Press Releases
Statement of U.S. Senator Ron Wydenon the Nomination of Judge John Robertsto the Supreme Court
Washington, DC U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) released the following statement this evening following the Presidents nomination of U.S. Circuit Judge John Roberts, Jr. to be an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court:The only appropriate way to proceed is on the merits of Judge Roberts record and judicial temperament and any pronouncements tonight would be prejudgments. I look forward to learning about Judge Roberts as the Judiciary Committee conducts a thorough and careful evaluation … Continue Reading
July 14, 2005
Senate Appropriations Committee FundsCitizens Health Care Working Group for 2006
Washington, DC The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved full funding for a continuing effort to break years of gridlock in American health care reform. The FY2006 Labor-HHS appropriations legislation includes $3 million for the Citizens Health Care Working Group created by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in their Health Care that Works for All Americans law. The Working Group is already holding hearings this summer and preparing to publish a guide this fall … Continue Reading
July 07, 2005
Wyden Statement On London Attacks
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement following today's attacks in London:"I am deeply saddened, but not surprised, by today's violence in London. Great Britain, like the United States, is no stranger to these sorts of terrorist attacks. What is important is that there must be no political divide between civilized governments at moments such as this. Those who resort to the murder of innocent civilians to further their cause must be defeated, and the … Continue Reading
July 05, 2005
Senate Approves Creation of National Tsunami Warning System
Washington, DC - The U.S. Senate has approved legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) that would allow for the development of a national tsunami warning system to protect more fully Oregon and the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States. Wyden and Smith joined U.S. Senators Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and others in sponsoring the bipartisan Tsunami Preparedness Act, which was introduced earlier this year following the … Continue Reading
July 01, 2005
Statement of Senator Ron Wyden on the Retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today released the following statement on the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor from the United States Supreme Court:"Sandra Day O'Connor has been a true pioneer throughout her distinguished career in public service, and particularly as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. America has benefited greatly from Justice O'Connor's intellect, independence, solid judgment and her unwavering dedication to equal justice under the … Continue Reading
June 30, 2005
CBO Tells Wyden Elimination AD Costs Could Save Hundreds of Millions
Washington, DC - At a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Aging today, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Douglas Holtz-Eakin, told U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) that the Federal government potentially could save between $300 million and $500 million if the cost of advertising prescription drugs directly to consumers is eliminated in Medicaid alone. Wyden and U.S. Senator John Sununu (R-N.H.) introduced legislation earlier this year to require discounts for Federal … Continue Reading
June 29, 2005
Senate Approves Funds for Oregon Natural Resource Projects
Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced full Senate approval of more than $9 million in funding for Oregon natural resource projects in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2006, and approval of an additional $2.5 million for projects in which Oregon will participate. After the passage this evening by the Senate, the Fiscal Year 2006 Interior Appropriations bill moves to a conference committee to work out differences between Senate and House versions of … Continue Reading
June 27, 2005
Wyden Statement on Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility
Washington, DC - At a press conference today, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) issued the following statement regarding his recent trip to Cuba and his visit to the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay:Senator [Ben] Nelson [D-Neb.] and I spent three days in Cuba and returned last evening. We spent all of yesterday touring Camp Delta, exploring past practices and observing current ones in dealing with so-called "detainees," and discussing the challenges faced by our military personnel.It is … Continue Reading
June 24, 2005
Wyden Amendment to Energy Bill Promotes E-Waste Recycling
Washington, DC - An amendment written by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and accepted into the Senate energy bill will give American recyclers a tax credit to help buy equipment that can be used to recycle electronic waste. The Wyden amendment adds electronic waste to the list of qualified recyclable materials covered under the recycling equipment tax credit in the tax title of the energy bill. That provision would allow businesses to claim a credit of as much as 15 percent of the cost of … Continue Reading
June 24, 2005
Wyden, Smith Gain Funding Approval for Salmon Recovery, Ocean Research
Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved funding for the Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund and for Oregon State University (OSU) for oceanic observation research. The funding approved this week was included in the Senate's FY 2006 Commerce/Justice/Science (CJS) funding bill; the legislation will next be considered by the full Senate and then a House-Senate conference committee, which will … Continue Reading
June 22, 2005
New Wyden Legislation to Protect National Park Lands, Ecosystems from Invasive Species
Washington, DC - To help the National Park Service more effectively fight off invasive species and preserve threatened natural resources, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today introduced legislation to authorize the Secretary of Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with watershed councils, non-profits organizations, private landowners and county and state governments to protect, maintain and restore natural plant species and water resources in and around national park lands. The … Continue Reading
June 17, 2005
Senate Committee Approves Funding for Oregon Energy and Water Projects
Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the FY2006 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill. The bill contains over $60 million in funding for Oregon's critical infrastructure and environmental projects. The legislation now awaits approval by the full Senate. "Oregon's future is dependent upon finding innovative opportunities for economic growth while taking a responsible approach to managing our natural … Continue Reading
June 17, 2005
Wyden Testifies Before BRAC Commission
Portland, OR U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) testified today before the Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Commission regarding the potential dangers of proposed changes to the 142nd Fighter Wing at Portland Air Base. Wyden was joined by fellow Oregon leaders and various military experts in opposing a Pentagon plan to realign the Wing by moving all but two alert fighter jets out of Portland; that move would severely compromise the security of Oregon and the entire Northwest.The BRAC … Continue Reading
June 10, 2005
Wyden, Smith Secure Funds for Oregon Natural Resource Projects
Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced that Oregon could soon receive more than $9 million, and share in an additional $2.5 million, for natural resource projects across the state. Wyden and Smith secured this funding as part of the Senate's FY2006 Interior funding bill, now approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Included in the bill is funding for land acquisitions at the Columbia River Gorge and the Upper Klamath Lake National … Continue Reading
June 08, 2005
Wyden, Fellow Senators Call for Immediate Investigation of Justice Department Action in Tobacco Case
Washington, D.C. - At a press conference on Wednesday, June 8, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sharply criticized the U.S. Justice Department for inexplicably reducing its demands in a Federal racketeering case against tobacco companies to $120 billion less than the companies could be asked to pay for anti-smoking programs. Wyden has joined U.S. Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and others in requesting an Inspector General investigation of the Justice Department's … Continue Reading
June 03, 2005
Wyden: Proposed 142nd Air Wing Changes Make Oregon Vulnerable to Attack
Portland, OR - After a briefing today from officials with the 142nd Air National Guard Fighter Wing and the Oregon Military Department, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said that proposed changes to the unit pose a threat to the safety and security of Oregon and the Northwest region. Wyden had previously expressed strong concerns about Defense Department recommendations to the Federal Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC) Commission that would drop 13 alert fighter jets out of the Portland Air … Continue Reading
May 26, 2005
Federal Government Will Pay Less for Advertised Prescription Drugs under New Wyden Legislation
Washington, DC - The Federal government would pay less for prescription drugs advertised directly to consumers under new legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today. The bipartisan Pharmaceutical Advertising and Prudent Purchasing Act, introduced with and U.S. Senator John Sununu (R-N.H.), would require discounts for programs such as Medicaid, to eliminate advertising costs passed on by pharmaceutical companies as part of a drug's price; drug companies already receive tax … Continue Reading
May 19, 2005
Senate Energy Bill Would Create Energy Consumer Advocate
Washington, DC - A provision championed by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to create a Federal advocate to protect the interests of American energy consumers was included today in the Senate's comprehensive energy legislation. The provision, which would create an independent consumer advocate to be appointed by the Secretary of Energy, is part of the energy bill currently being considered by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Wyden offered amendment language to create … Continue Reading
May 18, 2005
Wyden Amendment to Propose Hybrid Vehicles Added to Senate Energy Bill
Washington, DC - An amendment offered by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to promote the government's use of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles was included today in the comprehensive energy legislation currently being considered by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The amendment, now a part of the Senate's energy bill, would give government agencies and fleet operators credits toward alternative fuel vehicle purchase requirements for the purchase of hybrid vehicles. … Continue Reading
May 17, 2005
Senate Approves Highway Bill Including Wyden Bond Measure, "Smart Growth" Funds
Washington, D.C. - Federal highway legislation passed by the U.S. Senate today included an amendment authored by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to boost funding for America's roads and bridges by $15 billion. The bipartisan Highway Infrastructure Bonds amendment, which Wyden offered with U.S. Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.), will use bonds to finance repair and building projects for roads, bridges and freight infrastructure."A chunk of our country's transportation infrastructure is falling apart, … Continue Reading
