Track Jeff's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
This bill establishes new criteria for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to evaluate natural gas import/export applications based on climate impacts, domestic affordability, and national security risks.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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This bill, the "Protecting Americans from High Electricity Prices Act of 2026," overhauls the criteria the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission uses to approve natural gas import and export applications. It mandates that the Commission must now affirmatively find that such activities are in the public interest, explicitly considering climate impacts, domestic affordability, and national security risks. The legislation specifically prohibits approvals that would increase U.S. natural gas prices or raise greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes (1, 2, and 3).
This bill authorizes the President to declare a smoke emergency due to wildfire smoke, enabling federal assistance for affected communities and relief for small businesses.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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This bill, the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act of 2026, authorizes the President to declare a smoke emergency when severe wildfire smoke significantly impacts air quality in a state. Upon declaration, federal agencies like FEMA can provide emergency assistance, including resources for smoke shelters and air monitoring. The Act also allows the Small Business Administration to offer relief grants to small businesses affected by the declared emergency.
This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify the Department of Education's final regulations concerning the Federal Student Loan Program.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify the Department of Education's final rule concerning "Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations." If enacted, this action would prevent the new regulations from taking effect, leaving them without any legal force.
This bill establishes grants to help high-need schools hire and retain school-based mental health service providers to improve student access to essential support.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This bill establishes the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act to address the critical need for mental health support in schools. It provides federal grants to states to award subgrants to local educational agencies for recruiting, retaining, and hiring school-based mental health services providers in high-need schools. The goal is to help schools work toward recommended student-to-provider ratios for counselors, psychologists, and social workers.
This Act establishes a competitive grant program to support and expand career and technical education programs focused on early childhood education workforce development.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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The Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act of 2026 establishes a competitive grant program to support and expand career and technical education (CTE) programs focused on early childhood education. These grants will fund partnerships to develop curriculum, recruit and train educators, and provide student support services. The goal is to strengthen the early childhood education workforce by creating clearer career pathways and improving educational outcomes for students.
This Act formally defines a professional degree within federal education law to explicitly include nursing, alongside other established professions like medicine and law.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
The Nursing is a Professional Degree Act formally defines "professional degree" within federal law to explicitly include nursing degrees. This change ensures nursing education meets the statutory standard for professional degrees, recognizing the advanced academic and skill requirements necessary to practice.
This resolution supports the goals of National Nurses Week, recognizing the vital contributions of nurses and encouraging public observance of their importance.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This resolution supports the goals of National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6th to May 12th. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses across patient care, public health, and research. The bill encourages the nation to observe this week with appropriate recognition for the importance of nurses in everyday lives.
This Act establishes a Task Force to study the environmental impacts of the tire chemical 6PPD and accelerate the development and adoption of safer alternatives.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This Act establishes the 6PPD Task Force, led by the Department of Transportation and EPA, to address the environmental threat posed by the tire chemical 6PPD-Q, which is toxic to coho salmon. The Task Force will coordinate research, identify funding opportunities, and recommend strategies for developing and deploying safer alternatives to 6PPD while maintaining tire safety standards. It will also share best practices for mitigating current runoff impacts and maintain a public repository of resources.
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran, while maintaining the authority to defend against attacks and support partner nations.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It reinforces Congress's constitutional authority over war powers while ensuring the U.S. retains the right to defend itself and support partner nations against Iranian attacks.
This resolution designates the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week" to promote public education regarding the health hazards of asbestos exposure.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This resolution designates the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week." It further urges the Surgeon General to educate the public on the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
This joint resolution nullifies the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule concerning Truth in Lending and advance compensation credit for borrowers.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) concerning Truth in Lending and advance consumer credit based on expected compensation. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, the resolution nullifies the effect of that CFPB rule.
This bill eliminates tax credits for enhanced oil recovery projects and removes the use of carbon oxide for oil extraction as a qualifying activity for carbon capture tax credits.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
The End Polluter Welfare for Enhanced Oil Recovery Act of 2026 eliminates federal tax subsidies for oil and gas companies that use carbon capture technology to facilitate enhanced oil recovery. By repealing the Section 43 tax credit and restricting Section 45Q eligibility for new facilities, this bill ends taxpayer-funded incentives for oil extraction processes.
The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 strengthens Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities by facilitating the transfer of secure unmanned aircraft systems, fostering joint research, and establishing a collaborative framework to build drone supply chains independent of the People's Republic of China.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 aims to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities by integrating the island into the U.S. "Blue UAS" program and fostering a secure, PRC-independent drone supply chain. The bill mandates the creation of a specialized working group to facilitate joint research, development, and production of unmanned aircraft systems. Additionally, it establishes a fast-track certification process for Taiwanese manufacturers to enhance regional security and reduce reliance on Chinese-sourced drone components.
The STOP Corrupt Bets Act of 2026 prohibits the trading of event-based contracts on political elections, government actions, and sporting events to prevent federal systems from facilitating gambling.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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The STOP Corrupt Bets Act of 2026 prohibits the trading of event-based contracts on regulated exchanges, specifically targeting political elections, government actions, sporting events, and military outcomes. The bill directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to prevent federal systems from facilitating gambling and mandates a GAO study to examine the integrity and risks of prediction markets. These measures aim to curb speculative betting while preserving the use of contracts for legitimate commercial hedging.
The WIPPES Act mandates standardized "Do Not Flush" labeling on disposable wipes to prevent wastewater infrastructure damage and prohibits misleading flushability claims.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act mandates that manufacturers and retailers place clear "Do Not Flush" labels and standardized symbols on non-flushable disposable wipes. The bill prohibits companies from marketing these products as flushable to help protect wastewater infrastructure. Enforcement of these labeling standards will be overseen by the Federal Trade Commission.
The FLAP Reauthorization Act authorizes five years of funding from the Highway Trust Fund to support the Federal Lands Access Program through fiscal year 2031.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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The FLAP Reauthorization Act extends funding for the Federal Lands Access Program for five fiscal years, from 2027 through 2031. This legislation ensures continued financial support from the Highway Trust Fund to improve transportation infrastructure providing access to federal lands.
This bill prohibits high-level government officials from trading event contracts and mandates stricter financial disclosure requirements to prevent the misuse of nonpublic information.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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The End Prediction Market Corruption Act prohibits the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress from trading event contracts to prevent conflicts of interest and the misuse of nonpublic information. The bill also mandates strict financial disclosure requirements for high-level government officials and establishes civil penalties for those who violate these trading restrictions.
The HOPE for Homeownership Act imposes a 15% excise tax on hedge fund purchases of single-family homes and eliminates key tax deductions for hedge funds operating in the residential rental market.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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The HOPE for Homeownership Act aims to increase housing affordability by discouraging hedge funds from purchasing single-family homes. The bill imposes a 15% excise tax on such acquisitions and establishes additional corporate surtaxes and tax deduction limitations for hedge fund taxpayers. These measures are designed to curb institutional investment in residential properties and prioritize individual homeownership.
The Soil CARE Act of 2026 establishes a mandatory training program for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to educate its personnel and third-party providers on soil health management practices for agricultural producers.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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The Soil CARE Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated training program for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) focused on soil health management. This initiative aims to equip NRCS personnel and third-party providers with the necessary science and technical support to assist agricultural producers in implementing improved soil health practices. The program mandates comprehensive curriculum development, including online and in-person training, to advance conservation and regeneration efforts across the agricultural sector.
This act establishes non-mandatory guidance for private employers and mandatory requirements for federal agencies regarding opioid overdose reversal medication in the workplace.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
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Jeff Merkley
Senator
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The WORK to Save Lives Act aims to combat workplace opioid overdoses by providing non-mandatory guidance to private employers on stocking and training for overdose reversal medication. Additionally, the bill mandates that all federal agencies must acquire and maintain this medication and provide annual employee training on its use. This legislation seeks to ensure preparedness for opioid emergencies across various workplaces.