Merkley Sworn in for Second Term

Statement

Today, as the 114th Congress formally convened in the nation's capital, Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley was sworn in for his second six-year term serving Oregonians in the U.S. Senate.

In his first term as a U.S. Senator, Merkley made his mark by delivering local victories for Oregon, such as drought relief in the Klamath Basin, increased support for Oregon's small ports, and passage of legislation implementing a major water-sharing agreement in Central Oregon. He emerged as a national champion for middle-class jobs, consumer protection and reform of the U.S. Senate. He also gained a profile as a staunch defender of the environment and a leading proponent of LGBT civil rights legislation.

As he was sworn in for a second term, Merkley vowed to continue these initiatives and to prioritize policies to grow and strengthen America's middle class.

"Serving Oregon in the U.S. Senate is a great honor, and I am grateful and humbled by the opportunity to serve for a new term," said Merkley. "The work we have ahead won't be easy, but our goals are clear. We must create good, living-wage jobs that grow our middle class and provide a solid foundation for our families. We must take on the soaring cost of college and ensure that each and every American is able to get a high-quality, affordable education, from pre-K to college and beyond. We need to fight back against efforts to privatize or dismantle Social Security and Medicare, and pursue policies that will provide greater retirement security for all Americans. And we must continue the fight to reform what is so broken in Washington, D.C. and to make America work for working Americans."

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