November 7, 2009
Photo Gallery
On October 18, 2009, Senator Wyden helped to return a lost Purple Heart Medal that had been awarded to Gilbert Kay, a Vietnam Veteran, to Kay's son Mike. The medal was lost during the Vernonia Flood of 2007. It was found by Corey Campbell and Jereme Beardall, who then contacted Senator Wyden's office for assistance in locating Mike so that the medal could be returned.
On May 2, 2009, Senator Wyden attended deployment ceremonies in Portland and Bend for members of the Oregon National Guard's 41st Combat Brigade. Nearly 3,000 National Guard soldiers left this week for two months of training at Fort Stewart in Georgia before a 10-month deployment in Iraq.
Senator Wyden with workers from GFP Contracting of Sisters, OR. The 40 workers are among the first in Oregon to be hired with money from the Federal Economic Recovery Act to thin overgrown tree strands on Forest Service land in Central Oregon.
Marking a milestone in a promise he made to Oregonians 13 years ago, Senator Wyden held his 500th town hall meeting in the Wheeler County community of Fossil, the site of his first town hall in 1996.
During a recent trip home, Senator Wyden called for investment in infrastructure to stimulute the economy and create jobs. He was joined by local officials in several locations around the state, urging Congress to approve a second stimulus package that would create family-wage jobs by improving roads, streets and bridges.
Senator Wyden met with the University of Oregon Women's Volleyball team on December 4, 2008. Ranked 7th in the nation, the team was competing in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament being held at American University.
On October 17, 2008, Senator Wyden joined Governor Kulongoski, Rep. David Wu and Solar World Chief Executive Frank Asbeck at the grand opening of Solar World's new manufacturing plant in Hillsboro.
On July 9, 2008 Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) and Jo Ann Emerson (MO-8) led nineteen House co-sponsors in announcing the re-introduction of Senator Wyden's Healthy Americans Act, which guarantees universal, private health insurance for all Americans.
Senator Wyden spoke on October 2, 2007 at the Capitol Hill reception for the 2007 PRISM Awards. The awards are given for outstanding accomplishments in the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol and tobacco use and addiction in film, television, interactive, comic books, music, and video entertainment.
Senator Wyden met with the Oregon State University baseball team on September 21, 2007 during their visit to Washington, D.C. The Beavers were the 2006 and 2007 NCAA Baseball National Champions.
On September 6, 2007, Senators Wyden and Thune held a press conference to introduce the “Build America Bonds” Act. By providing $50 billion in additional Federal transportation funding, Build America Bonds will empower all states to complete critical infrastructure projects.
Senator Wyden met with members of the band OK Go on June 28, 2007, to discuss net neutrality and Internet radio. In May, Senators Wyden and Brownback introduced the Internet Radio Equality Act of 2007.
On June 27, 2007, the Senate Budget Committee heard testimony on the Healthy Americans Act. Sponsored by Senators Wyden and Bennett, the Healthy Americans Act creates a rational health care system designed to guarantee every American quality, affordable health care.
In late May and early June 2007, Senator Wyden and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo held a series of roundtable meetings around the state to discuss possible reforms to the federal No Child Left Behind law.
On May 2, 2007, Sens. Bennett (R-UT) and Wyden and Reps. Baird (D-WA) and Emerson (R-MO) announced that they were proposing the first bipartisan, comprehensive health care reform bill in more than a decade to guarantee health coverage for all Americans.
On April 23, 2007, Senators Wyden and Dorgan (D-ND) called for the resignation or firing of GSA Administrator Lurita Doan, who has come under fire from bipartisan congressional critics for alleged ethics violations.
On Wednesday, December 13, 2006, Senator Wyden was joined by a diverse coalition of leaders to unveil the Healthy Americans Act. The groundbreaking new proposal provides affordable, high-quality, private health coverage for every American regardless of where they live or work.
At a time when issues of national importance -- Iraq, Congressional corruption scandals, the future of the Internet -- were being highlighted in election campaigns across the country, Senator Wyden was meeting with Oregon high school students to discuss the importance of voting.
In October 2006, Senator Wyden joined local business owners, representatives of Google, Yahoo! and ebay, the Oregon Alliance to Reform Media, and local members of the SavetheInternet.com Coalition at Powell’s Books to underscore the importance of Net Neutrality to Oregon businesses, consumers and activists.
On October 23, 2006, Senator Wyden and former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 1986 Tax Reform Act with a renewed call for bipartisan tax reform.
In 2006, the U.S. Air Force recognized twelve "Outstanding Airmen." Two of the twelve, Staff Sergeants Dan Dierickx and Jeff Hansen, are from the state of Oregon. Senator Wyden had the opportunity to congratulate the airmen when they visted him in his Washington, D.C., office.
On September 18, 2006, Senators Wyden and Bennett introduced the Oil Independence, Limiting Subsidies and Accelerating Vehicle Efficiency Act. OILSAVE would offer consumers a tax credit for purchasing qualified energy saving vehicles.
On September 14, 2006, Senators Wyden, Grassley, Lott and Dodd announced a new offensive against the Senate’s practice of secret holds. Wyden has worked with Grassley for more than a decade to end the practice of secret holds.
In June 2006, Senator Wyden visited the future site of SeQuential Biofuels' retail biofuel refueling station in Eugene to discuss the need for American energy independence. SeQuential, an Oregon company, is one of the largest biodiesel marketers in the Pacific Northwest.
In June 2006, Senator Wyden was at the Jackson County Fairgrounds to participate in the official opening of the new Jackson County Solar Pavilion, a clean, domestically-produced, 100% renewable energy demonstration project.
Senator Wyden encouraged commuting to work on two wheels instead of four at the 2006 Bike to Work Day event in Freedom Plaza, Washington, D.C. Senator Wyden has sponsored the Bicycle Commuter Act (S.2635), which would help provide increased tax incentives for bike commuters.
Senator Wyden met with students from Joseph Lane Middle School, which is in the Roseburg School District. He answered questions on everything from daily life as a Senator to education and immigration.
Senator Wyden met with Oregon's Prudential Spirit of Community Award Winners, Bradley Goldsberry and Hailey Hilding. Each year the Prudential Spirit of Community Award is given to 102 middle and high school students from across the country for outstanding community service work.
Senator Wyden met with the American Ambulance Associations 'Oregon Stars of Life' award recipeints. The "Star of Life" is an honorary title that the American Ambulance Association bestows on roughly 100 outstanding emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics across the country each year.
At The Progressive Policy Institute's forum on "Progressive Tax Reform", Senator Wyden talked about his Fair Flat Tax Act of 2005. Congressman Emanuel, who is intoducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives, was also among the panelists.
Senator Wyden spoke at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in downtown Washington about the Fair Flat Tax Act of 2005, which he introduced late last year. His proposal addresses the need for comprehensive tax reform and makes the tax code simpler for all Americans.
On January 9, 2006, Senator Wyden kicked off the Fourth Annual Oregon Economic Leadership Summit. Since it was launched in 2002, the Oregon Business Plan has provided the strategic framework for Oregon's business and elected leaders to build a stronger, more competitive state economy.
Senator Wyden met with Jackson County residents at a Town Hall meeting to answer questions and discuss a variety of topics, ranging from taxes and health care to education and Iraq. In January 2006, Senator Wyden held a series of Town Hall meetings around the state to hear from his constituents about their concerns and priorities before Congress reconvened.
In January 2006, Senator Wyden visited the Santo Community Center, where he met with Medford Mayor Gary Wheeler, Parks and Recreation Director Brian Sjothun, and children that use the community center. Senators Wyden and Smith helped secure a $200,000 grant for the Santo Community Center.
In January 2006, Senator Wyden visited Mountain View Elementary School to celebrate the arrival of $65,000 in state-of-the-art computer equipment. The technology includes laptop computers with wireless Internet access, printers and digital cameras.
Senator Wyden joined Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle to call for action on skyrocketing home heating oil and gas prices, which are threatening the finances of citizens all across the country.
Senators Wyden and Dorgan held a press conference to introduce legislation that would safeguard against the abuse of government credit cards during hurricane cleanup.
Yu Jian Chin from Eugene visited Washington to receive the Angels in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. Senator Wyden nominated her for this award for her extraordinary work over the last decade supporting children and adoption.
Senator Wyden joined Senators Kerry and Schumer for a press conference in Washington to oppose the 2005 energy bill. The legislation does not do enough to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and gives away billions of taxpayer dollars to big energy interests.
Senator Wyden and Senator Ben Nelson traveled to Cuba for a first-hand look at the prison at Guantanamo Bay. Senator Wyden spent three days in Cuba during which he toured Camp Delta and observed current practices in dealing with detainees.
In May 2005, Senator Wyden accepted a call from more than 6,000 women scientists, engineers, educators and others to push Congress to break down barriers to women and girls who could enter and excel in math and "hard science" fields such as engineering and physics.
In May 2005, Senator Wyden presented a certificate of accreditation to the West Salem Clinic. The clinic, a part of Northwest Human Services, provides primary medical, dental, and mental health care on an ability-to-pay basis.
In May 2005, Senator Wyden presented medals to the family of Bob Fisher, who earned them for his service in World War II. Bob Fisher served aboard the U.S.S. Arizona, and was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, when he was only eighteen years old.
In April 2005, Senator Wyden met with Steve and Jeannine Wyborney of Ontario, Oregon. Steve was named the 2005 Oregon Teacher of the Year and was in Washington, D.C., to represent Oregon in the national Teacher of the Year forum.
Senator Wyden convened a roundtable with local law enforcement officials, prosecutors, treatment providers and others to discuss the growing meth epidemic in Lane, Linn and Benton counties.
Senator Wyden hosted three public listening sessions in February 2005 to allow Oregonians to express their questions and concerns about the future of Social Security. He hosted the sessions in Portland on February 22, Bend on February 23 and Medford on Febraury 24.
In March 2005, Seantors Wyden and Talent introduced legislation intended to curb the growing problem of electronic waste. The Electronic Waste Recycling and Promotion and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 would provide incentives to create the first-ever nationwide electronic waste recycling infrastructure.
Delta Sigma Theta Representatives Robin Beavers-Robinson and Mattie Peterson met with Senator Wyden during the 16th Annual "Delta Days in the Nation's Capitol." In 2005, Delta Sigma Theta alumnae were visiting with members of the 109th Congress to stress the importance of voters' rights.
Senator Wyden received a Friend of the National Parks award from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for his contributions to protecting and enhancing America’s national parks.
Senators Wyden and Snowe authored the "Medicare Enhancements for Needed Drugs (MEND)" Act. Senator Feinstein was a key cosponsor of the legislation.
Senator Wyden was accompanied by his Oregon colleague, Senator Smith, on the floor of the United States Senate to be sworn in to the 109th Congress
Senator Wyden met Challenger, the bald eagle, and Al Cecere, President of the American Eagle Foundation. Challenger acts as an ambassador for his species, making appearances to raise national public awareness about the need to restore and protect America's eagles, natural resources and the environment.
Senator Wyden and Representative DeFazio took a tour of the new Riverstone Community Health Center in Lane County on August 20, 2004. Following the tour, Wyden and DeFazio spoke attended an awards ceremony to honor community partners who have worked to ensure the success of community health centers.
Senator Wyden Representative DeFazio visited the University of Oregon campus on August 20, 2004, to participate in a significant funding announcement and to take a tour of the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI).
Senator Wyden worked with local officials and the Congressional delegation to secure federal funding for the Astoria Transit Center, the Netul Landing, and the gateway to Fort Clatsop. He also helped clear administrative roadblocks to enable the Explorer Train to begin service.
Senator Wyden and local elected, business and community leaders joined in a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of Millican Road in Crook County. The road will provide a shorter route between Highway 26 and Highway 97, helping to provide commerce and jobs in the local communities.
Senator Wyden took a tour of the Manufacturing & Applied Technology Center at a One Stop Career Center in Redmond. One Stop Career Centers are primarily funded by the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
In May 2004, Senatory Wyden visited a Habitat for Humanity homebuilding site in Central Point and lent a helping hand in the construction effort. He is part of a program called The Houses the Senate Built which has helped him meet Habitat for Humanity volunteers and families around Oregon.
In May 2004, Senator Wyden honored veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars for their extraordinary service to their country.
Senator Wyden joined more than 150 guests for the first ride along the full length of Interstate MAX. During the ride, he spoke about the importance of mass transit and praised the idea of expanding environmentally friendly forms of transportation. MAX will help connect workers to new jobs in North Portland.
Senator Wyden presented an overdue Bronze Star and other medals to John Cannon, a World War II veteran, for his heroic actions in the Philippines in 1945. Cannon is a veteran of several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, having served a total of 26 years in active and reserve duty for the Army.
Senator Wyden joined students and educators at Washington Elementary School in Medford in celebrating the arrival of new state-of-the-art computer equipment. The equipment was awarded to the school as part of a grant from the Beaumont Foundation of America
The Science Coalition presented Senator Wyden with an award for his efforts to accelerate nanotechnology research in Oregon through his legislation, “The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act.”
Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Hooley held a Law Enforcement Summit August 19, 2003, to listen to concerns and answer questions from law enforcement representatives from around the state.
In June 2003, Senators Wyden and Smith accepted a check for over $10 million from Secretary fo Transportation Norman Mineta. The funds will be used for various transportation improvement projects around the state.
In March 2003, Senators Wyden and Hatch called on Congress to pass the bipartisan “Health Care that Works for All Americans Act” to ensure health care access for the 41 million citizens without health insurance, and improved care for every American.