Press Releases
Wyden Welcomes New WNBA Franchise to Portland
Portland - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today welcomed the announcement that Portland has secured an expansion franchise in the WNBA with the following statement “Today puts basketball fans in Portland and all across Oregon solidly in the ‘W” column,” Wyden said. “Our city and entire state have consistently set the gold standard for supporting women's sports, and I’m thrilled the Bhathal family is expanding its commitment to women’s sports locally by bringing Portland a much-deserved WNBA … Continue Reading
September 17, 2024
Wyden, Veasey Reintroduce Bicameral Resolution Recognizing September as National Voting Rights Month
Washington, D.C. — On National Voter Registration Day, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-Texas, reintroduced their resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” “You can’t have a democracy if the people can’t vote,” Wyden said. “As we approach a pivotal election this fall, we must double down on our commitment to safeguarding the right to vote for every American. I am proud to once again join Representative Veasey to make sure … Continue Reading
September 17, 2024
Wyden, Markey Urge FCC to Reject Trump’s Weaponization of Commission and Uphold First Amendment
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said today that he and U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass. are urging all five Commissioners at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make licensing determinations objectively and in a manner that upholds the First Amendment. Following the presidential debate last week, Donald Trump stated that ABC is “a news organization. They have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that.” Trump’s threat to … Continue Reading
September 17, 2024
Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Celebrate $963,000 to PSU to Reduce Transportation Carbon Emissions
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley with U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici today announced a federal investment of $963,000 for Portland State University to establish a transportation decarbonization resource hub. “Carbon from the transportation sector makes a huge impact on carbon emissions statewide, and I applaud this federal investment for PSU to reduce that amount and help to tackle the current climate crisis head on,” Wyden said. “This is urgent business, and I … Continue Reading
September 16, 2024
Merkley, Wyden: Nearly $43 Million for Natural Disaster Recovery in Oregon
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is sending a total of $42,736,663 to state and federal agencies in Oregon that repaired roads and other critical infrastructure that was deeply damaged during natural disasters. The federal funds will be used to reimburse the agencies for their vital work that was needed to ensure communities across the state can continue to recover from years of severe weather … Continue Reading
September 16, 2024
Wyden, Merkley Announce $682,000 to Oregon Manufacturers to Reduce Pollution and Lower Costs
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a combined federal investment of $682,675 for Oregon businesses to improve their facilities, save energy, reduce carbon pollution, lower costs, and strengthen Oregon’s manufacturing sector.? “The fight against the climate crisis requires action from every sector in order to avoid its worst effects on the physical and financial well-being of small businesses in Oregon and nationwide ,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal … Continue Reading
September 16, 2024
Wyden Joins Legislation to Tackle Food Insecurity Among College Students
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said today he is co-sponsoring a bill that would address food insecurity among college students, ensuring they can focus on their education without fear of sacrificing meals to pay for school. “College alone is a big enough challenge for students,” Wyden said. “Students shouldn’t have to worry about whether they can afford a meal. We need to ensure that students seeking opportunities are set up for success, and that includes giving them … Continue Reading
September 11, 2024
Wyden Introduces Legislation to Guarantee Full Retirement Benefits for American Hostages
Washington, D.C. - Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said today he has introduced bipartisan legislation that would protect the Social Security benefits of Americans who have been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. On August 1, several Americans were released from Russian detention as part of a historic prisoner exchange. These individuals now face several financial obstacles resulting from their captivity, including diminished Social Security benefits when they … Continue Reading
September 11, 2024
Merkley, Wyden Announce $9.4 Million Federal Investment to Confront Wildfire Threats in Oregon
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $9.4 million is coming to Oregon to reduce wildfire threats in high-risk areas across the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is directly investing $9,422,722 in three of Oregon’s national forests to treat areas of high wildfire risk where forests and grasslands meet homes and communities. This funding is part of the USDA Forest Service’s (USFS) Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program, … Continue Reading
September 09, 2024
Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $3 Million for Safer Streets in Oregon Cities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced federal funding is heading to the cities of Tangent, Milwaukie, and Ashland to develop and update comprehensive road and street safety plans, while investments for Klamath Falls will fund the construction of safety improvements at intersections in the city. “Whether walking, driving, or biking, Oregonians in every corner of the state deserve safe streets in their communities to get where they need to go,” … Continue Reading
September 06, 2024
Merkley, Wyden: $16.1 Million Federal Investment Will Jumpstart Economic Development, Job Training in Eastern Oregon
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $16,100,000 is coming to Baker and Union counties to support communities located near a proposed new transmission line in Eastern Oregon. The funds will support job training programs, as well as economic development projects for housing, business development, and improved regional infrastructure. “This critical funding will help ensure that Eastern Oregon’s electricity needs are met for years to come … Continue Reading
September 06, 2024
Merkley, Wyden Celebrate $11.5 Million Coming to Oregon to Boost Literacy Programs
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $11.5 million is coming to Oregon to boost the state’s programs to close disparities in literacy for students. The U.S. Department of Education is awarding the Oregon Department of Education $11,578,036 to advance literacy skills, including pre-literacy skills, reading, and writing for students from birth through grade 12. The program will particularly focus on limited-English-proficient students and … Continue Reading
September 05, 2024
Oregon Delegation Announces $9.6 Million for the City of Portland to Make Critical Safety Improvements Along 82nd Avenue
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, alongside U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici, today announced new federal funding to improve one of Portland’s most important,high-crash corridors. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding the City of Portland $9.6 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make essential safety improvements on a seven-mile segment of 82nd Avenue. “Whether Oregonians are walking, biking, or … Continue Reading
September 05, 2024
Wyden, Merkley: Airports In Medford and Prineville Earn More Than $10 Million in Federal Grants
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the Rogue Valley International Airport and the Prineville Airport have secured more than $10.4 million combined in federal grants for improvements to taxiways, lighting, runways and more. “These federal investments to modernize and improve airports in Medford and Prineville benefit Oregonians relying on these facilities in both communities for the health of their economies as well as safety in times of … Continue Reading
September 03, 2024
Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment to Help Fight Wildfires in Wasco County
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $757,143 for the Juniper Flats Rural Protection District in Wasco County to aid in local firefighting efforts. “As we witnessed firsthand this summer in Wasco County and statewide, wildfires devastating Oregon and the entire West Coast are not like our grandfathers’ fires,” Wyden said. “The climate crisis is accelerating these blazes into infernos with drier and hotter weather throughout Oregon. … Continue Reading
August 30, 2024
Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment to Help Clean Energy Transition in Jackson County
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $143,430 for the City of Medford to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower overall energy use. “The climate crisis demands action at every level in order to fight its dangerous effects such as wildfires, floods, severe storms and more,” Wyden said. “Local assistance for making an effective and efficient transition to a cleaner economy is essential to meet these … Continue Reading
August 30, 2024
Wyden, Merkley Announce $1.9 Million to Promote Sustainable Forest Health for Small-Acreage Forest Landowners
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $1.9 million for the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to connect underserved and small acreage forest landowners to emerging carbon markets that provide incentives to improve forest management, including reforestation and other sustainable practices, for a healthier climate. “Maintaining the health of our forests is central to what it means to be an Oregonian,” Wyden said. “Responsible forest … Continue Reading
August 29, 2024
Merkley, Wyden Announce Federal Funding to Upgrade Warm Springs Radio’s Emergency Alert Equipment
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that KWSO-FM, a non-commercial community radio station owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, is receiving up to $158,749 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The federal grant will be used to upgrade the radio station’s broadcast transmission infrastructure as part of the Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) program, which is critical to keeping communities safe during … Continue Reading
August 28, 2024
Merkley, Wyden Announce Federal Funding to Boost Truck Driver Recruitment and Safety Training in Oregon
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding Klamath Community College and Linn-Benton Community College a combined total of $265,829 to grow their commercial driver’s license (CDL) programs. A CDL is needed for careers operating large vehicles, including semi-trucks and buses. Klamath Community College is receiving $135,286 and Linn-Benton Community College is receiving $130,543 from … Continue Reading
August 26, 2024
Wyden, Merkley Announce $2.35 Million Federal Investment to Oregon State University for Health Research
Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a $2.35 million federal investment for Oregon State University to research antimicrobial resistance, which the World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified as one of the greatest threats to human health. “I’m a big believer in science, and when antibiotics become resistant to fighting off illnesses in humans and animals, it’s high time to counter that resistance through … Continue Reading
