Press Releases
Wyden Proposes Dramatic Overhaul of Federal Forest Practices in Oregon
(Full text of the proposal, full statement by Senator Wyden, and bill summary are available at: www.wyden.senate.gov/forestproposal.) Washington, D.C. - Striking a balance between the need to sustain forests, as well as bolster the economy, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today proposed an expansive overhaul of federal forest practices in the State of Oregon. Wyden's initiative would permanently end the logging of old growth trees and discourage clear-cutting, while placing a new emphasis on … Continue Reading
June 18, 2008
Wyden Seeks Greater Protection for Rogue River and Oregon Caves Monument
Washington, D.C. - Working to ensure that the natural beauty of Oregon is perpetually protected, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced two separate pieces of legislation today to extend Wild and Scenic River protections to waters that feed the lower Rogue River and to expand the boundary of the Oregon Caves National Monument. Companion legislation is being introduced today in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Darlene Hooley … Continue Reading
June 10, 2008
Wyden Seeks to Combat Immigration ID Theft with Change in Homeland Security Policy
WASHINGTON, DC - Responding to confirmed reports from constituents about lost or stolen identification documents, US Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff requesting a reexamination of the agency's procedures for mailing lawful permanent resident cards. Currently the Homeland Security Department sends these important federal documents via first class mail, instead of certified mail, leaving them vulnerable to theft or loss if sent to … Continue Reading
June 09, 2008
Senate Tax Package Includes County Payments Extension
Washington, D.C. - Following a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore) announced today that a four year extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act - commonly known as the "county payments" law - is included in the Senate version of H.R.6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. Wyden cautioned that the Republicans' threat to filibuster is likely to derail his effort. "I hope that my Republican … Continue Reading
June 05, 2008
Wyden Says Review of Rumsfeld Pre-War Congressional Testimony is Needed
WASHINGTON, DC - Working to ensure public accountability for the administration's rush into the Iraq War, US Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, called today for a review of Congressional testimony by former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in light of new information in a report just released by the Intelligence Committee. "This is stunning," said Wyden. "The Secretary of Defense, testifying before Congress about whether or not … Continue Reading
June 05, 2008
Wyden Seeks Permanent Protection for Badlands and Spring Basin
Washington, D.C. - Continuing his efforts to preserve the natural beauty of Oregon, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced separate pieces of legislation today to extend permanent federal wilderness protection to the Badlands and Spring Basin. The bills would designate as Wilderness almost 30,000 acres just east of Bend, Oregon, through the Oregon Badlands Wilderness Act of 2008 and over 8,600 acres overlooking the John Day Wild and Scenic River through the Spring Basin Wilderness Act of … Continue Reading
June 03, 2008
Speech: Wyden Addresses OHSU Graduates at 2008 Commencement
Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) delivered the following speech at Oregon Health and Science University's Commencement Exercises on Tuesday, June 3, 2008.Dr. Robertson, graduates, parents, distinguished guests. I'm Senator Ron Wyden, the United States Senator who you may know as the author of the "all-important" amendment to the amendment to the amendment on some bill or another. I'm also proud to be known as the father who watched Dr. Mark Nichols, his OHSU staff of nurses, physician assistants and … Continue Reading
June 02, 2008
Wyden to meet with Oregon Iraq, Afghanistan war veterans about new G.I. bill, better benefits
Portland, OR - Oregon Senator Ron Wyden will meet on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 with Oregon Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans about the need for a new G.I. Bill to improve educational and other benefits for members of National Guard and the Reserves. He will be joined by Gen. Mike Caldwell of the Oregon National Guard.Currently, National Guard and Reserve members who have fought in the Middle East since 9/11 do not receive fewer benefits than those in the regular armed forces. Wyden supports … Continue Reading
May 27, 2008
Wyden announces wilderness legislation for Badlands in Deschutes County
Bend, Ore. - Oregon Senator Ron Wyden announced today that he will introduce legislation to declare the 30,000-acre Badlands area east of Bend as wilderness."After years of increasing interest and excitement about protecting this beautiful place, I am ready to introduce the legislation necessary to create the 30,000-acre Oregon Badlands Wilderness," Wyden told a crowd of local residents during a visit to the Badlands. "It will tell the world that Central Oregon is a place with an unbelievable … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008
Wyden to hold town hall meeting in Lake County
Portland, OR - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a town hall meeting on May 30, 2008, in Lakeview. Residents of Lake County are invited to attend the open forum to ask questions and voice their concerns. During his 1996 U.S. Senate campaign, Wyden promised to hold town hall meetings in every Oregon county each year. The event in Lakeview is the 11th year of these meetings, which now total over 475.Lake County Town Hall MeetingDate: May 30, 2008Time: 2 p.m.Location: Lakeview High School, 906 S … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008
Senate Approves County Payments Extension
Washington, D.C. - Voting 75 to 22, the U.S. Senate today approved an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 (HR.2642) that included a one-year $400 million extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act."Once again an overwhelming majority of the Senate voted to keep our rural schools and communities afloat," said Wyden. "Today's vote sends a strong message to both the House and the White House that funding county payments is a critical national … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008
Wyden to hold town hall meeting in Wallowa County
Portland, OR - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a town hall meeting on May 30, 2008, in Joseph. Residents of Wallowa County are invited to attend the open forum to ask questions and voice their concerns. During his 1996 U.S. Senate campaign, Wyden promised to hold town hall meetings in every Oregon county each year. The event in Joseph is the 11th year of these meetings, which now total over 475.Wallowa County Town Hall MeetingDate: May 30, 2008Time: 10 a.m. Location: Joseph High School, … Continue Reading
May 20, 2008
Report Raises Concerns About the Effectiveness of Coercive Interrogation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) a senior member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement in response to the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General's (DOJ IG) report entitled: "Review of the FBI's Involvement in and Observations of Detainee Interrogations in Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan and Iraq." The DOJ IG's report is available at: http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/special/s0805/final.pdf "Today the DOJ IG shines light … Continue Reading
May 15, 2008
Wyden statement on approval of $170 million in salmon disaster relief
Washington, D.C. -- Oregon Senator Ron Wyden issued the following statement today following Senate approval of a Farm Bill that includes $170 million in disaster assistance to help commercial fishers and businesses that have been affected by the salmon closure in Oregon, California, Washington and Idaho. "The disaster relief funding included for our commercial fishing industry is a much-needed lifeline for lots of Oregon communities and families," said Wyden. "We look forward to working with … Continue Reading
May 15, 2008
Farm Bill Passes with Illegal Logging Provision Intact
Washington, D.C. - Protecting ecosystems across the globe and businesses here at home that are being devastated by the practice of illegal logging, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today praised the inclusion of an amendment to the Farm Bill based on the "Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007" which the senator introduced last year to halt the trade of illegal timber. American manufacturers are increasingly struggling to compete with the low-priced wood and wood products being harvested from … Continue Reading
May 14, 2008
Wyden calls the EPA's Refusal to Meet with the City of Portland "Flagrantly Wrong"
Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today criticized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) refusal to meet with the City of Portland to discuss the city's sewer reconstruction program. The City has been working for over 20 years on a program to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act and reduce water pollution from its sewer system. "After the City of Portland and its ratepayers have shown their good faith by committing to years of effort and over $1.4 … Continue Reading
May 08, 2008
Senate Committee Assigns $400 Million for County Payments
Washington, D.C. - In a continued effort to provide lasting relief for the nation's rural schools and communities, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced today that $400 million is included in the Senate's Iraq supplemental spending bill for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act, commonly known as the "county payments" law. The bill which includes all of the government's emergency supplemental funding for FY 2008 is expected to pass the Senate … Continue Reading
May 07, 2008
Wyden, Smith Move Siskiyou Grazing Buy Out Forward
Washington, DC - Oregon's U.S. Senators today succeeded in pushing forward a bipartisan compromise to buy out cattlemen's grazing leases on the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, protecting over 24,000 acres of new wilderness. Smith and Wyden's legislation, which has strong local backing, was unanimously approved by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today."At a crossroad that required balance and long-term vision, ranchers and environmentalists came together and found a way to … Continue Reading
May 01, 2008
CLOSURE OF SALMON SEASON DECLARED A "FISHERIES FAILURE"
In light of the near complete cancellation of all commercial salmon fishing off of the West Coast this year, the Department of Commerce today declared a "fishery failure" for the 2008 season. This declaration will provide the authorization needed for Congress to provide disaster assistance for affected communities. Oregon Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden urged the declaration in a letter to the Department of Commerce earlier this month."A season without work is devastating for families who … Continue Reading
May 01, 2008
CBO and Joint Tax Find Healthy Americans Act Would Lead to Surpluses after 2014
WASHINGTON, DC - After analyzing the bipartisan Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Joint Committee on Taxation (Joint Tax) today released a report that found the Act would be roughly budget neutral in 2014 and found that implementation of the Act would actually create surpluses after that year. The findings were released by CBO Director, Peter Orszag, in a closed-door briefing with a bipartisan group of cosponsors. Copies of the CBO/Joint Tax Report … Continue Reading
