Senator Ron Wyden, Democratic from Oregon

Ron Wyden

Senator · Oregon · Democrat

Ron Wyden

Senate Floor

Recent comments in the Senate

Mr. President, I fully support taking tougher action against Russia. They have waged a deadly, years long war on Ukraine, and the United States must do more to tighten the screws on the Putin war machine. So I am fully in favor of strong sanctions, but this bill, despite its title, is not just a sanctions bill; it gives Donald Trump massive new tariff authority that he will use to threaten our trading partners and raise prices on the American people. I believe Senators will come to deeply regret voting to give Donald Trump this tariff authority.
Russia Sanctions (Executive Session)··Share
Mr. President and those following the debate, what this is all about is when you lose your home in a wildfire, the last thing you ought to be worried about is being hit by a massive tax bill. The bipartisan disaster relief bill that we just passed would give Oregonians and westerners affected by these blazes some real peace of mind. It would lift the massive tax burden and deliver financial relief to each American impacted by a federally designated natural disaster.
DOUG LaMALFA FEDERAL DISASTER TAX RELIEF CERTAINTY ACT··Share
Mr. President, reserving the right to object, first of all, let me say that, for years now, Bill Cassidy and I have worked together in the Finance Committee on healthcare, trying to find bipartisan common ground. And I just want him to know how much I have appreciated working with him. This is an issue we simply disagree on. And that happens. People have differences of opinion. The Social Security crisis is a freight train barreling toward our Nation. Social Security will be depleted before the end of the next Presidential administration.
Unanimous Consent Request--S. Res. 832 (Executive Session)··Share
Biography
Ron Wyden began his public service career as a legal aid attorney and advocate for seniors in Oregon. First elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996, he represents Oregon and is known for prioritizing health care reform, technology policy, and environmental protection. Wyden authored the bipartisan Internet Tax Freedom Act and has served as chair of the Senate Finance Committee, influencing national tax and trade policy. He is recognized for his detailed oversight work and open government initiatives, consistently aiming to ensure accountability and accessibility for Oregonians.
Education
  • J.D., University of Oregon Law School, Eugene, OR
    1974
  • B.A. in Political Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
    1971
Professional History
  • U.S. Senator

    1996–Present

    Senator from Oregon. 6 terms.

  • U.S. Representative

    1981–1996

    Represented Oregon's 3rd congressional district for 8 terms.

  • Cofounder and Codirector, Oregon Gray Panthers

    1974–80

  • Attorney

  • Member, American Bar Association

  • Director, Oregon Legal Services for the Elderly

  • Public Member, Oregon State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators

Policy Focus
Taxation9%
Health6%
Public Lands and Natural Resources6%
Government Operations and Politics4%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Ron Wyden's record in Congress.

  • Internet Privacy

    Co-authored Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, shaping legal protections for online platforms.

  • Renewable Energy Tax Credits

    Championed and secured extensions of key federal tax credits for wind and solar energy development.

  • Affordable Prescription Drugs

    Led efforts to close the Medicare Part D 'donut hole,' reducing out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors.

  • Forest Health and Wildfire Funding

    Authored legislation to increase federal funding for wildfire prevention and forest management in Oregon and nationwide.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • Senate Committee on FinanceRanking Member
  • Joint Committee on Taxation
  • Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
  • Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
  • Senate Committee on the Budget

Sen. Ron Wyden FAQ

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