Jeff Merkley

November 17, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today the Senate passed legislation that will increase funding for housing and supportive services for veterans. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley voted in favor of the measure which was passed as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.

“After serving our nation selflessly and putting their lives on the line for the safety of our citizens, it is completely unacceptable that veterans are sleeping on the streets and not receiving the care and services they deserve,” said Merkley “This funding is an important step forward in helping veterans get off the streets and back on their feet.”    » read more »

Protects Families and Assists Farmers

November 16, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. –Today the Senate took another step closer to passing legislation that will give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the resources it needs to ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply. The Senate Agriculture Committee released the chairman’s draft of the Food Safety Modernization Act, which includes Senator Jeff Merkley’s provisions to improve traceability of contaminated processed foods and protect the organic farming and sustainable agriculture industries.    » read more »

"Co-Sponsors the Growing Safe Food Act to Protect Families by Strengthening Food Safety Practices"

November 13, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that he has co-sponsored legislation to increase food safety by assisting local farmers and processors with new food safety regulations. The Growing Safe Food Act will help educate and train farmers and food processors about the best safety practices to ensure that the nation’s food supply is safe for citizens.    » read more »

November 6, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement today on the announcement by the Department of Labor that the national unemployment rate jumped to 10.2 percent, the highest rate since 1983:

“The unemployment rate isn’t just a statistic we use to measure the state of the economy. It represents not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of families who are struggling with the loss of a job.

“Economists may say that we’re in a recovery now, but to those families the recession drags on. On Main Street, there’s no such thing a ‘jobless recovery.’ To truly pull out of this recession, we have to create jobs.    » read more »

Grants for Innovative Projects will Harness Oregon's Resources

October 29, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Continuing efforts to advance alternative energy resources and break our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced nearly $40 million in Recovery Act funding for the exploration and development of geothermal energy technologies in Oregon.

“This funding will literally help to bring Oregon’s geothermal energy potential to the surface,” Wyden said. “It will create and sustain jobs improving alternative energy technology to better tap into Oregon’s unique set of renewable energy resources.”    » read more »

October 27, 2009 -- Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the Department of Energy has awarded over $29.4 million in Recovery Act funds for Oregon Smart Grid technology. The funds will be used to make Oregon’s electric system more energy efficient, enable consumers to reduce their energy consumption and restore power more quickly after outages.

“One of the best ways we can use Recovery Act funds is to create jobs by making our electric system energy efficient and more reliable for consumers,” said Merkley. “Investing in Smart Grid technology will not just make needed upgrades to our outdated energy infrastructure; it will put money back into the pockets of Oregonians.”    » read more »

Bill Will Help Families, Put Money Into Economy

October 15, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that he has co-sponsored legislation to extend assistance to those currently unemployed. The legislation will provide up to an additional twenty weeks of unemployment insurance benefits to Oregonians who have exhausted their benefits by the end of December 2009.

“During these difficult economic times it’s important to ensure that jobless Americans can make ends meet while they’re looking for a fresh start,” said Merkley. “These benefits will help ease the burden on unemployed Oregonians and put money back in their pockets to help stimulate the local economy.”    » read more »

Bill Includes Funding for Oregon National Guard Reintegration Program

October 7, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – The United States Senate last night passed the fiscal year 2010 Department of Defense appropriations bill, which includes over $60 million for Oregon projects. Included at the request of Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, these projects will provide research and development of clean energy technologies, equipment to help ensure military personnel land aircraft safely in severe weather conditions, and updated data and voice communications systems.

The bill also includes funding for the Oregon National Guard Reintegration Program, which helps soldiers transition back to civilian life.    » read more »

Bill Would Cut Red Tape, Make it Easier for Home-Based Businesses to Claim Deduction

October 6, 2009 -- Washington, DC –U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Evan Bayh (D-IN) today introduced the Home Office Deduction Simplification Act of 2009, legislation that would make it easier for home-based small businesses to claim an existing tax deduction.    » read more »

"Merkley Joins Senators Boxer and Kerry to Introduce the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act"

September 30, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair John Kerry (D-MA) and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to introduce the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. The bill will strengthen America’s position as a leader in the creation of clean energy jobs and promote energy independence.    » read more »

June 23, 2009 -- Washington, DC – The U.S. Trade Representative today formally launched a World Trade Organization (WTO) case to examine China’s raw material export restrictions. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley applauded the move, which is necessary to end unfair trade practices that have distorted economic incentives and hurt American businesses:

“Despite previous pledges, American companies continue to find it nearly impossible to purchase raw materials such as tin and zinc from China. Export tariffs and low quotas block access to this market, which gives Chinese enterprises an unfair advantage that violates clearly established WTO guidelines.    » read more »

Merkley: Health Care Amendment Looks Out For Nursing Mothers; "Breastfeeding Amendment Adopted Unanimously During Markup of Health Care Reform Legislation"

June 23, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee unanimously approved an amendment from Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley during markup of health care reform legislation today that would assist nursing mothers. The amendment would provide new mothers with reasonable break times to nurse their child for one year after the birth of their child.    » read more »

"Bill Includes Merkley Amendment to Place Dangerous Tobacco Candy Under Review"

June 22, 2009 --
Washington D.C. – Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley joined President Obama today at the signing ceremony for the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products for the first time. The legislation includes an amendment from Senator Merkley and Senator Sherrod Brown (D – Ohio) that requires the new Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to immediately study the public health effects of tobacco candy and report to the FDA on its findings.

After the signing ceremony, Merkley released the following statement:    » read more »

"Merkley supports legislation to preserve the Oregon Caves National Monument and the Devil’s Staircase"

June 22, 2009 -- Washington, DC - Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has co-sponsored legislation to protect some of Oregon’s most scenic natural areas while helping boost local tourism and increase recreation opportunities. The legislation would expand the protection of the Oregon Caves National Monument and some of Oregon’s ancient old growth forest situated along the Oregon Coast.    » read more »

Senators Wyden, Merkley Announce $15 million in Recovery Package Funding for Low-Income Weatherization Programs

June 8, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Continuing efforts to make sure low-income Oregonians have safely heated and more energy efficient homes, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced today that Oregon’s Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAP) will receive more than $15 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This economic recovery funding will put folks back to work the right way," said Wyden. "We are going to do well by doing good by boosting energy conservation, with the added benefit of helping our economy rebound.”    » read more »