Thank you. The Senator appreciates your pronunciation of my home State, which people across America have a hard time often figuring out. Mr. President, I am here tonight joining my colleague from Wisconsin on a very serious topic: that our Nation is at war; that our servicemembers are dying; that for every one who dies, so many are injured--a war that is absolutely hurting us in every possible way. Operation Epic Fury has become ``Operation Epic Failure.'' On February 28, President Trump and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu launched this unconstitutional war against Iran.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+12$2.8M raised
Jeff Merkley
Senator · Oregon · Democrat
Jeff Merkley
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, Americans are worried that the money in their pockets will not cover the increasing costs of gas and groceries and housing or healthcare. Meanwhile, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, is worried that the money in Americans' pockets doesn't currently have his face or his signature on it. You know, in 2020, Congress passed a law to produce new coins to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. In that law, we wrote that the coins should be emblematic of our 250th anniversary--the U.S.
Mr. President, I so enjoy working with my colleague from Wyoming. But I did notice that her speech had nothing to do with my point that sitting Presidents don't belong on coins because it is an authoritarian symbol. And I also noticed that her description of the bill passed last year involved changing the name of it. Trump called it the Big Beautiful Bill. And it became widely ridiculed because it cut nutrition, and it cut healthcare to fund tax breaks for the very richest Americans. It had nothing to do with working Americans.
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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