Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. Senate from Oregon. He assumed office on January 3, 2009. His current term ends on January 3, 2027.

Merkley (Democratic Party, Independent, Working Families Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent Oregon. He won in the general election on November 3, 2020. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 19, 2020.

Merkley was the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies during the 115th Congress.

Merkley previously served on the Oregon House of Representatives, representing District 47 from 1999 to 2009.

As of a 2014 analysis of multiple outside rankings, Merkley is one of the most reliable Democratic votes, meaning he can be considered a safe vote for the Democratic Party in Congress.

Biography[edit]

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Merkley was born in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. He holds a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and a master's degree from Princeton. His political career began in 1998 when he won election to the Oregon House of Representatives. He served as a representative from 1999 until his election to the U.S. Senate in 2008.^[1]^[2]

Career[edit]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Merkley's academic, professional, and political career:^[1]

2009-Present: U.S. Senator from Oregon
2007-2008: Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives
1999-2008: Member of Oregon's House of Representatives
1982: Graduated from Princeton University
1979: Graduated from Stanford University

Committee assignments[edit]

U.S. Senate[edit]

2021-2022

Merkley was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2019-2020

Merkley was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2017-2018[edit]

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Merkley was assigned to the following committees:^[3]

2015-2016[edit]

Merkley served on the following committees:^[4]

2013-2014[edit]

Merkley served on the following Senate committees:^[5]

Appropriations Committee
- Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection Members
- Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development
Budget
Environment and Public Works
- Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife
- Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health
- Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy

2011-2012[edit]

Merkley served on the following Senate committees:^[6]

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development
- Subcommittee on Financial Institutions
- Subcommittee on Economic Policy
Budget
Environment and Public Works
- Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics, and Environmental Health
- Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy
- Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
- Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging
- Subcommittee on Children and Families

Key votes[edit]

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021[edit]

The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021, at which point Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213) and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acts as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021

Vote

Bill and description

Status

Yea

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.^[7] Click here to read more.

Passed (50-49)

Nay

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizing Department of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[8]

Passed (88-11)

Yea

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[9] Click here to read more.

Passed (69-30)

Yea

COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (S. 937) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 20, 2021, that included provisions to designate an officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate expedited review of hate crimes, required the DOJ to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies aimed to establish online hate crime reporting processes and to raise awareness about hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and established state grants to create hate crime reporting hotlines, among other related provisions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[10]

Passed (94-1)

Guilty

Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth an article of impeachment saying that Donald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate.^[11] Click here to read more.

Not guilty (57-43)

Yea

United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021

The United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 (S. 1260) was a bill approved by the Senate that aimed to address U.S. technology and communications, foreign relations and national security, domestic manufacturing, education, trade, and other matters. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[12]

Passed (68-32)

Yea

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act

The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2021, that provided for continuing fiscal year 2022 appropriations to federal agencies through December 3, 2021, in order to prevent a government shutdown that would have otherwise occurred without the passage of a fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate.^[13]

Passed (65-35)

Yea

A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2022 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023 through 2031.

This concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res. 14) was a budget resolution passed by the 117th Congress outlining the fiscal year 2022 federal government budget, setting forth budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023-2031, and providing reconciliation instructions for legislation that increased the deficit. It contained a proposed framework for the Build Back Better Act. The resolution required 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.^[14] Click here to read more.

Passed (50-49)

Yea

Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act

The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act (S. 610) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 10, 2021. The bill continued an exemption of Medicare from sequestration, which is a type of automatic government spending reduction, and partially established an expedited procedure for the Senate to increase the debt limit with a 1/2 majority vote on a separate bill. The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.^[15]

Passed (59-35)

Yea

Further Extending Government Funding Act

The Further Extending Government Funding Act (H.R. 6119) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 3, 2021, that provided for continuing fiscal year 2022 appropriations to federal agencies through February 18, 2022, in order to prevent a government shutdown that would have otherwise occurred without the passage of a fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill. This bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate.^[16]

Passed (69-28)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020[edit]

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)

Motion Agreed to (87-12) on December 18, 2018

Proposed making changes to the criminal justice system.^[17]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Conference Report Agreed to (87-13) on December 11, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[18]

Voted Nay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

Nomination Confirmed (50-48) on October 6, 2018

Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States^[19]

Voted Nay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

Cloture Motion Agreed to (51-49) on October 5, 2018

Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States^[20]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Bill Passed (86-11, 3/5 majority required) on June 28, 2018

Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance.^[21]

Voted Nay on: Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)

Cloture Motion Rejected (39-60, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

Proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, limits on chain migration or family-based migration, and eliminating the visa lottery system.^[22]

Voted Yea on: Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)

Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on chain or family-based immigration.^[23]

Voted Nay on: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)

Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

Proposed withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration officials.^[24]

Voted Yea on: Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)

Cloture Motion Rejected (52-47, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children and conducting a study to determine what border security measures were needed. It also proposed requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by 2021.^[25]

Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)

Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (51-46, 3/5 majority required) on January 29, 2018

Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill proposed providing exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[26]

Voted Nay on: An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)

Amendment Rejected (49-51) on July 28, 2017

The amendment proposed repealing the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it.^[27]

Voted Nay on: An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

Amendment Rejected (45-55) on July 26, 2017

An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271)^[28]

Voted Nay on: Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

Motion Rejected (43-57, 3/5 majority required) on July 25, 2017

A procedural vote to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), including the Cruz and Portman amendments.^[29]

Voted Nay on: Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Motion to Proceed Agreed to (50-50, Vice President voted Yea) on July 25, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017.^[30]

Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)

Nomination Confirmed (54-45) on April 7, 2017

Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—confirmation vote.^[31]

Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))

Cloture Motion Agreed to (55-45) on April 6, 2017

Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—second vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination under the new precedent requiring only a simple majority to pass.^[32]

Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))

Decision of Chair Not Sustained (48-52) on April 6, 2017

Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a vote to keep the Senate precedent of requiring 60 votes to close debate on Supreme Court nominations.^[33]

Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)

Cloture Motion Rejected (55-45, 3/5 majority required) on April 6, 2017

Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—initial vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination.^[34]

Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

Conference Report Agreed to (93-7) on September 18, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[35]

Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

Conference Report Agreed to (92-5) on September 12, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[36]

Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (85-7) on August 23, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[37]

Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (86-5) on June 25, 2018

Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[38]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Motion Agreed to (65-32) on March 23, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[39]

Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Motion Agreed to (71-28) on February 9, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018^[40]

Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Cloture Motion Rejected (55-44, 3/5 majority required) on February 8, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[41]

Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Motion Agreed to (81-18) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[42]

Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Cloture Motion Agreed to (81-18, 3/5 majority required) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[43]

Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Cloture Motion Rejected (50-49, 3/5 majority required) on January 19, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[44]

Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Motion Agreed to (66-32, 3/5 majority required) on December 21, 2017

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[45]

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Motion Agreed to (51-48) on December 20, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 and proposed changes to the tax code.^[46]

Voted Nay on: "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)

Joint Resolution Passed (81-14) on December 7, 2017

Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[47]

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (51-49) on December 2, 2017

Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[48]

Voted Nay on: A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Concurrent Resolution Agreed to (51-49) on October 19, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.^[49]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Motion Agreed to (80-17) on September 7, 2017

Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[50]

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Motion Agreed to (79-18) on May 4, 2017

The $1.2 trillion budget bill proposed funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[51]

Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)

Joint Resolution Passed (56-41) on December 13, 2018

Proposed removing United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that were not authorized by Congress.^[52]

Voted Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (89-8) on September 18, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. On November 15, 2017, the Senate passed the defense policy bill by voice vote. This bill was the result of compromises made in the conference report. For more information on the compromise bill, click here.^[53]^[54]

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Bill Passed (98-2) on July 27, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[55]

Voted Yea on: Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)

Bill Passed (98-2) on June 15, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[56]

114th Congress[edit]

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[57]^[58] The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to Merkley's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[59]

Economic and fiscal[edit]

Trade Act of 2015[edit]

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

On May 22, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314, which was used as a legislative vehicle for trade legislation with the titles "Trade Act of 2015" and the "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015," by a vote of 62-37. The bill proposed giving the president trade promotion authority (TPA). TPA, also known as fast track authority, allows the president to negotiate trade deals that cannot be amended by Congress. Congress casts a simple up or down vote on a trade agreement, and the legislation only requires a simple majority for approval. The bill also included a statement of trade priorities and provisions for trade adjustment assistance. Merkley voted with 30 other Democratic senators against the bill.^[60]^[61]
Trade promotion authority
On June 24, 2015, by a vote of 60-38, the Senate approved trade promotion authority (TPA) as part of HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act. Merkley was one of 31 Democrats to vote against the bill. After, Senate Republican leadership honored a pledge to support trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by passing the measure as part of HR 1295 - Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 by voice vote. The House passed HR 1295 the following day, on June 25, 2015, and both TPA and TAA were signed into law on June 29, 2015.^[62]^[63]^[64]

2016 Budget proposal[edit]

On May 5, 2015, the Senate voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 51-48. The non-binding resolution will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government before funding runs out on October 1, 2015. The vote marked the first time since 2009 that Congress approved a joint budget resolution. All 44 Democrats, including Merkley, voted against the resolution.^[65]^[66]^[67]

Defense spending authorization[edit]

On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed S 1356 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 91-3. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included "$5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget" and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[68]^[69] Merkley voted with one Democrat and one independent against the bill.^[70] On November 5, 2015, the House passed the bill by a vote of 370-58, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[71]

On June 18, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1735 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 71-25. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Merkley voted with 21 Democrats, two Republicans and one Independent against the bill.^[72] The House passed the bill on May 15, 2015.^[73] President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[74]

2015 budget[edit]

On October 30, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 by a vote of 64-35. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[75] Merkley voted with 43 Democrats, 18 Republicans and two independents in favor of the bill.^[76] It passed the House on October 28, 2015.^[77] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs[edit]

Iran nuclear deal[edit]

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 7, 2015, the Senate voted to approve HR 1191 - A bill to provide for congressional review and oversight of agreements relating to Iran's nuclear program, and for other purposes, by a vote of 98-1. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. All 43 Democratic senators who voted, including Merkley, approved the bill.^[78]^[79]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015
On September 10, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 58-42.^[80] Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Merkley voted with 39 Democrats and two Independents against proceeding to the measure of disapproval.^[81]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 follow up votes
On September 15, 2015, the Senate voted for a second time to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 56-42.^[82] Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Merkley voted with 39 Democrats and two Independents against proceeding to the measure of disapproval.^[83] The legislation was voted on for a third time on September 17, and it failed for a third time by a vote of 56-42.^[84]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 fourth vote
On September 17, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster a vote on S.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640 by a vote of 53-45. The amendment proposed prohibiting "the President from waiving, suspending, reducing, providing relief from, or otherwise limiting the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran."^[85] Merkley voted with 42 Democrats and two Independents against proceeding to the amendment.^[86]

Domestic[edit]

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

On June 2, 2015, the Senate passed HR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 67-32. The legislation revised HR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Merkley voted with 42 Democrats, 23 Republicans and one Independent to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[87]^[88]

Cyber security[edit]

On October 27, 2015, the Senate passed S 754 - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 by a vote of 74-21.^[89] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Merkley voted with 13 Democrats, six Republicans and one independent against the bill.^[90]

Immigration[edit]

On October 20, 2015, the Senate voted against proceeding to a vote on S 2146 - the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act by a vote of 54-45. The bill proposed withholding federal funding from "sanctuary jurisdictions" that violate the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and other federal immigration laws. In addition, the bill proposed increasing "penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed" and providing "liability protection for State and local law enforcement who cooperate with Federal law enforcement."^[91] Merkley voted with 41 Democrats, one Republican and two Independents against proceeding to the bill.^[92]

113th Congress[edit]

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[93] The Senate confirmed 13,949 out of 18,323 executive nominations received (76.1 percent). For more information pertaining to Merkley's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[94]

National security[edit]

John Brennan CIA nomination[edit]

Merkley voted against confirmation of John Brennan as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on March 7, 2013, with a vote of 63 - 34. Most Democrats supported the nomination, while Republicans were somewhat divided with roughly one-third supporting the nomination.^[95]

Economy[edit]

Government shutdown[edit]

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

During the shutdown in October 2013, the Senate rejected, down party lines, every House-originated bill that stripped the budget of funding for the Affordable Care Act. A deal was reached late on October 16, 2013, just hours before the debt ceiling deadline. The bill to reopen the government, H.R. 2775, lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[96] The final vote on H.R. 2775 was 81-18, with all 18 votes against the bill from Republican members. Merkley voted with the Democratic Party for the bill.^[97]

No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013[edit]

Merkley voted for H.R.325 -- No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013. The bill passed the Senate on January 31, 2013, with a vote of 64 - 34. The purpose of the bill was to temporarily suspend the debt ceiling and withhold the pay of members of Congress until a budget could be passed. The vote largely followed party lines with Democrats overwhelmingly supporting it and many Republicans opposing the bill.^[95]

Immigration[edit]

Mexico-U.S. border[edit]

Merkley voted against Senate Amendment 1197 -- Requires the Completion of the Fence Along the United States-Mexico Border. The amendment was rejected by the Senate on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 39 - 54. The purpose of the amendment was to require the completion of 350 miles of fence described in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 before registered provisional immigrant status may be granted. It would also require 700 miles of fence be completed before the status of registered provisional immigrants may be changed to permanent resident status. The vote followed party lines.^[95]

Social issues[edit]

Violence Against Women (2013)[edit]

Merkley voted for S.47 -- Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The bill was passed by the Senate on February 12, 2013, with a vote of 78 - 22. The purpose of the bill was to combat violence against women, from domestic violence to international trafficking in persons. All 22 dissenting votes were cast by Republicans.^[95]

Previous congressional sessions[edit]

Fiscal cliff[edit]

Merkley voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003, while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. The bill was passed in the Senate by an 89 - 8 vote on January 1, 2013.^[98]

Elections[edit]

2020[edit]

United States Senate election in Oregon, 2020 (May 19 Democratic primary)

United States Senate election in Oregon, 2020 (May 19 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Oregon

Incumbent Jeff Merkley defeated Jo Rae Perkins, Gary Dye, and Ibrahim Taher in the general election for U.S. Senate Oregon on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jeff Merkley (D / Independent / Working Families Party)	56.9	1,321,047
	Jo Rae Perkins (R)	39.3	912,814
	Gary Dye (L)	1.8	42,747
	Ibrahim Taher (Pacific Green Party / Progressive Party)	1.8	42,239
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	2,402

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,321,249
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Oregon

Incumbent Jeff Merkley advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Oregon on May 19, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jeff Merkley	98.7	564,878
	Other/Write-in votes	1.3	7,386

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 572,264
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Oregon

Jo Rae Perkins defeated Paul Romero, Robert Schwartz, and John Verbeek in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Oregon on May 19, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jo Rae Perkins	49.2	178,004
	Paul Romero	30.4	109,783
	Robert Schwartz	11.1	40,196
	John Verbeek	8.1	29,382
	Other/Write-in votes	1.2	4,250

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 361,615
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Matthew Kulow (R)

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Oregon

Gary Dye advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Oregon on July 6, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Gary Dye (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Pacific Green Party convention

Pacific Green Party convention for U.S. Senate Oregon

Ibrahim Taher advanced from the Pacific Green Party convention for U.S. Senate Oregon on June 6, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Ibrahim Taher (Pacific Green Party)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2016 presidential endorsement[edit]

✓ Merkley endorsed Bernie Sanders for the Democratic primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.^[99]

See also: Endorsements for Bernie Sanders

2016 Presidential Endorsements by U.S. Senators
State Sen.	Candidate	Date	Source
Angus King	Hillary Clinton	July 2016	Politico
Elizabeth Warren	Hillary Clinton	June 2016	The Boston Globe
Bob Menendez	Hillary Clinton	May 2016	Philly.com
Roy Blunt	Donald Trump	May 2016	The Atlantic
Richard Burr	Donald Trump	May 2016	IndyWeek.com
Mitch McConnell	Donald Trump	May 2016	Politico
Cory Gardner	Ted Cruz	April 2016	The Hill
Pat Toomey	Ted Cruz	April 2016	The Morning Call
Jeff Merkley	Bernie Sanders	April 2016	The New York Times
Mike Lee (Utah)	Ted Cruz	March 2016	Politico
Lamar Alexander	Marco Rubio	February 2016	Politico
Jeff Sessions	Donald Trump	February 2016	Politico
Harry Reid	Hillary Clinton	February 2016	Politico
Dan Coats	Marco Rubio	February 2016	Bloomberg
Dean Heller	Marco Rubio	February 2016	Politico
Tim Scott	Marco Rubio	February 2016	NBC News
Ron Wyden	Hillary Clinton	January 2016	The Oregonian
Jack Reed	Hillary Clinton	November 2015	Providence Journal
Heidi Heitkamp	Hillary Clinton	October 2015	The Huffington Post
Ed Markey	Hillary Clinton	November 2015	WBUR
Gary Peters	Hillary Clinton	May 2015	The Hill
Michael Bennet	Hillary Clinton	May 2015	The Hill
Bob Casey, Jr.	Hillary Clinton	April 2015	CBS Pittsburgh
Tom Udall	Hillary Clinton	April 2015	Albuquerque Journal
Jeanne Shaheen	Hillary Clinton	November 2015	WMUR
Brian Schatz	Hillary Clinton	February 2015	Honolulu Civil Beat
Mazie Hirono	Hillary Clinton	November 2015	CNN
Al Franken	Hillary Clinton	December 2014	The Huffington Post
Mark Warner	Hillary Clinton	July 2014	The Hill
Martin Heinrich	Hillary Clinton	July 2014	New Mexico Telegram
Patrick Leahy	Hillary Clinton	June 2014	Vermont Public Radio
Dick Durbin	Hillary Clinton	May 2014	Politico
Amy Klobuchar	Hillary Clinton	June 2014	Politico
Debbie Stabenow	Hillary Clinton	May 2014	CNN
Tim Kaine	Hillary Clinton	May 2014	The Washington Post
Sheldon Whitehouse	Hillary Clinton	January 2014	The New York Times
Chris Murphy (Connecticut)	Hillary Clinton	June 2015	The Connecticut Mirror
Richard Blumenthal	Hillary Clinton	June 2014	WestportNow.com
Joe Manchin III	Hillary Clinton	January 2014	Politico
Maria Cantwell	Hillary Clinton	January 2014	The New York Times
Tammy Baldwin	Hillary Clinton	January 2014	The New York Times
Dianne Feinstein	Hillary Clinton	December 2013	MSNBC
Kirsten Gillibrand	Hillary Clinton	August 2014	People
Patty Murray	Hillary Clinton	November 2013	Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Chuck Schumer	Hillary Clinton	November 2013	The Washington Post
Barbara Boxer	Hillary Clinton	October 2013	ABC News
Claire McCaskill	Hillary Clinton	June 2013	Politico
Jim Inhofe	Marco Rubio	January 2016	Politico
Rob Portman	John Kasich (primary) Donald Trump (general)	August 2016	The Columbia Dispatch
Thad Cochran	Jeb Bush	December 2015	USA Today
John Boozman	Mike Huckabee	September 2015	Politico
Mike Rounds	Mike Huckabee	September 2015	Politico
Orrin Hatch	Jeb Bush	August 2015	Deseret News
Susan Collins	Jeb Bush	July 2015	Portland Press Herald
John McCain	Lindsey Graham (primary)	January 2015	Bloomberg.com
Bill Nelson (Florida)	Hillary Clinton	November 2015	Miami Herald
Barbara Mikulski	Hillary Clinton	November 2015	Baltimore Sun
Ben Cardin	Hillary Clinton	November 2015	Baltimore Sun
Chris Coons	Hillary Clinton	November 2015	CNN
Jim Risch	Marco Rubio	November 2015	Politico
Steve Daines	Marco Rubio	November 2015	The Huffington Post
Sherrod Brown	Hillary Clinton	October 2015	MSNBC
Tom Carper	Hillary Clinton	October 2015	Roll Call
Cory Booker	Hillary Clinton	June 2015	NBC News

2014[edit]

See also: United States Senate elections in Oregon, 2014

Merkley won re-election in the 2014 election for the U.S. Senate, representing Oregon.^[100] He defeated Monica Wehby (R), Mike Montchalin (L), James Leuenberger (Constitution) and Christina Jean Lugo (Pacific Green).^[100]^[101] He won the Democratic nomination in the primary on May 20, 2014. He defeated Pavel Goberman and William Bryk.^[102] He also ran as an Independent candidate, Working Families Party candidate and a Progressive candidate.^[103]^[104] The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

U.S. Senate, Oregon General Election, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jeff Merkley Incumbent	55.7%	814,537
	Republican	Monica Wehby	36.9%	538,847
	Libertarian	Mike Montchalin	3.1%	44,916
	Constitution	James Leuenberger	1.7%	24,212
	Green	Christina Jean Lugo	2.2%	32,434
	Miscellaneous	Miscellaneous	0.5%	6,672
Total Votes				1,461,618
Source: Oregon Secretary of State

U.S. Senate, Oregon Democratic Primary, 2014
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Jeff Merkley Incumbent	93.2%	256,365
William Bryk	3.9%	10,791
Pavel Goberman	2.9%	7,979
Total Votes		275,135
Source: Results via Associated Press

Media[edit]

Jeff Merkley, "Cut and Paste."

Jeff Merkley, "Word for Word."

Polls[edit]

General election[edit]

General election candidates
Poll	Jeff Merkley (D)	Monica Wehby (R)	James Leuenberger (C)	Christina Jean Lugo (G)	Mike Montchalin (L)	Other/Undecided	Margin of Error	Sample Size

Oregonian/KGW October 26-27, 2014	49%	30%	0%	1%	2%	18%	+/-5	403
DHM Research October 8-11, 2014	47%	26%	2%	2%	2%	20%	+/-4.3	516
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Jeff Merkley vs. Monica Wehby
Poll	Jeff Merkley (D)	Monica Wehby (R)	Other	Undecided	Margin of Error	Sample Size

SurveyUSA October 23-27, 2014	53%	32%	8%	6%	+/-4.2	552
SurveyUSA October 16-19, 2014	53%	32%	7%	8%	+/-4.2	561
Survey USA September 22-24, 2014	52%	32%	8%	8%	+/-4.2	568
Survey USA August 1-5, 2014	52%	33%	7%	9%	+/-4.2	564
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Merkley vs. Wehby[edit]

Oregon Statewide Poll
Poll	Jeff Merkley	Monica Wehby	Not sure	Margin of Error	Sample Size

Benson Strategy Group April 14-17, 2014	52%	32%	16%	+/-4	600
Harper Polling April 1-2, 2014	46%	34%	20%	+/-3.91	670
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Merkley vs. Conger[edit]

Oregon Statewide Poll
Poll	Jeff Merkley	Jason Conger	Not sure	Margin of Error	Sample Size

Benson Strategy Group April 14-17, 2014	50%	34%	16%	+/-4	600
Harper Polling April 1-2, 2014	47%	40%	12%	+/-3.91	670
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Merkley re-election[edit]

Re-election of Jeff Merkley
Poll	Re-elect	New person	Depends	Undecided	Margin of Error	Sample Size

Magellan Strategies December 9-10, 2013	39%	54%	7%	5%	+/-2.1	2,039
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

2008[edit]

On November 4, 2008, Jeff Merkley won election to the United States Senate. He defeated Gordon H. Smith (R) and David Brownlow (Constitution) in the general election.^[105]

U.S. Senate, Oregon General Election, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democrat	Jeff Merkley	49.1%	864,392
	Republican	Gordon H. Smith	45.7%	805,159
	Constitution	David Brownlow	5.3%	92,565
Total Votes				1,762,116

Campaign themes[edit]

2020[edit]

Ballotpedia survey responses

Jeff Merkley did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Presidential preference[edit]

2020[edit]

See also: Presidential election in Oregon, 2020 and Democratic National Convention, 2020

Merkley endorsed Joe Biden (D) in the 2020 presidential election.^[106]

2016[edit]

See also: Presidential election in Oregon, 2016 and Democratic National Convention, 2016

Merkley endorsed Bernie Sanders (I) in the 2016 presidential election.^[107]

Campaign donors[edit]

Comprehensive donor history[edit]

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Jeff Merkley campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Result	Contributions
2014	U.S. Senate (Oregon)	✔	$12,018,377
2008	U.S. Senate (Oregon)	✔	$6,512,231
Grand total raised			$18,530,608
Source: Follow the Money

2014[edit]

Merkley won re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2014. During that election cycle, Merkley's campaign committee raised a total of $12,018,377 and spent $11,147,553.^[108] This is more than the average $10.6 million spent by Senate winners in 2014.^[109]

Cost per vote[edit]

Merkley spent $13.69 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. Senate, Oregon, 2014 - Jeff Merkley Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$12,018,377
Total Spent	$11,147,553
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$3,908,872
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$3,896,848
Top contributors to Jeff Merkley's campaign committee
League of Conservation Voters	$88,212
Votesane PAC	$40,750
JStreetPAC	$35,450
Intel Corp	$32,050
Peace Action	$27,212
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$486,138
Retired	$426,974
Leadership PACs	$397,600
Securities & Investment	$226,606
Health Professionals	$200,766

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Merkley's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Candidates for Congress were required to file up to seven main reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Merkley’s reports.^[110]

Jeff Merkley (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly^[111]	July 2, 2013	$544,415.19	$1,043,685.18	$(269,356.61)	$1,318,743.76
July Quarterly^[112]	July 15, 2013	$1,318,743.76	$815,968.57	$(326,650.87)	$1,808,061.46
October Quarterly^[113]	October 13, 2013	$1,808,061.46	$908,962.11	$(427,275.97)	$2,289,747.60
Year-End Quarterly^[114]	December 31, 2013	$2,286,747	$1,129,886	$(418,415)	$3,001,854
April Quarterly^[115]	April 15, 2014	$3,001,854.98	$1,056,498.36	$(449,706.59)	$3,608,646.75
Pre-Primary^[116]	May 8, 2014	$3,608,646.75	$479,622.20	$(380,455.88)	$3,707,813.07
July Quarterly^[117]	September 26, 2014	$3,707,813.07	$1,334,610.53	$(1,541,993.91)	$3,500,429.69
October Quarterly^[118]	October 15, 2014	$3,500,429.69	$2,147,763.96	$(4,271,422.83)	$1,376,770.82
Pre-General^[119]	October 23, 2014	$1,376,770.82	$334,055.56	$(553,644.58)	$1,157,181.80
			Running totals
			$9,251,052.47	$(8,638,922.24)

2008[edit]

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Merkley's campaign funds before the 2008 election.

Merkley won election to the U.S. Senate in 2008. During that election cycle, Merkley's campaign committee raised a total of $6,512,231 and spent $6,501,315.^[120]

U.S. Senate, Oregon, 2008 - Jeff Merkley Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$6,512,231
Total Spent	$6,501,315
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$13,297,429
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$12,836,656
Top contributors to Jeff Merkley's campaign committee
ActBlue	$179,987
JStreetPAC	$78,180
Council for a Livable World	$56,026
State of Oregon	$31,150
Ohsu	$25,700
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Retired	$446,443
Lawyers/Law Firms	$435,580
Democratic/Liberal	$427,566
Securities & Investment	$250,092
Leadership PACs	$219,550

Personal Gain Index[edit]

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

PGI: Change in net worth[edit]

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Merkley's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $79,024 to $2,471,996. That averages to $1,275,510, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic Senate members in 2012 of $13,566,333.90. Merkley ranked as the 61st most wealthy senator in 2012.^[121] Between 2007 and 2012, Merkley‘s calculated net worth^[122] decreased by an average of 12 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.^[123]

Jeff Merkley Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2007	$3,008,104
2012	$1,275,510
Growth from 2007 to 2012:	-58%
Average annual growth:	-12%^[124]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.^[125]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric[edit]

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Merkley received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Lawyers/Law Firms industry.

From 2007-2014, 21.02 percent of Merkley's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.^[126]

Jeff Merkley Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$15,668,974
Total Spent	$11,918,710
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$972,101
Retired	$812,333
Leadership PACs	$613,850
Securities & Investment	$533,173
Real Estate	$361,458
% total in top industry	6.2%
% total in top two industries	11.39%
% total in top five industries	21.02%

Analysis[edit]

Ideology and leadership[edit]

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Merkley was a far-left Democrat as of August 2014.^[127] This was the same rating Merkley received in June 2013.^[128]

Like-minded colleagues[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.^[129]

Merkley most often votes with:

Merkley least often votes with:

Lifetime voting record[edit]

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Merkley missed 21 of 2,108 roll call votes from January 2009 to September 2015. This amounts to 1 percent, which is better than the median of 1.6 percent among current senators as of September 2015.^[130]

Congressional staff salaries[edit]

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Merkley paid his congressional staff a total of $625,167 in 2011. He ranked 20th on the list of the highest paid Democratic senatorial staff salaries and ranked 24th overall of the highest paid senatorial staff salaries in 2011. Overall, Oregon ranked 21st in average salary for senatorial staff. The average U.S. Senate congressional staff was paid $2,529,141.70 in fiscal year 2011.^[131]

National Journal vote ratings[edit]

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year, National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted, as compared to other members, in the previous year. More information about the analysis process can be found on the vote ratings page.

2013[edit]

Merkley ranked 38th in the liberal rankings in 2013.^[132]

Voting with party[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014[edit]

Merkley voted with the Democratic Party 91.9 percent of the time, which ranked 40th among the 53 Senate Democratic members as of August 2014.^[133]

2013[edit]

Merkley voted with the Democratic Party 88.9 percent of the time, which ranked 41st among the 52 Senate Democratic members as of June 2013.^[134]

External links[edit]

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

U.S. Senate Oregon

Officeholder

U.S. Senate Oregon

Footnotes[edit]

Political offices
Preceded by -	U.S. Senate Oregon 2009-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Speaker of the House Oregon State House of Representatives 2007-2008	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Oregon House of Representatives 1998-2008	Succeeded by -

[show]

Oregon's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Jeff Merkley (D)

Ron Wyden (D)

Representatives

District 1

Suzanne Bonamici (D)

District 2

Cliff Bentz (R)

District 3

Earl Blumenauer (D)

District 4

Peter DeFazio (D)

District 5

Kurt Schrader (D)

Democratic Party (6)

Republican Party (1)

[merkleybio-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Jeff Merkley," accessed October 24, 2011

[2] Jeff Merkley, "Home," accessed July 22, 2020

[3] United States Senate, "Committee Assignments of the 115th Congress," accessed January 19, 2017

[4] United States Senate, "Committee Assignments of the 114th Congress," accessed February 17, 2015

[5] Congressional Quarterly, "Senate Committee List," accessed January 22, 2013

[6] Project Vote Smart, "Biography," accessed December 29, 2014

[7] Congress.gov, "H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022

[8] Congress.gov, "S.1605 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022," accessed April 15, 2022

[9] Congress.gov, "H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," accessed April 15, 2022

[10] Congress.gov, "S.937 - COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act," accessed April 15, 2022

[11] Congress.gov, "H.Res.24 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.," accessed April 15, 2022

[12] Congress.gov, "S.1260 - United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022

[13] Congress.gov, "H.R.5305 - Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act," accessed April 15, 2022

[14] Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.14 - A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2022 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023 through 2031.," accessed April 15, 2022

[15] Congress.gov, "S.610 - Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act," accessed April 15, 2022

[16] Congress.gov, "H.R.6119 - Further Extending Government Funding Act," accessed April 18, 2022

[17] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment with an Amendment)," December 18, 2018

[18] Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2)," December 11, 2018

[19] Senate.gov, "On the Nomination (Confirmation Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," October 6, 2018

[20] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Brett M. Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," October 5, 2018

[21] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2, As Amended)," June 28, 2018

[22] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1959)," February 15, 2018

[23] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1958 As Modified)," February 15, 2018

[24] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1948)," February 15, 2018

[25] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1955)," February 15, 2018

[26] Senate.gov, "On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Consideration of S. 2311)," January 29, 2018

[27] Senate.gov, "On the Amendment (McConnell Amdt. No. 667)," July 28, 2017

[28] Senate.gov, "On the Amendment (Paul Amdt. No. 271 )," July 26, 2017

[29] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Amdt. No. 270)," July 25, 2017

[30] Senate.gov, "On the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Proceed to H.R. 1628)," July 25, 2017

[31] U.S. Senate, "On the Nomination (Confirmation: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 7, 2017

[32] U.S. Senate, "On the Cloture Motion (Upon Reconsideration, Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 6, 2017

[33] U.S. Senate, "On the Decision of the Chair (Shall the Decision of the Chair Stand as the Judgment of the Senate?)," April 6, 2017

[34] U.S. Senate, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 6, 2017

[35] Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6157)," September 18, 2018

[36] Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 5895)," September 12, 2018

[37] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H. R. 6157 As Amended)," August 23, 2018

[38] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 5895 As Amended)," June 25, 2018

[39] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1625)," March 23, 2018

[40] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1892 with an Amendment (SA 1930))," February 9, 2018

[41] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 695)," February 8, 2018

[42] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment with Further Amendment)," January 22, 2018

[43] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 195)," January 22, 2018

[44] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 195)," January 19, 2018

[45] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1370)," December 21, 2017

[46] Senate.gov, "On the Motion to Recede from the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1 and Concur with Further Amendment ," December 20, 2017

[47] Senate.gov, "On the Joint Resolution (H.J. Res. 123)," December 7, 2017

[48] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 1 As Amended )," December 2, 2017

[49] Senate.gov, "On the Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res. 71 As Amended)," October 19, 2017

[50] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amdt. to the Senate Amdt. with an Amdt. No. 808 to H.R. 601)," September 7, 2017

[51] U.S. Senate, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 244)," May 4, 2017

[52] Senate.gov, "On the Joint Resolution (S.J. Res. 54, As Amended), December 13, 2018

[53] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2810 As Amended)," September 18, 2017

[finalndaa-54] The Hill, "Senate sends $692B defense policy bill to Trump's desk," November 15, 2017

[55] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 3364)," July 27, 2017

[56] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (S. 722 As Amended)," June 15, 2017

[57] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015

[58] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017

[59] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015

[60] Congress.gov, "HR 1314," accessed May 25, 2015

[61] Senate.gov, "H.R. 1314 (Ensuring Tax Exempt Organizations the Right to Appeal Act)," accessed May 25, 2015

[62] Senate.gov, "Roll Call for HR 2146," June 24, 2015

[63] The Hill, "Senate approves fast-track, sending trade bill to White House," June 24, 2015

[64] The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015

[65] Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015

[66] Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany S. Con. Res. 11)," accessed May 5, 2015

[67] The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015

[68] The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015

[69] Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015

[70] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015

[71] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015

[72] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1735)," accessed October 6, 2015

[73] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015

[74] Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015

[75] Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015

[76] Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015

[77] Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015

[78] Congress.gov, "HR 1191," accessed May 8, 2015

[79] Senate.gov, "H.R. 1191," accessed May 8, 2015

[80] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2640 )," accessed September 10, 2015

[81] Congress.gov, "HJ Res 61," accessed September 10, 2015

[82] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2640 )," accessed September 16, 2015

[83] Congress.gov, "HJ Res 61," accessed September 10, 2015

[vote3-84] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2640 )," accessed September 17, 2015

[85] Congress.gov, "S.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640," accessed September 17, 2015

[samdt2656vote-86] Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2656)," accessed September 17, 2015

[87] Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015

[88] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2048)," accessed June 2, 2015

[s754-89] Congress.gov, "S 754," accessed November 1, 2015

[90] Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (S. 754, As Amended)," accessed November 1, 2015

[91] Congress.gov, "S 2146," accessed November 2, 2015

[92] Senate.gov, "On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2146)," accessed November 2, 2015

[93] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013

[94] Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014

[votes-95] 95.0 ^95.1 ^95.2 ^95.3 Project Vote Smart, "Jeff Merkley Key Votes," accessed October 17, 2013

[96] The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013

[97] Senate.gov, "H.R. 2775 As Amended," accessed October 31, 2013

[98] U.S. Senate, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013

[99] The New York Times, "Why I'm Supporting Bernie Sanders," April 13, 2016

[run-100] 100.0 ^100.1 JeffMerkley.com, "Home," accessed May 13, 2014

[results-101] Politico, "2014 Oregon Senate Election Results," accessed November 6, 2014

[win-102] Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named win

[orsos-103] Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named orsos

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[105] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013

[106] Jeff Merkley , "The debate is over. The stakes are clear. Let's get to work.," September 29, 2020

[107] The New York Times , "Why I’m Supporting Bernie Sanders," April 13, 2016

[108] Open Secrets, "Jeff Merkley 2014 Election Cycle," accessed April 14, 2015

[109] Open Secrets, "Winning vs. Spending," accessed April 14, 2015

[110] Federal Election Commission, "Jeff Merkley 2014 Summary reports," accessed October 29, 2013

[111] Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed November 3, 2014

[112] Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed August 5, 2013

[113] Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed October 29, 2013

[114] Federal Election Commission, "Year-End Quarterly," accessed February 19, 2014

[115] Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed April 24, 2014

[116] Federal Election Commission, "Pre-Primary," accessed November 3, 2014

[117] Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed November 3, 2014

[118] Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 3, 2014

[119] Federal Election Commission, "Pre-General," accessed November 3, 2014

[120] Open Secrets, "Jeff Merkley 2008 Election Cycle," accessed May 16, 2013

[121] OpenSecrets, "Merkley, 2012," accessed January 14, 2014

[122] This figure represents the average annual percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or their first year in office (as noted in the chart below) to 2012, divided by the number of years calculated.

[123] This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.

[124] This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.

[125] This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.

[126] OpenSecrets.org, "Sen. Jeff Merkley," accessed September 30, 2014

[127] GovTrack, "Jeff Merkley," accessed August 26, 2014

[128] GovTrack, "Jeff Merkley," accessed June 7, 2013

[129] OpenCongress, "Sen. Jeff Merkley," archived February 28, 2016

[130] GovTrack, "Jeff Merkley," accessed September 23, 2015

[131] LegiStorm, "Sen. Jeff Merkley (-Oregon) - Staff Salary Data," accessed December 29, 2014

[132] National Journal, "Vote Ratings: 2013," February 26, 2013

[133] OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014

[134] OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014

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