force under his direct control for deployment across Washington, D.C. rather than following its mission of safeguarding national monuments and visitors. The Senators launched their probe in response to a report from The Washington Post, which outlined the unprecedented and dangerous nature of Trump’s plans to transform the U.S. Park Police. The Senators wrote to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, “The administration is on a deliberate hiring spree to exploit the U.S. Park Police’s jurisdiction and turn it into a tool of the President for him and his ideological extremists to impose their will on the streets of D.C.” “Commandeering the U.S. Park Police is not an earnest effort to help protect the Lincoln Memorial or improve motorists’ safety on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway,” the Senators stated. “According to a strategy memo obtained by The Washington Post, a goal for the force is to ‘establish the U.S. Park Police as the premier law enforcement agency in DC, capable of keeping DC safe regardless of inaction by MPD [Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia] or inaction by the DC City Council.’” “There is no evidence of an uptick in crime on park service land or increased threats to national monuments – this haste in both a hiring spree and waiving of [critical testing and standards for new officers] are clear signs that the administration is hijacking this federal police force for its own authoritarian purposes. And the administration may seek other mechanisms (legal or otherwise) to further expand the U.S. Park Police, increasing this authoritarian threat,” the Senators strongly emphasized. Merkley and the group of Senators concluded their inquiry by dem… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-patients-and-ensure-more-americans-can-afford-health-care/ Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Patients and Ensure More Americans can Afford Health Care 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today is leading Senate colleagues, including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, in introducing legislation to protect health care coverage for millions of Americans and improve the effectiveness of the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace. The Restoring Patient Protections and Affordability Act would renew the enhanced premium tax credits for three years, extend the 2026 open enrollment period, reduce paperwork for families, and lower out-of-pocket costs. “Americans today are waking up to a cold reality: health care costs are doubling, tripling, or even worse,” Wyden said. “While Trump is playing the blame game on America’s affordability crisis, Democrats are working day and night to extend ACA tax credits so that working families nationwide can access quality care without breaking the bank.” “Republicans exploded the cost of care for more than 20 million Americans who use the ACA exchange for health insurance—all to fund tax breaks for the already richest Americans,” said Merkley. “I refuse to let folks be left out in the cold—Congress needs to act now to fix the Republican health care crisis and lower the cost of health care for folks in Oregon and across the country.” More than 20 million Americans rely on ACA Marketplace plans to have access to comprehensive health coverage, including small business owners, farmers and ranchers, independent contractors, and those who cannot afford insurance through their employers. Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, the Trump administration has systematically erected barriers that have made it both more difficult and more expensive for Americans to access health care coverage. With open enrollment underway, people are actively logging onto healthcare.gov to shop for insurance coverage in 2026 and seeing massive premium spikes that will cause millions of people to forgo coverage altogether. The Restoring Patient Protections and Affordability Act would: Prevent health … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-urge-trump-administration-to-release-funds-for-klamath-family-head-start/ Wyden, Merkley Urge Trump Administration to Release Funds for Klamath Family Head Start 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate OR Jeff Merkley M001176 www.merkley.senate.gov merkley https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Oregon senators’ letter notes that federal agency delays could endanger program helping 180 children in Southern Oregon Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they are calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start to release grant funding essential to preventing the Klamath Family Head Start program from foreclosing on its main site in Klamath Falls, Oregon. “Despite the program submitting a full application for funding to pay off an outstanding loan and purchase their facility more than six months ago, Klamath Family Head Start still has yet to receive an update from the Office of Head Start (OHS),” the senators wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “This delay is especially troubling as Klamath Family Head Start’s lender has now informed them that they will extend the mortgage only through December 18, 2025, after which this program could lose its building.” “Klamath Family Head Start has been a trusted Head Start provider since 1980 and foreclosure of the building would be devastating for the community,” the senators continued. “One hundred eighty children and families in rural Oregon rely on this facility on a daily basis and it is supported by over 40 staff members. If the program is forced into an eviction or emergency relocation because of a stalled federal review process, Oregon families will pay the price.” The senators requested an update to the status of the grant request, and a timeline of when OHS will complete its review. The full letter is here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z

Next page

Advanced export

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

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 197.039ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press