Ron Wyden

"Most members of Congress - and nearly all of the American public -- lack important information about the issue".

November 17, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – In anticipation of the upcoming Senate debate over Patriot Act reauthorization, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) asked U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to declassify key information pertaining to the law’s “business records” provision (Section 215). Today’s letter follows a classified letter that the senators sent Holder in June 2009.    » read more »

"It is our responsibility to make sure this foundation and these exchanges are successful."

October 30, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Nine Democratic senators joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today in expressing support for a version of Wyden’s Free Choice proposal which would promote real competition among health insurers by increasing the number of Americans able to choose plans in the new health insurance exchanges.    » 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 “Investing in Smart Grid technology will not just make needed upgrades to our outdated energy infrastructure; it will put money back into the pockets of Oregonians.”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 Passed by Senate and House Includes Millions in Oregon Dredging and Alternative Energy Projects

October 15, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Working to improve Oregon’s waterways and alternative energy technology capabilities, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced today that the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is on its way to the President’s desk for signature.

The bill, which includes nearly $200 million in projects for Oregon and the Northwest, has been approved by both the House and the Senate. The bill also includes millions in funding for energy programs – such as $50 million for wave and tidal energy research – that are very important to Oregon.    » read more »

October 13, 2009 -- "Mr. Chairman and Colleagues, I think we all understand that health Reform legislation is unlike any other bill. Apart from the fact that it affects all Americans and our entire economy, writing a health reform bill is fundamentally different than anything else the Congress does.

Take for example an appropriations bill or a tax bill, these kinds of bills are largely collections of a variety of different provisions, some of which are so important to a particular a state or a particular Senator that he or she votes for it.    » read more »

October 5, 2009 -- Portland, OR – A preliminary study of the Pioneer Line needs to more fully explore key issues of cost and ridership before Congress can make a decision about restoring passenger rail service to Eastern Oregon, Senator Ron Wyden said in a letter to the president and CEO of Amtrak.

“It is apparent that the Pioneer has the potential to greatly benefit the State of Oregon by providing an alternative means of passenger transportation,” Wyden said in the letter to Joseph H. Boardman. “However, the current report does not fully explore several important issues, thus preventing Congress from making an educated decision about the line.”    » 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 »

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 (ARRA).

“This economic recovery funding from 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 »

“Mobile Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2009” would grant a five-year moratorium on new telecom taxes

June 5, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Working to ensure American telecommunications networks remain on the cutting edge of wireless technology and keep pace with foreign competitors, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined today with Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) in introducing the Mobile Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2009 to enact a five-year moratorium on new or increased taxes on wireless telecommunications infrastructure and services.    » read more »

Senator introduces "Healthy Living, Healthy Aging Demonstration Project Act of 2009"

June 4, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Seeking to curb the cost of Medicare by promoting healthy lifestyles that lower the incidence of chronic disease, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today introduced the “Healthy Living, Healthy Aging Demonstration Project Act of 2009.”

The legislation would establish a demonstration project to evaluate strategies to lower rates of chronic disease for individuals who are about to enter the Medicare program. Up to six eligible partnerships between public health departments and health centers or rural health clinics would be awarded five-year grants for participating in the demonstration project.    » read more »

"Recovery Act Funding to Create Oregon Jobs, Improve Safety, and Protect Ecosystems in 28 Oregon Counties"

June 2, 2009 -- Washington D.C. – Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Tuesday $35 million in funding to put people to work in Oregon maintaining forest roads, and restoring vital watersheds and floodplains as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.    » read more »

May 27, 2009 -- Washington, D.C – US Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court:

“By selecting Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, President Obama fulfilled his promise not only to consult with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, but to ultimately appoint an individual with a ‘sharp and independent mind and a record of excellence and integrity.’ This is a historic appointment, and I believe that many will find inspiration in Judge Sotomayor’s remarkable personal story and realization of the America dream.    » read more »

"Program will reach out to veterans in Bend, The Dalles, Eugene, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, and other communities"

May 28, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.- Continuing efforts to make sure all of Oregon’s veterans have access to the quality medical care they deserve, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced today that the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center will receive $1.9 million to improve mental health treatment for veterans in rural Oregon.    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.—This week, Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced a more expansive, comprehensive version of their Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act with Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Tom Carper (D-DE) as original cosponsors. This important legislation would provide the tools and resources necessary to drastically improve care at the end of life.    » read more »