Press Releases
Merkley, Wyden Join Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined their colleagues to introduce legislation to ensure the safety and health of workers in Oregon and across the nation who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace. The Asunción Valdivia Heat Stress Injury, Illness, and Fatality Prevention Act is named in honor of Asunción Valdivia, who died in 2004 after picking grapes for ten hours straight in 105-degree temperatures. Mr. Valdivia … Continue Reading
July 28, 2023
Wyden, Salinas, Duarte, Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bill to Restore Forests, Boost Rural Economies by Supporting Wood Product Innovation
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., John Duarte, R-Calif., and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., this week introduced bipartisan legislation that would improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, sequester more carbon, and boost rural economies by supporting innovative timber products, such as mass timber. ”Oregon’s cutting-edge leadership in wood products innovations strengthens rural economies by generating … Continue Reading
July 28, 2023
Wyden, Merkley: Coos County to Receive Federal Grant to Conserve & Restore South Slough
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Coos County will share in $2 million in federal grants to conserve and restore habitats in the South Slough. “Research is a crucial first step toward healing marine ecosystems from the harm done by the climate crisis,” Wyden said. “I am gratified to see funding go toward conservation, especially incorporating strategies long-used by the Tribes that have inhabited this land since time … Continue Reading
July 28, 2023
Wyden Introduces Legislation to Support Secondary Language Education Research
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore, this week introduced legislation that would support secondary language learning by requiring research on student attainment in non-English languages. “Helping students succeed in a diverse multilingual world means investing in secondary language education,” Wyden said. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce legislation that would help students in Oregon and nationwide learn new languages by directing … Continue Reading
July 28, 2023
Wyden, Merkley, Hoyle Reintroduce Legislation Investing in Rural Schools
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with U.S. Representative Val Hoyle today reintroduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through 2026. “Two decades ago, I recognized the need for federal support for rural forested counties working to sustain and diversify economic opportunities in their communities,” Wyden said. “I fought then to pass, and … Continue Reading
July 27, 2023
Wyden Votes No on Massive Military Policy Bill: NDAA Fails to Hold the Pentagon Accountable for Wasteful Spending and Fraud
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act today. “I’d like to commend my Senate colleagues for ensuring that this year’s defense policy bill received a open floor process, with the consideration of many worthy amendments across a diverse range of issues. Ultimately, this year’s Senate bill authorizes $886 billion for the Department of Defense, national security programming, and for the … Continue Reading
July 27, 2023
Wyden, Paul and Bipartisan Senators Reintroduce the Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., reintroduced the Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act today, following the bill’s unanimous passage in the House Judiciary Committee last week. The bill, first introduced in 2021, blocks the government from purchasing information about Americans that would otherwise require a warrant. The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Mike Lee, R-Utah, Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., Patty … Continue Reading
July 27, 2023
Wyden, Salinas, Bonamici, Casten Introduce Legislation to Improve Soil Health, Crop Resilience and Address the Climate Crisis
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., and Sean Casten, D-Ill., today introduced legislation to help address the climate crisis by encouraging farming practices that improve soil health and crop resilience and lower the amount of carbon in the atmosphere – with a strong focus on supporting the nation's small, rural and underserved farmers in this transition. “America’s farmers are … Continue Reading
July 27, 2023
Wyden Requests Federal Agencies Investigate Lax Cybersecurity Practices by Microsoft That Reportedly Enabled Chinese Espionage
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today requested the Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and Cybersecurity and Cyber Safety Review Board investigate whether lax security practices by Microsoft enabled the recent Chinese government hack of multiple U.S. government agencies and high-ranking federal officials. The hack came two years after separate cybersecurity failings by Microsoft contributed to the massive SolarWinds hack of several federal … Continue Reading
July 27, 2023
Wyden, Merkley: Oregon Food Bank Southeast Oregon Services to Receive $66,900 Federal Investment
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced Oregon Food Bank Southeast Oregon Services in Ontario will receive a $66,900 federal investment to buy a refrigerated box truck, fuel and insurance for two years - all of which will help this community mainstay respond to increased food demands in Malheur and Harney counties. "Quality of life in Malheur and Harney counties begins with ensuring everybody has access to food, and that's exactly what the Food Bank works … Continue Reading
July 27, 2023
Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $20 Million Coming to Oregon for Security and Disaster Preparedness
Washington, D.C. - Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is awarding the state of Oregon, Lane Transit District, and nonprofits across the state nearly $20 million to build and sustain capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. "Ensuring Oregonians and communities across the state are safe and prepared for any threats they face is critical," said … Continue Reading
July 26, 2023
Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape for Victims of Identity Theft
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today with colleagues introduced bipartisan legislation that would make it easier for identity theft victims to resolve their cases by creating a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration for identity theft cases. "Americans who have been targeted by identity theft scammers should be able to resolve their case without any bureaucratic red tape or delays," Wyden said. "That's why I'm working on a bipartisan basis to advance … Continue Reading
July 26, 2023
Merkley, Wyden Urge FERC to Reject Fossil Gas Pipeline Expansion
Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) following up on previous requests to deny permits for TC Energy's Gas Transmission Northwest (GTN) Xpress project. With FERC's decision expected this week, the Senators warn that the expansion of this pipeline is not necessary or prudent and would only increase costs for Oregon consumers and undermine laws in both Oregon and Washington State. "There is … Continue Reading
July 25, 2023
Wyden, Merkley: More than $4.3 Million to Oregon for Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Projects
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced Oregon will receive more than $4.3 million from the Department of the Interior to support future outdoor recreation and conservation projects. "Oregon is home to some of the most treasured natural beauty in our nation where Oregonians and visitors from all over the world can experience the great outdoors," said Wyden, who is the lead sponsor for the Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act and the Recreation Not Red Tape … Continue Reading
July 25, 2023
Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Food Benefits for Americans with Medical Expenses
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today that he and Senate colleagues have introduced legislation that would expand food benefits for people with medical expenses in Oregon and nationwide by breaking down rules that limit eligibility and benefit levels. "This anti-hunger legislation would bring families in Oregon and nationwide with medical expenses much needed financial relief," Wyden said. "I'll battle hard to get this bill over the finish line to ensure all beneficiaries - … Continue Reading
July 24, 2023
Bonamici, Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Salinas Applaud $1.5M Investment in Pacific NW Urban Farmers
WASHINGTON, DC - Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), and Senators Ron Wyden (OR) and Jeff Merkley (OR) applaud the Biden-Harris Administration's nearly $1.5 million investment in a new Urban Service Center to help urban farmers and strengthen local food systems in the Pacific Northwest. The Urban Service Center will be located in Portland, Oregon, and administered by staff from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation … Continue Reading
July 21, 2023
Wyden Statement on FISA 702 Document Declassification
Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement today on FISA 702 document declassification: “For years, as government officials have provided misleadingly narrow testimony about who is targeted under Section 702, I have pushed to get the government to come clean. The revelation that 702 is used against ‘foreign governments and related entities’ directly impacts Americans’ privacy, as American journalists, businesspeople, … Continue Reading
July 21, 2023
Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $12 Million for Improvements to the Eugene Airport
Washington, D.C. - Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that Eugene Airport will be receiving $12,669,789 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for infrastructure improvements. "Regional airports are critical to the safety and success of communities across the state," said Senator Merkley. "Eugene Airport serves as a regional travel hub for business and pleasure. These federal investments will help ensure the airport infrastructure is up to date and to … Continue Reading
July 20, 2023
Wyden Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Bills to Help Oregon Respond to Severe Drought, Improve Water Access and Infrastructure
With video: While chairing hearing, Water and Power Subcommittee Chair Wyden highlights the urgent need for a coordinated approach to ending water access problems, his Water for Conservation and Farming Act, the Watershed Results Act, and the Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement Support Act Washington, D.C. – This week, Water and Power Subcommittee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., held a hearing on the importance of several bills that would help communities in Oregon and across the West … Continue Reading
July 20, 2023
Wyden, Paul, Merkley, Blumenauer Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Update Regulations to Ensure Equal and Safe Access to Hemp-derived CBD Products
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., today reintroduced legislation to ensure hemp-derived CBD products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like other legal products used in dietary supplements, foods and beverages – an action that is essential to protecting consumer safety and treating hemp producers fairly. Wyden, Paul, Merkley and … Continue Reading
