Jeff Merkley

Democrat junior Senator of Oregon

Senator
Oregon
January 6, 2009 - January 3, 2015
Senator
Oregon
January 6, 2015 - January 3, 2021
Senator
Oregon
January 3, 2021 - January 3, 2027

202-224-3753

@SenJeffMerkley

merkley.senate.gov

Send Postcard

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1956 (68 years old)

Birthday

Serving as the junior United States senator from Oregon since 2009
Previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1999 to 2009, including as Speaker of the House
Defeated a two-term Republican incumbent to become U.S. Senator in 2008 and was reelected in 2014 and 2020
Endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries
Born in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, and has a background in international relations and public affairs
Worked at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Congressional Budget Office early in his career
Involved in housing and community development in Portland before entering politics
Advocated for progressive policies, including Wall Street reform, healthcare reform, and environmental protection
Led efforts to pass significant legislation in Oregon, including creating a state “rainy day fund” and expanding rights for same-sex couples
Played a key role in adding the Volcker Rule to the Dodd–Frank Wall Street reform bill
Actively opposed the Trump administration’s immigration policies and attempted to visit a facility holding children of asylum seekers
Serves on several Senate committees, including Appropriations, Budget, Environment and Public Works, and Foreign Relations
Has been vocal on issues such as asylum and immigration, electronic cigarettes, defense and foreign policy, housing, healthcare, and campaign finance reform
Participated in an all-night protest on the Senate floor against the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court
Introduced legislation aimed at various issues, including preventing military intervention in Venezuela without Congress’s approval and promoting transparency in campaign financing
Personal interests include competing in Ironman Triathlons and driving an electric vehicle