Press Releases
Wyden, Snowe Introduce Legislation to Help Grow Nation's Telecommunications Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, DC - Working to help American telecommunications networks keep pace with rising international competition, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) introduced legislation today that would enact a five year moratorium on new or increased taxes on wireless telecommunications infrastructure and services. Currently, telecommunications services are taxed at a rate that rivals - and in some places exceeds - taxes on tobacco and alcohol."Americans are being hit hard … Continue Reading
July 07, 2008
Cantwell Co-Sponsors Healthy Americans Act
Washington DC - Bipartisan legislation to guarantee quality, affordable health care for every American gained momentum today as U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Bob Bennett (R-Utah) welcomed U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) as a co-sponsor of the Healthy Americans Act (S.334). The growing list of co-sponsors now totals 16 senators including: U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Judd Gregg (R-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mary … Continue Reading
July 07, 2008
Wyden Challenges Legality of DoD Chemical Weapons Study
WASHINGTON, DC - Insisting that the Department of Defense follow the law in its effort to eradicate the nation's stockpile of chemical weapons, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent letters today to both Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Inspector General of the Department of Defense Claude Kicklighter challenging portions of the June 2008 Chemical Demilitarization Program Semi-Annual Report to Congress which cites interstate transportation of chemical munitions between disposal facilities … Continue Reading
June 25, 2008
Wyden Brings Energy Independence Tour to Portland on July 1st for Public Forum
Portland, OR - Frustrated with high gas prices? Concerned about buying home heating oil this winter? If you have ideas on what to do about it, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden wants to hear them.Wyden will hold a public forum in Portland on Tuesday to listen to what residents of the tri-county area have to say about what the United States can do to become more energy independent. The forum is the second stop in Wyden's Energy Independence Tour."In Washington we hear all the time from lobbyists and … Continue Reading
June 24, 2008
Wyden Coming to Union County for Town Hall Meeting, Opening of New Veterans' Clinic
Portland, OR - On July 2, 2008, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a town hall meeting in La Grande and be the keynote speaker at the opening of the new Community Based Outpatient Clinic for veterans.Residents of Union County are invited to attend the town hall to ask questions and voice their concerns. During his 1996 U.S. Senate campaign, Wyden promised to hold town hall meetings in every Oregon county each year. The event in La Grande is the 11th year of these meetings, which now total over … Continue Reading
June 24, 2008
Wyden to Oppose Cloture for Wiretapping Bill
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, announced today that he would oppose new legislation amending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) due to his continued opposition to a provision that would grant blanket retroactive immunity to any telecommunications company that participated in the President's warrantless wiretapping program. "This is not the first time that the President has pressured … Continue Reading
June 24, 2008
Wyden Brings Energy Independence Tour to Medford on July 3rd for Public Forum
Medford, OR - Frustrated with high gas prices? Concerned about buying home heating oil this winter? If you have ideas on what to do about it, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden wants to hear them.Wyden will hold a public forum in Medford on Thursday to listen to what Southern Oregon residents have to say about what the United States can do to become more energy independent. "In Washington we hear all the time from lobbyists and corporations about what we can and can't do about our reliance on foreign … Continue Reading
June 24, 2008
Wyden Brings Energy Independence Tour to Eugene on June 30th for Public Forum
Eugene, OR - Frustrated with high gas prices? Concerned about buying home heating oil this winter? If you have ideas on what to do about it, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden wants to hear them.Wyden will hold a public forum in Eugene on Monday to listen to what Lane County residents have to say about what the United States can do to become more energy independent. The forum is the first stop in Wyden's Energy Independence Tour."In Washington we hear all the time from lobbyists and corporations about … Continue Reading
June 19, 2008
Wyden Releases Hold After FEMA Announces NET Guard Pilot Program
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today dropped his hold on the Administration's nomination of Harvey E. Johnson to become deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Wyden took the action in response to the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) announcement late yesterday that $320,000 is available in Fiscal Year 2008 to pilot, test, and develop tools for the National Emergency Technology Guard (NET Guard) program."I am pleased that Secretary … Continue Reading
June 19, 2008
Wyden Proposes Dramatic Overhaul of Federal Forest Practices in Oregon
(Full text of the proposal, full statement by Senator Wyden, and bill summary are available at: www.wyden.senate.gov/forestproposal.) Washington, D.C. - Striking a balance between the need to sustain forests, as well as bolster the economy, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today proposed an expansive overhaul of federal forest practices in the State of Oregon. Wyden's initiative would permanently end the logging of old growth trees and discourage clear-cutting, while placing a new emphasis on … Continue Reading
June 18, 2008
Wyden Seeks Greater Protection for Rogue River and Oregon Caves Monument
Washington, D.C. - Working to ensure that the natural beauty of Oregon is perpetually protected, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced two separate pieces of legislation today to extend Wild and Scenic River protections to waters that feed the lower Rogue River and to expand the boundary of the Oregon Caves National Monument. Companion legislation is being introduced today in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Darlene Hooley … Continue Reading
June 10, 2008
Wyden Seeks to Combat Immigration ID Theft with Change in Homeland Security Policy
WASHINGTON, DC - Responding to confirmed reports from constituents about lost or stolen identification documents, US Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff requesting a reexamination of the agency's procedures for mailing lawful permanent resident cards. Currently the Homeland Security Department sends these important federal documents via first class mail, instead of certified mail, leaving them vulnerable to theft or loss if sent to … Continue Reading
June 09, 2008
Senate Tax Package Includes County Payments Extension
Washington, D.C. - Following a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore) announced today that a four year extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act - commonly known as the "county payments" law - is included in the Senate version of H.R.6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. Wyden cautioned that the Republicans' threat to filibuster is likely to derail his effort. "I hope that my Republican … Continue Reading
June 05, 2008
Wyden Says Review of Rumsfeld Pre-War Congressional Testimony is Needed
WASHINGTON, DC - Working to ensure public accountability for the administration's rush into the Iraq War, US Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, called today for a review of Congressional testimony by former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in light of new information in a report just released by the Intelligence Committee. "This is stunning," said Wyden. "The Secretary of Defense, testifying before Congress about whether or not … Continue Reading
June 05, 2008
Wyden Seeks Permanent Protection for Badlands and Spring Basin
Washington, D.C. - Continuing his efforts to preserve the natural beauty of Oregon, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced separate pieces of legislation today to extend permanent federal wilderness protection to the Badlands and Spring Basin. The bills would designate as Wilderness almost 30,000 acres just east of Bend, Oregon, through the Oregon Badlands Wilderness Act of 2008 and over 8,600 acres overlooking the John Day Wild and Scenic River through the Spring Basin Wilderness Act of … Continue Reading
June 03, 2008
Speech: Wyden Addresses OHSU Graduates at 2008 Commencement
Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) delivered the following speech at Oregon Health and Science University's Commencement Exercises on Tuesday, June 3, 2008.Dr. Robertson, graduates, parents, distinguished guests. I'm Senator Ron Wyden, the United States Senator who you may know as the author of the "all-important" amendment to the amendment to the amendment on some bill or another. I'm also proud to be known as the father who watched Dr. Mark Nichols, his OHSU staff of nurses, physician assistants and … Continue Reading
June 02, 2008
Wyden to meet with Oregon Iraq, Afghanistan war veterans about new G.I. bill, better benefits
Portland, OR - Oregon Senator Ron Wyden will meet on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 with Oregon Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans about the need for a new G.I. Bill to improve educational and other benefits for members of National Guard and the Reserves. He will be joined by Gen. Mike Caldwell of the Oregon National Guard.Currently, National Guard and Reserve members who have fought in the Middle East since 9/11 do not receive fewer benefits than those in the regular armed forces. Wyden supports … Continue Reading
May 27, 2008
Wyden announces wilderness legislation for Badlands in Deschutes County
Bend, Ore. - Oregon Senator Ron Wyden announced today that he will introduce legislation to declare the 30,000-acre Badlands area east of Bend as wilderness."After years of increasing interest and excitement about protecting this beautiful place, I am ready to introduce the legislation necessary to create the 30,000-acre Oregon Badlands Wilderness," Wyden told a crowd of local residents during a visit to the Badlands. "It will tell the world that Central Oregon is a place with an unbelievable … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008
Wyden to hold town hall meeting in Wallowa County
Portland, OR - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a town hall meeting on May 30, 2008, in Joseph. Residents of Wallowa County are invited to attend the open forum to ask questions and voice their concerns. During his 1996 U.S. Senate campaign, Wyden promised to hold town hall meetings in every Oregon county each year. The event in Joseph is the 11th year of these meetings, which now total over 475.Wallowa County Town Hall MeetingDate: May 30, 2008Time: 10 a.m. Location: Joseph High School, … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008
Wyden to hold town hall meeting in Lake County
Portland, OR - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a town hall meeting on May 30, 2008, in Lakeview. Residents of Lake County are invited to attend the open forum to ask questions and voice their concerns. During his 1996 U.S. Senate campaign, Wyden promised to hold town hall meetings in every Oregon county each year. The event in Lakeview is the 11th year of these meetings, which now total over 475.Lake County Town Hall MeetingDate: May 30, 2008Time: 2 p.m.Location: Lakeview High School, 906 S … Continue Reading