url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390458,Schrader ranked among top 10 most effective lawmakers in the U.S. Congress,2015-12-28,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Public approval of Congress is near historic lows. Journalists, scholars, and presidential candidates regularly express frustration with Congresss inability to get anything done. So which members of the U.S. House are skilled at overcoming gridlock and successfully making laws?Building on our existing research on legislative effectiveness in the United States Congress, we have updated our Legislative Effectiveness Scores (LES) to include those House members who served in the 113th Congress (2013-14). As described in our recently published book, the Legislative Effectiveness Score is constructed to measure how successful a given representative is at moving his or her own legislative agenda items (meaning, sponsored bills) through different stages of the legislative process, where each of those bills is also coded for its substantive significance. The specific formula for the LES can be found here. Drawing on these updated scores, the following tables identify the five most effective representatives from the Republican and Democratic Parties, respectively. Most Effective Republican Representatives (Name/State and District) Dave Camp (MI-4) Darrell Issa (CA-49) Ed Royce (CA-39) Doc Hastings (WA-4) Don Young (AK) Most Effective Democratic Representatives (Name/State and District) Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) Richard Nolan (MN-8) Elijah Cummings (MD-7) Kurt Schrader (OR-5) Derek Kilmer (WA-6) All of them except Camp and Hastings are now serving in the current 114th Congress. Our research suggests that effective lawmakers in one Congress are more likely to produce landmark laws in the next. Given the success of these representatives, should we be optimistic that the current Congress can tackle major issues? On the Republican side, we see that these most-effective representatives have introduced many bills (H.R.s) into the House. Despite an arguably contentious environment, they have had a good deal of success. Issa, for example, sponsored the FOIA Act (H.R. 653) and the First Responders Passport Act of 2015 (H.R. 3750), both of which were acted upon in committee (with hearings and amendments considered) and have been ordered to be reported from committee (moving toward a vote of the full House). Royce has seen nine of the 18 House bills that he sponsored treated substantively, with such actions as committee markups and hearings. His Global Anti-Poaching Act (H.R. 2494) passed the House and is currently being considered in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 (H.R. 2297) passed the House and also recently passed the Senate (with amendment). As he has in previous Congresses, Young continues to be a strong advocate for his home state of Alaska, the beneficiary of almost all of the more than 40 bills that he has introduced into the 114th Congress. Two of these bills, H.R. 336 and H.R. 1335, have already passed the House and have been referred to the relevant Senate committees for consideration. Several others have been the focus of various committee and subcommittee markups and hearings. Since the Democrats are in the minority, the five highly effective Democratic representatives have been less successful in moving bills forward. But even they have made headway. For example, the Tribal Coastal Resilience Act (H.R. 2719), sponsored by Kilmer, has been the subject of subcommittee hearings. More impressively, the Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act of 2015 (H.R. 1557), sponsored by Cummings, unanimously passed the House and has been making progress in the Senate. In these bills, Congress is tackling important local, national, and international issues. Their success tells us that even in these contentious times, members of both parties can move bills forward, especially when they adopt the habits of highly effective lawmakers. Read this article on The Washington Post.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-prepares-holiday-meals-homebound-seniors-meals-wheels,Bonamici Prepares Holiday Meals for Homebound Seniors with Meals on Wheels,2015-12-23,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"Portland, Ore. [12/23/15] Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and her staff volunteered with Meals on Wheels People to prepare meals for homebound seniors in the First Congressional District. The meals will be delivered on December 24th to approximately 4,000 seniors. The holidays are a time for giving back to the community, and we enjoyed being part of the great work that Meals on Wheels People does to support seniors, said Congresswoman Bonamici. At this celebratory time of year, its important to remember that some of our neighbors are struggling with illness, aging, and poverty. When Congress is back in session, I will continue to advocate for reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. This important law funds vital programs like Meals on Wheels and services like family caregiver support and protection from elder abuse. Our seniors have contributed greatly to our country, and reauthorizing the Older Americans Act is an essential part of ensuring that they can live their lives with dignity. Since 1970, Meals on Wheels People has provided a nutritional and social lifeline for seniors through 30 meal sites in Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties and Meals on Wheels food delivery to homebound seniors. With the help of nearly 8,000 volunteers, the nonprofit organization now serves approximately 5,000 meals daily and 1.3 million meals each year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-kicks-off-new-year-with-town-halls,Wyden Kicks Off New Year With Town Halls,2015-12-23,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schedule Includes Senators Landmark 750th Town Hall Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Portland, Ore. Senator Ron Wyden next month will hold town halls starting on Jan. 3, including his 750thtown hall. Fulfilling his promise to hold annual town halls in each of Oregons 36 counties, Wyden will kick off 2016 with town halls between Jan. 3 and Jan. 6 in Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Wasco, Wheeler, Gilliam, Sherman and Hood River counties. On Jan. 5, Wyden will be in Wheeler County for his 750thtown hall the location of his first town hall 20 years ago in Fossil when he first won election to the Senate. My promise to Oregonians of town halls each year in each county began in Wheeler County, which is why there is no better place to hold this landmark 750thtown hall,Wyden said.I am so proud to represent the entire state in the true Oregon tradition by throwing open the doors of government so we can get beyond sound bites and have substantive discussions with Oregonians about their ideas to make our state and our country an even better place. Senator Wydens upcoming town hall schedule is as follows: Sunday, Jan. 3 CROOK COUNTY:4:30 pm, St. Charles Prineville Hospital Ochoco Conference Rooms 384 Combs Flat Road, Prineville Monday, Jan. 4 DESCHUTES COUNTY: 9:45 am, Ridgeview High School Auditorium 4555 SW Elkhorn Ave. Redmond JEFFERSON COUNTY: 12:30 pm, Madras City Hall 125 SW E. Street, Madras Tuesday, Jan. 5 WASCO COUNTY: 9:15 am, The Dalles-Wahtonka High School Auditorium 220 E 10thSt. The Dalles WHEELER COUNTY: 1:30 pm, Wheeler High School, 600 B Street, Fossil GILLIAM COUNTY:4:30 pm, Condon Chamber of Commerce, 307 S. Main St., Condon Wednesday, Jan. 6 SHERMAN COUNTY: 10 am, Sherman Jr. Senior High School 65912 High School Loop, Moro HOOD RIVER COUNTY:1:30 pm,Hood River High School Auditorium 1220 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-nominates-oregon-students-acceptance-us-service-academies-0,Greg Walden nominates Oregon students for acceptance to U.S. service academies,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OR,Greg Walden,W000791,walden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Greg Walden nominates Oregon students for acceptance to U.S. service academies MEDFORD U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) announced today that he has nominated thirteen Oregon students for acceptance to one of the prestigious United States service academies. Walden's Service Academy Nomination Boardactive and retired military officers who interview potential candidates to the service academies and make recommendations to Waldenrecommended each student based on their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character. It is an honor and a privilege to nominate these remarkable young Oregonians to our nation's service academies, Walden said. This nomination represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Their decision to pursue higher education, develop leadership skills, and serve their country in uniform is a deeply admirable endeavora journey at which I am confident they will succeed. The future of our nation is in good hands. The service academies include the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. Final selection for admission to the service academies will be performed by officials at each respective academy this spring. Students who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit Walden's website at https://walden.house.gov/academynominations. The nominees are as follows: Wasco County Timarra Roth, daughter of Elizabeth & Luis Leon of The Dalles, attending The Dalles High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Morrow County Moroni Jensen,son of Jack & LeeAnn Jensen of Oxbow, attending Pine Eagle High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jackson County Brandon Brooks,son of Ted & Kymberly Brooks of Medford, graduated South Medford High School, attending Southern Oregon Universitynominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Christian Cheshire, son of Walter & Kathryn Cheshire of Central Point, home schoolednominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy. Mark McAlister, son of Mark & Debra McAlister of Medford, attending Phoenix High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Ethan Shepherd, son of David & Kirsten Shepherd of Phoenix, attending Phoenix High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy. Joshua Wu, son of Kevin & Julie Wu of Medford, attending St. Mary's High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Josephine County Easton Bents, son of Robert & Denise Bents of Grants Pass, attending Grants Pass High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Deschutes County Benjamin Brockman,son of Chuck & Antoinette Brockman of Bend, attending Bend Senior High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Owen Hucke, son of Gary & Janet Hucke of Redmond, home schoolednominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Noah Nagle, son of Josh & Becky Nagle of Bend, attending Summit High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy. Hannah Wood, daughter of Harry & Helen Wood of Bend, attending the Taipei American School in Taipei, Taiwannominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Crook County Jordan Rutz, daughter of Travis & Shannon Rutz of Prineville, attending Prineville High Schoolnominated to the U.S. Military Academy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-seek-further-information-about-federal-efforts-to-facilitate-medical-marijuana-research,"Wyden, Merkley Seek Further Information About Federal Efforts to Facilitate Medical Marijuana Research",2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Follow-up letter comes after federal agency response leaves unanswered questions about efforts to address regulatory barriers to critical research Monday, December 21, 2015 Washington, DCOregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined with Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to send a follow-up letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking additional information about the agencies' efforts to facilitate and coordinate scientific research on medical marijuana. Today's letter comes after the agencies'responseto the senators'July letterand a subsequent staff briefing failed to answer key substantive questions. The senators reiterated the important role the federal agencies have to collaborate with each other and with states to conduct research on the risks and benefits of medical marijuana use. Instead, they wrote, ""there are currently numerous federal and state regulatory barriers to researching marijuana. This regulatory scheme which limits medical marijuana research is outdated and in desperate need of serious and immediate review, and these problems are exacerbated by a lack of coordination between the agencies and states."" In todays letter, the senators seek additional information from the agencies in several areas: (1)The supply of marijuana for research purposes.The senators reiterated concerns about the monopoly held by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) on the bulk manufacture of marijuana for research purposes, which limits access to adequate supply and appropriate varieties of marijuana and presents significant barriers to research. While the DEA said in the staff briefing that it does not view supply limits as a barrier, the senators note this explanation only applied to one strain of marijuana and does not reflect feedback we have heard from researchers in our states. The letter asks for additional details about the agencies efforts to meet the needs of researchers. (2)Assessment of marijuana rescheduling.In July, the senators asked about the timeline for the FDA to complete its analysis of the rescheduling of marijuana and to make a recommendation to the DEA, and the DEAs expected timeline upon receipt of this recommendation. The agencies failed to provide this information in their response and during their staff briefing; however, subsequent public statements from the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicate HHS has already made its recommendation. Todays letter asks the agencies to confirm this and to clarify the process for a re-scheduling determination for marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD). (3)Interagency coordination and research applications.ONDCP is coordinating regular meetings with relevant federal agencies about encouraging research, and noted at the staff briefing that this led to the elimination of the duplicative HHS Public Health Service Review Board. The senators said that while this is a positive step, they continue to hear from the research community that the research application approval process is long, cumbersome, and difficult to navigate. The letter requests further details about the application process for qualified researchers. (4)Surveillance and epidemiological studies.""Federal agencies should work to facilitate surveillance and epidemiological studies to assess how medical marijuana is being used,"" wrote the senators. ""We asked about this in our initial letter and our briefing, and we are concerned that there was no mention of efforts to collect these data."" (5)Coordination with states and inter-agency cooperation.The senators explained that the agencies ""informed us that federal agencies have been in communication and are coordinating on this issue, but failed to describe in detail the nature and type of these communications."" Today's letter seeks specific details about the agencies' coordination efforts. ""We must ensure that our public policy regarding medical marijuana is guided by the best science available, and in the absence of that science we must ensure that we are taking swift and deliberate steps to facilitate the research that provides for it,"" wrote the senators. A PDF copy of the senators' letter is availablehere, and a copy of the previous response from the agencies is availablehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-supports-bipartisan-government-funding-bill-avoiding-shutdown,Bonamici Supports Bipartisan Government Funding Bill Avoiding Shutdown,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Expresses Serious Concerns about Crude Export Ban, Other Provisions WASHINGTON, DC [12/18/15] Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) voted for the bipartisan bill to fund the federal government through September 2016: Americans deserve the certainty of knowing their government will be funded and open tomorrow, next week, and next month. This bipartisan agreement to fund the federal government makes improved investments in housing, education, research, infrastructure, and arts programs. Important safety investments in the Scoggins Dam and support for renewable energy industries are also included in the final bill. The bill also includes additional funding for the Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution programs and the National Institutes of Health. It also increases funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including a new oceans program that will help coastal states. Furthermore, the bill does not include many dangerous policy riders that would harm the environment, impede Americans retirement security, and deny access to health services for women. Although I support the many worthy provisions in the bill, I was deeply disappointed with the inclusion of language lifting the ban on exporting crude oil. Ending the ban threatens our countrys progress toward reducing carbon emissions and achieving energy independence. I will continue fighting for legislation to repeal subsidies that support our nations reliance on fossil fuels, and I will closely monitor the effects of the end of the ban on exports. I am also concerned with contentious cybersecurity provisions that were included in a must-pass bill without a thorough and thoughtful process that the American people deserve when considering legislation that could affect personal privacy. We must keep our country safe, but we can and must do so without sacrificing the right to privacy. I will closely monitor those cybersecurity provisions as well. Overall, the funding bill passed today makes strong investments in areas that will create jobs and grow the economy. We cannot continue to govern our country by moving from one crisis to the next. Although it is far from perfect, todays bill gives Americans the certainty that we will not face another devastating government shutdown. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390456,Schrader Votes Against $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) stated his disapproval of the Houses passage of the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill. The bill will fund the government until the end of September 2016. It passed the House today by a vote of 316-113. While this bill contained some positive policy additions, our bipartisan forestry disaster budget relief did not make the grade, while anti-privacy cyber provisions, NASCAR support, and Russian rocket engines did. There was, once again, large, off-budget, deficit-busting war spending in addition to the already bloated defense budget. Weapons procurement is over budget and out of control. We should be focusing on intelligence and targeting terrorist activities, not continuing a failed program trying to arm so-called Syrian 'moderates' with nothing to show for it. At the same time, there were only modest increases in education, labor and healthcare. The bill also significantly reduces the funding available for implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Housing and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) programs also took a hit when they are most needed. This bill had the wrong priorities, did not reflect the will of the Appropriations Committee, did not go through regular order and was crafted in secret. This is not the way to reflect the will of the American people. Coupled with the deficit-busting tax extender special interest giveaway passed yesterday, it is a bad end to this year's Congressional session and a blow to our children's future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-statement-support-omnibus-and-tax-extenders-legislation,Blumenauer Statement in Support of Omnibus and Tax Extenders Legislation,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement in support of the omnibus and tax extenders legislation: ""I voted for both the omnibus and tax extender bills that came before the House this week. They represented hard work and compromises by many on both sides of the aisle and across the advocacy community. I commend so many of my colleagues for reminding us of what we can accomplish when we work together on behalf of the American people. ""These bills don't just do the bare minimum to keep the government open and continue the policy status quo as we have done many times in recent years. Instead, they actually invest in important programs, many that I have supported for years and that are priorities for Oregonians. ""I am pleased to see the extenders legislation support research and development, and provide important tools such as an extension of the New Markets program to invest in our communities. The tax package increases the benefit for transit riders to the same level as the parking tax benefit, providing much-needed tax fairness, strengthening options for commuters, and eliminating an incentive to drive to work. This provision will ease congestion and road wear and make our transportation system more sustainable. ""The omnibus also contains robust funding for public broadcasting, animal welfare enforcement, and health and scientific research. It includes the highest-ever levels of funding for the implementation of the Water for the Poor and Water for the World Acts, for which I have fought for years. I am pleased that the bill contains many provisions that I helped champion, including language to ensure the Department of Justice stay out of the way of state medical marijuana laws, language that supports industrial hemp research programs, and increased funding for brain research. ""There are also many positive provisions for the environment in these bills. I am delighted that the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been reauthorized and funded at a significant increase of $144 million. This program is one of the most important tools we have to protect land and habitat, construct parks and purchase other outdoor spaces that are cherished in communities. ""Both bills take important steps to help us transition away from fossil fuels and allow us to meaningfully contribute in the global fight against climate change. In particular, the long-term extension of tax credits for wind and solar energy development will significantly expand the development of clean renewable energy across the country at a critical time in our struggle to reduce carbon emissions. With this support, the solar industry estimates that by 2020, it will deploy more than 20 GW of solar electricity annually. The provisions supporting wind energy will free that industry from a repeated boom-and-bust cycle caused by inaction in Congress, and will strengthen the build out of low-cost, emission-free renewable energy from coast to coast. ""The elimination of many of the damaging environmental riders that were proposed during the appropriations process was a major victory, measures that would have defunded the Clean Power Plan, or reduced protections for endangered species among many others. ""There are certainly provisions in both of these bills that I do not support. It is troubling that we are drifting away from discipline in terms of dealing with the deficit. There were many missed opportunities to reduce wasteful spending and redirect those resources to where it is more needed. We will continue to spend billions of dollars every year on a nuclear arsenal we can't afford and will not use. Through tax breaks and direct subsidies, we will also continue to directly support wildly profitable industries that do not need this support such as agribusiness and the petroleum industry. The bills also fail to address the need for new and different revenues, such as a carbon tax and a gas tax increase to rebuild crumbling infrastructure, to protect our environment and to properly invest in social safety net programs over the long run. ""Both bills include provisions that on their own, I would not support. I remain unpersuaded that we need to lift the crude oil export ban. I have voted against such legislation in the past since it will not help us transition to a cleaner energy future. The inclusion of the Cybersecurity Information and Sharing Act is troubling because it fails to strike the right balance between privacy and security, or between the responsibility of the private sector and the government. The omnibus also continues an irresponsible policy rider that interferes with the District of Columbia's ability to manage the sale of marijuana to ensure safety and appropriate regulations. Finally, the extenders legislation imposes new rules and responsibilities on the overburdened staff at the Internal Revenue Service. We currently have the most efficient tax collection system in the world among developed nations, but we have been systematically destroying its ability to serve taxpayers by doing its job. ""I also am disappointed that the omnibus did not include a number of key spending priorities that should command support from everyone. The bill does not include an important change to wildfire spending. We should treat wildfires like other major disasters and eliminate the practice of fire borrowing,' which drains agency non-fire budgets to pay for firefighting. The bill also fails to reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund, the main source of federal support for preservation projects that celebrate the heritage and history of communities across America. Finally, the omnibus continues a decades long ban on federal research on the causes and factors behind gun violence. Everyone should allow researchers to study and share information about gun violence in order to promote evidence-based policies to reduce horrific incidents. ""Despite these shortcomings, however, I support the overall package. On the whole, it's balanced and includes meaningful provisions that will support priorities important to Oregonians and across the country. I'm hopeful this is an indication that going forward, Congress can work across the aisle and compromise, so that we can do our jobs for the American people."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-omnibus-vote,Merkley Statement on Omnibus Vote,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Statement on Omnibus Vote Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to pass an end-of-year spending omnibus bill. The package also included extensions of tax provisions and legislation to lift the ban on U.S. exports of crude oil. This omnibus and tax bill contains many good provisions, including those I was proud to fight for on behalf of Oregon in the Appropriations Committee and important tax provisions to help working families that Senator Wyden worked hard to secure. Unfortunately, it has been packaged into a mega-bill that also includes a repeal of the ban on crude oil exports. This repeal is a huge mistake, and because of its inclusion in this package, I could not support this bill today. The essential challenge facing human civilization today is to transition quickly from a fossil fuel economy to one built on renewable energy. The United States needs to provide leadership in this vital global effort, as we did in Paris last week. Lifting the oil export ban harms not only our efforts to make that transition but also the credibility of our leadership. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-call-for-transparency-for-lgbt-students-at-schools-seeking-religious-exemptions,Senators Call for Transparency for LGBT Students at Schools Seeking Religious Exemptions,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Call for Transparency for LGBT Students at Schools Seeking Religious Exemptions Letter Follows Recent Uptick in Religious Schools Seeking Title IX Waivers to Discriminate Against LGBT Students Friday, December 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Al Franken, D-Minn., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., today called for greater transparency and accountability after a recent rise in the number of colleges and universities seeking religious exemptions under the law that protects students from discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. Congress first passed Title IX in 1972 to prohibit colleges and universities that receive federal funding from discriminating against students on the basis of sex. The law contains a provision that allows schools controlled by a religious organization to request religious exemptions. In 2014, the Department of Education issued guidelines making it clear that transgender and gender nonconforming students are also protected from discrimination under Title IX. In the wake of the departments guidance, the rate of schools seeking exemptions increased dramatically from only one school in 2013 to more than 43 schools in 2015, according to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). In a letterto Education Secretary Arne Duncan, the senators asked the Education Department to publish on a publicly accessible website the names of all institutions of higher education seeking waivers under Title IX. At a very minimum, we believe students, parents, and taxpayers have a right to know when institutions of higher education as recipients of tax dollars seek and receive exemptions under Title IX as well as the justifications for those exemptions,the senators wrote in the letter. It is critical that the federal government employ transparency in this matter as it will help guide students in making informed higher education decisions,they wrote. The letter comes on the same day as the Human Rights Campaignreleased a reportthat found 33 schools sought and received exemptions pertaining to Title IX protections on the basis of gender identity. HRC estimates about 73,000 students attend those schools. There is an alarming and growing trend of schools quietly seeking the right to discriminate against LGBT students, and not disclosing that information publicly,said HRC President Chad Griffin.We believe that religious liberty is a bedrock principle of our nation, however faith should never be used as a guise for discrimination. Prospective students and their parents deserve greater transparency, and we urge the Department of Education to take action by helping to increase accountability and to ensure that no student unknowingly enrolls in a school that intends to discriminate against them. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-7-senators-call-for-transparency-for-lgbt-students-at-schools-seeking-religious-exemptions,"Wyden, 7 Senators Call for Transparency for LGBT Students at Schools Seeking Religious Exemptions",2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Letter Follows Recent Uptick in Religious Schools Seeking Title IX Waivers to Discriminate Against LGBT Students Friday, December 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Al Franken, D-Minn., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., today called for greater transparency and accountability after a recent rise in the number of colleges and universities seeking religious exemptions under the law that protects students from discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. Congress first passed Title IX in 1972 to prohibit colleges and universities that receive federal funding from discriminating against students on the basis of sex. The law contains a provision that allows schools controlled by a religious organization to request religious exemptions. In 2014, the Department of Education issued guidelines making it clear that transgender and gender nonconforming students are also protected from discrimination under Title IX. In the wake of the departments guidance, the rate of schools seeking exemptions increased dramatically from only one school in 2013 to more than 43 schools in 2015, according to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). In a letter to Education Secretary Arne Duncan, the senators asked the Education Department to publish on a publicly accessible website the names of all institutions of higher education seeking waivers under Title IX. At a very minimum, we believe students, parents, and taxpayers have a right to know when institutions of higher education as recipients of tax dollars seek and receive exemptions under Title IX as well as the justifications for those exemptions, the senators wrote in the letter. It is critical that the federal government employ transparency in this matter as it will help guide students in making informed higher education decisions, they wrote. The letter comes on the same day as the Human Rights Campaign released a report that found 33 schools sought and received exemptions pertaining to Title IX protections on the basis of gender identity. HRC estimates about 73,000 students attend those schools. There is an alarming and growing trend of schools quietly seeking the right to discriminate against LGBT students, and not disclosing that information publicly, said HRC President Chad Griffin. We believe that religious liberty is a bedrock principle of our nation, however faith should never be used as a guise for discrimination. Prospective students and their parents deserve greater transparency, and we urge the Department of Education to take action by helping to increase accountability and to ensure that no student unknowingly enrolls in a school that intends to discriminate against them. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-votes-no-on-harmful-cyber-bill-and-weakening-oversight-of-surveillance-programs,Wyden Votes ‘No’ on Harmful Cyber Bill and Weakening Oversight of Surveillance Programs,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, December 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today voted against a legislative package containing a dangerous cybersecurity bill and provisions to undermine independent oversight of government surveillance programs. Republican leaders inserted an extreme version of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) and the flawed 2016 Intelligence Authorization Act into a broader package of spending and tax bills. These unacceptable surveillance provisions are a black mark on a worthy package that contains the biggest tax cut for working families in decades, an accomplishment I fought for in weeks of negotiations, Wyden said. Unfortunately, this misguided cyber legislation does little to protect Americans security, and a great deal more to threaten our privacy than the flawed Senate version. Americans demand real solutions that will protect them from foreign hackers, not knee-jerk responses that allow companies to fork over huge amounts of their customers private data with only cursory review. Ultimately, I cannot vote for this badly flawed CISA bill. The latest version of CISA is the worst one yet it contains substantially fewer oversight and reporting provisions than the Senate version did. That means that violations of Americans privacy will be more likely to go unnoticed. And the Intelligence Authorization bill strips authority from an important, independent watchdog on government surveillance, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. This will make it easier for intelligence agencies particularly the CIA to refuse to cooperate with the Boards investigations. Reducing the amount of independent oversight and constricting the scope of the PCLOBs authority sends the wrong message and will make our intelligence agencies less accountable. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-and-commuter-champions-applaud-restoration-transit-tax,Blumenauer and Commuter Champions Applaud Restoration of Transit Tax Benefit,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, following House passage of the PATH Act a multiyear tax package Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Peter King (R-NY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Bob Dold (R-IL) welcomed a permanent increase of the commuter tax benefit exclusion for transit riders to $255 a month, finally giving transit equal treatment with parking subsidies in the tax code. This provision incorporates legislation introduced by the lawmakers, H.R. 990, the Commuter Parity Act. Representative Blumenauer said, As we face worsening congestion on our roads and the growing threat of climate change, we should not be incentivizing driving to work over other modes of transportation. Restoring parity for the transit tax benefit saves Americans in all communities time and money by easing congestion and road wear and tear, and makes our transportation network more sustainable. This important fix brings relief to commuters who saw their annual costs of commuting rise by up to nearly $1,400 when the transit benefit was cut last year.As we invest in a transportation system to meet the demands and travel trends of tomorrow, providing equal transit and parking tax benefits is critical to give commuters choices about when and how they get to work.This provision is a huge step forward for sustainability and transportation efficiency. Representative King said, This provision is a common-sense solution to ensuring that public transportation is a cost-effective choice. Commuters will receive the same level of tax relief regardless of whether they drive or use public transportation but it will provide an incentive to use mass transportation, which will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, ease traffic congestion and the costs associated with road repair. Representative McGovern said, For millions of Americans across the country who use mass transit every day to commute to work, this is a big victory. Making this transit tax benefit permanent will bring critical relief to commuters by saving them money and it also offers employers another attractive benefit to offer their workers. And by making mass transit more affordable, we are giving Americans more commuting options and taking important steps to support sustainable transportation, mitigate congestion and reduce wear and tear on our roads and bridges. This has been a big priority for my constituents in Central and Western Massachusetts who take the train everyday into downtown Boston and I am proud to join Republicans and Democrats to support this important measure. Representative Dold said, Restoring the transit tax benefit is a bipartisan win-win. It's good for the environment, good for workers and good for businesses. This important fix will provide relief to commuters while reducing congestion on our roads and making our transportation infrastructure more sustainable. I am proud to have helped shepherd this bill over the finish line. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-landmark-merkley-backed-legislation-to-protect-consumers-from-toxic-chemicals,"Senate Passes Landmark, Merkley-Backed Legislation to Protect Consumers from Toxic Chemicals",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Landmark, Merkley-Backed Legislation to Protect Consumers from Toxic Chemicals Merkley negotiated to strengthen the legislation; would mark the most significant overhaul of chemical safety in the U.S. in 40 years Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed a major toxic chemical reform law backed by Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley, positioning Congress to potentially complete the most significant overhaul of chemical safety laws in the U.S. in forty years. The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act is bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Tom Udall (D-NM) and David Vitter (R-LA). Earlier this year, Merkley joined Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with the two sponsors, to negotiate a breakthrough agreement that strengthened protections in the proposed law and helped secure a strong bipartisan vote in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The House and Senate will now work to reconcile the legislation with different toxic chemical reform legislation passed by the House earlier this year. The passage of this bill is an enormous milestone on the path toward a safer, healthier future for our families, said Merkley. Its totally unacceptable that in the most powerful country on earth, our federal government has been powerless to protect us from incredibly damaging toxic chemicals in everyday products. Today, were taking action to change that. I was pleased to work with a bipartisan coalition to pass this bill in the Senate, and I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to get a bill signed into law. The law that currently governs chemical safety in the U.S., the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), was passed in 1976 and has not been updated since. After a 1991 court decision found that TSCA did not give the Environmental Protection Agency the power to ban even asbestos, a known carcinogen, there has been virtually no new regulation of toxic chemicals in the U.S. Earlier this year, Merkley partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund and Oregon State University to highlight the toxic chemicals that ordinary Americanseven those who try to shop consciously and purchase healthy productsencounter every day. For one week, the volunteers who participated in the experiment wore a silicon wristband developed by OSU, with the wristband picking up and absorbing the chemicals they came into contact with. At the end of the week, the wristbands were sent in for testing to see which toxic chemicals they had been exposed to. Every wristband showed exposure to toxic chemicals that are capable of causing drastic effects on health. Weve known for decades that Americas chemical safety law offers scant protection against chemicals tied to cancer, Parkinsons and other serious illnesses, yet Washington had made little progress until now. With todays Senate vote, Jeff Merkley and his colleagues get us a big step closer to a stronger chemical law that will protect our health from harmful chemicals, said Dr. Richard Denison, Lead Senior Scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Merkley played a critical role in strengthening and moving this legislation. From strengthening protections against the worst chemicals to expanding the ability of states to act to protect their residents, he has fought to protect public health and the environment. The Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act would require the EPA to identify and evaluate at least 25 high-risk chemicals at any given time. It protects the right of states to regulate dangerous chemicals and to co-enforce federal restrictions. In addition, it provides special protections for those most vulnerable from chemicals defined in the bill as pregnant women, infants, the elderly and chemical workers. It sets a new fee so chemical companies will bear a larger share of the cost of evaluating and regulating chemicals. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-blumenauer-win-battle-for-cidermakers,"Wyden, Blumenauer Win Battle for Cidermakers",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Updated regulations and taxes will help a growing Oregon industry Thursday, December 17, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (both D-Ore.) said today their work to update outdated regulations and taxes for cider-makers in new legislation will promote continued job creation in Oregons growing cider industry. The provisions included in the bipartisan Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act approved Thursday by the House would modernize outdated cider regulations by broadening the definition of hard cider to remove the punitive tax on ciders containing pear, carbonation, or alcohol by volume (ABV) over 7 percent. Im thrilled that cider-makers can toast in the new year with such good news to lift their growing industry to even greater heights in Oregon and nationwide, Wyden said. Bringing taxes and regulations into the 21st century will free the cider industry to do what it does best -- create more jobs for Oregonians and make a tasty product thats in huge demand all over the country. Cider holds a special and important place in our nations heritage and a growing place in Oregons economy, said Blumenauer. Im excited we can update our laws to give small entrepreneurs across Oregon and the country stronger opportunities to thrive and perfect their craft. ""The passage of the Cider Act creates an identity for US cider-makers through a consistent and rational tax that will allow for growth not only for the beverage of cider, but for the agriculture that supports it -- the apple growers, said James Kohn, co-owner of Salem-based Wandering Aengus Ciderworks. This is a major turning point to create a legitimate, diverse and sustainable cider industry in Oregon and across the country. Both Senator Wyden and Congressmen Blumenauer's leadership on the passage of the Cider Act demonstrates how a delegation can truly work together to champion a start-up industry that needs rational regulation and taxing."" To read the CIDER Act, click here. To read the Craft Beverage Startup Act (also known as the Craft Beverage Bond Simplification Act), click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://blumenauer.house.gov/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=2528catid=63Itemid=220,Office of Rep. Blumenauer Statement on Marijuana-Related Provisions in Omnibus Bill,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,1111 Longworth House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390451,"Schrader, Wyden, Merkley Applaud FCC's Decision to Continue Support to Rural Oregon Telecom Companies",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representative Kurt Schrader applauded the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) decision to continue the eligibility of the Gervais, Mt. Angel, and St. Paul Telephone Companies for universal service support. These rural providers were under threat of losing high cost support, which would jeopardize service to rural Oregonians. This is big win for my constituents in the 5thDistrict, who rely heavily on these rural providers. Without service support, these providers would run the risk of going out of business and thousands of Oregonians would be left high and dry,said Schrader.Im glad the FCC took our concerns about their methodology into consideration and, ultimately, changed course. Access to telephone and broadband service is essential for safety, learning, communicating and doing business in todays modern economy. I am pleased the FCC responded to our serious concerns and reversed a bad decision that couldve left rural Oregonians in a permanent dead zone, Wyden said. Without question these universal service funds are crucial in keeping rural Oregon connected and online so that all our state's communities can prosper. Its impossible to participate fully in todays economy without access to broadband and other essential telecom services, said Merkley. The FCCs flawed methodology risked locking rural Oregonians out of economic opportunities and leaving them with zero service options. I commend the FCC for going back to the drawing board and making the right call on this critical decision. The Oregon Telecommunications Association (OTA) is grateful for the assistance from Congressman Schrader, Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley. Without their support the actions of the FCC would have resulted in rural Oregonians being left without a viable system capable of providing broadband and other telecommunications services, said Brant Wolf, Executive Vice President of the OTA. Leaving rural Oregon to fend for itself in a digital dark age is not good public policy and Schrader, Wyden and Merkley have been instrumental in ensuring that Oregonians will be able to participate in the 21st century economy. The lawmakers wrote to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in September expressing concern about the methodology used by the Wireline Completion Bureau to determine which telecom carrier areas are fully served by unsubsidized competitors and therefore would be subject to the phase-out of high cost universal service support. Withholding all federal universal high-cost support from rural Oregon would have serious negative impacts on the people living there. Access to modern telecommunications systems is essential to participating in todays economy, education and healthcare systems and, interaction with government agencies, the lawmakers wrote. This action should not be taken lightly or be done based on flawed data collection methods. The full text of that letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390453,Schrader Slams Pricey Tax Extenders Bill,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Citing fiscal recklessness, Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) announced his opposition to the large, unpaid-for tax extenders bill the House will vote on tomorrow. Experts estimate that the bill will cost $650-670 billion over 10 years and has no cost offsets. Schrader, a Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, released the following statement: While these tax extensions individually are good things, there is no way to justify increasing the long-term debt by over $500 billion, especially at the consequence of hurting our kids and grandkids. Money is now off the table for important domestic programs like education and healthcareprograms that better the quality of life for the American people and improve their chances at a more prosperous future. I cannot, in good conscience, back a package with such a tremendous price tag when that package fails to provide actual predictability or real stability and hurts negotiations for comprehensive tax reform. It is unconscionable that Congress would entertain adding hundreds of billions of dollars to our already staggering national debt. The greatest threat to the country that we leave to our children and grandchildren is the national debt.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/office-rep-blumenauer-statement-marijuana-related-provisions-omnibus,Office of Rep. Blumenauer Statement on Marijuana-Related Provisions in Omnibus Bill,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Last night, Republican leadership filed legislation to fund the government for FY16. There were a number of marijuana-related provisions up for consideration in the omnibus bill. The Office of Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) has reviewed the text of the legislation. Representative Blumenauer is pleased to see the inclusion of the following provisions in the omnibus package: The policy championed by Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Sam Farr (D-CA) that prevents the Department of Justice from interfering in the ability of states to implement legal medical marijuana laws (Division B, Title V, Section 542) Language that supports industrial hemp research allowed under Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill (Division B, Title V, Section 543 and Division A, Title VII, Section 763) Representative Blumenauer is disappointed, however, that the bill falls short by not including provisions that: Make it easier for banks to do business with state-legal marijuana businesses Allow Veterans Health Administration providers to recommend medical marijuana to their patients in accordance with state law, a provision he championed in the House Representative Blumenauer is also disappointed to see the continuation of a rider that interferes with Washington, DC's ability to pass laws dealing with the sale of marijuana for adult use. Representative Blumenauer is available for interview. Please contact Nicole L'Esperance at 202-225-4811 or nicole.lesperance@mail.house.gov to schedule an interview. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-announces-key-support-for-small-ports-in-spending-bill-,Merkley Announces Key Support for Small Ports in Spending Bill,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Announces Key Support for Small Ports in Spending Bill Funding is critical for Oregons coastal ports Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley announced that the omnibus spending bill expected to pass the Senate and the U.S. House this week includes a provision that will help strengthen Oregons small ports and make sure that small ports in America receive their fair share of funding. The omnibus spending bill includes $48 million for small ports, a 13 percent increase over the 2015 level. Dredging and maintenance at our small ports is critical to safety and economic prosperity in Oregons coastal communities, said Merkley. Todays announcement is a big win and will help create jobs and keep our small ports and local infrastructure up and running. For small coastal communities in Oregon, access to funding for dredging is crucial to the economy.These funds will provide for maintenance dredging at Oregons small ports, ensuring that entrance channels and waterways are safe and accessible for recreational boats, commercial fleets, and the Coast Guard. As the first member of Oregons congressional delegation to sit on an Appropriations Committee since Senator Mark Hatfield, Senator Merkley has consistently fought for small ports. He secured $42.5 million in dedicated funding last year, and fought again to include critical funding in this years Senate Appropriations Committee Energy and Water Appropriations bill after it was slashed from the Presidents budget.The bill also contains $250 million in funding for deep draft ports, a significant increase over last years funding. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-announces-key-wins-for-food-and-tobacco-safety-rural-housing-oregon-agriculture-in-spending-bill,"Merkley Announces Key Wins for Food and Tobacco Safety, Rural Housing, Oregon Agriculture in Spending Bill",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Announces Key Wins for Food and Tobacco Safety, Rural Housing, Oregon Agriculture in Spending Bill Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley announced that the omnibus spending bill expected to pass the Senate and the U.S. House this week contains key wins on food and tobacco safety and rural housing, as well as key provisions that will help farming and ranching communities in Oregon. As the Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Merkley has worked to help craft the appropriations bill that covers the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as other programs that fall under the subcommittees jurisdiction. I joined the Senate Appropriations Committee because Oregon deserves to be represented when we are making the big decisions about how to use our resources as a nation, said Merkley. Whether its improving our food safety system, investing in programs that help our family farmers and ranchers, protecting our kids from the grips of the tobacco industry, or saving rural housing for low-income families, Oregon is well-served by having a seat at the table. I look forward to continuing to fight for our priorities in my role on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. Highlights of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee section of the omnibus bill include: Food Safety Modernization: The bill fully funds implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, the most significant food safety reform in 70 years. This funding will help ensure that the U.S. meets high food safety standards, helping protect consumers from food-borne diseases, and will also train state and local officials, FDA employees and industry to ensure that food coming in from other countries meets U.S. standards. Protecting Kids from Tobacco Addiction: As the Ranking Member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Merkley has pushed the FDA to do more to protect kids from tobacco addiction, including e-cigarettes. Despite a major push from the tobacco industry and their congressional allies to insert a provision into the bill that would have exempted e-cigarettes and other tobacco products from an FDA safety review, Merkley succeeded in keeping that provision out of the bill. Low-Income Housing: Earlier this year, low-income Americans in rural communities across the nationincluding in Oregonrisked being kicked out of their homes and apartments because of a funding crisis in USDA Rural Developments rental assistance program. This bill retroactively fixes the funding crisis that had led to missed payments for housing providers, such as Chrisman Development in Eastern Oregon. It also increases funding for next year by $301 million, to $1.39 billion, to ensure that USDA Rural Development will have the funding they need to renew expiring contracts and keep low-income Americans from being kicked out of their housing. GMO Labeling: Merkley was successful in beating back a provision that would have prevented states from passing or implementing laws to label GMO foods. Additionally, for FY16, the bill prohibits the FDA from allowing genetically engineered salmon onto the market without first finalizing guidance on how to inform consumers that the salmon is genetically modified. Energy Savings: The bill contains $8 million for the Rural Energy Savings Program, a program that Merkley worked to create to allow rural homeowners and business owners to obtain low-cost loans for energy efficiency renovations. This funding will support approximately $60 million in loans to complete renovations that will help conserve energy, lower emissions, and save consumers money on their energy bills. Agricultural Research: The bill contains a $52 million increase in agricultural research, including maintaining funding for the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center in Eastern Oregon, which had been at risk of devastating cuts, and a 10% increase in funding for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Taking on Hunger: The bill contains a $17 million increase in funding for programs that help alleviate hunger, including $5 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which helps support local food banks. International Food Aid: The bill contains a major increase in international food aid, including $5 million to improve pilot programs for procuring food locally. Delivering on Oregon Priorities: Additionally, the bill contains key funding and programs that will help Oregons farms, ranches and forest industry succeed: $3.5 million for the ARS Forest Products Lab, which will support Oregon State Universitys advanced cutting edge wood research, development, and design. $500,000 for a pollinator study in the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS). $2 million in the Agriculture Research Service for increased pollinator research. Reinstates the vineyard production survey to gather information essential to long-term production planning for Oregon winemakers. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-oil-export-provision,Merkley Statement on Oil Export Provision,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Statement on Oil Export Provision Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after reports that must-pass, end-of-year tax and spending legislation included a deal to lift the ban on exports of U.S. oil: ""Lifting the oil export ban is a windfall for big oil at the expense of working Americans and our planet. Working families will pay more at the pump and our essential efforts to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy will be deeply damaged. Its a huge mistake. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-key-funding-for-pendleton-agricultural-research-station,"Merkley, Wyden Announce Key Funding for Pendleton Agricultural Research Station",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley, Wyden Announce Key Funding for Pendleton Agricultural Research Station Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the omnibus spending bill expected to pass the Senate and the U.S. House this week includes language that will help fund essential programs in Oregon, including the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center near Pendleton, which was at risk of devastating cuts. The Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center, an Eastern Oregon-based research station of the federal Agricultural Research Service, conducts cutting-edge research on dryland cropping systems on the Columbia Plateau, which are used widely across Eastern Oregon. Oregons economic success depends on agriculture, said Merkley. Supporting local agricultural research that can respond directly to the challenges and opportunities our farmers and ranchers face is essential to strengthening our economy. Funding the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center is good news for our farming and agricultural communities in Eastern Oregon and will help our nation meet the agricultural and economic demands of the 21st century. I fought to make sure the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Centers groundbreaking agricultural research could keep going, Wyden said. Im thrilled that this center will be able to continue its work on new, sustainable ways to feed our state and build on its work to revolutionize agricultural practices across the globe. Earlier this year, Senator Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, worked to draft the bill that will fund the Agricultural Research Service, including the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center, along with other aspects of rural development, food safety, and agricultural investments, for Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16). Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bonamici-announce-support-for-scoggins-dam-in-key-legislation,"Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici Announce Support for Scoggins Dam in Key Legislation",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley, Wyden, Bonamici Announce Support for Scoggins Dam in Key Legislation Provision in spending bill would also increase critical funding cap Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Representative Suzanne Bonamici announced that the omnibus spending bill expected to pass the Senate and the U.S. House this week includes key legislative provisions that will help Scoggins Dam get the needed safety repairs and increased water storage that stakeholders in Washington County have been working on for years. Merkley is the first member of the Oregon delegation since Sen. Mark Hatfield to serve on the Appropriations Committee in either the House or the Senate, and fought in the Senate Appropriations Committee this year to include the Scoggins Dam fix. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, its my job to make sure our spending priorities as a nation reflect Oregons priorities, said Merkley. An arbitrary cap for funding dam safety should not stand in the way of repairs and improvements that could save lives in the event of an earthquake. Washington County has been working to make necessary improvements and repairs to Scoggins Dam for years and this bill puts the future of Scoggins Dam back in the hands of the local community. Scoggins Dam and the waters in Hagg Lake form the heart of the water system in the Tualatin Basin, a region with water needs that could soon outgrow the supply, said Wyden. Ive long fought to make sure the community has the tools it needs to address two of its top priorities dam safety and long-term water capacity and Im pleased that Congress has allowed these much-needed local priorities to move forward. Scoggins Dam provides vital water resources to Washington County, but it needs seismic improvements to help the dam and the surrounding community withstand an earthquake, said Bonamici. Access to water is critical to our families, businesses, and agriculture. Improving the safety and storage capacity of Scoggins Dam will support the growing region and is especially important in a time of sustained drought in western states. This has been a long process for Washington County, and Im grateful for the opportunity to partner with our local, state, and federal leaders to get this passed into law. Scoggins Dam has been classified as one of the most seismically at-risk dams that the Bureau of Reclamation manages. This classification means that failure of the dam due to a large earthquake could result in significant damages or even loss of life to communities if they are not upgraded. The provision included in the omnibus bill will raise the funding cap and help provide necessary upgrades to Scoggins Dam. Additionally, the legislative language provides flexibility to allow projects like Scoggins Dam to create added water storage. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-crapo-merkley-and-risch-spending-bill-boosts-wildfire-funds-but-much-more-work-to-do,"Wyden, Crapo, Merkley and Risch: Spending Bill Boosts Wildfire Funds, But Much More Work to Do",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wyden, Crapo, Merkley and Risch: Spending Bill Boosts Wildfire Funds, But Much More Work to Do Year-End Bill Reduces Risks of Damaging Fire Transfers; Senators Disappointed In Lack of Long-Term Solution Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. A bipartisan group of Oregon and Idaho senators praised congressional leaders for boosting wildfire funding in a year-end spending bill, and vowed to continue pushing for a long-term solution. Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, joined with Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch to renew their call for a long-term solution to wildfire funding. The bill directly funds firefighting at 100 percent of the 10-year average of firefighting costs. Additionally, it contains nearly $600 million in rollover reserve funds that can be used in the event of a catastrophic fire season, which will reduce the severity of fire borrowing by the U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department. However, it lacks a long-term solution, and does little to free up new funding for fire prevention or hold down-long term firefighting costs. This years spending bill is a real improvement over the status quo, but there is far, far more to do to protect communities in Oregon, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho and across the United States that are threatened by wildfire every year. Im proud to stand with Senators Crapo, Merkley, Risch and a strong bipartisan coalition in the House and Senate to work toward a long-term solution to this problem. Its disappointing a small number of members blocked that solution this year, but well keep fighting until we get it over the finish line, Wyden said. It is positive to see this the year-end spending measure includes an increase in funding for wildfire suppression. This will provide our wildland firefighters with the certainty they need to plan and allocate resources appropriately, said Crapo. However, I consider such funding to be a first-step in what must be a long-term solution to fighting wildfires each year. As disaster-level fires and the resulting damages grow each year, government agencies cannot bankrupt themselves by continually taking funds from other priorities to fight fires. Moreover, Congress near-yearly passage of off-budget emergency funding measures to cover funding for our worst wildfires is both irresponsible and harmful to agency budgets. I look forward to working with my colleagues next year to identify and pass a long-term, fiscally-responsible funding solution to this problem that affects so many states. This bill marks an enormous improvement over past years when we have dramatically underfunded fighting wildfires, said Merkley. Ive been pleased to fight for firefighting funding in this spending bill to advance the bipartisan vision Senator Wyden has advocated for so effectively in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Now, we need a long-term solution that funds fighting massive wildfires like we fund other disasters, ensuring we no longer have to shut down other Forest Service programs to fund firefighting in bad fire years. Although many of my eastern colleagues do not fully appreciate the situation, wildfires continue to wreak havoc in the western part of our country and this continuing threat is very real, said Risch. This additional $600 million in funding is a good thing, but we are still missing a long-term solution to the ever-increasing need for funds to prevent and battle fires. Wyden and Crapo, along with Merkley, Risch and a strong bipartisan coalition, have pushed to fix wildfire funding since they introduced the bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act in 2013. The bill treats the largest and most destructive wildfires as the natural disasters by allowing agencies to use funding from a disaster funding account similar to the one used to pay for hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters. The Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior estimate the largest one percent of fires account for 30 percent of fire budget costs. In addition, several of those members came together this fall to forge a compromise proposal that would have fixed fire borrowing, stopped the continued erosion of the Forest Service budget, and increased the capacity of the Forest Service to accomplish fire prevention projects, thereby reducing wildfire risks and fire suppression costs. In addition to these important fire-related fixes, the compromise included limited additions to federal forested land management authorities intended to bolster the position of forest collaboratives and empower those looking for solutions to forest health and environmental issues in our eastern as well as western forests. This working group was made of Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-schrader-applaud-fccs-decision-to-continue-support-to-rural-oregon-telecom-companies,"Wyden, Merkley, Schrader Applaud FCC’s Decision to Continue Support to Rural Oregon Telecom Companies",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wyden, Merkley, Schrader Applaud FCCs Decision to Continue Support to Rural Oregon Telecom Companies Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representative Kurt Schrader applauded the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) decision to continue the eligibility of the Gervais, Mt. Angel, Monitor and St. Paul Telephone Companies for universal service support. These rural providers were under threat of losing high cost support, which would jeopardize service to rural Oregonians. Access to telephone and broadband service is essential for safety, learning, communicating and doing business in todays modern economy. I am pleased the FCC responded to our serious concerns and reversed a bad decision that couldve left rural Oregonians in a permanent dead zone, Wyden said. Without question these universal service funds are crucial in keeping rural Oregon connected and online so that all our state's communities can prosper. Its impossible to participate fully in todays economy without access to broadband and other essential telecom services, said Merkley. The FCCs flawed methodology risked locking rural Oregonians out of economic opportunities and leaving them with zero service options. I commend the FCC for going back to the drawing board and making the right call on this critical decision. This is big win for my constituents in the 5th District, who rely heavily on these rural providers. Without service support, these providers would run the risk of going out of business and thousands of Oregonians would be left high and dry, said Schrader. Im glad the FCC took our concerns about their methodology into consideration and, ultimately, changed course. The Oregon Telecommunications Association (OTA) is grateful for the assistance from Congressman Schrader, Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley. Without their support the actions of the FCC would have resulted in rural Oregonians being left without a viable system capable of providing broadband and other telecommunications services, said Brant Wolf, Executive Vice President of the OTA. Leaving rural Oregon to fend for itself in a digital dark age is not good public policy and Schrader, Wyden and Merkley have been instrumental in ensuring that Oregonians will be able to participate in the 21st century economy. The lawmakers wrote to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in September expressing concern about the methodology used by the Wireline Completion Bureau to determine which telecom carrier areas are fully served by unsubsidized competitors and therefore would be subject to the phase-out of high cost universal service support. Withholding all federal universal high-cost support from rural Oregon would have serious negative impacts on the people living there. Access to modern telecommunications systems is essential to participating in todays economy, education and healthcare systems and, interaction with government agencies, the lawmakers wrote. This action should not be taken lightly or be done based on flawed data collection methods. The full text of that letter is available HERE. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-crapo-merkley-and-risch-spending-bill-boosts-wildfire-funds-but-much-more-work-to-do,"Wyden, Crapo, Merkley and Risch: Spending Bill Boosts Wildfire Funds, But Much More Work to Do",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Year-End Bill Reduces Risks of Damaging Fire Transfers; Senators Disappointed In Lack of Long-Term Solution Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. A bipartisan group of Oregon and Idaho senators praised congressional leaders for boosting wildfire funding in a year-end spending bill, and vowed to continue pushing for a long-term solution. Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, joined with Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch to renew their call for a long-term solution to wildfire funding. The bill directly funds firefighting at 100 percent of the 10-year average of firefighting costs. Additionally, it contains nearly $600 million in rollover reserve funds that can be used in the event of a catastrophic fire season, which will reduce the severity of fire borrowing by the U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department. However, it lacks a long-term solution, and does little to free up new funding for fire prevention or hold down-long term firefighting costs. This years spending bill is a real improvement over the status quo, but there is far, far more to do to protect communities in Oregon, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho and across the United States that are threatened by wildfire every year. Im proud to stand with Senators Crapo, Merkley, Risch and a strong bipartisan coalition in the House and Senate to work toward a long-term solution to this problem. Its disappointing a small number of members blocked that solution this year, but well keep fighting until we get it over the finish line, Wyden said. It is positive to see this the year-end spending measure includes an increase in funding for wildfire suppression. This will provide our wildland firefighters with the certainty they need to plan and allocate resources appropriately, said Crapo. However, I consider such funding to be a first-step in what must be a long-term solution to fighting wildfires each year. As disaster-level fires and the resulting damages grow each year, government agencies cannot bankrupt themselves by continually taking funds from other priorities to fight fires. Moreover, Congress near-yearly passage of off-budget emergency funding measures to cover funding for our worst wildfires is both irresponsible and harmful to agency budgets. I look forward to working with my colleagues next year to identify and pass a long-term, fiscally-responsible funding solution to this problem that affects so many states. This bill marks an enormous improvement over past years when we have dramatically underfunded fighting wildfires, said Merkley. Ive been pleased to fight for firefighting funding in this spending bill to advance the bipartisan vision Senator Wyden has advocated for so effectively in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Now, we need a long-term solution that funds fighting massive wildfires like we fund other disasters, ensuring we no longer have to shut down other Forest Service programs to fund firefighting in bad fire years. Although many of my eastern colleagues do not fully appreciate the situation, wildfires continue to wreak havoc in the western part of our country and this continuing threat is very real, said Risch. This additional $600 million in funding is a good thing, but we are still missing a long-term solution to the ever-increasing need for funds to prevent and battle fires. Wyden and Crapo, along with Merkley, Risch and a strong bipartisan coalition, have pushed to fix wildfire funding since the introduced the bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act in 2013, The bill treats the largest and most destructive wildfires as the natural disasters by allowing agencies to use funding from a disaster funding account similar to the one used to pay for hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters. The Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior estimate the largest one percent of fires account for 30 percent of fire budget costs. In addition, several of those members came together this fall to forge a compromise proposal that would have fixed fire borrowing, stopped the continued erosion of the Forest Service budget, and increased the capacity of the Forest Service to accomplish fire prevention projects, thereby reducing wildfire risks and fire suppression costs. In addition to these important fire-related fixes, the compromise included limited additions to federal forested land management authorities intended to bolster the position of forest collaboratives and empower those looking for solutions to forest health and environmental issues in our eastern as well as western forests. This working group was made of Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-schrader-applaud-fccs-decision-to-continue-support-to-rural-oregon-telecom-companies,"Wyden, Merkley, Schrader Applaud FCC’s Decision to Continue Support to Rural Oregon Telecom Companies",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representative Kurt Schrader applauded the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) decision to continue the eligibility of the Gervais, Mt. Angel, Monitor and St. Paul Telephone Companies for universal service support. These rural providers were under threat of losing high cost support, which would jeopardize service to rural Oregonians. Access to telephone and broadband service is essential for safety, learning, communicating and doing business in todays modern economy. I am pleased the FCC responded to our serious concerns and reversed a bad decision that couldve left rural Oregonians in a permanent dead zone, Wyden said. Without question these universal service funds are crucial in keeping rural Oregon connected and online so that all our state's communities can prosper. Its impossible to participate fully in todays economy without access to broadband and other essential telecom services, said Merkley. The FCCs flawed methodology risked locking rural Oregonians out of economic opportunities and leaving them with zero service options. I commend the FCC for going back to the drawing board and making the right call on this critical decision. This is big win for my constituents in the 5th District, who rely heavily on these rural providers. Without service support, these providers would run the risk of going out of business and thousands of Oregonians would be left high and dry, said Schrader. Im glad the FCC took our concerns about their methodology into consideration and, ultimately, changed course. The Oregon Telecommunications Association (OTA) is grateful for the assistance from Congressman Schrader, Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley. Without their support the actions of the FCC would have resulted in rural Oregonians being left without a viable system capable of providing broadband and other telecommunications services, said Brant Wolf, Executive Vice President of the OTA. Leaving rural Oregon to fend for itself in a digital dark age is not good public policy and Schrader, Wyden and Merkley have been instrumental in ensuring that Oregonians will be able to participate in the 21st century economy. The lawmakers wrote to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in September expressing concern about the methodology used by the Wireline Completion Bureau to determine which telecom carrier areas are fully served by unsubsidized competitors and therefore would be subject to the phase-out of high cost universal service support. Withholding all federal universal high-cost support from rural Oregon would have serious negative impacts on the people living there. Access to modern telecommunications systems is essential to participating in todays economy, education and healthcare systems and, interaction with government agencies, the lawmakers wrote. This action should not be taken lightly or be done based on flawed data collection methods. The full text of that letter is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-slams-latest-worse-version-of-cybersecurity-bill,"Wyden Slams Latest, Worse Version of Cybersecurity Bill",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bill fails Americans on security and privacy fronts Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D Ore., issued the following statement on the latest version of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which has been included in the omnibus appropriations bill. This cybersecurity bill was a bad bill when it passed the Senate and it is an even worse bill today. Americans deserve policies that protect both their security and their liberty. This bill fails on both counts. Cybersecurity experts say CISA will do little to prevent major hacks and privacy advocates know that this bill lacks real, meaningful privacy protections, said Wyden. Wyden has been a leading opponent of this flawed bill. Wyden was the only senator to vote against the Senate version of CISA when it passed out of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. On the Senate floor, he offered an amendment to secure better protections for individuals personal information, which garnered 41 votes. These meaningful privacy protections were not included in the final version. Read more about Wydens fight against CISA here: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/priorities/stopcisa ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-wins-fight-for-charitable-donations-in-tax-legislation,Wyden Wins Fight for Charitable Donations in Tax Legislation,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said today that his successful fight to include expanded and permanent charitable deductions in new tax legislation will provide food banks with much-needed certainty about the donations that support their essential work to fight hunger in Oregon and nationwide. We cannot afford to play games when it comes to hunger. Oregonians who need food assistance and the people working so hard to help them deserve a tax policy that supports this lifeline for children and families to the fullest, Wyden said. I am gratified the life-saving fight against hunger now receives such a valuable tool as permanent and expanded support for food donations. The food donation provision included in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act released Tuesday night by congressional leaders permanently extends the enhanced deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory for non-corporate business taxpayers. The provision also increases the limitation on deductible contributions of food inventory and modifies the deduction to provide special rules for valuing food inventory. Wyden visited the Oregon Food Bank in Portland on Dec. 12 to thank volunteers and help pack food for delivery to hungry Oregonians. Wyden said today that he was also pleased the PATH Act also makes permanent Earned income tax credits to help working families get ahead; Child tax credits for parents trying to raise a family His PARTNERSHIPS Act to help students and families pay for college. To read more about Wydens PARTNERSHIPS Act on college affordability, click here. This bill highlights clear priorities for reforming our tax system, Wyden said. What does that mean? Millions of working families with children will not find themselves suddenly taxed into poverty. Millions of college students wont have the rug pulled out from under them when the tuition bill arrives. Charities can confidently plan and expand the good work they do. And small business and enterprises on the forefront of innovation now have the economic certainty they deserve. At the same time we are phasing out provisions like bonus depreciation which were always designed to be temporary, Wyden said. But now is not the time for Congress to slow down and pat itself on the back. Today is a down payment on tax reform and our work continues as we strive towards a complete overhaul of our broken tax system. To view a copy of the tax bill text click here. A section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-presses-fbi-to-step-up-efforts-against-ransomware-hackers,Wyden Presses FBI to Step Up Efforts Against ‘Ransomware’ Hackers,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FBI Reportedly Tells Ransomware Victims just to pay the ransom Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked FBI Director James Comey how the FBI is tackling the increasing problem of ransomware attacks in a letter sent today. Ransomware attacks refer to the growing criminal practice of hacking Americans devices, encrypting personal information and holding it for ransom through ransomware software commonly known as Cryptolocker and Cryptowall. With this problem becoming increasingly widespread, the FBI should explore all legal options for stopping the successful use of ransomware. Not only should these efforts focus on cyber criminals conducting encryption attacks, they should also target the ransom payments from victims to cyber criminals, Wyden wrote. As we continue to live in a global economy driven by Internet communications, the need to stop bad actors becomes more important every day. Wyden asked Director Comey what is the FBIs current approach to ransomware attacks, success rate in identifying suspects, ability to trace payments, what resources are available to victims and what additional tools the FBI may require to track payments and combat ransomware attacks. Wyden also asked if reports that FBI officials had told victims just to pay the ransom were an accurate portrayal of the FBIs advice. Victims report ransomware payments between $200 and $10,000. One type of ransomware, Cryptowall, has led to nearly 1,000 complaints and cost Americans over $18 million in 14 months. The text of the letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-responds-to-misstatements-on-usa-freedom-act-and-mass-surveillance,Wyden Responds to Misstatements on USA Freedom Act and Mass Surveillance,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the followingstatement in response to multiplemisstatements about the USA Freedom Act during tonights debate: ""Senator Rubio is mistaken when he says that the USA Freedom Act does not let the government do anything that it could not do before. Section 102 of the USA Freedom Act, which I firstproposed in 2013,gave law enforcement and intelligence agencies new authorities to obtain records in an emergency and get court approval after the fact. It also ended the mass surveillance of law-abiding Americans, which violated core American rights without making our country any safer.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-secures-major-provision-of-recently-introduced-college-affordability-bill,Wyden Secures Major Provision of Recently Introduced College Affordability Bill,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Deal Makes Part of Wyden's PARTNERSHIPS Act Permanent - A Huge Step Toward Making College More Affordable for Students and Families Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today announced a bipartisan deal on a major part of a bill he introduced to lower the cost of college by providing much-needed tax relief and greater economic certainty for students and their families in Oregon and across the country. A centerpiece of Wydens PARTNERSHIPS Act was included in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, which congressional leaders released tonight. The bill helps working families and makes permanent the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). Without this legislation in place, this vital higher education provision runs the risk of disappearing after two years, leaving students and their families facing uncertainty as they try to plan ahead. Students and their families are getting hit with a wrecking ball when it comes to the cost of college. This legislation means that students and their families in Oregon and nationwide will now be able to plan for the cost of college without fear of the government changing the rules on them, Wyden said. I have continued to fight for fair changes to the tax code that help individuals including students and working families alike. Todays deal reflects those essential priorities for young people wanting an education and for their parents who want to help them. Under this agreement a permanent AOTC will provide a tax cut of up to $10,000 for four years to help students and families pay for college. Wyden introduced the PARTNERSHIPS Act this fall to help lower the cost of tuition for students and their families. He and Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., heard directly from students at college roundtables in Oregon this fall about how rising college debt is becoming a major worry for their lives after graduation. In Oregon, the average student graduating with debt owes more than $25,000, and that number continues to rise. To view a copy of the bill text click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-bonamici-announce-500000-grant-to-help-city-of-cornelius-build-new-library-community-convening-space,"Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Announce $500,000 Grant to Help City of Cornelius Build New Library, Community Convening Space",2015-12-14,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Announce $500,000 Grant to Help City of Cornelius Build New Library, Community Convening Space Senators, Congresswoman Applaud National Endowment for the Humanities for Investment in Washington County Monday, December 14, 2015 Cornelius, Ore. Oregons U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici today announced a grant to help the City of Cornelius build a new library and community convening space. The award comes from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Challenge Grant program and recognizes Cornelius Librarys commitment to improve the cultural and civic life of the city. The city of Cornelius deserves tremendous credit for its hard work to earn this extremely competitive grant, said Senator Wyden. A new library and public space will provide residents of all ages with a wonderful asset for learning and community. In many of our rural communities, libraries are the heart of the community, said Senator Merkley. They are a gathering space for people of all ages to learn and grow, and serve as a crucial link for so many Oregonians whose only internet access may be the local library. This new library in Cornelius will help enrich the community and as a bonus will provide much needed senior affordable housing. This is a great day for the Cornelius community. Thank you to the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Cornelius Library is an important part of the community, and they truly deserve support for their expansion, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Many Cornelius residents have no internet access at home and they rely on the library for important tasks like applying for jobs or checking their childrens grades. This expansion will include a much-needed community space, increase community access to computers, and provide local affordable housing. There is no better community for this investment, said Karen Hill, Library Director. Cornelius has the highest level of poverty and illiteracy in Washington County. The new space is designed to yield some amazing opportunities to provide new and expanded literacy and cultural services to the community. Cornelius expects to begin construction in December 2016 on the new three-story building that will have a library and community space on the first floor and affordable senior apartments (funded separately by development partner Bienestar, Inc.) on the second and third floors. The new library will expand from 3,000 square feet to almost 14,000 square feet, with a 100-person community meeting room, four conference/study rooms, a teen zone and large collections of childrens and Spanish language books. Because this is a challenge grant, the Cornelius Library will need to raise $1.5 million in matching funds from donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent federal agency created in 1965. It is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States. The Cornelius Library is a member of Washington County Cooperative Library Services. For more information about the Cornelius Public Library, please visit http://www.ci.cornelius.or.us/library. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-questions-fbi-id-policy-on-freedom-of-information-act-requests,Wyden Questions FBI ID Policy on Freedom of Information Act Requests,2015-12-14,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wyden Asks Why Government-Issued ID is Needed to Request Public Information; Questions How IDs Submitted to FBI Will be Used Monday, December 14, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked FBI Director James Comey to explain the purpose of a new FBI policy requiring people to upload copies of government-issued identification when filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, in a letter sent today. I write to express my strong concern that the ID requirement presents serious legal and privacy concerns, Wyden wrote to Director Comey. The FBIs new eFOIA system imposes a requirement that can neither be found in statutory law nor case law. The Department of Homeland Security, among other federal agencies, does not require ID for FOIA requests. The Freedom of Information Act was passed in 1967 to shed light on the federal government by allowing Americans to request access to federal records. Classified documents, personal information and other categories of sensitive information are exempt from disclosure under FOIA. Wyden also asked Comey how long the FBI plans to retain scanned personal IDs, who can access the IDs, how they will be used and whether photo IDs will be entered into facial recognition databases. Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-paris-deal-represents-a-breakthrough-moment-for-climate-change,Merkley: Paris Deal Represents a Breakthrough Moment for Climate Change,2015-12-12,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley: Paris Deal Represents a Breakthrough Moment for Climate Change Oregon Senator traveled to Paris to participate in the talks last weekend Saturday, December 12, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after 196 nations announced an international agreement to take on climate change at the conclusion of talks that have been ongoing in Paris. Last weekend, Merkley traveled to Paris as part of a delegation of ten U.S. Senators to take part in the talks. As part of the delegation, Merkley led a bilateral meeting with India, as well as meeting with negotiators, dignitaries, nonprofit groups, and counterparts from other nations. Todays agreement represents a breakthrough moment in the international fight to take on climate change. While this deal is by no means the end of the work we must do, having the global community come together around a shared vision of action is nonetheless a tremendous milestone on the path to averting climate catastrophe. Americans should be proud of our nation's leadership in helping forge this deal, and they should also know that science deniers in Congress cannot stop this agreement from moving forward. This deal also contains several key provisions that will help this international momentum carry forward into further action.Built into the agreement is a process that will encourage countries to revisit, and hopefully ramp up, each of their individual commitments to tackle their own carbon pollution every 5 years. Moving forward, its imperative that we partner with other developed nations to finance clean energy options to bring electricity to those who lack it, and to ramp up investment in research and development to keep driving down the cost of clean energy and to develop affordable energy storage. This successful negotiation in Paris should only strengthen our resolve to work harder to ensure our children and grandchildren have a habitable planet to call home. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-joins-president-white-house-signing-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-public,Bonamici Joins President at White House for Signing of Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Public Education,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC [12/10/15] Today, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act, a law that will replace No Child Left Behind and advance new K-12 education policies. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), a member of the House Education Committee, served on the select panel of House and Senate members that helped negotiate the new law. As part of this process, provisions authored by Congresswoman Bonamici to reduce testing in schools and support interdisciplinary educational programs were included in the bipartisan bill. Congresswoman Bonamici was invited to stand with the President at the White House for the bill signing. You can watch the video here:https://1.usa.gov/1Qze2mR. For the last 14 years, weve lived under No Child Left Behinds flawed provisions, which left our educators, students, and parents frustrated, said Congresswoman Bonamici. One of the top reasons I came to Congress was to strengthen public education. Today, President Obama signed the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act to give more control to states and school districts and reduce the high-stakes testing that has stifled much of the joy of teaching and learning. The new law will also help address resource inequities and give educators, who know whats best for their students, a voice in how to strengthen schools. It was an honor to serve on the bipartisan panel that finalized the bill President Obama signed. But our job doesnt end here. I look forward to working closely with the Department of Education as the law is implemented to make sure it best serves our students, parents, and educators. Our countrys economic future depends on providing all students with access to quality public education. Congresswoman Bonamici successfully included a provision in the bill to help states and school districts audit their testing systems and eliminate redundant or unnecessary tests. The Support Making Assessments Reliable and Timely (SMART) Act also provides states and local education agencies with support to improve their use of assessment data, which could include providing more time for educators to design instruction based on test results and speeding the delivery of test data to students and families. During the final negotiations, Congresswoman Bonamici successfully added an amendment to support schools that integrate arts and design into science, technology, engineering, and mathor STEMcourses. Congresswoman Bonamici is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus, which advocates for integrating the arts into STEM to teach students creative thinking and problem solving.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/oregon-delegation-announces-deal-to-save-newport-air-station,Oregon Delegation Announces Deal to Save Newport Air Station,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Peter DeFazio,D000191,defazio.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, members of Oregons Congressional Delegation announced they have secured a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 that would keep the Newport air facility open for at least two years. Due to budget cuts, the Coast Guard threatened in 2014 to close the Newport air facility-- which handles half of the emergency response calls on the Central Oregon Coast. Todays announcement was made by Representatives Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, DeFazio was the lead Democratic sponsor and negotiator in the House of Representatives on the Coast Guard Authorization Act. It is impossible to overstate how critical having search and rescue helicopters nearby is to Oregons fishing industry, coastal visitors and residents. Today, we were successful in securing language in the Coast Guard Authorization Act that will keep this critical air stationwhich handles half the emergency calls on the Central Oregon Coastopen and serving the Coast for at least another two years.After that, the Coast Guard will have to jump through significant additional hoops before attempting to close it again, essentially ensuring that the Coast Guards Newport Air Facility remains open for a long time to come. I commend my colleagues in both the House and Senate who helped craft this important legislation. I look forward to this bill passing the Senate and being signed into law, said Ranking Member DeFazio. Newports Coast Guard helicopter is a proven lifesaver for a huge stretch of the Oregon Coast. Congressman DeFazio, Senator Merkley, Congressman Schrader and I fought hard to preserve this crucial part of the coastal safety net and are relieved Congress wont risk Oregonians lives at the start of the dangerous winter season and beyond, said Senator Wyden. Losing the Newport Coast Guard helicopter would put lives at risk all along the Oregon coast. In the cold waters off our shores, people in harms way dont have the luxury of waiting an hour or more for rescue.The Newport community deserves tremendous credit for their tenacity and determination in fighting for the helicopter and keeping their residents and visitors safe.Its great news that the Newport helicopter will continue to be there as a lifesaving resource, and Ill keep fighting to make sure that it always is, said Senator Merkley. Maintaining strong search and rescue capabilities is crucial to the safety of our commercial fishermen, recreational tourists, and coastal residents. Passage of this bill will extend prohibition on the closure of the Newport AIRFAC for at least an additional two years and make it very difficult to close after that by putting in place stringent requirements for the Coast Guard to meet should they ever consider closing it again. Under these rigorous new requirements, I am confident the Newport AIRFAC will continue to serve our Oregon coastal communities for years to come, said Congressman Schrader. I commend the Newport Fishermens Wives and all the supporters of the Newport AIRFAC for their tireless efforts to preserve the helo for the Central Oregon Coast. I also want to thank Congressman DeFazio who has worked hard to ensure this provision made it into the final bill and I look forward to its swift passage. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 authorizes Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission funding levels for two years, and includes provisions to improve Coast Guard mission effectiveness, help modernize the Services aging vessels and other assets, and reform U.S. maritime transportation laws. The House version of the bill (H.R. 1987) was introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), along with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-CA). The final air facility language was agreed to during negotiations with the Senate Commerce Committee and included in an updated Coast Guard Authorization Act (H.R. 4188) that was introduced earlier this week. Today the House passed H.R. 4188 and it will now be considered in the Senate. That language included in H.R. 4188 extends the prohibition on the closure of any Coast Guard facility for two additional years until January 1, 2018. After that date, the Coast Guard may only close an air facility if: The Secretary of Homeland Security submits to Congress plans to continue to offer adequate protection to our coasts as they retire and replace outdated helicopters. The Secretary can clearly demonstrate that: remaining search and rescue capabilities will maintain the safety of the public in the area; weather and marine conditions, including water temperatures and unusual tides, do not require continued operation of the air facility; and standard search and rescue response times will continue to be met; The Secretary convenes public meetings in communities in the air facilitys service area to allow for public input on any proposed closure; and Prior to closure or a reduction in services, the Secretary must submit to Congress in the Presidents budget request any proposal for closure, cessation, or reductions in operations. Once the budget request is submitted, the Coast Guard has 7 days to provide explicit written notice to Congress. Newport is home to one of Oregons three deep draft ports, the states largest grossing commercial fishing fleet, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Pacific Operations Center, Oregon State University research personnel and vessels, and a robust recreational and sport fishing industry that is critical to the local economy. The Oregon delegation successfully passed legislation last year that prevented closure and will keep the U.S. Coast Guards air facility at Newport open through January 1, 2016. However, additional Congressional action is necessary to ensure the air facility in Newport is maintained in 2016 and beyond.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390448,Oregon Delegation Announces Deal to Save Newport Air Station,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, members of Oregons Congressional Delegation announced they have secured a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 that would keep the Newport air facility open for at least two years. Due to budget cuts, the Coast Guard threatened in 2014 to close the Newport air facility-- which handles half of the emergency response calls on the Central Oregon Coast. Todays announcement was made by Representatives Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, DeFazio was the lead Democratic sponsor and negotiator in the House of Representatives on the Coast Guard Authorization Act. It is impossible to overstate how critical having search and rescue helicopters nearby is to Oregons fishing industry, coastal visitors and residents. Today, we were successful in securing language in the Coast Guard Authorization Act that will keep this critical air stationwhich handles half the emergency calls on the Central Oregon Coastopen and serving the Coast for at least another two years.After that, the Coast Guard will have to jump through significant additional hoops before attempting to close it again, essentially ensuring that the Coast Guards Newport Air Facility remains open for a long time to come. I commend my colleagues in both the House and Senate who helped craft this important legislation. I look forward to this bill passing the Senate and being signed into law,said Ranking Member DeFazio. Newports Coast Guard helicopter is a proven lifesaver for a huge stretch of the Oregon Coast. Congressman DeFazio, Senator Merkley, Congressman Schrader and I fought hard to preserve this crucial part of the coastal safety net and are relieved Congress wont risk Oregonians lives at the start of the dangerous winter season and beyond,said Senator Wyden. Losing the Newport Coast Guard helicopter would put lives at risk all along the Oregon coast. In the cold waters off our shores, people in harms way dont have the luxury of waiting an hour or more for rescue.The Newport community deserves tremendous credit for their tenacity and determination in fighting for the helicopter and keeping their residents and visitors safe.Its great news that the Newport helicopter will continue to be there as a lifesaving resource, and Ill keep fighting to make sure that it always is,said Senator Merkley. Maintaining strong search and rescue capabilities is crucial to the safety of our commercial fishermen, recreational tourists, and coastal residents. Passage of this bill will extend prohibition on the closure of the Newport AIRFAC for at least an additional two years and make it very difficult to close after that by putting in place stringent requirements for the Coast Guard to meet should they ever consider closing it again. Under these rigorous new requirements, I am confident the Newport AIRFAC will continue to serve our Oregon coastal communities for years to come,said Congressman Schrader.I commend the Newport Fishermens Wives and all the supporters of the Newport AIRFAC for their tireless efforts to preserve the helo for the Central Oregon Coast. I also want to thank Congressman DeFazio who has worked hard to ensure this provision made it into the final bill and I look forward to its swift passage. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 authorizes Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission funding levels for two years, and includes provisions to improve Coast Guard mission effectiveness, help modernize the Services aging vessels and other assets, and reform U.S. maritime transportation laws. The House version of the bill (H.R. 1987) was introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), along with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-CA). The final air facility language was agreed to during negotiations with the Senate Commerce Committee and included in an updated Coast Guard Authorization Act (H.R. 4188) that was introduced earlier this week. Today the House passed H.R. 4188 and it will now be considered in the Senate. That language included in H.R. 4188 extends the prohibition on the closure of any Coast Guard facility for two additional years until January 1, 2018. After that date, the Coast Guard may only close an air facility if: The Secretary of Homeland Security submits to Congress plans to continue to offer adequate protection to our coasts as they retire and replace outdated helicopters. The Secretary can clearly demonstrate that: remaining search and rescue capabilities will maintain the safety of the public in the area; weather and marine conditions, including water temperatures and unusual tides, do not require continued operation of the air facility; and standard search and rescue response times will continue to be met; The Secretary convenes public meetings in communities in the air facilitys service area to allow for public input on any proposed closure; and Prior to closure or a reduction in services, the Secretary must submit to Congress in the Presidents budget request any proposal for closure, cessation, or reductions in operations. Once the budget request is submitted, the Coast Guard has 7 days to provide explicit written notice to Congress. Newport is home to one of Oregons three deep draft ports, the states largest grossing commercial fishing fleet, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Pacific Operations Center, Oregon State University research personnel and vessels, and a robust recreational and sport fishing industry that is critical to the local economy. The Oregon delegation successfully passed legislation last year that prevented closure and will keep the U.S. Coast Guards air facility at Newport open through January 1, 2016. However, additional Congressional action is necessary to ensure the air facility in Newport is maintained in 2016 and beyond.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/oregon-delegation-announces-deal-to-save-newport-air-station,Oregon Delegation Announces Deal to Save Newport Air Station,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Oregon Delegation Announces Deal to Save Newport Air Station Thursday, December 10, 2015 Washington, D.C. Today, members of Oregons Congressional Delegation announced they have secured a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 that would keep the Newport air facility open for at least two years. Due to budget cuts, the Coast Guard threatened in 2014 to close the Newport air facility-- which handles half of the emergency response calls on the Central Oregon Coast. Todays announcement was made by Representatives Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, DeFazio was the lead Democratic sponsor and negotiator in the House of Representatives on the Coast Guard Authorization Act. It is impossible to overstate how critical having search and rescue helicopters nearby is to Oregons fishing industry, coastal visitors and residents. Today, we were successful in securing language in the Coast Guard Authorization Act that will keep this critical air stationwhich handles half the emergency calls on the Central Oregon Coastopen and serving the Coast for at least another two years.After that, the Coast Guard will have to jump through significant additional hoops before attempting to close it again, essentially ensuring that the Coast Guards Newport Air Facility remains open for a long time to come. I commend my colleagues in both the House and Senate who helped craft this important legislation. I look forward to this bill passing the Senate and being signed into law, said Ranking Member DeFazio. Newports Coast Guard helicopter is a proven lifesaver for a huge stretch of the Oregon Coast. Congressman DeFazio, Senator Merkley, Congressman Schrader and I fought hard to preserve this crucial part of the coastal safety net and are relieved Congress wont risk Oregonians lives at the start of the dangerous winter season and beyond, said Senator Wyden. Losing the Newport Coast Guard helicopter would put lives at risk all along the Oregon coast. In the cold waters off our shores, people in harms way dont have the luxury of waiting an hour or more for rescue.The Newport community deserves tremendous credit for their tenacity and determination in fighting for the helicopter and keeping their residents and visitors safe.Its great news that the Newport helicopter will continue to be there as a lifesaving resource, and Ill keep fighting to make sure that it always is, said Senator Merkley. Maintaining strong search and rescue capabilities is crucial to the safety of our commercial fishermen, recreational tourists, and coastal residents. Passage of this bill will extend prohibition on the closure of the Newport AIRFAC for at least an additional two years and make it very difficult to close after that by putting in place stringent requirements for the Coast Guard to meet should they ever consider closing it again. Under these rigorous new requirements, I am confident the Newport AIRFAC will continue to serve our Oregon coastal communities for years to come, said Congressman Schrader. I commend the Newport Fishermens Wives and all the supporters of the Newport AIRFAC for their tireless efforts to preserve the helo for the Central Oregon Coast. I also want to thank Congressman DeFazio who has worked hard to ensure this provision made it into the final bill and I look forward to its swift passage. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 authorizes Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission funding levels for two years, and includes provisions to improve Coast Guard mission effectiveness, help modernize the Services aging vessels and other assets, and reform U.S. maritime transportation laws. The House version of the bill (H.R. 1987) was introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), along with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-CA). The final air facility language was agreed to during negotiations with the Senate Commerce Committee and included in an updated Coast Guard Authorization Act (H.R. 4188) that was introduced earlier this week. Today the House passed H.R. 4188 and it will now be considered in the Senate. That language included in H.R. 4188 extends the prohibition on the closure of any Coast Guard facility for two additional years until January 1, 2018. After that date, the Coast Guard may only close an air facility if: The Secretary of Homeland Security submits to Congress plans to continue to offer adequate protection to our coasts as they retire and replace outdated helicopters. The Secretary can clearly demonstrate that: remaining search and rescue capabilities will maintain the safety of the public in the area; weather and marine conditions, including water temperatures and unusual tides, do not require continued operation of the air facility; and standard search and rescue response times will continue to be met; The Secretary convenes public meetings in communities in the air facilitys service area to allow for public input on any proposed closure; and Prior to closure or a reduction in services, the Secretary must submit to Congress in the Presidents budget request any proposal for closure, cessation, or reductions in operations. Once the budget request is submitted, the Coast Guard has 7 days to provide explicit written notice to Congress. Newport is home to one of Oregons three deep draft ports, the states largest grossing commercial fishing fleet, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Pacific Operations Center, Oregon State University research personnel and vessels, and a robust recreational and sport fishing industry that is critical to the local economy. The Oregon delegation successfully passed legislation last year that prevented closure and will keep the U.S. Coast Guards air facility at Newport open through January 1, 2016. However, additional Congressional action is necessary to ensure the air facility in Newport is maintained in 2016 and beyond. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-portman-settle-mls-cup-bet,"Wyden, Portman Settle MLS Cup Bet",2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Impact of Portland Timbers win over Columbus Crew Continues to Resonate Thursday, December 10, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, today settled their friendly wager on the Major League Soccer Cup result with a six-pack of Columbus Brewing Companys Winter Warmer changing hands. The Portland Timbers victory Sunday over the Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup also meant Wyden got to keep the six-pack of the Widmer Brothers Timbers Hefe he had put up on the Timbers. Since theres no pity in the Rose City, I am thrilled on behalf of Timbers supporters everywhere to accept Senator Portmans gracious acknowledgment of Portlands status as Soccer City USA, Wyden said. The Timbers Army and all of the teams fans can take huge pride in the MLS Cup and all that the Timbers do every day to make Portland and Oregon a better community. Senator Wyden wins this time around. After having to don Ohio State apparel after the Buckeyes victory over the Oregon Ducks in the college football championship last season, the Oregon Senator has redeemed himself. Congratulations to the Portland Timbers on winning the MLS Cup, Portman said. I am proud of the incredible season that Columbus Crew SC had and I look forward to seeing them in next years MLS Cup. I was glad to hold up my side of the bargain and present my friend Senator Wyden with a six-pack of the Columbus Brewing Companys Winter Warmer. Until next time! Photos from the exchange can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-speaks-out-against-shameful-proposal-ban-muslims-entering,Rep. Blumenauer Speaks Out Against Shameful Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering the United States,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement on the proposal by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to ban all Muslims from entering the United States. This proposal is absolutely hateful. It plays right into the hands of ISIS and demonizes millions of Muslim Americans, and hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world. It is shameful and un-American. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-applauds-senate-passage-of-bill-to-revamp-broken-no-child-left-behind-law,Merkley Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Revamp Broken “No Child Left Behind” Law,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Revamp Broken No Child Left Behind Law Senator had pressed for additional focus on STEM subjects and Career and Technical Education Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, comprehensive legislation to overhaul the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In addition to overhauling the controversial testing and accountability provisions of NCLB, the bill includes increased resources for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and a greater focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE), both of which Senator Merkley had pushed for. Its an enormous relief for students, educators, and parents across Oregon that the deeply broken No Child Left Behind law is finally being replaced. No Child Left Behind left a lot of children behind. It focused too much on getting some children to meet testing goals while ignoring other children, as well as wiping out numerous core courses and electives that were not tested. Its time to replace a narrow and often counterproductive focus on high-stakes testing with a broader vision of learning and accountability, and thats exactly what this bill does. As Ive talked with folks across Oregon, Ive heard again and again from employers that increased STEM education and CTE in our schools are critical to Oregons future economy. Giving students a chance to engage more deeply in these subjects will give them a chance to directly connect their education to real-life applications, and give them a leg up in the workforce. Its good news for Oregon that an increased focus on STEM education and CTE is included in this bill. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and will now head to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-lauds-final-passage-of-k-12-education-bill,Wyden Lauds Final Passage of K-12 Education Bill,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SENATE SENDS TO PRESIDENT EDUCATION BILL WITH WYDEN PRIORITY TO BOOST GRAD RATES Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., lauded todays Senate passage of the final K-12 education bill to boost high school graduation rates in Oregon and across the country as part of the much-called-for replacement of the 2001 No Child Left Behind law. The bill, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), includes a provision to help more students graduate from high school by requiring states to identify high schools with low graduation rates and ensuring those schools receive the support they need to improve. The provision is similar to one that Wyden authored and that passed the Senate in July. This bill focuses specifically on helping students by raising graduation rates in Oregon and across the country, Wyden said. Helping teenagers stay at it and get through to graduation day is a critical step on a path to greater success throughout their lives. This approach will help expand opportunity for students no matter where they live, how much their parents earn, or what obstacles they face. (AUDIO FILE) The Every Student Succeeds Act gives states more flexibility in setting standards for schools and monitoring how federal dollars are allocated to school districts. In Oregon, a task force made up of members from the Oregon Education Association and the Oregon Department of Education is working to find ways to improve student assessment systems. Judy Harris, a member of the task force and a Nationally Board Certified teacher at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill, Oregon, said the bill will give teachers more power in the classroom. There are many reasons to support this billmost importantly, it empowers educators to make important classroom decisions so we can do whats right for our students, Harris said. I appreciate that the Senator was willing to listen to us, trust our professional opinion, and take a leadership role in getting the bill passed. The bill also contains a provision Wyden pushed for that would focus on helping foster children and children experiencing homelessness graduate from high school. Wyden urged conference leaders to include reporting requirements for states and school districts to track the progress of those students and identify new ways to provide them with more support. The bill passed the House of Representatives on December 2. It now goes to the president to be signed into law. Find audio of Wydens statement here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-praises-permanent-ban-on-internet-taxes-in-customs-and-trade-enforcement-bill,Wyden Praises Permanent Ban on Internet Taxes In Customs and Trade Enforcement Bill,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wyden Authored Original Internet Tax Ban; Would Prevent Discriminatory Taxes On Internet Goods and Services, Save Oregonians from Higher Costs To Get Online Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., praised the inclusion of a permanent ban on unfair taxes on Internet goods and services, as well as Internet access taxes, as part of a trade enforcement bill coming before Congress this week. Sen. Wyden co-wrote the original Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA) with former California Republican Rep. Chris Cox in 1998. ITFA prohibits state and local governments from taxing Internet access, and bans multiple and discriminatory taxation against digital goods and services delivered over the Internet. Small businesses and consumers in Oregon could soon finally be free from the threat of hundreds of dollars in new taxes each year, just to access the Internet. I co-wrote the Internet Tax Freedom Act nearly a decade ago to help spur the growth of the digital economy. Today online commerce is responsible for hundreds of thousands of jobs. In my view, when you have something that works, that has stood the test of time, you ought to make it permanent, Wyden said. The permanent ITFA in the customs bill allows the so-called grandfather states a four and a half year phase-out, through June 2020. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-celebrates-portland-timbers-mls-championship-win-house,Rep. Blumenauer Celebrates Portland Timbers MLS Championship Win on House Floor,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, donning a Portland Timbers Army scarf, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) congratulated the Timbers on their victory over the Columbus Crew SC on Sunday, winning the Major League Soccer (MLS) Championship. Click here to watch Representative Blumenauer's celebratory speech. To follow are his remarks. I come to the Floor this morning barely able to talk, but not having much of a voice is common in Portland, Oregon, these days as fans shouted themselves hoarse after the Portland Timbers' stunning victory over the Columbus Crew on Sunday winning the Major League Soccer Cup. There is no doubt that my hometown of Portland, Oregon, is Soccer City USA! Fans continue to prove the point with a huge celebration today. I want to congratulate the Timbers for an amazing season and for being such a huge part indeed of Portland and all of Oregon. This season had it all injuries and bumps along the way that made Sunday's results seem highly unlikely. But under the leadership and direction of Coach Caleb Porter, the Timbers stayed focused and made course corrections that led them to a national championship finishing with a flourish. This team has so many heroes that it's impossible in the time I have to give them their due recognition. But I want to give a special mention to new U.S. citizen Darlington Nagbe, Diego Chara, Rodney Wallace, Jake Gleeson, and the old salty dog, Jack Jewsbury, all of whom have been with the Timbers since our inaugural season. I also want to highlight the Maestro, Diego Valeri, defenders Liam Ridgewell and Nat Borchers (he of the beard!), as well as Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, for their heroic efforts this season. Merritt Paulson and his management team deserve recognition for their passion for the sport and their love for our city. Of course, you can't mention the Portland Timbers without talking about, as the song goes, the greatest football supporters the world has ever seen the Timbers Army! Your dedication to Team, Town, and Country is an inspiration and very much in evidence in Columbus this weekend. Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by reminding all of America and several places in Canada that in case you didn't get the hint with Timber Joey and his chainsaw, there is No Pity in the Rose City! Ahead of the MLS Cup, Representatives Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) challenged Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Steve Stivers (OH-15), and Pat Tiberi (OH-12) to a friendly wager on the championship match between the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew with local products and favorites on the line. With the Timbers win, Representatives Blumenauer and Bonamici will soon receive their winnings Columbus craft brews and candy buckeyes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/cnn-merkley-calls-donald-trump-muslim-comments-wrong-and-dangerous,CNN: Merkley calls Donald Trump Muslim comments “Wrong and Dangerous”,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley speaks with CNNs John Berman on GOP presidential candidate Donald Trumps proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-social-media-reporting-bill,Wyden Statement on Social Media Reporting Bill,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released the following statement on legislation filed today by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, to require Internet companies that are aware of undefined terrorist activity to report it to law-enforcement. Lets make sure the record is clear: The Director of the FBI testified a few months ago that social media companies are pretty good about telling us what they see. Social media companies must continue to do everything they can to quickly remove terrorist content and report it to law enforcement. Im opposed to this proposal because I believe it will undermine that collaboration and lead to less reporting of terrorist activity, not more. It would create a perverse incentive for companies to avoid looking for terrorist content on their own networks, because if they saw something and failed to report it they would be breaking the law, but if they stuck their heads in the sand and avoided looking for terrorist content they would be absolved of responsibility. Im for smart security policies. If law enforcement agencies decide that terrorist content is not being identified quickly enough, then the solution should be to give those agencies more resources and personnel so they know where to look for terrorist content online and who to watch, and can ensure terrorist activity is quickly reported and acted upon.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-trump-proposal-to-ban-muslims-from-entering-us-single-worst-idea-i-have-heard-from-any-presidential-candidate-ever,"Merkley: Trump Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering U.S. “Single Worst Idea I Have Heard from Any Presidential Candidate, Ever”",2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley: Trump Proposal to Ban Muslims from Entering U.S. Single Worst Idea I Have Heard from Any Presidential Candidate, Ever Senator Says Trump Playing Straight out of ISIS Playbook and Endangering National Security Monday, December 7, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, after GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump proposed to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S., Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley strongly condemned the proposal on the Senate floor, calling it the single worst idea I have heard from any presidential candidate, ever. Merkley denounced Trumps proposal, which would even seek to bar active duty American servicemembers of the Muslim faith serving abroad and other citizens from returning home, as inconsistent with the vision of the Constitution. He noted that patriotic Americans of all religions are working together to defeat the threat posed by ISIS. Merkley also blasted Trumps idea for endangering national security. Making Islam the enemy is playing straight out of ISISs playbook, Merkley said, which wants to create a war between America and Islam. And in that sense, this type of irresponsible statement endangers our national security. Video of Merkleys remarks is available here. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/the-worst-idea-from-any-presidential-candidate-ever,The Worst Idea From Any Presidential Candidate. Ever.,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Today, after GOP Presidential Candidate Donald Trump issued a proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S., Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley strongly denounced the proposal on the Senate floor, calling it the single worst idea I have heard from any presidential candidate, ever.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-invites-high-school-students-compete-congressional-app-challenge,Bonamici Invites High School Students to Compete in Congressional App Challenge,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"Beaverton, Ore. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that her district is again participating in the annual Congressional App Challenge. High school students in the district are invited to compete. Oregons First Congressional District includes Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, and Columbia counties as well as part of Multnomah county. Established by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the contest is a nationwide event designed to encourage high school students to express their creativity while participating in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. Students across the country will compete by creating and demonstrating a software application, or app, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Participating in the Congressional App Challenge will require creative thinking, so students will be engaging both halves of the brain, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Creativity leads to innovation, which we need to grow our economy. As the co-chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus, I see this challenge as a great opportunity for students to develop technology while raising awareness about the value of educating innovators andproblem solvers. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students in Oregon's First Congressional District. Students entering the competition must submit their apps source code online before January 15, 2016, as well as provide a video demonstration explaining their app and what they learned through the competition process. Winners will be announced on Monday, February 15, 2016. A panel of local experts will review the submissions. Winners from each participating congressional district will be acknowledged in a district awards ceremony and featured on the House.GOV website. There will also be a display in the U.S. Capitol Building to honor all of the district winners. More information on the competition, including how to register is available at: https://bonamici.house.gov/serving-you/congressional-app-challenge. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-long-term-transportation-legislation-to-fix,"House Passes Bipartisan, Long-Term Transportation Legislation to Fix Crumbling Roads, Bridges, Transit Systems",2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Peter DeFazio,D000191,defazio.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio applauded House passage of the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), a bipartisan, long-term transportation bill that will create family-wage jobs, rebuild and replace the nations aging infrastructure, and boost the economy. The FAST Act is the bicameral, bipartisan agreement of the House-Senate Conference Committee that was tasked with resolving differences between the surface transportation bills passed earlier this year in the House and Senate. The bill passed the House of Representatives with 359 votes. DeFazio was the lead House Democratic negotiator on the bill. After ten years of short-term band-aids and extensions, Congress will finally pass a long-term, bipartisan surface transportation bill that will begin to deal with our aging network of roads, bridges, and transit systems, said DeFazio. This is a common-sense, bipartisan bill that provides our state and local governments with the certainty they need to begin to plan for long-term projects that bring our aging system into the 21st century. This legislation isnt perfect. However, I am happy that the FAST Act includes higher funding levels than the House-passed bill. I am also pleased that it includes a critical provision that allows for automatic adjustments and increased infrastructure investment if more money flows into the Highway Trust Fund. If Congress does the right thing and comes up with more revenue to deposit into the Highway Trust Fund, this mechanism will allow those funds to be invested in our surface transportation infrastructure, without any additional action by Congress. I commend Chairman Shuster, who Chaired the Conference, and my colleagues in both the House and Senate who helped craft this important legislation. I look forward to this bill being signed into law. Under the FAST Act, over the next five years Oregon will receive over $2.6 billion in federal highway funding to rebuild and replace our crumbling highways, and over $500 million in federal transit funding to fix and expand our transit systems. In 2005, DeFazio negotiated a change in the highway funding formula and as a result, Oregon now receives more in gas tax dollars than it contributes to the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Under the prior formula, Oregon received 99 cents for every $1 contributed. Under the formula DeFazio secured, Oregon will receive $1.25 for every $1 contributed. Oregon will receive an additional $325 million in the FAST Act because of the DeFazio-Oregon formula fix. The FAST Actis a five-year, fully paid-for surface transportation reauthorization of federal highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier safety, hazardous materials, and passenger rail programs. The bill provides long-term certainty for states and local governments, strengthens Buy America provisions that create jobs and boost American manufacturing, and increases funding for freight projects, public transit, Amtrak and transportation alternatives. To watch DeFazio speak about the long-term highways bill, click here. To read a FAST Act Oregon Fact Sheet, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-arrives-in-paris-to-join-global-climate-talks,Merkley Arrives in Paris to Join Global Climate Talks,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Arrives in Paris to Join Global Climate Talks Friday, December 4, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Early this morning, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley arrived along with a delegation of United States Senators to participate in global climate talks that are ongoing in Paris. Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution, said Merkley. An international climate accord in Paris would be a tremendous step forward on the path toward averting climate catastrophe, and I look forward to working toward that goal with my counterparts from other nations. While in Paris, Merkley will meet with negotiators, foreign leaders and dignitaries, civil society organizations, and fellow legislators from other nations. The delegation includes Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Al Franken (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-highlights-oregon-wins-in-transportation-bill,Merkley Highlights Oregon Wins in Transportation Bill,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Highlights Oregon Wins in Transportation Bill Friday, December 4, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley announced several key benefits for Oregon included in the federal transportation bill passed by Congress late last night. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works and Banking Committees, Senator Merkley advocated for Oregons priorities and fought to make sure that Oregons roads, bridges and transit districts would receive much needed support and investment in the final bill. Our state and local transportation departments need a long term transportation bill to plan their major infrastructure projects and put people to work. This bill provides that certainty and will both create good jobs and build a stronger infrastructure for our economy, said Merkley. Additionally, this bill will make a much needed investment in improving our roads, bridges and transit systems here in Oregon. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was the first long-term transportation funding bill passed by Congress in more than a decade. By providing a five year roadmap for a broad range of transportation investments, state and regional transportation and transit departments will be able make longer term plans and investments that have been waiting pending clarity about federal government funding. The transportation bill also included a critical provision to reauthorize the charter of the Export-Import Bank, which expired in June after conservatives in Congress blocked its reauthorization. The Export-Import bank is an essential tool for many small businesses and manufacturers throughout Oregon and the nation. In June, Senator Merkley visited Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods, a Milwaukie, OR, employee-owned manufacturer, that has expanded its overseas business using Export-Import Bank financing. Key elements of the transportation bill that will impact Oregon include: Flexible funding for New Start projects:The bill will continue to allow state and local governments to use federal transportation funds to help pay for new transit projects. There was a risk that this provision would be cut from the final bill but Senator Merkley worked to keep this provision intact. This provision was essential in the past to key projects in Oregon, including the recently-opened Tilikum Crossing bridge, and without it new projects like TriMets SW Corridor project would not be completed. High Priority Corridors: The final transportation bill includes eight new High-Priority Corridors, including two in Oregon. These corridors include Interstate 205 and the Highway 99 Newburg-Dundee Bypass. This designation provides projects with preferential consideration when applying for discretionary grants such as TIFIA and TIGER. Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects: This program will provide funding for projects that are of national or regional significance. Senator Merkley joined with several members of the Oregon and Washington delegation to advocate for language to be included in the final bill that will allow projects in National Scenic Areas to be eligible for funding from this program. This will help the cities of Hood River and Cascade Locks compete for funding to repair and modernize their respective bridges. Hazardous Fuels: This bill includes new rules and regulations on oil trains that are carrying hazardous fuels across Oregon. The bill calls for railroads to provide real-time information on identity, quantity, and location of hazardous materials; who is the point of contact in the event of an emergency; and where emergency response resources are located. It also phases out the use of all DOT-111 and CPC-1232 tank cars from transporting flammable liquid. Transit-Oriented Development: The final transportation bill allows transit projects over $10 million to become eligible for TIFIA financing which will allow transit agencies like TriMet, Lane Transit District and the Salem Cherriots to apply for additional financing for transit projects. Bus and Bus Facility Program: Senator Merkley was able to help advocate for additional funding for this program to help transit agencies across the state get financing for public transit projects. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-votes-long-term-multi-modal-transportation-bill,Bonamici Votes For Long-Term Multi-Modal Transportation Bill,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC [12/03/15]Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) made the following statement after the House passed a five year extension of legislation that authorizes federal highway, public transit, highway safety, and other safety programs. The bill now heads to the Senate for final passage before being sent to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. Bonamici included an amendment to designate the Newberg-Dundee Bypass Route as a High Priority Corridor to raise the prominence of the project. When we make long-term investments in transportation and infrastructure, we stimulate the economy, create jobs, and help drive commerce, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Today, Congress put differences aside and found common ground to strengthen transportation systems in Northwest Oregon and our nation. This five year bill will help build and maintain our roads and bridges, while improving freight rail and public transit services. The sustained funding gives Oregon and local counties the certainty they need to start new construction projects and create comprehensive transportation plans. This bill includes my amendment to raise the prominence of the Newberg-Dundee Bypass Route by designating it as a High Priority Corridor. Designating the Bypass as a High Priority Corridor will help our region make the case for continued funding and support. The Newberg-Dundee Bypass will help ease congestion for Yamhill County residents and visitors, as well as make it easier for wine and agricultural industries to move their goods to market. Additionally, Im pleased to see Congress finally moving to reopen the Export-Import Bank. The Ex-Im Bank pays for itself and plays a crucial role in helping Oregon businessesbig and smallcompete and succeed in the global marketplace. Finally, I thank Ranking Member Peter DeFazio for his leadership in moving this bipartisan effort forward to so we can get back to work building and maintaining our nations roads and bridges. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-public-education-includes-provisions-bonamici,House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Public Education; Includes Provisions by Bonamici,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Served on Conference Committee for New Law to Replace No Child Left Behind WASHINGTON, DC [12/02/15] Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, a bill to replace No Child Left Behind and write new K-12 education policies. Provisions authored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to reduce testing in schools and support interdisciplinary educational programs are included in the bipartisan bill to strengthen public education. Congresswoman Bonamici, a member of the House Education Committee, also served on the select panel of House and Senate members that reconciled the differences between education bills passed by both the House and Senate earlier this year. The Every Student Succeeds Act now heads to the Senate for final passage before being sent to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. When the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed 50 years ago, it was a monumental achievement in promoting equity for all students. Today, we honored that legacy by replacing the flawed No Child Left Behind with policies that will strengthen public education in our country, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Ive spoken with students, educators, parents, and school board members who have been waiting for this day for a long time, and I am glad my colleagues and I have finally reached agreement on a new education law. No Child Left Behind placed too much emphasis on one-size-fits-all mandates and resulted in too much high-stakes testing. Thanks to the leadership of Chairman John Kline and Ranking Member Bobby Scott, we passed a bill that will return flexibility to states and school districts to design accountability systems and interventions that meet the needs of their schools. Importantly, the Every Student Succeeds Act maintains focus on closing achievement gaps and promoting equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students. The bill requires action in any school where subgroups of studentsincluding English learners, students with disabilities, and low-income studentsare lagging behind. After hearing concerns from students and teachers about the need for fewer, better assessments, I am pleased that the Every Student Succeeds Act includes a bipartisan provision I authored with Republican Congressman Ryan Costello to help school districts eliminate unnecessary testing. The bill also improves STEM learning by encouraging the incorporation of arts and design. A well-rounded education that teaches our students to think creatively is good for their futures and good for the innovation economy. Congresswoman Bonamici successfully included a provision in the bill to help states and school districts audit their testing systems and eliminate redundant or unnecessary tests. The Support Making Assessments Reliable and Timely (SMART) Act also provides states and local education agencies with support to improve their use of assessment data, which could include providing more time for educators to design instruction based on test results and speeding the delivery of test data to students and families. During the final negotiations, Congresswoman Bonamici successfully added an amendment to support schools that integrate academic subjects, such as arts and music, into STEM courses. Congresswoman Bonamici is the co-chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus, which advocates for educational programs that integrate the arts and teach students creative thinking in addition to technical skills. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/reps-blumenauer-bonamici-beatty-stivers-and-tiberi-wager-mls-championship,"Reps. Blumenauer, Bonamici, Beatty, Stivers and Tiberi Wager on MLS Championship",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC On Sunday, December 6, the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew SC will play for the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Steve Stivers (OH-15), and Pat Tiberi (OH-12) today announced they have placed a friendly wager on the championship game between the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew with local products and favorites on the line. Representatives Blumenauer and Bonamici, who together represent Portland, are wagering Oregon craft beer, Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, and Salt & Straw ice cream. Representatives Beatty, Stivers, and Tiberi, representing the Columbus metro area, are wagering Columbus craft brews and candy buckeyes. I look forward to seeing our Portland Timbers cap their magnificent season with the MLS Cup, said Representative Blumenauer. Onward Rose City! Last time an Ohio team faced off against an Oregon team for a national title our Buckeyes came home with NCAA championship rings and the Ducks waddled home empty handed, said Representative Beatty. The Timbers will topple the Columbus Crew! We've had a great season and Im looking forward to seeing the Timbers win the MLS Cup final match, said Representative Bonamici. Im confident the Oregonians will be enjoying some Ohio craft brews and buckeye candy. RCTID! In the battle of the Os, Ohio is no stranger to blocking Oregons championship dreams, Representative Stivers said. With home field advantage, the Crew is on a roll and more than ready to take its second MLS cup. The Crew SC will ax the Timbers and I look forward to enjoying some of Oregons microbrews with my Central Ohio colleagues as we celebrate the black and golds second MLS Cup, said Representative Tiberi. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390445,"Schrader, Newhouse Applaud Passage of Port Performance Program in Surface Transportation Bill",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressmen Kurt Schrader (OR-05) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statements applauding passage of the bipartisan H.R. 22, Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to reauthorize transportation and infrastructure programs. Schrader and Newhouse led the effort to include the Port Performance Program within the FAST Act requiring the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to collect and report port statistics which will then be published in an annual report by BTS. The bill also establishes a working group to make recommendations to BTS to determine specific port metrics. The working group will have at least 22 members, including government officials and representatives from labor and industry, with the final decision on metrics resting with the BTS Director. As an essential component of our transportation system, and the global supply chain, our ports are critical to U.S. farmers and businesses. The efficient flow of cargo in and out of our ports is vital to the economic health of our country. Unfortunately, very little data exists on the performance of our ports, when it is a requirement in nearly every other sector of our transportation system and is important not only identifying and dealing with congestion in the system, but also shaping transportation policy, said Congressman Schrader. I appreciate the inclusion of this provision in the FAST Act and am hopeful this can strengthen the tools necessary to prevent further port disruptions and lead to increased investment and a boost to our economy. The Port Performance Program is a step forward for transparency on ports operations, said Congressman Newhouse. I applaud passage of the FAST Act with important provisions to establish a metrics program that will provide objective baseline economic data for ports operations. Improved port metrics will provide a critical tool to examine the economic effects of port slowdowns such as the disastrous West Coast Ports slowdown earlier this year, and I thank my colleague, Rep. Schrader, for working with me on this effort. The Port Performance Program within the FAST Act would create the following requirements: The BTS Director must submit a report on port capacity and throughput no later than January 15th of each year; The annual report must cover, at a minimum, the top 25 ports in the nation by tonnage, containers, and dry bulk; The working group must be established within 60 days of the bills enactment, and the working group members must submit their recommendations to the BTS Director within one year of enactment of the bill; In response to the West Coast Ports slowdown earlier this year, Congressmen Schrader and Newhouse introduced the H.R. 3932, the Ensuring Continued Operations and No Other Major Incidents, Closures, or Slowdowns (ECONOMICS) Act last month. The ECONOMICS Act would establish specific economic triggers, so that when certain economic impacts surrounding a dispute occur, a Board of Inquiry must be convened, and the Board would be required to report to the President and the public to recommend whether there should be a judicial injunction. For a summary of the FAST Act, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-statement-passage-fast-act,Rep. Blumenauer Statement on Passage of the FAST Act,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement on House passage of the conference report on H.R. 22, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This five-year authorization for highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects is the first long-term authorization in a decade. Today's passage of the FAST Act is a significant accomplishment. It ends the embarrassing string of 37 short-term extensions. It provides five years of certainty with modest, but important, increased spending levels. There are provisions that deal with safety, innovation, and integrating passenger rail into overall surface transportation, among many other notable items. I am pleased that a number of provisions that I have authored and championed have found their way into the final version of this legislation. One of the unheralded provisions potentially has the most significant, far-reaching consequencesthe expansion of work on an alternative user-fee to replace the gas tax. This reflects legislation I have introduced that builds upon the Oregon pilot project on road user charges. There is also a specific title dealing with innovation. The next five years will see unparalleled changes in transportation practices and technology that can have a transformational effect on our way of life, and this bill embraces this. Unfortunately, Congress continues to refuse to address a Highway Trust Fund that is inadequate and losing purchasing power by the month. Refusing to increase the gas tax for 22 years or to have any other source of revenue has complicated passage of a long-term bill. Instead, the collection of budget gimmicks paying for the legislation are, in many cases, questionable. For example, using private bill collectors to hound low-income taxpayers who run into financial difficulty is a money loser, as well as ineffective and unpopular. This is one of many ways the bill is paid for, basically to disguise the use of the Treasury's general fund instead of the traditional user fee model. I am hopeful that we can use the next five years to build upon the positive framework of the legislation and for Congress to accept the overwhelming consensus of the people who build, maintain, and use our surface transportation system. They want to increase user fees to adequately fund transportation, and so should we as well. I voted for this bill because the positive policy features are compelling and because it gives us an opportunity to use this five-year period of stability to get it right. I will spare no effort to do so, and I hope I'm joined by my colleagues so that the next reauthorization truly enables us to rebuild and renew America, put millions of Americans to work at family wage jobs, and strengthen communities from coast to coast. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-blumenauer-bonamici-beatty-stivers-and-tiberi-wager-mls,"Reps. Blumenauer, Bonamici, Beatty, Stivers and Tiberi Wager on MLS Championship",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC On Sunday, December 6, the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew SC will play for the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Steve Stivers (OH-15), and Pat Tiberi (OH-12) today announced they have placed a friendly wager on the championship game between the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew with local products and favorites on the line. Representatives Blumenauer and Bonamici, who together represent Portland, are wagering Oregon craft beer, Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, and Salt & Straw ice cream. Representatives Beatty, Stivers, and Tiberi, representing the Columbus metro area, are wagering Columbus craft brews and candy buckeyes. I look forward to seeing our Portland Timbers cap their magnificent season with the MLS Cup, said Representative Blumenauer. Onward Rose City! Last time an Ohio team faced off against an Oregon team for a national title our Buckeyes came home with NCAA championship rings and the Ducks waddled home empty handed, said Representative Beatty. The Timbers will topple the Columbus Crew! We've had a great season and I'm looking forward to seeing the Timbers win the MLS Cup final match, said Representative Bonamici. I'm confident the Oregonians will be enjoying some Ohio craft brews and buckeye candy. RCTID! In the battle of the O's, Ohio is no stranger to blocking Oregon's championship dreams,Representative Stivers said. With home field advantage, the Crew is on a roll and more than ready to take its second MLS cup. The Crew SC will ax the Timbers and I look forward to enjoying some of Oregon's microbrews with my Central Ohio colleagues as we celebrate the black and gold's second MLS Cup, said Representative Tiberi. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walden-releases-draft-legislation-help-solve-long-running-water-problems,"Walden releases draft legislation to help solve long-running water problems in Klamath Basin, asks for input from all parties",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OR,Greg Walden,W000791,walden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Walden releases draft legislation to help solve long-running water problems in Klamath Basin, asks for input from all parties Bill would provide water and power certainty for agriculture, boost economic development for rural communities and tribes WASHINGTON, D.C. After nearly a year of discussions with a broad range of parties in the Klamath Basin and key leaders in the U.S. Congress, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden today unveiled a draft of a bill that would help solve long-running water issues in the Basin. Throughout the year, I've worked closely with a broad range of stakeholders in the Klamath Basin as well as my colleagues in Congress to draft a viable plan that would help the Basin and the people who live there. This draft proposal would help provide water and power certainty for agriculture and boost economic development and job creation for rural communities and tribes through a transfer of federal timber lands. I encourage all parties to review the proposal and let me know your feedback, Walden said. A summary of the draft is below. For the full text of the draft, please click here. To send comments to Walden, please visit walden.house.gov/klamath. Summary of Walden's draft Klamath legislation Water certainty for agriculture: The draft authorizes and implements the water agreements in both the Upper Klamath Basin and the Klamath Project, providing for a long-term and certain water supply for farmers and ranchers. Power certainty for agriculture: The draft directs the federal Bureau of Reclamation to provide affordable power for farmers, ranchers, and communities in the Basin. Transfer of federal forest lands to Klamath and Siskiyou counties: The draft transfers 100,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land each to Klamath and Siskiyou counties. The lands would be used for timber production to grow jobs in rural communities and improve forest health. Transfer of federal lands and economic development funds to Klamath Tribes in exchange for waiving senior water rights: Under the draft, the Klamath Tribes would waive their senior water rights claims. In exchange, the Tribes would receive 100,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land for timber production along with economic development funds for tribal members. No federal dam removal: The draft does not authorize, fund, or expedite federal dam removal. That process is left up to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It also does not create federal liability from dam removal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-statement-on-republican-attempts-to-take-health-care-away-from-millions,Merkley Statement on Republican Attempts to Take Health Care Away from Millions,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Statement on Republican Attempts to Take Health Care Away from Millions Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to pass a plan that would repeal key elements of the Affordable Care Act, taking health coverage away from millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Oregonians: The Republicans in the U.S. Senate today voted to kick millions of Americans off their health care plans.Their vote today tells single moms with breast cancer, 60-year-olds with Parkinsons, and so many others that their health and lives are worth less than an ideological crusade. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians have been able to access secure health coverage for the first time, and uninsured rates have fallen to record lows.People with chronic diseases who couldnt get coverage before no longer have to worry.Self-employed entrepreneurs have reliable and affordable coverage. Preventive care is free and children can stay on their parents plans through age 26. It is absurd and cruel to throw out these gains and go back to a system that rations health care to the healthy and wealthy while leaving those who are less fortunate out in the cold. I look forward to voting to uphold the Presidents veto should this misguided legislation come back for another vote in the Senate. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-statement-on-klamath-basin,"Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley released the following statement today on the Klamath Basin: For more than a decade, the irrigators, tribes and conservationists of the Klamath Basin have worked tirelessly to craft agreements that can break a century-long deadlock over water rights. The Oregon delegation shares the goal of working together for the success of the basin, and all of the state. Today we took a step forward towards legislation that can make Klamath Basin agreements a reality.We are gratified that Rep. Greg Walden released a draft of House legislation related to achieving the Klamath agreements. While we appreciate this step, the draft House legislation falls short of implementing the carefully-negotiated agreement of the Basin stakeholders.The giveaway of federal lands to counties is a known non-starter in the Senate.It also eliminates a provision on dam removal that is central to the bargain worked out over years with blood, sweat, and tears. Nevertheless, having a House bill on the table is a constructive step, and we will do whatever it takes to work with our colleagues in the House on something that reflects the stakeholders vision and can actually pass. The farmers, ranchers, tribes, and advocates put partisanship and ideology aside to develop a plan that works for the Klamath Basin, and thats exactly what we need to do. Federal implementation of the agreements will provide greater water supplies for the regions agricultural economy and sorely needed certainty for ranchers, tribes and conservationists alike. Oregon and the basin deserve nothing less. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-applauds-increased-focus-on-high-school-graduation-rates,Wyden Applauds Increased Focus on High School Graduation Rates,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FINAL EDUCATION BILL INCLUDES WYDEN PRIORITY TO IMPROVE GRAD RATES Thursday, December 3, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., applauded Congressional leaders for targeting high school graduation rates in Oregon and across the country as part of a larger K-12 education bill that last night passed the House of Representatives. The bill, which would replace the No Child Left Behind law from 2001, includes a provision to help more students earn their diplomas by requiring states to identify high schools with low graduation rates and ensure those schools receive the support they need to improve. The proposal is similar to a Wyden-authored provision that passed the Senate in July as part of the Every Child Achieves Act. As a parent, I know that moms and dads want their kids to be able to climb the economic ladder throughout their lives, and that begins with a top-flight education, Wyden said. Im glad Congress has taken meaningful action today to expand opportunity to every student in Oregon and across the country by helping more students graduate from high school. The bill that passed the House last night was agreed upon by a conference committee made up of House and Senate leaders to reform the Elementary and Secondary Education Act covering K-12 education. The top Senate Democrat on the conference committee, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said the Wyden-authored provision in the Senate bill drove negotiators to focus on high school graduation rates in the bill. Senator Wyden and I share a deep commitment to helping more students earn their high school diploma, so they will be prepared to compete and lead in the 21st century economy, and this legislation will help move us toward that goal, Murray said. He fought hard to make raising graduation rates a priority, and I look forward to finishing our bipartisan work and making sure this legislation can get to work for students, parents, teachers, and communities in our neighboring states and across the country. The bill, the Every Student Succeeds Act, would give states more flexibility in setting standards for schools and monitor how federal dollars are allocated to school districts. The Oregon Education Association (OEA) today praised Wyden for his work to get states and schools much-needed resources to help students succeed through graduation day. OEA is proud to have worked with Senator Wyden to ensure the Every Student Succeeds Act creates greater opportunities for all Oregon students, no matter their zip code, said Hanna Vaandering, an elementary physical education teacher from Beaverton and President of OEA. This bill will allow those who work with our students every day to have a voice in creating quality learning environments that inspire students, and an assessment system which focuses on student learning instead of high stakes testing. Senator Wydens commitment to improving graduation rates by lifting up student, parent, and educator voices has helped shape a federal education bill that will truly help Oregon students succeed. Higher graduation rates have been linked tolower unemploymentandbetter earnings. The conference committee bill also contains a provision Wyden pushed for that would focus on helping foster children and children experiencing homelessness graduate from high school. Wyden urged conference leaders to include reporting requirements for states and school districts to track the progress of those students and identify new ways to provide them with more support. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-statement-on-klamath-basin-,"Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley released the following statement today on the Klamath Basin: For more than a decade, the irrigators, tribes and conservationists of the Klamath Basin have worked tirelessly to craft agreements that can break a century-long deadlock over water rights. The Oregon delegation shares the goal of working together for the success of the basin, and all of the state. Today we took a step forward towards legislation that can make Klamath Basin agreements a reality.We are gratified that Rep. Greg Walden released a draft of House legislation related to achieving the Klamath agreements. While we appreciate this step, the draft House legislation falls short of implementing the carefully-negotiated agreement of the Basin stakeholders.The giveaway of federal lands to counties is a known non-starter in the Senate.It also eliminates a provision on dam removal that is central to the bargain worked out over years with blood, sweat, and tears. Nevertheless, having a House bill on the table is a constructive step, and we will do whatever it takes to work with our colleagues in the House on something that reflects the stakeholders vision and can actually pass. The farmers, ranchers, tribes, and advocates put partisanship and ideology aside to develop a plan that works for the Klamath Basin, and thats exactly what we need to do. Federal implementation of the agreements will provide greater water supplies for the regions agricultural economy and sorely needed certainty for ranchers, tribes and conservationists alike. Oregon and the basin deserve nothing less.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-transportation-bill-includes-key-oregon-projects-and-tourism-priorities-,Wyden: Transportation Bill Includes Key Oregon Projects and Tourism Priorities,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hood River, I-205 in Portland and Newberg-Dundee Bypass Gain from Long-term Highway Funding Legislation Thursday, December 3, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) praised tonights congressional passage of a long-term plan to rebuild the national transportation infrastructure for including three essential highway projects in Oregon as well as vital tourism priorities for the state. This long-term approach to funding our highways provides the road map thats a must for our economy to generate good-paying jobs, said Wyden, a member of the transportation infrastructure conference committee that developed the legislation. Rebuilding our countrys infrastructure creates much-needed certainty for businesses looking to invest and for state legislatures working to unsnarl transportation gridlock keeping too many workers stuck on the road instead of home with their families. The senator lauded the bill for bringing new projects within national scenic areas into the mix for transportation funding, including bridges near Hood River and Cascade Locks. He also cited another provision that upgrades both I-205 in Portland and the Newberg-Dundee Bypass to high priority corridor status, which means both routes would be poised right near the top of the list for future federal investment. Wyden looks forward to working on these projects with both Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio, who helped write the House bill; and Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that shares jurisdiction over this essential work. Wyden also praised the bill for including important tourism-related provisions that would encourage states and metropolitan planning organizations to consult with local travel leaders in the development of their long-term transportation plans. ""The bill will ensure that the travel industry has a voice in transportation planning and that investments are targeted towards projects that improve traveler mobilitya key in growing Oregons economy, said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon, the states tourism commission. Thanks go to Senator Wyden, Congressman DeFazio and the Oregon delegation for fighting to include these policies. They clearly know the value of the state's travel and tourism industry, which has grown to over $10.3 billion while providing jobs for more than 100,000 Oregonians.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-defazio-larsen-fight-for-increased-funding-in-pacific-northwest,"Reps. DeFazio, Larsen Fight for Increased Funding in Pacific Northwest Ports",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Peter DeFazio,D000191,defazio.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) joined a letter led by Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) sent to the Director of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shaun Donovan urging the agency to increase funding for small ports in the Pacific Northwest in their FY 2017 budget proposal. In the letter, members urge OMB to consider the needs of small coastal waterways in the Northwest as they develop their budget proposal. Small ports and harbors are some of our nations most valuable assets and critical to maintaining and creating jobs in these states. Commercial trading and fishing and recreational boating at these small ports is critically important to the economic health of Oregon and Washington coastal port communities and to our states, region and nation, the members write. In recent years, federal commercial navigation projects on the Pacific Northwest coast have been routinely overlooked and remain critically underfunded. Even with the mandatory minimum funding allocation for small ports in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA), many Northwest emerging harbors were left unfunded in the Presidents FY 2016 budget proposal. Without adequate dredging, the navigation channels leading to these ports will silt in and the jetties protecting these communities will crumble. Without safe access to ocean fishing grounds, vessels remain docked and a major economic driver in these small communities is gone. It is imperative for the Administration to show its commitment now and fund these small ports in the FY 2017 budget proposal. We believe it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that our coastal ports in Oregon and Washington, and throughout the nation, remain open for business and continue to contribute to the economic health of the U.S, the letter continues. A copy of the letter is included below. # # # December 2, 2015 Mr. Shaun Donovan Director Office of Management and Budget 725 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20503 Dear Mr. Donovan: As you develop your FY 2017 budget proposal, we ask that you address the needs of small coastal waterways in the Pacific Northwest. These small ports and harbors are some of our nations most valuable assets and critical to maintaining and creating jobs in these states. Commercial trading and fishing and recreational boating at these small ports is critically important to the economic health of Oregon and Washington coastal port communities and to our states, region and nation. These federal commercial navigation projects are routinely overlooked and remain critically underfunded. We are disappointed that in recent years, most of the small ports on our coasts were completely zeroed out in the administrations budget. Even with the mandatory minimum funding allocation for small ports in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA), many Northwest emerging harbors were left unfunded in the FY 2016 budget proposal. Congress has been clear about its support for these small ports by increasing Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) expenditures. We urge you, at a minimum, to reach the overall target for HMTF expenditures set forth in WRRDA and to allocate no less than 10 percent of maintenance dredging funds to meet the critical needs of small ports in the Northwest and throughout the nation. Congress has shown its commitment to these navigation projects by providing programmatic funding pots each year. It is imperative for the Administration to show its commitment now and fund these small ports in the FY 2017 budget proposal. Without adequate funding, the navigation channels leading to these ports will silt in and the jetties protecting these communities will crumble. Ports provide employment for a significant proportion of these communities. Without access to the ports and the open ocean, the main economic driver in these communities is gone. It is important to give certainty and support to these small communities. We believe it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that our coastal ports in Oregon and Washington, and throughout the nation, remain open for business and continue to contribute to the economic health of the U.S. Leaving our small port needs unmet threatens the jobs of our citizens and weakens our national economic competitiveness. We thank you for your consideration and efforts and look forward to working with you to address this issue. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390444,Schrader Applauds Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) applauded the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation replaces the flawed No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001.The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 359-64. I am very pleased that on the 50th anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) we have finally succeeded in getting rid of NCLB and have an ESEA that rewards students progress rather than setting arbitrary benchmarks. The Every Student Succeeds Act replaces the adequate yearly progress standard with benchmarks that celebrate individual student and teacher success in moving ahead academically. Moreover, the bill reduces the testing burden and delegates to the states how best to achieve high academic standards, while keeping the U.S. Department of Education as referee so that states cannot game the system and reduce our childrens ability to compete in the global economy. The bill also retains some good provisions from NCLB that require disaggregated data to make sure minority, English-as-a-second-language and special needs students are not left behind and finally allow more district flexibility in applying for waivers when facing difficult economic situations. This is a serious effort to boost student achievement nationally, while allowing states and school systems to design programs they feel best suit their state and its children. A video statement of Congressman Schraders remarks about the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walden-merkley-convene-klamath-basin-water-meeting-key-leaders-us-house,"Walden, Merkley convene Klamath Basin water meeting with key leaders in the U.S. House and Senate",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OR,Greg Walden,W000791,walden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Walden, Merkley convene Klamath Basin water meeting with key leaders in the U.S. House and Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) issued the following statement on a meeting he has convened with key Congressional leaders to discuss Klamath Basin water issues: All year, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and I have worked closely with a broad range of parties in the Klamath Basin and key leaders in the Congress to find a path forward to solve the long running water problems in the Basin. Tomorrow, Sen. Merkley and I have convened a meeting with key leaders in the Congress to discuss a way forward. Attendees will include Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee (which has jurisdiction over this issue), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) whose Northern California district includes three out of the four dams slated to be removed under the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) and a large portion of Klamath Basin water users. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will also attend, along with Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.). During this session of Congress, neither committee of jurisdiction in the Senate or the House has taken any legislative action regarding the KBRA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/media-center/photos/good-morning-oregon_-december-2015,Good Morning Oregon - December 2015,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Skip to primary navigation Skip to content About Meet Jeff Issues Oregon Stories News Press Releases In the News Video & Audio Photos Helping You Help with Federal Agencies For Veterans For Students Flag Requests Visit Washington DC Connect Email Jeff Get Jeff's Updates Join Jeff for Coffee Town Halls Follow Jeff Office Locations Good Morning Oregon - December 2015 Print Email Tweet About News Helping You Connect Office Locations",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-statement-on-klamath-basin-water-meeting-with-key-congressional-leaders-,"Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin Water Meeting with Key Congressional Leaders",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wyden, Merkley Statement on Klamath Basin Water Meeting with Key Congressional Leaders Wednesday, December 2, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley released the following statement in advance of a meeting tomorrow on Klamath water legislation.Sens. Wyden and Merkley sought this meeting to discuss what it would take to see action in the House before the end of the year. At the beginning of this Congress, Wyden and Merkley reintroduced legislation that passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support last year. Congressman Walden stated in October he was planning to introduce companion legislation in the House. Time is of the essence to ensure long-term water certainty for the Klamath Basin. An extraordinary coalition of farmers, ranchers, tribes, and advocates has come together in this region to set aside longstanding divisions and work toward a better future. Even more impressively, they have stuck together through repeated water shortages when they could have easily broken apart and fought each other for limited water resources instead, Wyden and Merkley said. Weve been working for years to realize the vision and validate the extraordinary efforts of the stakeholders, but this groundbreaking work is at risk if Congress does not act before the end of the year when the agreements expire. We sought this meeting to discuss how together the House and Senate can get this critical legislation completed this year, and we look forward to hearing the House members views about how we can get it done. The meeting includes members who represent the Klamath Basin including the Oregon Senators, Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Jared Huffman (D-CA), and key House leaders including Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA). Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-blasts-latest-attempt-to-defund-planned-parenthood,Wyden Blasts Latest Attempt to Defund Planned Parenthood,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 2, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today blasted the fast tracking of a bill that would block federal funding to Planned Parenthood clinics in Oregon and across the country for one year. The Senate last night began considering a House-passed budget bill that includes a provision to cut federal funding for Medicaid for use at Planned Parenthood clinics. Millions of American women including tens of thousands of Oregonians turn to Planned Parenthood for the routine health care services this bill puts at risk, Wyden said. When you wipe out Planned Parenthoods funding, you dramatically curb womens access to services that have absolutely nothing to do with abortion. Wyden, along with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., introduced an amendment to the bill that would continue to allow funding for Planned Parenthood. The amendment would also provide additional funding to help women who are uninsured or underinsured pay for health services and for health clinics to ensure the safety of their staff and patients. Planned Parenthood provides critical health care services such as cancer screenings, sexually transmitted infection tests and treatment, and HPV vaccinations to more than 70,000 Oregonians at 11 Planned Parenthood centers in Oregon. Click here for video of Wydens remarks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-remarks-climate-change,Rep. Blumenauer Remarks on Climate Change,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC As global leaders meet in Paris on climate change, and the House considers this week measures to undercut the Administration's climate initiatives, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) today delivered remarks on the House floor on the best solution to the climate threat enacting a revenue-neutral fee on carbon emissions. To follow are Representative Blumenauer's remarks as prepared. Click here to watch his speech. The eyes of the world are on Paris, as it recovers from one tragedy and as 150 world leaders gather to prevent another. They meet to secure a global agreement on climate change. Reliance on fossil fuels especially coal and wasteful expensive energy consumption shortchange today's priorities and threatens our future. Ten years from now, even many of the current climate skeptics will wonder, What were we thinking?' The scientific evidence and the overwhelming consensus it has created is clear the immediate impacts of record temperatures, erratic and very dangerous weather patterns, ocean acidification, drought, disease, social disruption, and wildfires all have predictable impacts that already cost us dearly with many more severe problems on the horizon. It is sad that what should be a straightforward, scientific conclusion has become so emotionally charged and politically volatile. It is embarrassing and ironic that in the middle of this historic event on climate change, as the world consensus is strengthening and moving towards action, the best that our Republican Congress can do is vote on two pieces of legislation that would undomuch of the progress we've already made. The Republican leader in the Senate argues that the carbon rule of the Administration is a vast overreach, and that the Obama policies won't accomplish anything and yet is working to undermine their effectiveness. We will then vote on H.R. 8, a fossil fuel giveaway that will do nothing to combat climate change, but only accelerate the problem. The best solution to the climate threat is not these foolish votes or obstructionism, but an action that has the potential to resolve other controversial issues, while addressing our major climate challenges. It's past time for the federal government to enact a revenue-neutral fee on carbon emissions. This would not be an excuse to expand government spending and new programs, but instead simplify and solve current problems in a cost-effective manner. Consider for a moment that high on the list of problems, in addition to climate change, for almost everyone else is that we should fix our broken corporate tax code, address our looming Social Security deficit, and streamline the patchwork of uneven energy subsidy provisions. A revenue-neutral carbon tax is a proven market mechanism to reduce devastating carbon pollution. By adequately pricing carbon, we could generate approximately $2 trillion over ten years, and sweep away expensive, and often conflicting, clean energy subsidies and replace them with something much more effective. We could use the revenue to eliminate the looming 25 percent cut in Social Security acting quickly while a solution is more affordable and less disruptive to the lives of our seniors. At the same time, we could tailor the Social Security tax to protect middle and lower income people from impacts of the fee, and we could help small businesses, shielding them from part of the cost and lowering the payroll tax they pay, making it cheaper to employ people. Finally, a portion of the carbon revenues could be used to buy down the world's highest corporate tax rate ours which distorts business decisions and places us in a competitive disadvantage with other developed countries. Think about it. We could solve the existential climate threat, make the tax system simpler, more fair and effective, avoid the looming Social Security crisis, and shield individuals and small businesses from undue impact from the carbon fee, while making our businesses more competitive. That is as close as you can come to a non-partisan, non-ideological, grand slam policy. Instead of policies of division and denial, it's time for us to come together supporting a revenue-neutral carbon tax to solve multiple problems and meet our obligations to our children and grandchildren. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walden.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/greg-walden-secures-help-columbia-gorge-roads-and-bridges-final,"Greg Walden secures help for Columbia Gorge roads and bridges in final transportation agreement, passage into law expected soon",2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OR,Greg Walden,W000791,walden.house.gov,,,legacy,"Greg Walden secures help for Columbia Gorgeroads and bridges in final transportation agreement, passage into law expected soon WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) announced today that he has secured language in the final congressional transportation agreement to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (NSA). The long-term, bipartisan transportation agreement between the Senate and the House reauthorizes and reforms federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs. It is expected to be passed by both chambers in the coming days. Residents and visitors alike depend on efficient and safe transportation in the Columbia Gorge. The federal government must recognize that unique areas like the Gorge should be eligible for transportation projects to replace crumbling roads and bridges. Last month, the House unanimously passed our bipartisan proposal to do just that, and I worked hard to include it in the final House and Senate transportation agreement. When this proposal becomes law soon, it will be a win for Gorge residents, visitors, and our local economy, Walden said. Last month, Walden worked closely with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Camas) to include language in the House transportation bill that ensures that projects within NSA's, including the Columbia River Gorge NSA, are eligible for federal transportation grants to help them serve the needs of their local economies, residents, and visitors. Walden then led a letter, signed by seven other Northwest Senators and Representatives, urging negotiators in the House and the Senate to include the language in the final agreement. For a copy of that letter, please click here. During debate on the House floor last month, Walden urged his colleagues to recognize the importance of transportation projects in federal scenic areas. While scenic areas like the Columbia Gorge provide tourist opportunities to thousands of visiting Americans from all across the country, this unique federal involvement provides distinct challenges in promoting growth of the local economy while conserving the natural beauty of the lands within the Gorge. Transportation infrastructure is an essential component to efficiently serve the interests of both local residents and visitors to the Scenic Area, and there is a strong need for regional transportation planning and improvement to major transportation elements, Walden said. Clarifying the eligibility of Scenic Areas throughout the nation for transportation grant funding would help ensure these areas are eligible for meaningful funding opportunities to enhance infrastructure within these unique federally managed areas. There are currently 12 NSA's in eight states across the nation, including the Columbia Gorge NSAthe largest in the country. The Columbia River Gorge NSA consists of 292,500 acres along 85 miles of the Columbia River. Ninety percent of the total NSA is subject to strict land use and development restrictions, which has posed a distinct challenge to promoting the local economy, while providing opportunities for tourists to visit from around the country, and conserving the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge. The Gorge has major transportation elements like the Hood River Bridge and the Bridge of the Gods. While approximately 5.2 million vehicles and $110 million in goods travel across these bridges each year, they are in need of major improvements.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/irs-commits-to-follow-justice-department-guidelines-on-stingrays-in-letter-to-wyden,IRS Commits to Follow Justice Department Guidelines on Stingrays in Letter to Wyden,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"IRS Requires Warrants for use of Cell-Site Simulators; Wyden-Chaffetz GPS Act would Require Warrants for ALL Geolocation Tracking Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Washington, D.C. In response to questions by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen committed to seeking warrants for future use of cell-site simulator technology. The devices, often referred to as Stingrays, can be used to track cell phones and intercept information about calls. The IRS said cell-site simulators are used exclusively for criminal investigations and that its policy mirrors the Justice Departments, which requires warrants to use the devices, except in exigent or exceptional circumstances. Wyden said the new policy puts important safeguards on the IRS use of tracking devices. The IRS has an important role to play in combating money laundering, drug trafficking, and international tax dodging, but tax enforcement and protection of personal privacy must not be mutually exclusive, Wyden said. The IRS is taking reasonable steps to protect due process, while using all the tools at its disposal to catch people who may be ripping off U.S. taxpayers. The IRS also disclosed new details about its use of cell-site simulators: The agency has owned 1 cell-site simulator since October 2011, and is in the process of purchasing a second; It has tracked 37 cellular devices using the device, as part of 11 federal investigations; It has used the cell-site simulator to assist in four non-IRS investigations - one federal case and three state cases. To better protect Americans privacy, Wyden has introduced the Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance Act (GPS Act), with Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, which would require a warrant for any government tracking of Americans electronic location data. The bill would apply to stingrays, cellphones, cars and any other device. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-grassley-sovaldi-investigation-finds-revenue-driven-pricing-strategy-behind-84000-hepatitis-drug,"Wyden-Grassley Sovaldi Investigation Finds Revenue-Driven Pricing Strategy Behind $84,000 Hepatitis Drug",2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"18-Month Investigation Reveals a Pricing and Marketing Strategy Designed to Maximize Revenue with Little Concern for Access or Affordability Tuesday, December 1, 2015 WASHINGTON Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and senior committee member Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, today released the results of an 18-month investigation into the pricing and marketing of Gilead Sciences Hepatitis C drug Sovaldi and its second-wave successor, Harvoni. Drawing from 20,000 pages of internal company documents, dozens of interviews with health care experts, and a trove of data from Medicaid programs in 50 states and the District of Columbia, the investigation found that the company pursued a marketing strategy and final wholesale price of Sovaldi $1,000 per pill, or $84,000 for a single course of treatment that it believed would maximize revenue. Building on that price, Harvoni was later introduced at $94,500. Fostering broad, affordable access was not a key consideration in the process of setting the wholesale prices. In the 18 months following Sovaldis approval, Medicare spent nearly $8.2 billion before rebates on Sovaldi and Harvoni. Over that same span, Medicares monthly spending on Hepatitis C treatments increased more than six-fold. In 2014 alone, Medicare and Medicaid combined to spend more than $5 billion on Sovaldi and Harvoni before rebates. That total is projected to climb in 2015. Gileads recent financial statements show U.S. sales of Sovaldi and Harvoni, including through public programs and private payers, totaled $20.6 billion after rebates in the 21 months following Sovaldis introduction. Senators Wyden and Grassley will hold a press conference today at 11:15 a.m. in the Senate Radio/TV Gallery, S-325, to discuss the investigation. Details are below, including a streaming feed for media unable to attend in person. Further resources are also online and additional findings from the investigation are below. Gilead pursued a calculated scheme for pricing and marketing its Hepatitis C drug based on one primary goal, maximizing revenue, regardless of the human consequences. There was no concrete evidence in emails, meeting minutes or presentations that basic financial matters such as R&D costs or the multi-billion dollar acquisition of Pharmasset, the drugs first developer, factored into how Gilead set the price. Gilead knew these prices would put treatment out of the reach of millions and cause extraordinary problems for Medicare and Medicaid, but still the company went ahead. If Gileads approach to pricing is the future of how blockbuster drugs are launched, it will cost billions and billions of dollars to treat just a fraction of patients, Senator Wyden said. America needs cures for cancer, Alzheimers, diabetes and HIV. If those cures are unaffordable and out of reach to millions who need them, Congress will not have met its responsibilities to the American people. I reject the idea that America has to choose between soaring, out-of-reach drug prices and one-size-fits-all government policies. Solving this challenge will take fresh, bipartisan thinking and political independence to bring people together. The Finance Committee has tremendous responsibility in overseeing the federal programs paying for prescription drug coverage, Senator Grassley said. With that responsibility, the committee should know how the costs to the public programs and private insurance companies of a single innovative drug entering the market without competition can have major effects on which patients get the new drug and when. This report sheds light on one example of the pricing decisions made by one company with a new prescription medicine that entered the market without competition in high demand. This might be an example that received the most attention in some time, but it wont be the last. I look forward to discussions with my colleagues and the public on the policy questions in the report. I encourage everyone to read the report for the level of detail into pricing strategy that we dont often see. Additional major findings from the investigation include: Gilead justified Sovaldis high price point based on price-per-cure: Documents acquired during the course of investigation illustrate that Gilead was aware it was in a position to create clear savings for payers, but chose to pursue a regimen neutral price justified by cost-per-cure calculations that resulted in greater revenue per treatment than previous direct acting anti-virals [see page 42].Given the increased clinical efficacy of Sovaldi, Gilead believed that it was more than justified in using the cost-per-cure pricing model [37, 46]. Gilead set a high price for Sovaldi with an eye toward ensuring a future high price for Harvoni: The documentation reviewed shows that Gilead considered a number of factors in determining a price point for Sovaldi, including costs for the existing standard of care for Hepatitis C treatment and setting a high baseline for the next wave of drugs, such as Harvoni [32-58]. In documents obtained during the course of investigation, Gilead officials noted the value capture opportunity is in Wave 1, and Wave 2 access will be enhanced with a high Wave 1 price. It went on to say that [a]t any price, access for Wave 2 improves as the price for Wave 1 is increased, suggesting that Wave 1 will set a price benchmark against which Wave 2 will ultimately be evaluated. By elevating the price for the new standard of care set by Sovaldi, Gilead intended to raise the price floor for all future Hepatitis C treatments, including its follow-on drugs and those of its competitors [44]. Gilead underestimated the degree of access restrictions that it expected would result from its pricing decision: Gilead set a price as high as it thought the market would bear before significant access restrictions would be imposed [30].Gileads analyses were ultimately incorrect on this point as many payers adopted substantial access restrictions at the final price of $84,000 [81-88, 96-98]. Despite significant access restrictions, Gilead refused to significantly lower the net price: When confronted with the widespread initiation of access restrictions [99-106], Gilead refused to offer substantial discounts and did not significantly modify its contracting strategy to improve patient access. For example, Gilead offered Medicaid programs supplemental rebates of up to 10 percent; however, its offer came with the precondition that states had to drop some or all of their access restrictions [106]. For states already facing a steep financial burden, accepting that precondition in most cases would have increased the budgetary impact rather than easing it [107]. Only five state Medicaid programs reached agreements with Gilead to receive supplemental rebates in 2014 [138]. The burdens on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Bureau of Prisons were significant: The price of Sovaldi constituted a large burdennotably among state Medicaid programs, Medicare, and the BOPand triggered access restrictions across public and private payers, thus limiting the number of Hepatitis C-infected patients who could access the new treatment options [81-88, 96-98]. For example, state Medicaid programs nationwide spent $1.3 billion before rebates on the drug in 2014. Even with that expenditure, less than 2.4 percent of the roughly 700,000 Medicaid enrollees with Hepatitis C were treated with Sovaldi [82-87] Competition entered the market, prices responded, but there are still significant concerns: Three days following Viekira Paks approval on December 19, 2014, Express Scripts Holding Co., the nations largest pharmacy benefit manager, announced that it would make Viekira Pak its preferred treatment for Hepatitis C genotype 1 and would no longer cover Sovaldi and Harvoni for these patients [112]. Gilead responded in January and February 2015 by entering into discounting agreements for Harvoni and Sovaldi with CVS, Anthem,Humana,Aetna, and UnitedHealth Group. Cigna struck agreements with Gilead for Harvoni only [113]. Even as competition lowered prices for therapies, this report documents that concerns remain, particularly in the public payer community, about high costs for treating millions of people in the U.S. infected with Hepatitis C, as well as the budgetary effects of a future single source innovator that might not face competition as quickly [114-122]. The report in full is available here. An executive summary is available here. A timeline of events pertaining to Gilead, Sovaldi and Harvoni is available here. A glossary of terms pertaining to the investigation is available here. Letters from state Medicaid programs are available here. Information on todays press conference and a link to streaming video is below: Who: Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore.Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa What: Press conference on the findings of an 18-month, bipartisan investigation into the pricing of Gilead Sciences Hepatitis C drugs Sovaldi and Harvoni Where: Senate Radio/TV Gallery (S-325)U.S. Capitol BuildingWashington, DC 20510 When: December 1, 201511:15 a.m. Streaming Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxd_PTFoouo ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-end-of-nsa-phone-records-dragnet,Wyden Statement on End of NSA Phone Records Dragnet,2015-11-29,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sunday, November 29, 2015 Washington, D.C. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., hailed the end of the National Security Agencys phone records dragnet, which was officially shut down today,as the result of the USA Freedom Act. Wyden fought for nearly a decade to draw attention to secret interpretations of the Patriot Act that the government used to justify this bulk collection, and then to end this unnecessary program that violated Americans privacy. This is a victory for everyone who believes in protecting both American security and Americans constitutional rights.Today the NSA is shutting down a mass surveillance program that needlessly violated the privacy of millions of Americans every day, without making our country any safer,Wyden said. This programs very existence was concealed from the American public for over a decade. Across two administrations, senior officials from US intelligence agencies and the Justice Department repeatedly made false and misleading statements that concealed the truth about what they were doing. These officials relied on a secret body of law to justify the mass surveillance of the American people. Fortunately, in America sooner or later the truth always comes out. When Americans found out about this secret, unconstitutional surveillance two years ago, they were rightfully outraged. And they made their voices heard. The result was historic reform legislation that requiredthe government to shut this program down. I am grateful to every American who stood up and made his or her voice count on this issue, and to all of my colleagues who listened to them.Former senators Russ Feingold and Mark Udall, in particular, both fought tirelessly to end mass surveillance long before it was public. Infifteen years of service on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ihave seen many reminders thatthis is a dangerous world, andthe recent attacks in Paris and Mali are just the latest brutal examples.After every such attack, politicians who would play to Americans fears call for liberty to be sacrificed in the name of security. I reject those calls. Andas long as Americans continue to demand that their government protect both their securityandtheir liberty, I am confident that our country can deal with these threats without sacrificing our most cherished rights and values. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-call-for-closing-terrorist-gun-loophole-,"Wyden, Colleagues Call for Closing Terrorist Gun Loophole",2015-11-24,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"According to the GAO, In Last Decade, Suspected Terrorists Attempted to Purchase Guns from American Dealers At Least 2,233 Times & Were Cleared To Do So In 91 Percent of These Instances Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., joined colleagues today calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Paul Ryan to quickly schedule votes on legislation that would close an egregious loophole and prevent individuals on the Federal Terrorist Watchlist from being able to purchase firearms and explosives that may be used in connection with terrorism. Under current law, a member of a terrorist organization is not prohibited from possessing firearms or explosives or from being able to purchase handguns or assault-style rifles. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that between 2004 and 2014, suspected terrorists attempted to exploit this loophole and purchase guns at least 2,233 times, succeeding in 2,043 of those instances, or 91 percent of the time. The letter supporting the legislation, which is already sponsored in the House of Representatives by leading Republican Representative Peter King, comes after the Republican frontrunner for President, Donald Trump, said that anyone on a terror watchlist should absolutely not be allowed to purchase a gun. Specifically, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015, empowers the U.S. Attorney General to deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of firearms and explosives licenses to suspected terrorists if it is reasonably believed those individuals may use firearms or explosives in connection with an act of terrorism, all while protecting legitimate gun owners rights to acquire guns or explosives. The full text of the Senate Democrats letter can be found below: Dear Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan, We write to urge you to quickly bring S. 551/H.R. 1076, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 to the Senate and House Floor for consideration and a vote. In light of the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, the need to pass such legislation is more imperative than ever so that the United States can address a serious national security and public safety weakness: the terrorist background check loophole that allows suspected terrorist to swiftly pass a background check and obtain a dangerous weapon. There is no reason why suspected terrorists who we consider too dangerous to board airplanes should be able to walk into any gun store in the United States and purchase a firearm or an explosive for the purpose of carrying out a terrorist act. But today, suspected terrorists can legally purchase guns in the United Statesand theyre doing so, even while law enforcement may be investigating them or pursuing their arrest or indictment. According to a Government Accountability Office letter, between February 2004 and December 2014, individuals on the federal terrorist watchlist tried to buy or obtain a firearm or explosive license or permit at least 2,233 times. In 2,043 of those cases (91 percent of the time), the individuals successfully passed the background checks and were able to purchase the weapons or explosives. In 2013 and 2014, FBI data showed that individuals on the terrorist watchlist were involved in firearm-related background checks 485 times, and 455 of those (about 94%) were allowed to proceed. When over 90 percent of those on the terrorist watchlist who try to pass a background check succeed, it is absolutely clear we have a major vulnerability that could lead to deadly terrorist attacks. Indeed, the Washington Post reports that since March 2014, U.S. authorities have charged 66 men and women around the country with alleged ISIL activities, and that according to the FBI, in a handful of those cases, it has disrupted terrorism plots targeting U.S. military or law enforcement personnel. The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 will make our communities safer, including U.S. military and law enforcement personnel. It will prevent hundreds of gun purchases by suspected terrorists each year. Specifically the bill would allow the Attorney General to deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of firearms and explosives licenses to suspected terrorists if it is reasonably believed those individuals may use firearms or explosives in connection with an act of terrorism. Importantly, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 provides important safeguards to protect a legitimate gun owners right to acquire firearms or explosives. The need to close the terrorist background check loophole should not be a partisan issue. The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 has received support from members of Congress in both parties. It is also supported by law enforcement and a broad cross-section of Americans. This and similar proposals have received support from both Republican and Democratic administrations, including the Justice Department under President George W. Bush. We urge you to quickly bring the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 to the Senate and House floor for a vote. Republicans and Democrats alikeshould have the opportunity to do their part to keep our country safe by ensuring terrorists cannot obtain firearms and explosives. By passing the bill we could save American lives and help prevent terrorists from obtaining dangerous weapons. Harry Reid Richard J. Durbin Charles E. Schumer Patty Murray Patrick J. Leahy Barbara A. Mikulski Dianne Feinstein Barbara Boxer Ron Wyden Jack Reed Thomas R. Carper Debbie Stabenow Maria Cantwell Robert Menendez Bernard Sanders Sherrod Brown Robert P. Casey, Jr. Claire McCaskill Amy Klobuchar Sheldon Whitehouse Tom Udall Mark R. Warner Jeff Merkley Michael Bennet Kirsten Gillibrand Al Franken Chris Coons Richard Blumenthal Brian Schatz Tammy Baldwin Christopher Murphy Mazie K. Hirono Angus S. King, Jr. Tim Kaine Elizabeth Warren Edward J. Markey Cory A. Booker Gary Peters",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-todays-presidential-medal-of-freedom-ceremony-for-oregon-civil-rights-hero-is-a-well-deserved-honor,Wyden: Today’s Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony for Oregon Civil Rights Hero is a Well-Deserved Honor,2015-11-24,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Praises Minoru Yasuis Fight for Equality and Justice Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said todays Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony for Oregon civil rights hero Minoru Yasui is a well-deserved honor for a steadfast champion of civil and human rights. Minoru dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and equality under the law, said Wyden, who twice wrote the White House to urge that Mr. Yasui receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. He was a trailblazer whose courage, eloquence and dogged fight against unjust government bigotry should always be remembered as an example of what one person with a powerful voice can accomplish for others. Born in Hood River, Mr. Yasui earned undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Oregon. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he sought nine times to join the U.S. Army but was denied because of his Japanese heritage. Mr. Yasui challenged President Franklin Roosevelts Executive Order 9066 placing restrictions on his fellow Japanese-Americans, including the internment of 120,000 in camps across several Western states. While the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against him, an Oregon district court eventually overturned his conviction. Although that ruling did not cover the broader constitutionality of wartime internment, Mr. Yasui ultimately prevailed in his fight for Japanese-Americans interned during World War II when Congress in 1988 passed the Civil Liberties Act, which formally apologized for the relocation and internment and provided financial compensation. More information about all 17 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390442,Text of the Syria Refugee Bill,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Text of the Syria Refugee Bill f t # e Washington, November 20, 2015 This is the text of H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015. I encourage constituents of the 5th District to read this bill and judge for themselves what it does. H.R. 4038, American SAFE Act f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-announce-introduction-of-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-breastfeeding-protections-at-work,Senators Announce Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Breastfeeding Protections at Work,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Announce Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Breastfeeding Protections at Work Friday, November 20, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC Today, Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), joined by Sens. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Al Franken (D-MN), announced the introduction of the Supporting Working Moms Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that more working mothers can continue to breastfeed their babies after they return to work. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) also announced the introduction of the Supporting Working Moms Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill builds on an existing law authored by Merkley and Maloney in 2010 that provides space and time for hourly employees to pump breastmilk at work. The Supporting Working Moms Act would extend these protections to salaried workers. Ensuring that new mothers returning to the workplace have the option to continue breastfeeding is good for business and good for families, said Merkley. No one should have to choose between her job and breastfeeding her baby. With this bill, businesses can improve retention of valuable employees and workers will be empowered to make whichever choice they feel is right for their family. I am proud to introduce this legislation to support nursing mothers and their newborn babies in one of the most critical stages of development, said Murkowski. By encouraging breastfeeding for working mothers, and making it more accessible for them to do so, we are helping to improve the health and well-being of both mother and child. Oregon law already recognizes that businesses do better when they allow their employees flexibility to meet child care and family needs, Wyden said. New moms whether salaried or paid hourly should be able to take time to breastfeed, and Im proud to support this bill that takes another step toward a fair work-family balance. According to theBusiness Case for Breastfeedingpublished by the Department of Health and Human Services, employers that provide support for breastfeeding mothers experience lower health care costs, lower rates of absenteeism, and better retention of experienced employees. The Supporting Working Moms Act would help new parents and babies by: Expanding the Breastfeeding Provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Cover Salaried Office Workers The 2010 Merkley-Maloney provision amended Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide mothers who are classified as non-exempt employees with reasonable break times to pump milk in a private, non-bathroom environment while at work. The Supporting Working Moms Act would expand this provision to cover salaried employees who work in traditional office environments. The expansion would cover an additional approximate 13.5 million executive, administrative, and professional women in the workplace. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-announce-introduction-of-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-breastfeeding-protections-at-work,Senators Announce Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Breastfeeding Protections at Work,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, November 20, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC Today, Oregons Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), joined by Sens. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Al Franken (D-MN), announced the introduction of the Supporting Working Moms Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that more working mothers can continue to breastfeed their babies after they return to work. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) also announced the introduction of the Supporting Working Moms Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill builds on an existing law authored by Merkley and Maloney in 2010 that provides space and time for hourly employees to pump breastmilk at work. The Supporting Working Moms Act would extend these protections to salaried workers. Oregon law already recognizes that businesses do better when they allow their employees flexibility to meet child care and family needs, Wyden said. New moms whether salaried or paid hourly should be able to take time to breastfeed, and Im proud to support this bill that takes another step toward a fair work-family balance. Ensuring that new mothers returning to the workplace have the option to continue breastfeeding is good for business and good for families, said Merkley. No one should have to choose between her job and breastfeeding her baby. With this bill, businesses can improve retention of valuable employees and workers will be empowered to make whichever choice they feel is right for their family. I am proud to introduce this legislation to support nursing mothers and their newborn babies in one of the most critical stages of development, said Murkowski. By encouraging breastfeeding for working mothers, and making it more accessible for them to do so, we are helping to improve the health and well-being of both mother and child. According to theBusiness Case for Breastfeedingpublished by the Department of Health and Human Services, employers that provide support for breastfeeding mothers experience lower health care costs, lower rates of absenteeism, and better retention of experienced employees. The Supporting Working Moms Act would help new parents and babies by: Expanding the Breastfeeding Provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Cover Salaried Office Workers. The 2010 Merkley-Maloney provision amended Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide mothers who are classified as non-exempt employees with reasonable break times to pump milk in a private, non-bathroom environment while at work. The Supporting Working Moms Act would expand this provision to cover salaried employees who work in traditional office environments. The expansion would cover an additional approximate 13.5 million executive, administrative, and professional women in the workplace. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-urges-usda-to-clarify-industrial-hemps-eligibility-for-federal-research-grants_,Wyden Urges USDA to clarify industrial hemp’s eligibility for federal research grants,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, November 20, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to clarify that industrial hemp research programs are eligible for existing federal research dollars. Wyden was among a bipartisan group of 12 senators, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.); and 37 members of the House of Representatives including Oregon Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader -- to write Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack about industrial hemp research. It appears that USDA has the authority to award competitive grants for the development of industrial hemp, the members wrote in the letter. Nevertheless, it seems the USDA has provided conflicting information regarding whether the agency is willing to exercise its authority to award existing federal grant dollars for the research of industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is used throughout the world in thousands of products, including paper, fabrics, lotions, canvas, rope, and construction material. Under the Agricultural Act of 2014, institutions of higher education and state departments of agriculture are permitted to launch industrial hemp research pilot programs if certain conditions are met. Twenty-six states have authorized industrial hemp pilot studies or production. However, USDA has yet to clarify whether these programs are eligible for research dollars as other research programs that focus on the industrial uses of commodities are. Some individuals seeking clarity from the USDA on this issue report being told by USDA officials that it is not worth it to apply for research funds, whereas a Dec. 23, 2014 internal USDA memo suggests that the USDA is supportive of industrial hemp research and may be willing to award funds for that purpose. Due to this lack of consistency, researchers are reluctant to apply for federal funds because of the large amount of time, effort, and cost that goes into any grant application, the members wrote in the letter. The members asked Secretary Vilsack: Does USDA interpret current law as providing the agency with the authority to award existing and competitive federal funds for the research of industrial hemp? If the answer is yes, what steps is USDA taking to disseminate that information and work with interested parties in the competitive grant process? The signed text of the letter is available here.Signatories include Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Rod Blum (R-IA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Sam Farr (D-CA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Ral Grijalva (D-AZ), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Beto ORourke (D-TX), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Mark Takai (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Whitfield (R-KY), John Yarmuth (D-KY), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-provisions-included-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-public-education,Bonamici Provisions Included in Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Public Education,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC [11/19/15] Today, provisions authored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to reduce testing in schools and support interdisciplinary educational programs were included in a bipartisan bill to strengthen public education. Congresswoman Bonamici served on the select panel of House and Senate members that negotiated a bill to replace the No Child Left Behind Act and write new K-12 education policies. One of the primary reasons I came to Congress was to strengthen public education in our country, and it was an honor to serve on the bicameral, bipartisan conference committee to replace the unpopular No Child Left Behind Act, said Congresswoman Bonamici. This process was a reminder of what Congress can accomplish when we come together, set differences aside, and find common ground. The agreement reached today removes the one-size-fits-all mandates of No Child Left Behind and gives more control and flexibility to states and school districts. The agreement also puts in place meaningful provisions to make sure students in every community receive a high-quality education. Like any compromise, the agreement isnt perfect but it represents a significant improvement for Oregons and our nations schools. Congresswoman Bonamici successfully included a provision in the bill to help states and school districts audit their testing systems and eliminate redundant or unnecessary tests. The Support Making Assessments Reliable and Timely (SMART) Act also provides states and local education agencies with support to improve their use of assessment data, which could include providing more time for educators to design instruction based on test results and speeding the delivery of test data to students and families. Educators, parents, and students are rightly concerned that test scores are over-emphasized in our classrooms, continued Congresswoman Bonamici. My commonsense provision to streamline testing in schools will allow teachers to focus more of their time on teaching and helping students succeed. Well-designed assessments can inform instruction and help monitor growth, but many dont meet this standard. I developed this bipartisan proposal to give states and school districts resources to identify and eliminate ineffective assessments and make better use of those assessments that remain. During the final negotiations this week, Congresswoman Bonamici successfully added an amendment to support schools that provide a well-rounded education to students through programs that integrate academic subjects, such as arts and music, into STEM courses. Congresswoman Bonamici is the co-chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus, which advocates for educational programs that integrate the arts and teach students creative thinking in addition to technical skills. Employers across Oregon tell me they need a workforce with more than technical skills; they value people who can propose new ideas and identify new ways to solve problems, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Integrating arts into STEM can help educate both halves of the brain and prepare students for success in a world that values a well-rounded and innovative workforce. The bill approved by the conference committee today will reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It now heads to the House and Senate for final passage before being sent to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schrader.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390440,"Schrader Supports Ensuring FBI, Intelligence Community Coordinates Refugee Screening",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Kurt Schrader,S001180,schrader.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05) voted in support for H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015. The bill simply adds Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) review and unanimous agreement between the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence before refugees from Iraq and Syria are admitted to the United States. We live in a world where threats to our homeland have become an unfortunate part of life. This commonsense bill does not shut down the asylum process, but makes it stronger and makes it safer for America to do the right thing by accepting legitimate refugees into our country, said Congressman Schrader.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-turning-our-back-syrian-refugees-un-american-un-patriotic-and,"Blumenauer: Turning our back on Syrian refugees is un-American, un-patriotic and morally weak",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC (November 19, 2015)Today, the House considers H.R. 4038, the so-called American SAFE Act, that would shut down the U.S. Syrian refugee program for years. Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) released the following statement in opposition of the legislation: Americans take pride in our ability to keep our people safe, while simultaneously upholding our values. The bill before us today turns that bedrock tradition on its head. It is a foolish notion that Daesh terrorists need to pretend to be refugees in order to attack America. Proponents are saying this bill simply hits pause' until we can get a safe refugee process in place. Republicans ought to know that America already has the most thorough vetting process of any nation. Anyone involved in the refugee vetting process knows that a single, tiny shred of concern about an applicant ensures they would never set foot in America as a refugee. Worse, this bill will delay the lengthy process another two years or more. We should not hit pause' on America's moral courage, especially not when doing so plays into the hands of the enemy. If a terrorist wants to get into the United States, they are not going to wait for the vetting process, where they are likely to get denied. They'll take a lesson from the 9/11 hijackers, and come on a student or tourist visa. What, exactly, does this bill accomplish? If it's to bolster our security, it's clear that those who brought this bill to the floor have drawn the wrong conclusions from Friday's horrific attacks and from our very own history. If France had passed a similar bill and closed their doors to all Syrian refugees, it would not have prevented the disgusting individuals who carried out those attacks from entering the country because not a single one of them was a refugee. Since 1980, not one of the millions of refugees brought into America has committed an act of terror in our country. Another deeply troubling aspect of this proposal for me is that it will upend the work we've been doing on a bipartisan basis for 10 years to help the brave souls who were our interpreters, our guides, our drivers in Iraq, and leave them to the tender mercies of Al Qaeda and Daesh. This bill targets this bipartisan program and breaks our promises to the brave Iraqis who kept our men and women in uniform safe. America can be the great country that we all love and keep our families safe at the same time. Turning our back on Syrian refugees is un-American, un-patriotic, and morally weak. Sentencing an entire population due to broad-brush characterizations of those who practice a certain faith goes against our core values as a nation. While we mourn the attacks in Paris, we must remember that those tragic events were an extension of the violence that their innocent brothers and sisters in Syria have been subjected to, day in and day out, for years now. Our past experience should be a powerful guide. When we look back to U.S. opinion regarding Jewish refugees in the lead up to WWII, how callous we were. When asked, What's your attitude toward allowing German, Austrian, and other political refugees to come into the U.S.?, fewer than 5 percent believed we should raise our immigration quotas to allow them entry. Ultimately, Americans found the courage and wisdom to do what was right. But only after such tragedies as turning back the transatlantic liner, the St. Louis, that came to our ports from Germany with almost 1,000 Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler. They could see America, but were sent back. Nearly a quarter of them lost their lives in the Holocaust. This bill is shameful, unnecessary, and it actually makes us less safe. Forcing more and more people in volatile countries like Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon, already reaching the breaking point is a continuing disaster. This bill would encourage Europe to turn its back on its responsibilities, too. I would hope Congress is better than this. The House should reject this short-sighted, cruel and destructive bill. Instead we should show the compassion and thoughtfulness that people elected us here to demonstrate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-blumenauer-other-members-urge-president-obama-find-new-leadership,"Rep. Blumenauer, Other Members Urge President Obama to Find New Leadership for DEA",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), joined by Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Sam Farr (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Jim McDermott (D-WA), sent a letter to President Obama calling for new leadership at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) following recent comments by the Acting Administrator, referring to the notion of smoking medical marijuana as a joke.' Mr. Rosenberg's comments are outrageous and misleading. The last 20 years has shown overwhelming testimonial evidence of the benefits of medical marijuana, leading 23 states, DC, and Guam to change their laws, said Representative Blumenauer. President Obama has taken action to respect state medical marijuana laws. Mr. Rosenberg is out of step with the Administration and out of touch. It's time for new leadership. In the letter, the lawmakers also call out Rosenberg's hypocrisy in statements he made highlighting a lack of information demonstrating the safety or effectiveness of marijuana as medicine. Current federal policies make it very difficult for doctors and scientists to conduct the medical research with marijuana necessary to obtain this information, and the DEA has been integral to limiting access to marijuana that can be legally used for research. The real joke is that the DEA has played a huge role in propping up federal policies that have systematically blocked research of marijuana's medicinal value. If there are any questions about its safety or effectiveness, it's because the federal government continues to stymie science, said Representative Blumenauer. Yesterday, November 18, Representative Blumenauer took to the floor of the House calling for a new DEA chief. Additionally, a petition organized by Marijuana Majority on Change.org demanding that Rosenberg be fired has garnered more than 90,000 signatures. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/king-merkley-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-justice-department-to-protect-americas-craft-brewers,"King, Merkley Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Justice Department to Protect America’s Craft Brewers",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"King, Merkley Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Justice Department to Protect Americas Craft Brewers Senators express concern about potentially anti-competitive practices by large beer conglomerates and distributors Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led a bipartisan group of Senators on a letter urging the U.S. Department of Justice to protect craft brewers across America from potentially unfair and illegal trade practices on the part of larger beer companies. In the letter, which was sent to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the senators express concern aboutthe possibility of larger beer companies pressuring beer distributers to favor their products, creating an unfair advantage for beer giants and limiting the ability of consumer to find craft brewers products in the stores, bars and restaurants where they shop. The past decade has seen a dramatic change in the American beer industry, which was long dominated by a small number of products from large brewers such as AB InBev and SABMiller. Craft beer now drives expansion of domestic beer sales. Small and independent craft breweries exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia,the Senators wrote in their letter. As members with robust craft brewing industries in our states, we ask that you take the necessary steps to ensure that AB InBevs purchase of SABMiller does not allow the new combined company to squeeze out Americas craft brewing industry, stifle innovation, further constrain beer distribution to U.S. retailers, or create further barriers to entry. Large multinational brewers should not be allowed to use their market power to limit consumer choice and access to small innovative breweries.Put simply, we believe craft brewers must be able to conduct their business without being denied access to necessary raw materials and distribution companies. The Senators particularly expressed concern about the potential for anti-competitive distribution practices to grow as the largest beer companies get even larger through mergers.On October 16, 2015, AB InBevs, the worlds largest beer conglomerate, announced its intention to purchase SABMiller, the second-largest. The Senators raise concerns that AB InBev may try to use the acquisition to increase its already dominant market position, possibly by constraining distribution channels in order to crowd out smaller beer companies. Some reports have already suggested that the company uses its large market share to put pressure on distributors to favor AB InBev products, which could potentially be deemed an exclusionary and illegal practice. The Senators also highlight the dramatic growth of small and independent craft breweries, noting that since 2011, the number of craft breweries in America has more than doubled from 1,776 to 3,739.Small and independent craft brewers contribute some $55.7 billion to the U.S. economy and support more than 424,000 jobs. The letter was also signed by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.). The letter is available HERE and the full text is below: The Honorable Loretta E. Lynch Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Attorney General Lynch: We write because our offices have been made aware of potentially unfair and illegal trade practices that may harm the ability of craft brewers in our states to compete on a fair and level playing field with large brewers. We are particularly concerned about large commercial beer companies attempting to gain market share by either purchasing distributors or pressuring independent distributors to favor their products. We understand the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating some of these practices and we want to express our support for that investigation. We also hope the Department keeps these concerns in mind as the Antitrust Division reviews AB InBevs purchase of SABMiller. The past decade has seen a dramatic change in the American beer industry, which was long dominated by a small number of products from large brewers such as AB InBev and SABMiller. Craft beer now drives expansion of domestic beer sales. Small and independent craft breweries exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They have expanded at a staggering rate: since 2011, the number of craft breweries has more than doubled, going from 1,776 to 3,739. Small and independent craft brewers contribute some $55.7 billion to the U.S. economy and support more than 424,000 jobs. Large brewers have taken notice and have taken actions that we believe may amount to exclusive dealing and other violations of antitrust law. For instance, while many craft brewers lawfully and successfully distribute beer in their local markets, the recent purchases of craft breweries and distributors by AB InBev suggests a dangerous plan to constrain distribution channels to the detriment of its competitors. Because of consolidation by distributors, there are now far fewer distribution channels for craft brewers. The purchase by AB InBev of one of the two distributors that deliver the vast majority of beer in a given territory effectively either forces other brewers out of that distribution channel or places those that stay in the uncomfortable situation of being distributed by their largest competitor. Reports also suggest that, in markets where two independent full-service distributors exist, AB InBev puts pressure on the distributors to favor AB InBev productsa practice that could well be deemed exclusionary and illegal. Given these concerns, AB InBevs October 16 announcement of its intention to purchase SABMiller should raise significant red flags. As members with robust craft brewing industries in our states, we ask that you take the necessary steps to ensure that AB InBevs purchase of SABMiller does not allow the new combined company to squeeze out Americas craft brewing industry, stifle innovation, further constrain beer distribution to U.S. retailers, or create further barriers to entry. While AB InBev announced plans to divest itself of SABMillers U.S. assets as part of such a transaction, DOJ should vigorously scrutinize the acquisition and any divestiture plan to ensure that AB InBev does not increase its already-dominant market position through the transaction. Moreover, even if the transaction does not result in an increase in AB InBevs market share in the U.S., DOJ should carefully consider how global consolidation could impact the market for hops, barley, wheat, bottles, cans and other supplies needed by craft brewers. In addition, we hope DOJ will probe how each of these companies has acted with regard to distributors and investigate whether distributors owned by these companies also need to be divested. Large multinational brewers should not be allowed to use their market power to limit consumer choice and access to small innovative breweries. Put simply, we believe craft brewers must be able to conduct their business without being denied access to necessary raw materials and distribution companies. We appreciate your prompt attention to our letter and urge the Department to appropriately vet the AB InBev purchase of SABMiller and ensure that we maintain a market that does not disproportionately harm beer consumers and the craft brewing industry. We hope you will continue investigating our concerns and conduct additional outreach with craft brewers to gather evidence from their experiences. We look forward to hearing your findings. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-responds-to-fda-approval-of-genetically-modified-salmon,Merkley Responds to FDA Approval of Genetically-Modified Salmon,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merkley Responds to FDA Approval of Genetically-Modified Salmon Thursday, November 19, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the FDA announced their approval of genetically-modified salmon for human consumption: The United States has never approved a genetically-modified animal for human consumption before, and for good reason. Many Americans are troubled by how many of our crops are now genetically engineered, and are even more deeply troubled by the idea of bringing this new technology into the animal kingdom. Our fishing communities are very worried that if these Frankenfish end up in the wild, growing twice as fast as our native salmon, they will devastate our ocean ecosystem. Its outrageous that the FDA would approve this product, and even moreso that they wouldnt at least make sure consumers have the right to know when a salmon they buy actually contains the DNA of an eel-like bottom dweller. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/video/merkley-decries-republican-efforts-to-slip-wall-st-favors-into-must-pass-spending-bills,Merkley decries Republican efforts to slip Wall St. favors into must-pass spending bills,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Jeff Merkley,M001176,www.merkley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Oregons Senator Jeff Merkley, the Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection, speaks on the Senate floor to decry Republican efforts to slip poison pill riders letting Wall Street return to reckless and risky practices into must-pass, year-end spending bills. Despite the risk of a government shutdown if Democrats and Republicans dont work together to pass consensus spending bills, Republicans are working to attach poison pill policy riders that would enable more risky and reckless behavior on Wall Street. This include provisions to gut the independence of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has returned more than $10 billion to cheated consumers in five years, and a 250-page Wall Street deregulation bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-syrian-refugees,Wyden Statement on Syrian Refugees,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, November 19, 2015 Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today called for the United States to uphold its traditional values and continue to allow refugees from violent oppression and terror to our shores, while ensuring a rigorous screening process is in place to protect the country. Our country must ensure the refugee screening process is as strong as possible and protects all Americans. America can uphold its values and its tradition of welcoming refugees from violent oppression and terror. Our American tradition has always allowed refugees, like my parents, to come to this country and contribute to the greatest and freest nation on earth, Wyden said. Politicians not recognizing the connection between these two priorities undermine the foundational values of our republic and take the country in the wrong direction. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-statement-refugee-crisis,Bonamici Statement on Refugee Crisis,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC [11/18/15] Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) made the following statement on the refugee crisis: Recent terrorist attacks across the globe have raised fears toward refugees and immigrants. We must maintain our focus on keeping our nation safe and securerefugees go through intensive and lengthy screeningbut we cannot allow hateful rhetoric to dictate our nations policies. American values do not include leaving the victims of terrorism to wander in hunger, seeking shelter from bullets and bombs. In the United States it is our diversity that makes us stronger. With that strength we must summon our collective humanity to provide a place for refugees, many of whom are women and children, fleeing war and terrorism. Oregon has been a welcoming home to many immigrants, and we have elected leaders like former Governor Vic Atiyeh, who was the son of Syrian immigrants. Governor Brown honored Oregons values by welcoming those seeking refuge and opening the doors of opportunity to them. We must not forget the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. I will continue to stand against both the hateful words and policies that discriminate against lawful immigrants and refugees seeking peace.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blumenauer-calls-new-dea-leadership,Blumenauer Calls for New DEA Leadership,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Following recent comments by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg, calling medical marijuana a joke, today on the House floor, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) called for new DEA leadership. To follow are Congressman Blumenauer's remarks as prepared. Click here to watch his speech. Chuck Rosenberg, the Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, recently called the notion of smoking medical marijuana a joke.' What is a joke is the job Rosenberg is doing as Acting DEA Administrator. He is an example of an inept, misinformed zealot, who has mismanaged America's failed policy of marijuana prohibition. Americans recognize it's time for a change in direction to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana. Fifty-eight percent now support legalization, continuing an upward trend in public opinion polls and at the ballot box. Over 75 percent of the American public supports medical marijuana, as does a majority of American physicians. Rosenberg claims medical marijuana is a joke, but the proven therapeutic value of cannabis has prompted 23 states, Guam, and the District of Columbia to approve its medical application, and an additional 17 states have authorized its more limited use. Rosenberg's claim that more research is necessary is true, but reeks of hypocrisy because the DEA under his leadership has made badly needed cannabis research difficult and often impossible. If Rosenberg was doing his job, he would have visited with some of the hundreds of thousands who have found medical marijuana has had a profound effect on their lives and that of their families. President Obama is the first sitting president to tell the truth about cannabis. His Administration has not acted to shut down the adult or medical marijuana reforms that are sweeping the country, but sadly it isn't just his DEA Administrator who is undercutting his policy. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice took an outrageously flawed position on the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment that passed with strong, bipartisan support and clearly specified that the federal government should not interfere with state-legal medical marijuana operations. The Department of Justice and the DEA contends that it only prevents action against states, not individuals. This is a ridiculous interpretation of the law and caused a federal court in California to rule this interpretation defies language and logic, in deciding against them. More recently, the Senate passed the MilCon-VA Appropriations bill, which included an amendment offered by my colleague in Oregon, Senator Merkley, mirroring my legislation to allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to their patients in accordance with state law. Yet on November 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs indicated they won't allow doctors and patients to participate in state-legal marijuana laws, even if this bill becomes law. Sadly, these actions by Administration officials are indicative of a throwback ideology rooted in the failed War on Drugs, which needs to stop. They do not reflect the overwhelming body of evidence about the effects of medical marijuana, the reforms happening at the state level and in Congress, or the opinion of the American people. They don't reflect the statements by the President himself and the official policy promulgated by former Deputy Attorney General Cole outlining the Administration's commitment to stay out of the way of state marijuana laws. There's overwhelming evidence that marijuana offers relief when nothing else has helped, including as a more effective pain management tool than highly addictive narcotics. Opioid overdoses are skyrocketing, and we have an epidemic of heroin abuse and overdose. Sadly the culture of opposition in the federal government continues. On one level we have this amazing progress at the state and local level. We've made significant progress here in Congress, with the introduction of over 20 bills in both chambers dealing with the federal treatment of cannabis and hemp and the successful votes on three amendments in the House and three in Senate committees in this Congress. This culture needs to change. Leadership needs to change. Rosenberg is clearly not the right fit for the DEA in this Administration. I would hope that the President directs the heads of all relevant agencies to adjust their policies, clarify regulations that deal with marijuana laws, establish policies that reflect changing state laws, and most important, reflect the President's own position. He has said he has bigger fish to fry than interfere with state legalization efforts. It's time that the rest of his Administration gets on board. It should start with a new head of the Drug Enforcement Administration. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gun-safety-wyden-19-senators-ask-government-accountability-office-to-examine-gun-safety-programs,"GUN SAFETY: Wyden, 19 Senators Ask Government Accountability Office to Examine Gun Safety Programs",2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., and 18 of their Democratic Senate colleagues today asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess public health and safety programs designed to affect gun safety, and to provide best practices for the storage and security of guns in households. In a letter to Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, the senators wrote that prevention of gun deaths and injuries should be an essential component of the federal governments commitment to public health and safety, and that previous federal campaigns on other challenges have helped to reduce dangerous behavior and improve public health and safety. With more than 300 million guns in American homes, we write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study to assess the efficacy of public health and safety programs designed to impact gun safety, including the storage and security of guns in households throughout our country, the Senators wrote in the letter. Too many families have suffered tragic losses and hardships as a result of gun deaths and injuries. This public health burden demands an assessment of potential actions by the federal government, including the possibility of robust partnerships with established nonprofits and provider organizations in the development of a public campaign aimed at informing physicians, clinicians, parents, and families about the public health need to address this urgent issue. The senators requested a GAO report that analyzes the effectiveness of public health and safety programs at the federal, state, and local levels that raise awareness and provide best practices for safe and secure storage of guns in households; identifies programs that seek to address unsafe gun access and ensure safe practices with regard to firearms; and details which federal agencies can influence public health or safety, childrens health, criminal justice, or violence prevention programs. Senators requesting the report: Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Md., Thomas Carper, D-Del., Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., Christopher Murphy, D-Conn., Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. Full text of the letter: Dear Mr. Dodaro: Every day on average, 55 people kill themselves with a firearm, and 46 people are shot or killed in an accident with a gun. The Washington Post reported last month that so far in 2015 there have been 43 instances where a toddler three or under has shot themselves or others, leading to 15 fatalities and 28 injuries. With more than 300 million guns in American homes, we write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study to assess the efficacy of public health and safety programs designed to impact gun safety, including the storage and security of guns in households throughout our country. Death and injury by firearm is one of the most significant public health threats to young people in communities across our nation. While long perceived as an urban issue, in fact, youth (up to age 19) in the most rural U.S. counties are almost as likely to die from a gunshot, self-inflicted or otherwise, as those living in the most urban counties. Furthermore, a 1999 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that the lifetime medical cost of treating gunshot injuries in the United States was $2.3 billion, with almost half the costs borne by taxpayers. Given these stark statistics, prevention of gun deaths and injuries should be an essential component of the federal governments commitment to public health and safety along with other efforts such as background checks on gun purchases and closing other gun loopholes. Federal campaigns, such as those related to drinking and driving and smoking, have demonstrated that public health and safety campaigns can improve understanding and reduce dangerous behavior, with significant public health benefits. Too many families have suffered tragic losses and hardships as a result of gun deaths and injuries. This public health burden demands an assessment of potential actions by the federal government, including the possibility of robust partnerships with established nonprofits and provider organizations in the development of a public campaign aimed at informing physicians, clinicians, parents, and families about the public health need to address this urgent issue. To that end, we request that GAO conduct a report that: Analyzes the impacts of existing publicly- and privately-operated public health and safety programs at the federal, state, and local level that further raise awareness among the public of the risk factors associated with having guns in the home and provide best practices on how families and communities can engage in a conversation about the safe and secure storage of guns in the household. Identifies existing public health and safety programs (publicly- and privately-operated efforts at the federal, state, and local level) that seek to address unsafe gun access and to ensure safe practices with regards to firearms. Inventories federal agencies whose missions relate to public health or violence prevention and the ways in which programs described under question number one relate to such missions. Such programs can include public health or safety, childrens health, criminal justice, or violence prevention programs. We appreciate your attention to this request and your cooperation on this issue as we seek more information on these issues. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-announce-farm-to-school-grants-in-oregon,"Wyden, Merkley Announce Farm-to-School Grants in Oregon",2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Funds go to Bend, Cottage Grove and Eugene Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Washington, DC Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that projects in Bend, Cottage Grove and Eugene have earned federal farm-to-school grants totaling almost $225,000. From apples to zucchini, Oregons farm-to-school programs achieve two key goals: local farmers gain lifetime customers and youngsters grow up with the knowledge of fresh, healthy and tasty produce, Wyden said. These awards from the Agriculture Department re-affirm the hard work happening in our state to realize both of those essential goals. Helping establish healthy eating habits in our children and supporting our local farms are just two of the benefits of Farm to School programs, said Merkley. These grants will help our local communities and highlight Oregons abundance of agricultural products. The three federal Agriculture Department grants in Oregon were as follows: Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, Bend: $99,289 for technical support and professional development trainings to nutrition staff on recipe development and fresh local food preparation with three rural school districts (20 schools) and two schools in the tribal community of Warm Springs. South Lane School District 45j3, Cottage Grove: $99,620 to implement a farm-to-school program that serves all students in grades K-12. The district will procure more locally grown food for student breakfast and lunch menus and implement the Harvest of the Month program to introduce seasonally available produce to students. Willamette Farm and Food Coalition, Eugene: $22,853 to convene the Oregon Farm-to-School and School Garden Summits for a statewide audience that will include training in local food procurement and educational programming. For more information, visit www.fns.usda.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-spotlights-key-oregon-projects-in-transportation-bill-,Wyden Spotlights Key Oregon Projects in Transportation Bill,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator: Hood River, I-205 in Portland and Newberg-Dundee Bypass Would Benefit from Legislation Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said today that a trio of essential highway projects in Oregon would benefit from a long-term plan to rebuild the national transportation infrastructure. A member of the Transportation Infrastructure Conference Committee, Wyden praised the House bill for bringing new projects within national scenic areas into the mix for transportation funding, including bridges near Hood River and Cascade Locks. He also cited another provision that upgrades both I-205 in Portland and the Newberg-Dundee Bypass to high priority corridor status, which means both routes would be poised right near the top of the list for future federal investment. Wyden looks forward to working on these projects with both Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio, who helped write the House bill; and Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that shares jurisdiction over this essential work. Wyden also said the committees top priority should be extending infrastructure programs for as long as five years to provide long-term certainty for state legislatures working on transportation planning. You cant have a big league-economy with little-league infrastructure, Wyden said. Theres no question that nearly three dozen short-term extensions of our highway funding program has been a little-league strategy. Today thats one step closer to changing, he said, as this conference committee begins work on a unified, long-term plan to rebuild this countrys transportation infrastructure.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-appointed-panel-complete-bipartisan-education-bill,Bonamici Appointed to Panel to Complete Bipartisan Education Bill,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC [11/17/15] Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) was appointed to a panel that will negotiate a bill to improve the nations K-12 education policies. The conference committee is a select group of House and Senate members who will reconcile differences between education bills passed by both chambers earlier this year, and write a new law to replace No Child Left Behind. Since coming to Congress, Ive worked to strengthen our nations education policies because our economic future depends on providing students equal access to quality public education, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Im very encouraged to hear that congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle are coming together to get a bill to the Presidents desk by the end of the year. No Child Left Behind has limited teachers and frustrated students and parents. Its an honor to be named to the conference committee and have an opportunity to work on the final version of a law that will replace the one-size-fits-all mandates of No Child Left Behind. I am optimistic that my colleagues and I will find common ground to pass legislation that supports educators and emphasizes equity and opportunity for all students. This is the first conference committee appointment for Congresswoman Bonamicia member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-bonamici-senator-markey-lead-call-limit-unwanted-debt-collection,"Congresswoman Bonamici, Senator Markey Lead Call to Limit Unwanted Debt Collection Robocalls",2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Suzanne Bonamici,B001278,bonamici.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC [11/17/15] Today, Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) led a group of 41 Senate and House members in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to limit unwanted robocalls and texts to those with debt owed to or backed by the federal government. The recently passed budget bill potentially opens the door to unwanted robocalls and texts to the cell phones of student loan borrowers, mortgage borrowers, veterans and others with debt owed to or guaranteed by the federal government. In 1991 Congress passed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the law that ensures that consumers should not be subject to intrusive and unsolicited calls from telemarketers. A copy of the letter to the FCC can be found HERE. Student loan borrowers and others struggling to meet the commitments of a federal loan still deserve privacy and protections from harassment from debt collectors, said Congresswoman Bonamici. Thats why I joined with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and Senator Ed Markey to call on the FCC to protect consumers from excessive calls or text messages. Senators signing the letter include Bill Nelson (D Fla.), Robert Menendez (D N.J.), Patrick Leahy (D Vt.), Bernard Sanders (I Vt.), Al Franken (D Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D Minn.), Ron Wyden (D Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D Conn.), Jeffrey A. Merkley (D Ore.). House members signing the letter include Frank Pallone Jr. (D N.J.), Ral M. Grijalva (D Ariz.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D D.C.), Betty McCollum (D Minn.), Charles B. Rangel (D N.Y.), Mark Pocan (D Wis.), James P. McGovern (D Mass.), Alan Grayson (D Fla.), Mike Thompson (D Calif.), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D Va.), Diana DeGette (D Colo.), Paul D. Tonko (D N.Y.), John Lewis (D Ga.), Henry C. Hank Johnson (D Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D Md.), Suzan DelBene (D Wash.), John Yarmuth (D Ky.), Joe Courtney (D Conn.), Jackie Speier (D Calif.), Earl Blumenauer (D Ore.), Doris Matsui (D Calif.), Barbara Lee (D Calif.), Donna F. Edwards (D Md.), Sam Farr (D Calif.), Michael M. Honda (D Calif.), Mike Doyle (D Pa.), Jan Schakowsky (D Ill.), and Danny K. Davis (D Ill.)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://blumenauer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representative-blumenauer-introduces-legislation-support-clean-energy,Representative Blumenauer Introduces Legislation to Support Clean Energy Industry,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Earl Blumenauer,B000574,blumenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) introduced legislation with 18 of his colleagues that extends critical clean energy incentives to provide market certainty and strengthen investment in renewable technologies. Among its provisions, the Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2015 extends the Production Tax Credit for wind energy until January 1, 2017, offering parity with the duration of the Investment Tax Credit, as well as granting the solar industry access to credits at the start of a project's construction. The bill also provides a range of other important incentives, such as expanding the advanced energy project credit, which aids U.S. manufacturers across the clean energy industry. These measures are fully paid for by permanently ending outdated and wasteful tax breaks to the oil and gas energy sector. With the impacts of climate change already upon us, now more than ever our focus should be on helping clean energy industries grow and thrive. At the federal and state level including in Oregon we've already made notable investments in renewable energy resources, and this legislation will expand these efforts, said Representative Blumenauer. These investments will not only help us transition to a clean energy future, but simultaneously will create good jobs and support American innovation. Making sure the companies deploying clean technology across the country are able to compete with the highly profitable oil and gas sector will be critical to bringing stability, reliability, and efficiency to the emerging clean energy sector. Click here for a detailed summary of provisions in the Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2015. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-urges-fcc-to-limit-unwanted-debt-collection-robocalls,Wyden Urges FCC to Limit Unwanted Debt Collection Robocalls,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,OR,Ron Wyden,W000779,www.wyden.senate.gov,,,legacy,"41 lawmakers sign letter to FCC in wake of passage of provision in budget bill Tuesday, November 17, 2015 Washington, DCSen. Ron Wyden, DOre., today joined Sen. Edward J. Markey, DMass., Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, DOre., and 38 other Senate and House members in calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to limit unwanted robocalls and texts to those with debt owed to or backed by the federal government. Section 301 of the recently passed budget bill potentially opens the door to unwanted robocalls and texts to the cell phones of student loan borrowers, mortgage borrowers, veterans and others with debt owed to or guaranteed by the federal government. In 1991, Congress passed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the law that ensures that consumers should not be subject to intrusive and unsolicited calls from telemarketers. We urge you to consider the important role the Commission has in protecting the convenience and privacy that the TCPA has provided for more than two decades,write the lawmakers in the letter to the FCC.These protections should continue for years to come. Calls from debt collectors, even for debts owed to or guaranteed by the federal government, should be closely limited to further the goals of the TCPA. A copy of the letter to the FCC can be foundHERE. Senators signing the letter include: Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Bill Nelson, DFla., Robert Menendez DN.J., Patrick Leahy, DVt., Bernard Sanders IVt., Al Franken, DMinn., Elizabeth Warren, DMass., Amy Klobuchar, DMinn., Ron Wyden, DOre., Richard Blumenthal, DConn., and Jeffrey A. Merkley, DOre. House members signing the letter include: Suzanne Bonamici, DOre., Anna G. Eshoo, DCalif., Frank Pallone Jr., DN.J., Ral M. Grijalva, DAriz., Eleanor Holmes Norton, DD.C., Betty McCollum, DMinn., Charles B. Rangel, DN.Y., Mark Pocan, DWis., James P. McGovern, DMass., Alan Grayson, DFla., Mike Thompson, DCalif., Donald S. Beyer Jr., DVa., Diana DeGette, DColo., Paul D. Tonko, DN.Y., John Lewis, DGa., Henry C. Hank Johnson, DGa., Chris Van Hollen, DMd., Suzan DelBene, DWash., John Yarmuth, DKy., Joe Courtney, DConn., Jackie Speier, DCalif., Earl Blumenauer, DOre., Doris Matsui, DCalif., Barbara Lee, DCalif., Donna F. Edwards, DMd., Sam Farr, DCalif., Michael M. Honda, DCalif., Mike Doyle, DPa., Jan Schakowsky, DIll., and Danny K. Davis, DIll. Earlier this month, Wyden joined 10 other senators in introducing the HANGUP Act. The HANGUP Act would strike Section 301 of the Budget Act of 2015 and protect Americans from harassing robocalls. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z