Madam President, the Constitution matters. And what does the Constitution say? No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by law. That is pretty straightforward, and yet my colleague from Wisconsin just wanted to shred the Constitution. He says: It doesn't matter. We want a President to cancel programs. He said he wouldn't even care if it was a different President. Imagine a different President canceling programs in his home State. Maybe that Senator would be singing a somewhat different tune. And then we saw that debt chart.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+12$2.8M raised
Jeff Merkley
Senator · Oregon · Democrat
Jeff Merkley
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Madam President, we have a challenge--a problem--and that is the President is exercising a line-item veto, and line-item vetoes are unconstitutional because the Constitution assigns the power of the purse to Congress, not to the President of the United States. Laws are not suggestions. The Constitution is not optional. A President is not a King. That was the Founders' vision for our democratic Republic. But on Friday, President Trump swung a wrecking ball at the Founders' vision, at the Constitution.
Madam President, congressional stock trading is profoundly corrupt. We in this Chamber were elected to serve the public, not our portfolio. But what do the American people see? They see Senators and Representatives who are thinking about their portfolios when they are voting on different measures, including a whole lot of tax credits and tax deductions. They are both different elements.
Biography
Jeff Merkley began his career as a nonprofit executive focused on affordable housing before entering public service. Elected to the U.S. Senate from Oregon in 2008, he has prioritized environmental protection, affordable healthcare, and strengthening democracy. Merkley played a key role in authoring the Volcker Rule to curb risky banking practices and serves as a leading voice on the Senate Appropriations and Environment Committees. He is known for his detailed policy work and collaborative approach, aiming to deliver practical solutions that reflect Oregon’s values and needs.
Education
- M.P.P., Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University1982
- B.A. in International Relations, Stanford University1979
- High School, David Douglas High School
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2009–PresentSenator from Oregon. 3 terms.
Member, Oregon House of Representatives
1999–2008(Democratic Leader, 2003
Speaker
2007)
President, World Affairs Council of Oregon
1996–2003Director of Housing Development, Human Solutions
1995–96Executive Director, Portland Habitat for Humanity
1991–94Policy Analyst, Congressional Budget Office
1985–89Presidential Fellow, Office of the secretary of Defense
1982–85
Policy Focus
Health7%
Environmental Protection7%
International Affairs6%
Public Lands and Natural Resources5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Jeff Merkley's record in Congress.
Filibuster Reform
Led efforts to reform Senate filibuster rules to reduce gridlock and improve legislative efficiency.
Affordable Housing Advocacy
Secured funding and advanced legislation to expand affordable housing and address homelessness in Oregon.
Ban on Arsenic in Apple Juice
Championed successful legislation to ban arsenic and lead in children's apple juice and other foods.
Climate Action Now Act
Co-authored and supported legislation to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and address climate change.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on the BudgetRanking Member
- Joint Committee on Printing
- Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
- Senate Committee on Appropriations
- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
- Senate Committee on Rules and Administration
Sen. Jeff Merkley FAQ
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