Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Democrat · OR · 62 bills sponsored
A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to ban certain Government officials from trading event contracts, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 4017: Government Officials Event Contract Trading Ban **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would prohibit certain federal government officials from trading in "event contracts"—financial bets on future outcomes of political, economic, or other events. The legislation amends the Commodity Exchange Act, which regulates financial trading, to create restrictions on these types of speculative trades for people in government positions. **Who It Affects:** The bill specifically targets government officials, though the exact scope isn't detailed in the available information. The restriction would likely apply to executive branch employees, members of Congress, and possibly their staff members who have access to non-public information that could give them unfair trading advantages. **Current Status:** S 4017 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet advanced for a full Senate vote. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the 119th Congress. No further action has been taken at this time. Like many bills in committee, it may be discussed, amended, or could remain stalled depending on legislative priorities and support.
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose an excise tax on the acquisition of single-family residences by hedge fund taxpayers, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 3930 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create a new federal tax on hedge funds and similar investment firms when they purchase single-family homes. The tax would apply to acquisitions of residential properties designed for one family. The bill aims to discourage large investment companies from buying up single-family homes, which sponsors argue drives up housing costs and reduces available homes for individual buyers. **Who It Affects** The primary targets are hedge funds and other institutional investors that purchase residential properties. Secondarily, it could affect housing markets and home prices in areas where such investment purchases are common. Regular homebuyers and small-scale investors would not be directly affected by this tax. **Current Status** The bill (S 3930) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No further action has been taken at this time.
Soil CARE Act of 2026
# Soil CARE Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Soil CARE Act of 2026 is legislation introduced in the Senate that aims to support soil conservation and health practices across American agricultural and natural lands. While specific details about the bill's provisions aren't available in the provided information, bills with "CARE" titles typically focus on conservation incentives, research funding, or requirements for sustainable land management practices. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact farmers, ranchers, and landowners who manage agricultural property. It could also affect environmental agencies, agricultural researchers, and potentially consumers through impacts on farming practices and food production methods. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (S 3820, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. It was sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). *Note: Additional details about specific provisions, funding amounts, and exact requirements would require access to the full bill text.*
ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act
# ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act (S 3745) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would create new accountability measures for two federal law enforcement agencies: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to establish oversight mechanisms, legal requirements, or procedures to ensure these agencies comply with constitutional protections—particularly regarding civil rights, due process, and lawful conduct during immigration enforcement operations. **Who It Affects:** The bill would directly impact ICE and CBP operations and potentially millions of people who interact with these agencies, including immigrants, asylum seekers, and U.S. citizens near borders or in immigration proceedings. It could also affect law enforcement practices and agency procedures nationwide. **Current Status:** The bill (S 3745) is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced through the legislative process. No action has been taken beyond the initial filing. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon). *Note: More detailed information about specific provisions would require access to the full bill text.*
Prohibit Partisan Park Passes Act
# Prohibit Partisan Park Passes Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prohibit the federal government from issuing park passes or recreation permits based on a person's political party affiliation or political beliefs. In plain terms, it would prevent national parks and federal recreation areas from giving preferential treatment to visitors based on their political views or party membership—and from denying access based on those same factors. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would apply to all federal agencies that manage public lands and parks, affecting both everyday visitors and organizations that use these spaces. It would ensure equal access to national parks, national forests, and other federal recreational areas regardless of someone's political identity. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. **Key Point** While the specific trigger for this bill isn't detailed in the basic information available, it appears designed to address concerns about political discrimination in how federal recreational resources are allocated or accessed.
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act
# Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require the U.S. State Department to certify that Hong Kong's Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in the United States operates with genuine autonomy from the Chinese government before it can continue functioning. If the State Department cannot provide this certification, the bill would require HKETO to close its U.S. offices. The certification would need to be renewed periodically. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects HKETO, which operates as Hong Kong's official trade and economic representation in the United States, and indirectly affects U.S. businesses and trade relationships with Hong Kong. It reflects concerns about whether HKETO operates independently or under direct control of Beijing, particularly following political changes in Hong Kong in recent years. The certification requirement would give Congress and the State Department oversight authority over the office's operations. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken since its introduction.
Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act
# Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would modify the existing Roadside Pollinator Program, which encourages property owners and managers to plant native wildflowers and other vegetation along roadsides to support pollinators like bees and butterflies. The amendments would update or expand how the program operates, though specific details about the changes aren't publicly available in the basic bill information. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect state and local transportation departments, property owners along roadsides, farmers, and conservation organizations. Ultimately, it could benefit pollinator populations and the agricultural productivity that depends on them. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 3673) is still in committee review and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. This means it's in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and floor votes before becoming law.
Protecting Taxpayers from Risky Investments in Venezuela Act
# Protecting Taxpayers from Risky Investments in Venezuela Act (S 3621) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to restrict U.S. government investments and financial commitments in Venezuela. If passed, it would prevent federal agencies and government-backed investment programs from putting taxpayer money into Venezuelan ventures, citing concerns about political instability, governance issues, and financial risk in the country. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects U.S. government agencies that manage investment funds and development programs, as well as any American investors or businesses that might have received government support for Venezuelan projects. The measure would establish guardrails around how federal money is deployed in that country, with the goal of protecting taxpayers from losses due to Venezuela's unstable economic and political situation. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No timeline for further action has been announced.
School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026
# School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Does** The School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026 would provide funding and support to help schools obtain and maintain supplies of naloxone (also called Narcan), a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. The bill aims to make naloxone more readily available in K-12 schools and potentially higher education institutions, similar to how schools currently stock other emergency medications like epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens). **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill would impact school districts, students, and staff across the country. It likely includes provisions for grants to purchase naloxone, training for school personnel on how to use it, and legal protections for schools and staff members who administer the medication in overdose emergencies. The bill recognizes the growing opioid crisis affecting young people and aims to ensure schools have tools to respond to overdose emergencies on campus. **Current Status** As of now, S 3588 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
FAAN Act
# FAAN Act Summary I don't have enough information to provide you with a meaningful summary of this bill. While I can see that S. 3435 (the FAAN Act) was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, the bill's subjects and details aren't included in the data you've provided. To give you an accurate, plain-language explanation of what this bill would do, who it affects, and its key provisions, I would need access to the actual bill text or a more complete legislative summary. **I'd recommend checking:** - Congress.gov (search for "S 3435") - Your senator's official website - Non-partisan sources like the Congressional Research Service This will give you the specific details about the bill's purpose and impact.
Change Corruption Act
# Change Corruption Act Summary I appreciate your request, but I need to be transparent: the bill information you've provided doesn't include the actual legislative text or detailed provisions, so I can only tell you what's publicly available from the metadata you've shared. **What we know:** The Change Corruption Act (S 3408) was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full Senate vote yet. The specific details about what the bill would do aren't included in your source material. **To get a complete summary,** I'd recommend checking Congress.gov (congress.gov/bill/119/s3408), which provides the full text, official summary, and any amendments. Once you have access to those details, I'd be happy to explain them in plain language. Alternatively, Senator Merkley's office website may have a description of the bill's purpose and key provisions.
Reducing Waste in National Parks Act
# Reducing Waste in National Parks Act (S 1926) **What the bill would do:** This bill aims to reduce waste and improve environmental practices in America's national parks. It focuses on addressing solid waste management, recycling programs, and water conservation within park systems. The legislation would establish or strengthen requirements for parks to minimize garbage, increase recycling efforts, and use water more efficiently. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts the National Park Service and the national parks themselves. It would also affect visitors to these parks, as changes to waste management and water use could influence visitor experiences and services. The legislation may also affect park staff and operations. **Key provisions and current status:** While specific provisions aren't detailed in this summary, the bill addresses three main areas: solid waste management (reducing what goes to landfills), recycling infrastructure, and water conservation. Currently, the bill is in committee, meaning it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025
# Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would restrict the President's ability to use military force against Venezuela without first obtaining explicit approval from Congress. Essentially, it requires the President to get congressional authorization before launching any military operations in Venezuela, preventing unilateral military action by the executive branch in that country. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects the executive branch's military authority and would impact U.S.-Venezuela relations and foreign policy. It reflects constitutional concerns about the separation of powers, as the Constitution grants Congress (not the President) the power to declare war. The bill ensures that any military intervention in Venezuela must have legislative backing rather than being initiated solely by presidential decision. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 3344) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced in the Senate but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full chamber. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon.
Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act
# Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would expand the Smith River National Recreation Area, a protected natural area that straddles the Oregon-California border. The legislation would increase the size of the recreation area and likely add additional protections for the surrounding forests, rivers, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. It would also involve transferring or managing federal land in the region and could affect how Native American tribes interact with the protected lands. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact outdoor enthusiasts and recreational users of the Smith River area, local communities in Oregon and California, Native American tribes with historical ties to the region, and potentially timber companies or others with commercial interests in the forests. Federal and state land management agencies would also be involved in implementing any expanded protections or new regulations. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 945) is still in committee review in the Senate and has not yet been voted on by the full Congress. This means it's in the early stages of the legislative process and would need to pass committee, then secure approval from both the Senate and House before becoming law.
REUSE Act of 2025
# REUSE Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does** The REUSE Act of 2025 would streamline federal environmental regulations and reduce regulatory burdens across multiple industries including aviation, food services, and beverage production. The bill addresses how federal agencies—particularly the EPA—manage environmental rules, hazardous waste, and air quality standards. It also establishes new requirements for government transparency and congressional oversight of environmental regulations. **Who It Affects** The bill impacts businesses in aviation, food and beverage industries, and other regulated sectors that must comply with federal environmental rules. It also affects consumers through potential changes to food safety and labeling standards, and influences higher education institutions that conduct environmental research. State and local governments would see changes in how they coordinate with federal environmental agencies. **Current Status** The bill has passed the Senate and is now awaiting consideration in the House of Representatives. As a Senate-passed bill in the 119th Congress, it would need House approval and the President's signature to become law. The bill's broad subject areas suggest it represents a comprehensive approach to federal environmental policy reform, though specific provisions would need to be reviewed in the full legislative text for detailed impacts.
Sustainable International Financial Institutions Act of 2025
# Sustainable International Financial Institutions Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Sustainable International Financial Institutions Act of 2025 would establish requirements for how U.S.-supported international financial institutions—like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund—operate regarding environmental and social sustainability. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to integrate climate change, environmental protection, and social responsibility standards into the lending decisions and operations of these global organizations. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect U.S. policy toward major international financial institutions and could influence how they allocate billions in development loans worldwide. It would indirectly impact developing countries that receive funding from these institutions, as well as U.S. taxpayers who contribute to these organizations' budgets. **Current Status:** The bill (S 3123) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. At this stage, the bill has not been enacted and faces the standard legislative process before it could become law. *Note: More detailed information about specific provisions would require access to the bill's full text.*
United States - Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act
# United States - Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act (S 2684) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), aims to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in the Americas region—which includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The legislation would establish closer diplomatic and economic partnerships, coordinate efforts on shared interests, and increase engagement with countries in these regions on issues like democracy, human rights, economic development, and good governance. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect U.S. foreign policy toward Taiwan and Latin American/Caribbean nations. It could influence U.S. diplomatic relations and potentially impact American businesses, development organizations, and government agencies working in these regions. It also relates to Taiwan's international standing and its relationships with countries in the Americas. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process and has not advanced to a full Senate vote.
WIPPES Act
# WIPPES Act Summary **What It Does:** The WIPPES Act would require manufacturers and retailers of premoistened wipes—such as baby wipes, cleaning wipes, and personal care wipes—to clearly label their products with "Do Not Flush" warnings and a standard symbol. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would enforce these labeling requirements and create regulations to implement the rule. **Why It Matters:** Many people flush wipes down toilets despite them not being designed to break down like toilet paper. This causes major problems for wastewater treatment systems, sewage pipes, and water quality. By requiring prominent warning labels using industry-standard symbols, the bill aims to reduce these environmental and infrastructure issues by making it clearer to consumers that wipes should go in the trash, not the toilet. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee as of the 119th Congress. It was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill would primarily affect manufacturers and retailers of wipe products, while benefiting wastewater treatment facilities and environmental protection efforts.
POP Act
I don't have access to the specific details of S 2836 (the POP Act) from the 119th Congress to provide you with an accurate summary. While I can see it's a Democratic-sponsored bill currently in committee, I cannot reliably tell you what it would do, who it affects, or its key provisions without access to the bill's text. To get an accurate, non-partisan summary, I'd recommend: - **Congress.gov** (congress.gov) - Search for "S 2836" to view the full bill text and summaries - **GovTrack.us** - Provides plain-language summaries and tracking - **Your representative's office** - They can explain how bills affect your district This ensures you get factual information directly from official sources rather than my potentially incomplete knowledge.
Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025
# Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would ban the manufacture, import, use, and sale of asbestos and asbestos-containing products in the United States. Currently, asbestos is not completely banned and remains in use in some industries, particularly in brake pads, gaskets, and certain chemical applications. The bill would create a near-total prohibition, though the President could grant exemptions if asbestos use is deemed necessary for national security reasons. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact manufacturers and industries that currently use asbestos in their products, as well as workers in those sectors. It would also affect consumers, potentially reducing their exposure to asbestos-related health risks. Asbestos exposure is linked to serious illnesses including mesothelioma and lung cancer, making this a public health measure. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken since its introduction.
RECHARGE Act
# RECHARGE Act Summary I don't have access to the specific details of S 2653 (the RECHARGE Act) in the 119th Congress, so I cannot provide you with accurate information about what this bill would do, its key provisions, or who it would affect. To get a reliable summary, I'd recommend: - **Congress.gov** - Search for "S 2653" to see the full bill text, summary, and status - **Senator Merkley's official website** - Often includes explanations of sponsored legislation - **Nonpartisan sources** like the Congressional Research Service or major news outlets covering the bill If you can share the bill text or a link, I'd be happy to help summarize it in plain language.
Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025
# Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025 Summary This bill would establish new workplace safety protections for farmworkers exposed to smoke from wildfires and excessive heat. If passed, it would require the federal government to set standards that protect agricultural workers when air quality deteriorates due to smoke or when temperatures become dangerously high. The legislation aims to address health risks that farmworkers currently face with limited federal safeguards, particularly in western states where wildfire smoke and extreme heat are increasingly common. The bill directly affects farmworkers and agricultural employers across the country, with particular impact in regions prone to wildfires and heat waves. It would likely require employers to implement measures such as providing protective equipment, offering rest periods, ensuring access to water and shade, and possibly adjusting work schedules during hazardous conditions. The specific requirements would depend on regulations developed by federal agencies after the bill's passage. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 2571), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. It was sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and remains under consideration.
Epstein Files Transparency Act
# Epstein Files Transparency Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Epstein Files Transparency Act would require the federal government to make public documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's cases and investigations. Specifically, it would declassify and release files that are currently sealed or restricted, allowing the public to access information about the investigation, legal proceedings, and any government involvement in handling the case. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect the public's ability to access information about Epstein's crimes and the government's response. It could impact Epstein's victims, their families, and other individuals named in the records. It would also affect federal agencies currently maintaining these sealed documents. **Current Status** As of now, S 2557 is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the appropriate Senate committee for review and debate but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). *Note: Limited additional details are available about specific provisions, so this summary covers the bill's general purpose based on its title and status.*
Transnational Repression Policy Act
# Transnational Repression Policy Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Transnational Repression Policy Act (S 2525) aims to combat "transnational repression"—efforts by foreign governments to threaten, intimidate, or harm people living in the United States, including dissidents, journalists, activists, and their families abroad. If passed, the bill would direct the U.S. government to develop a comprehensive policy to identify, prevent, and respond to these threats. It would likely create new reporting requirements, establish coordination between federal agencies, and potentially authorize sanctions or other measures against foreign governments engaging in such activities. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects people targeted by foreign governments for political reasons (such as critics of authoritarian regimes), U.S. citizens with family members abroad who may be at risk, and federal agencies responsible for national security and diplomacy. It could also impact U.S. relations with countries identified as engaging in transnational repression. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the 119th Congress. Since it remains in the early stages, it may be modified before any vote occurs.