Challenges in the Life of Jeff Merkley in a Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Jeff Merkley's life and career.
Jeff Merkley is an American politician currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Oregon, a position he has held since his election in 2008. As a member of the Democratic Party, Merkley previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1999 to 2009, representing the 47th district. He also held the position of Speaker of the Oregon House during the final two years of his service there.
4 hours ago : Jeff Merkley Discusses War, Economy, and Mental Health at Sisters Town Hall.
Senator Jeff Merkley addressed war, the economy, and youth mental health at a town hall in Sisters, Oregon. He also spoke about Trump and protesting. Republicans are also vying to unseat Bentz.
February 2010: Unemployment Benefits Extension
In late February 2010, Jeff Merkley tried to persuade Republican colleague Jim Bunning to drop his objection to passing a 30-day extension of unemployment benefits for jobless Americans, but was unsuccessful.
January 5, 2011: Introducing a resolution to reform Senate rules
On January 5, 2011, Jeff Merkley, along with Senators Tom Udall and Tom Harkin, introduced a resolution to increase debate and accountability in the Senate. The resolution aimed to eliminate the filibuster on motions to proceed, eliminate secret holds, guarantee amendment consideration for both majority and minority, require a "talking filibuster", and expedite the nominations process. Merkley expressed that the Senate was failing to fulfill its legislative responsibilities.
2015: Repeal of the Clean Power Plan Compliance Costs
In October 2017, Jeff Merkley was one of 19 senators to sign a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt questioning Pruitt's decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan and its costs to comply with the 2015 Rule.
December 2016: Vote Against the 21st Century Cures Act
In December 2016, Jeff Merkley was one of five senators to vote against the Obama administration-supported 21st Century Cures Act, a legislation increasing funding for disease research while addressing flaws in the American mental health systems and altering drugs and medical devices' regulatory system.
February 2017: Letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions Regarding Russian Collusion
In February 2017, Jeff Merkley was one of 11 senators who signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions expressing concern about allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. The senators requested an independent Special Counsel to investigate these allegations, including those related to Michael Flynn's resignation.
April 4, 2017: Protested Gorsuch Confirmation
On April 4, 2017, Jeff Merkley held the Senate floor for 15 hours and 28 minutes in protest of the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
April 2017: Filibuster of Neil Gorsuch's Nomination
In April 2017, Jeff Merkley filibustered for 15 hours in protest of Neil Gorsuch's nomination, calling it a "stolen seat" due to the Senate Republicans blocking President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland.
June 2017: Vote on Resolution to Block Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia
In June 2017, Jeff Merkley voted for a resolution by Rand Paul and Chris Murphy that would block Trump's $510 million sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia, which was part of a larger $110 billion arms sale announced the previous year.
October 2017: Letter Questioning Repeal of the Clean Power Plan
In October 2017, Jeff Merkley was one of 19 senators to sign a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt questioning Pruitt's decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan, asserting that the repeal's proposal used "mathematical sleights of hand to over-state the costs of industry compliance with the 2015 Rule and understate the benefits that will be lost if the 2017 repeal is finalized".
January 2018: Letter Encouraging Protection and Expansion of 'Buy America' Laws
In January 2018, Jeff Merkley was one of 10 senators to sign a letter to Trump encouraging him to protect and expand 'Buy America' laws. The letter asserted that infrastructure proposals should ensure the use of American-made materials and fair wages for workers.
March 2018: Merkley Led Senators Against FCC Proposal to Curb Lifeline Program Benefits
In March 2018, Jeff Merkley spearheaded a letter, co-signed by nine other senators, criticizing FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's proposal to reduce the benefits from the Lifeline program, which provided high-speed internet access to approximately 6.5 million individuals in impoverished communities. The senators, led by Merkley, asserted that it was Pai's responsibility to enhance the Lifeline program and ensure more Americans have affordable access to broadband and phone service. They advocated for extending Lifeline's reach to more Americans requiring communication services.
March 2018: Vote Against Tabling Resolution on Troop Withdrawal from Yemen
In March 2018, Jeff Merkley voted against tabling a resolution that would have required Trump to withdraw American troops from Yemen within 30 days unless they were combating Al-Qaeda.
June 2018: Denied Entry to Casa Padre
In June 2018, Jeff Merkley attempted to enter the Casa Padre processing facility in Brownsville, Texas, where children separated from their parents were being detained, but was not permitted to enter.
June 2018: Attempted Visit to Detention Facility
In June 2018, Jeff Merkley attempted to visit a facility holding the children of jailed adults who had attempted to cross the border to seek asylum, but was denied entrance.
October 2018: Letter to Secretary of State Pompeo Regarding Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE
In October 2018, Jeff Merkley was one of seven senators to sign a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing concern over the Trump administration's certifications regarding Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates' compliance with U.S. laws on arms sales in Yemen.
December 2018: Letter Expressing Concern Over Suspension of Nuclear Forces Treaty
In December 2018, Jeff Merkley was one of 26 senators to sign a letter expressing concern over the Trump administration's decision to suspend its obligations in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The letter called on President Trump to continue arms negotiations and voiced concern about abandoning bipartisan U.S. leadership in reducing nuclear weapons.
December 2018: Letter Arguing Against Improper Use of Affordable Care Act Section 1332
In December 2018, Jeff Merkley was one of 42 senators to sign a letter to Trump administration officials arguing that the administration was improperly using Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act to authorize states to "increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with preexisting conditions."
February 28, 2019: Introduction of Resolution Prohibiting Military Intervention in Venezuela
On February 28, 2019, Jeff Merkley introduced a resolution prohibiting American military intervention in Venezuela without Congress's approval. He called for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to resign and for new elections to be held under an interim government.
August 2019: Letter Requesting Data on Potential Consequences of Texas v. United States Affordable Care Act Lawsuit
In August 2019, Jeff Merkley was one of 19 senators to sign a letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar requesting data on the potential consequences of the Texas v. United States Affordable Care Act lawsuit, emphasizing the impact on people and state budgets.
October 27, 2022: Urging Financial Executives to Cancel Attendance at Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit
On October 27, 2022, Jeff Merkley and Representative Jim McGovern urged U.S. financial executives to cancel their attendance at the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, citing concerns over the dismantling of Hong Kong's autonomy and rule of law.
2023: Call for Ceasefire During Gaza War
In 2023, during the Gaza war, Jeff Merkley was one of three U.S. senators who called for a ceasefire, along with Dick Durbin and Peter Welch.
January 2024: Vote on Resolution Regarding U.S. Aid to Israel
In January 2024, Jeff Merkley voted for a resolution proposed by Bernie Sanders to apply human rights provisions to U.S. aid to Israel's military. The proposal was ultimately defeated.
April 2025: Vote on Resolutions to Cancel Arms Sales to Israel
In April 2025, Jeff Merkley voted for resolutions proposed by Bernie Sanders to cancel the Trump administration's sales of $8.8 billion in bombs and other munitions to Israel. The proposals were defeated.
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