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Jeff Merkley
Politicians/Jeff Merkley
Jeff Merkley (D)
Senator (OR)
Role Summary

Members of the Senate are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing their state, and providing a check on executive power. Key powers include confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, serving on committees, shaping the federal budget, and conducting impeachment trials. Each senator serves a six-year term and represents their entire state.

Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Age
69
Religion
Christian
Birthplace
Myrtle Creek, OR
Residence
Portland, OR
Born
October 24, 1956
Family
Wife: Mary; 2 Children: Jonathan, Brynne
Contact
541-278-1129Contact Formmerkley.senate.gov
Election Info
DistrictJunior Seat, OR
Current Term01/05/2009 — Present
First Elected11/04/2008
Last Elected11/03/2020
Next Senator Election2026
Education
BA
Stanford University
1979
MA
Princeton University
1982
Political Career4
Former Democratic Leader
Oregon State House of Representatives
Senator
United States Senate, Oregon
2009-present
Representative
Oregon State House of Representatives
1998-2008
Speaker of the House
Oregon State House of Representatives
2007-2008
Professional Background5
Leader
Portland Habitat for Humanity
1991-1998
Former Director of Housing Development
Human Solutions
Former Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity, Portland
Former National Security Analyst
United States Congress
Former National Security Analyst
Congressional Budget Office
Organizations3
People's Investment Opportunity Program
Founder
World Affairs Council of Oregon
Former President
Walk for Humanity
Founder
Committees18
Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Committee on Foreign Relations
Committee on Rules and Administration
Committee on the Budget
Joint Committee on Printing
Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight
Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues

Recent Bills & Votes

S 5271A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identificationVoted NoHR 6500African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension ActVoted YesHR 5334Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions (SEED) Act of 2025Voted YesS J Res 187A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Modification to the Start of the Submission Period for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Under TSCA 8(a)(7)"Voted YesS J Res 181A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by CongressVoted Yes
Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Age
69
Religion
Christian
Birthplace
Myrtle Creek, OR
Residence
Portland, OR
Born
October 24, 1956
Family
Wife: Mary; 2 Children: Jonathan, Brynne
Contact
541-278-1129Contact Formmerkley.senate.gov