Press Releases
Wyden, Luján Urge Biden Administration to Collect the Data Needed to Address the Lack of Access to Water and Sanitation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., this week asked the Biden administration to collect and publish data that would help identify and address the water and sanitation needs of communities around the country. “We are writing to request that you take steps to collect and publish data needed to meaningfully address the lack of access to water and sanitation that exists here in the United States. This Administration has recognized that as the source of … Continue Reading
September 21, 2023
Wyden, Booker and Clarke Introduce Bill to Regulate Use of Artificial Intelligence to Make Critical Decisions like Housing, Employment and Education
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., with Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Representative Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., today introduced the Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2023, to create new protections for people affected by AI systems that are already impacting decisions affecting housing, credit, education and other high-impact uses. The bill applies to new generative AI systems used for critical decisions, as well as other AI and automated systems. “AI is making choices, today, … Continue Reading
September 21, 2023
Wyden, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Tackle Plastic Pollution Crisis
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today that he and Senate colleagues have reintroduced legislation that would create a new incentive to recycle plastic and help reduce the plastic waste disrupting coastal economies, overwhelming ecosystems, and threatening public health. “Coastal communities in Oregon and nationwide know all too well the harm plastic pollution can cause to local ecosystems and public health,” Wyden said. “That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that would … Continue Reading
September 21, 2023
Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Successfully Urge Biden Administration to Establish Civilian Climate Corps Program through Executive Action
Washington, D.C. -U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today praised the Biden Administration for responding to their request to advance a federal Civilian Climate Corps program that would tackle some of the climate crisis’ worst impacts and prepare a whole generation of workers for good-paying union jobs in the clean economy. This week’s administration announcement to launch the American Climate Corps that will put more than 20,000 young people to work in jobs that promote clean energy, … Continue Reading
September 20, 2023
Wyden Urges Action on the Drinking Water Access Emergency
Watch a video of Water and Power ENR Subcommittee Chair Wyden deliver his opening remarks here As prepared for delivery Over 2 million Americans are going to bed each night without access to safe and reliable drinking water by their bed. This is bad news for vulnerable seniors and bad news for our kids' futures. We can do better. And we must do better. This problem is worsened by the devastating drought that has hit so much of America. And, it’s hard to figure out who’s in charge of water … Continue Reading
September 20, 2023
Merkley, Wyden Announce $1.3 Million for Migratory Bird Habitat
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is awarding Ducks Unlimited $1.3 million for habitat conservation for wetland migratory birds in the Lake County Closed Basin Project Area. Given its location as a stopover in the Pacific flyway as well as housing Lake Abert, Oregon’s only saltwater lake, Lake County is a primary location for hundreds of thousands of these migratory birds. “Our lands and waters … Continue Reading
September 20, 2023
Wyden, Padilla, Schatz Announce Coordinated Effort to Tackle America’s Drinking Water Crisis
Washington, D.C. - Chairman of the Water and Power Subcommittee of the Energy and Natural Resource Committee Ron Wyden, Chairman of the Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Alex Padilla, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Brian Schatz today announced they will hold coordinated hearings on water access challenges in America. “Clean drinking water is a human right, and it is unacceptable that anyone in this great … Continue Reading
September 20, 2023
Wyden, Merkley: Central Oregon to Receive $953,950 in Federal Funds to Prevent Youth Homelessness
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council has earned more than $950,000 in federal funds to develop and implement a coordinated community approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness in the region. “This federal investment in Central Oregon will lead to solutions that help young Oregonians get off the street and into housing so they can get their lives on track,” said Wyden, who has introduced … Continue Reading
September 19, 2023
On National Voter Registration Day, Wyden, Veasey Introduce Resolution to Recognize September as National Voting Rights Month
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-Texas, led colleagues today on National Voter Registration Day to introduce a resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” “The right to vote is the backbone of American democracy - this right is under attack by MAGA Republicans who seek to disenfranchise voters,” Wyden said. “Congressman Veasey and I want to make it loud and clear that preserving access to the ballot box and … Continue Reading
September 19, 2023
Wyden, Booker Introduce Bill to Ban Surveillance Advertising
Washington, D.C. - This week, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., introduced legislation that prohibits advertising networks and facilitators from using personal data to target advertisements. “The first place to start in holding companies accountable is to attack the business model so many of the big tech companies depend on,” Wyden said. “If you take away the incentive to hoover up users’ personal data, you make it harder to target them both with objectionable content … Continue Reading
September 19, 2023
Wyden, Merkley: $81,000 in Federal Funds for Economic Development to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation will receive $81,060 in federal funds for economic development. “I know firsthand from my town hall this year at the reservation and in conversations with Tribal officials just how hard they’re working to provide jobs and economic growth for all their members,” Wyden said. “This federal investment supports that work, generating jobs in the community while … Continue Reading
September 18, 2023
Wyden, Merkley: Klamath Community College Earns $199,988 in Federal Funds
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Klamath Community College has secured nearly $200,000 in federal funds to recruit and enroll veterans and current service members and/or members of underserved communities in the school’s commercial driver’s license program. “This federal investment in students will lead to jobs in the region by supporting the career aspirations of students wanting to attend Klamath Community College,” Wyden said. “I’m glad the … Continue Reading
September 18, 2023
Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Announce $1 Million for Endangered Species Protections in Oregon
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Oregon’s U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) announced today that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is awarding $1 million for the Oregon Private Forest Accord Aquatic Species Habitat Conservation Plan. “Endangered species are critical parts of Oregon’s ecosystems, particularly aquatic habitats,” said Senator Merkley, Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the USFWS. “These … Continue Reading
September 15, 2023
Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Keep Guns Away from Convicted Hate Crime Offenders
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and Senate colleagues this week introduced legislation that would prevent individuals convicted of violent misdemeanor hate crimes from buying or possessing firearms. “Congress needs to pass commonsense gun legislation that keeps guns away from criminals who have been convicted of violent hate crimes,” Wyden said. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce legislation that would close the dangerous gap that lets hate crime offenders buy and own … Continue Reading
September 15, 2023
Merkley, Wyden Announce $450,000 for Water System Improvements in Echo
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be awarding the City of Echo $450,000 to replace water service connections that are over 30 years old and create a digital mapping system. “Outdated and underfunded water infrastructure is at a greater risk of failing, leaving community members and businesses without clean, safe water - especially in rural communities,” said Senator Merkley, Chair of … Continue Reading
September 15, 2023
Wyden, Merkley: $70,000 in Federal Funds for Economic Development to the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs will receive $70,000 in federal funds for regional economic development. “Investing in Tribal communities is vital to spur economic prosperity in reservations across Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will help strengthen the economy of the Warm Springs Reservation and create jobs in the region. And I’ll continue fighting to ensure all the … Continue Reading
September 14, 2023
Wyden, Merkley: Oregon to Receive $58.2 Million in Federal Funds to Fight The Climate Crisis
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Oregon has earned more than $58 million in federal grants from the Inflation Reduction Act to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in cities, towns and suburbs. “Sweltering heat and record-breaking temperatures harm public health and create huge energy demands that drive up costs for Oregonians,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified the Inflation Reduction Act that … Continue Reading
September 14, 2023
Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $1 Million Coming to Oregon Tribes for Environmental Improvements
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding three Oregon Tribes a combined total of $1,104,088 for projects to improve water and air quality and reduce pollution. “Tribal families and community members rely on clean air and water for the health, safety, and the economic growth of their communities,” said Senator Merkley. “It is vital that we support environmental projects that ensure … Continue Reading
September 14, 2023
Wyden Reintroduces Bill to Protect Social Security Benefits from Garnishment
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today reintroduced legislation that would restore federal protections of Social Security benefits to prevent the federal government from garnishing them for the repayment of all non-tax federal debt —such as student loans. “It is plain wrong to take away the Social Security benefits seniors earned through a lifetime of work because of the increasing burden of student loan debt,” Wyden said. “It’s past time Congress protects seniors and the Social … Continue Reading
September 13, 2023
Wyden, Colleagues Demand Answers from AI Companies on Use of Underpaid, Overworked Data Workers
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Senate colleagues today wrote to nine of the nation’s leading companies developing and deploying artificial intelligence technology to call on them to answer for the working conditions of their data workers. “Despite the essential nature of this work, millions of data workers around the world perform these stressful tasks under constant surveillance, with low wages and no benefits,” Wyden and colleagues wrote to the CEOs of Google, OpenAI, … Continue Reading
