Press Releases
Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment in Manufacturing Equipment for Columbia Gorge Community College
Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a nearly $300,000 federal investment for Columbia Gorge Community College to add manufacturing equipment to its Advanced Manufacturing and Technology program. “In my nearly 1,100 town halls throughout Oregon, I hear regularly about the need for local workforce development and creating avenues of success for young Oregonians,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified this federal investment in the Gorge combines both those objectives … Continue Reading
September 20, 2024
Wyden, Merkley Announce $200,000 Federal Award for Farmers Conservation Alliance in Central Oregon
Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the Farmers Conservation Alliance in Bend has earned a $200,000 Energizing Rural Communities award from the U.S. Department of Energy. “In my meetings and town halls throughout Oregon, I hear regularly from farmers and ranchers about the negative impacts the climate crisis is wreaking on their land and crops,” Wyden said. “Organizations like Farmers Conservation Alliance that work to optimize irrigation and energy … Continue Reading
September 19, 2024
Wyden, Fetterman Urge Energy Department to Prioritize AI-Enabled Research that Supercharges Clean Energy Security and Reduces Environmental Impacts
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., today urged the Department of Energy to prioritize the development—driven by the responsible use of artificial intelligence—of new technologies that are vital to strengthening national security and clean energy. As the United States works to increase domestic production of critical minerals, AI would allow scientists to condense decades of research into mere days by modeling and evaluating millions of … Continue Reading
September 19, 2024
During Suicide Prevention Month, U.S. Senators Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Funding for Oregon Veteran Programs
Washington D.C— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a combined federal investment of $1.84 million to support three Oregon community organizations with suicide prevention programs and services for veterans and their families. “Taking care of those who served our country is one of the most important things we all can do as Americans,” Wyden said. “This is a vital issue year-round, but it’s especially timely to shine a light on these crucial resources for Oregonians during … Continue Reading
September 19, 2024
Wyden, Murray, Rosen, Baldwin Lead Introduction of Resolution Affirming Access to Emergency Health Care, Including Abortion
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Patty Murray, D-Wash., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., today introduced a resolution that would protect the right to emergency health care, including abortion care, for all patients, regardless of where they live. The Every Woman Has the Right to Emergency Health Care resolution comes as new reporting from ProPublica shows Republican abortion bans are preventing women from receiving lifesaving emergency health care and resulting … Continue Reading
September 18, 2024
Wyden, Merkley Announce $1.3 Million in Federal Funds for Bend Park and Recreation District
Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $1.33 million for the Bend Park and Recreation District to renovate Sawyer Park and improve access for outdoor recreation close to home. “Being good stewards of our breathtaking outdoors is essential to our identities as Oregonians,” Wyden said. “I congratulate Bend Park and Recreation District for winning this competitive federal award, and look forward to seeing the improvements to Sawyer Park … Continue Reading
September 18, 2024
Wyden Welcomes New WNBA Franchise to Portland
Portland - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today welcomed the announcement that Portland has secured an expansion franchise in the WNBA with the following statement “Today puts basketball fans in Portland and all across Oregon solidly in the ‘W” column,” Wyden said. “Our city and entire state have consistently set the gold standard for supporting women's sports, and I’m thrilled the Bhathal family is expanding its commitment to women’s sports locally by bringing Portland a much-deserved WNBA … Continue Reading
September 17, 2024
Wyden, Veasey Reintroduce Bicameral Resolution Recognizing September as National Voting Rights Month
Washington, D.C. — On National Voter Registration Day, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-Texas, reintroduced their resolution recognizing September as “National Voting Rights Month.” “You can’t have a democracy if the people can’t vote,” Wyden said. “As we approach a pivotal election this fall, we must double down on our commitment to safeguarding the right to vote for every American. I am proud to once again join Representative Veasey to make sure … Continue Reading
September 17, 2024
Wyden, Markey Urge FCC to Reject Trump’s Weaponization of Commission and Uphold First Amendment
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said today that he and U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass. are urging all five Commissioners at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make licensing determinations objectively and in a manner that upholds the First Amendment. Following the presidential debate last week, Donald Trump stated that ABC is “a news organization. They have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that.” Trump’s threat to … Continue Reading
September 17, 2024
Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Celebrate $963,000 to PSU to Reduce Transportation Carbon Emissions
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley with U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici today announced a federal investment of $963,000 for Portland State University to establish a transportation decarbonization resource hub. “Carbon from the transportation sector makes a huge impact on carbon emissions statewide, and I applaud this federal investment for PSU to reduce that amount and help to tackle the current climate crisis head on,” Wyden said. “This is urgent business, and I … Continue Reading
September 16, 2024
Merkley, Wyden: Nearly $43 Million for Natural Disaster Recovery in Oregon
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is sending a total of $42,736,663 to state and federal agencies in Oregon that repaired roads and other critical infrastructure that was deeply damaged during natural disasters. The federal funds will be used to reimburse the agencies for their vital work that was needed to ensure communities across the state can continue to recover from years of severe weather … Continue Reading
September 16, 2024
Wyden, Merkley Announce $682,000 to Oregon Manufacturers to Reduce Pollution and Lower Costs
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a combined federal investment of $682,675 for Oregon businesses to improve their facilities, save energy, reduce carbon pollution, lower costs, and strengthen Oregon’s manufacturing sector.? “The fight against the climate crisis requires action from every sector in order to avoid its worst effects on the physical and financial well-being of small businesses in Oregon and nationwide ,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal … Continue Reading
September 16, 2024
Wyden Joins Legislation to Tackle Food Insecurity Among College Students
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said today he is co-sponsoring a bill that would address food insecurity among college students, ensuring they can focus on their education without fear of sacrificing meals to pay for school. “College alone is a big enough challenge for students,” Wyden said. “Students shouldn’t have to worry about whether they can afford a meal. We need to ensure that students seeking opportunities are set up for success, and that includes giving them … Continue Reading
September 11, 2024
Wyden Introduces Legislation to Guarantee Full Retirement Benefits for American Hostages
Washington, D.C. - Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said today he has introduced bipartisan legislation that would protect the Social Security benefits of Americans who have been held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. On August 1, several Americans were released from Russian detention as part of a historic prisoner exchange. These individuals now face several financial obstacles resulting from their captivity, including diminished Social Security benefits when they … Continue Reading
September 11, 2024
Merkley, Wyden Announce $9.4 Million Federal Investment to Confront Wildfire Threats in Oregon
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $9.4 million is coming to Oregon to reduce wildfire threats in high-risk areas across the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is directly investing $9,422,722 in three of Oregon’s national forests to treat areas of high wildfire risk where forests and grasslands meet homes and communities. This funding is part of the USDA Forest Service’s (USFS) Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program, … Continue Reading
September 09, 2024
Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $3 Million for Safer Streets in Oregon Cities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced federal funding is heading to the cities of Tangent, Milwaukie, and Ashland to develop and update comprehensive road and street safety plans, while investments for Klamath Falls will fund the construction of safety improvements at intersections in the city. “Whether walking, driving, or biking, Oregonians in every corner of the state deserve safe streets in their communities to get where they need to go,” … Continue Reading
September 06, 2024
Merkley, Wyden Celebrate $11.5 Million Coming to Oregon to Boost Literacy Programs
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $11.5 million is coming to Oregon to boost the state’s programs to close disparities in literacy for students. The U.S. Department of Education is awarding the Oregon Department of Education $11,578,036 to advance literacy skills, including pre-literacy skills, reading, and writing for students from birth through grade 12. The program will particularly focus on limited-English-proficient students and … Continue Reading
September 06, 2024
Merkley, Wyden: $16.1 Million Federal Investment Will Jumpstart Economic Development, Job Training in Eastern Oregon
Washington, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $16,100,000 is coming to Baker and Union counties to support communities located near a proposed new transmission line in Eastern Oregon. The funds will support job training programs, as well as economic development projects for housing, business development, and improved regional infrastructure. “This critical funding will help ensure that Eastern Oregon’s electricity needs are met for years to come … Continue Reading
September 05, 2024
Oregon Delegation Announces $9.6 Million for the City of Portland to Make Critical Safety Improvements Along 82nd Avenue
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, alongside U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici, today announced new federal funding to improve one of Portland’s most important,high-crash corridors. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding the City of Portland $9.6 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make essential safety improvements on a seven-mile segment of 82nd Avenue. “Whether Oregonians are walking, biking, or … Continue Reading
September 05, 2024
Wyden, Merkley: Airports In Medford and Prineville Earn More Than $10 Million in Federal Grants
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the Rogue Valley International Airport and the Prineville Airport have secured more than $10.4 million combined in federal grants for improvements to taxiways, lighting, runways and more. “These federal investments to modernize and improve airports in Medford and Prineville benefit Oregonians relying on these facilities in both communities for the health of their economies as well as safety in times of … Continue Reading
