Press Releases
Wyden Hits Oil Speculators in the Wallet
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In order to reduce excessive speculative trading in oil and natural gas, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a member of both the Senate Finance and Energy and Natural Resources Committees, introduced the Stop Tax-breaks for Oil Profiteering (STOP) Act of 2009 today. The legislation would end tax breaks that non-commercial speculators currently enjoy, and tax all profits at the same rate as ordinary income for tax-paying investors. Oil and gas trading gains would be treated as … Continue Reading
August 06, 2009
Dayton School District First in Oregon to Issue Build America Bonds
Portland, OR - Dayton School District in Yamhill County has become the first public entity in Oregon to take advantage of the new Build America Bonds program championed by Senator Ron Wyden and guaranteed by the State under the direction of the program overseen by Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund. By using Build America Bonds versus traditional tax-exempt bonds, the school district will employ up to 150 people building and remodeling classroom and save taxpayers an estimated $1.2 million … Continue Reading
August 04, 2009
Wyden Statement on NOAA Decision to Move Fleet to Newport
Washington, D.C. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden issued the following statement today on the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's selection of the Port of Newport (Oregon) to be the new home of the agency's Marine Operations Center-Pacific beginning in 2011."This was the right decision for NOAA, for Oregon and for the port and community of Newport. It is also a tremendous compliment to those at the Port of Newport and other elected officials in the community who worked tirelessly to … Continue Reading
August 03, 2009
Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Passes Senate with Projects Requested by Wyden/Merkley
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced today that efforts to improve Oregon's waterways and alternative energy technology capabilities took a huge step forward when an energy and water appropriations bill was passed by the full Senate. The bill includes more than $280 million in projects for Oregon and the Northwest. "This is a good day for those looking to create or preserve jobs in Oregon," Wyden said. "These funds are needed to make … Continue Reading
August 03, 2009
Funding for Vernonia Schools/Rural Health Care Included in Labor/Health Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - Working to improve access to rural health care, much-needed school equipment and support for military families, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced that the Labor and Health and Human Services appropriations bill headed to the Senate floor includes more than $1.4 million in projects for Oregon. "Whether by providing badly-needed classroom computers in flood-ravaged Vernonia, extending a hand to our returning soldiers, or fueling economic … Continue Reading
July 31, 2009
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill Includes Nearly $8 Million for Oregon Infrastructure Projects
Washington D.C. - Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that nearly $8 million for infrastructure and job creation throughout Oregon will be included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Senate Appropriations bill. Projects in the spending bill will create construction and other jobs that come with replacing or improving outdated bridges, improving traffic flow, protecting Southern Oregon's fishing industry and addressing traffic hazards that threaten … Continue Reading
July 30, 2009
Merkley, Wyden Announce Up to $3 Million for Solar Energy Partnership in Bend
WASHINGTON D.C. - Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that a partnership involving PV Powered, a manufacturer of photovoltaic solar inverters in Bend, Oregon, will receive up to $3 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop solar energy grid integration systems (SEGIS). A portion of that funding will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. "Every day, we're seeing countries like China and India pour resources into the development of clean … Continue Reading
July 30, 2009
Wyden Announces Statewide Committee to Recommend Names for U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal Positions
Portland, OR - Senator Ron Wyden announced today that 13 Oregonians have agreed to serve on a committee to review candidates and make recommendations for the District of Oregon's United States Attorney and the United States Marshal positions. The committee will convene in August to recommend candidates for these two positions. The deadline to apply for these positions is August 15. Those interested in the U.S. Attorney position should send a letter of interest and resume to … Continue Reading
July 28, 2009
Wyden Vows to Ground Helicopter Tours at Crater Lake
Washington, D.C. - Determined to protect the natural quiet and unique character of Oregonians' beloved Crater Lake, U.S Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today pressed Jonathan Jarvis, the administration's nominee to head the National Parks Service, during his confirmation hearing on his attitudes towards a proposed plan to allow commercial helicopter overflights in Crater Lake National Park. Jarvis appeared before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today to face tough questioning … Continue Reading
July 27, 2009
Wyden Issues Statement on Jonathan Jarvis, Park Service Nominee
Washington, D.C. - Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) released the following statement today after meeting with the nominee for the position of Director of the National Park Service, Jonathan Jarvis. "I met with Mr. Jarvis today and told him I intend to do everything in my power to stop any plan to allow helicopter tours of Crater Lake. Oregonians and our visitors visit the lake to enjoy nature's sights and sounds, not to see and hear helicopters. Allowing helicopter tours of Crater Lake is just plain … Continue Reading
July 23, 2009
Energy and Water Appropriations Bill to Include Funding for Alternative Energy and Dredging Projects
Washington, D.C. - Working to improve access to Oregon's waterways and to maintain its standing as a leader in alternative energy technology, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced that an energy and water appropriations bill headed to the Senate floor includes more than $278 million in projects for Oregon and the Northwest."Creating and preserving Oregon jobs, whether through advances in alternative energy technology or by making Oregon's ports more accessible … Continue Reading
July 21, 2009
Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $29 Million in Recovery Act Funds for Oregon Forests
WASHINGTON D.C. - Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that nearly $29 million in Recovery Act funds will go to facility infrastructure, energy efficiency upgrades, and trail maintenance in Oregon's forests. The funding also includes $3 million for the Oregon Youth Employment Initiative. This program puts youth to work in the woods and helps conserve natural resources in Oregon's forests. "Our forests are integral to our way of life. They create jobs, provide recreation … Continue Reading
July 21, 2009
Wyden Fights Wasteful F-22 Spending
Washington, D.C. - Keeping his focus on protecting American troops and taxpayer funds, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) spoke on the Senate floor against spending $1.75 billion to purchase seven more F-22 fighter jets that the Air Force has specifically said it does not want. The Pentagon has already purchased 187 of the jets. The speech was in advance of the senator's vote today in support of the Levin-McCain F-22 amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill, S. 1390. The amendment was approved … Continue Reading
July 16, 2009
Judicial Selection Committee Recommends Five Finalists for Two Federal Judgeships
Portland, OR - Senator Ron Wyden announced today that a federal judicial selection committee has recommended five finalists to fill two federal district court judgeships for Oregon. Wyden will forward those five names to the White House. Wyden will interview them in August. "I thank the selection committee for their hard work and recommendations," said Wyden. "Their efforts are critical to the wise administration of justice in our state, and their contributions will be felt … Continue Reading
July 14, 2009
Wyden, Merkley Announce $3.2 Million in Improvements to Buena Vista Ferry
Washington, D.C. - Working to improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced today that $3.2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will be used to revitalize the Buena Vista Ferry. "The Buena Vista Ferry is a landmark in Marion County," Wyden said. "For decades, it has served the mid-Willamette valley and with these improvements it will continue to be an important transportation tool for many … Continue Reading
July 13, 2009
Wyden, Merkley Announce Funding for Agriculture Research Included in Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced today that an agriculture appropriations bill headed to the Senate floor includes more than $7 million in projects for Oregon. Included in the bill is funding for research into improving Oregon's crops and controlling invasive species. "Agriculture producers have always played a major role in the success of this state and it is important that wise investments are made to ensure that continues to be the … Continue Reading
July 13, 2009
Wyden Seeking Names of Those Interested in Oregon U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal Positions
Portland, OR - Senator Ron Wyden is seeking the names of individuals interested in the United States Attorney and the United States Marshal positions for the District of Oregon. The deadline to apply for the positions is August 15. Senator Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley will appoint a selection committee to review candidates and make recommendations to Senator Wyden. The U.S. Attorney for Oregon is one of 93 in the United States and its territories, all of which are part of the United States … Continue Reading
July 10, 2009
Wyden Says Bush Policies Were "Harmful to U.S. National Security"
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July 09, 2009
Military Construction Appropriations Bill to Include Improvements to Oregon's Military Infrastructure
Washington, D.C. - Working to ensure Oregon's military infrastructure is up-to-date and able to provide the best in emergency services, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced today that a Military Construction appropriations bill headed to the Senate floor includes nearly $5 million in projects for military installations in Clackamas, Clatsop and Washington counties. "These funds lay the ground work for improvements and upgrades to the infrastructure in these … Continue Reading
July 09, 2009
Wyden, Merkley Announce Nearly $8 Million for Oregon in Interior Department Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. - Working to ensure Oregon's natural resources are preserved and its infrastructure is strengthened, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced today that an Interior appropriations bill headed to the Senate floor includes nearly $8 million in projects for Oregon. Included in the bill are $3 million for land acquisition in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. "You only have to look at Oregon's natural … Continue Reading
