Representative Donna Edwards got it right when she said (to cheers), "The ground troops have arrived." Other members who spoke to us told us the same -- we were a sight for sore eyes. Full Article at The Hill

A group of senators is urging the U.S. Census Bureau to recruit out-of-work Americans at unemployment offices. The agency seeks to fill thousands of positions to help with the nationwide head-count. Full Article at The Saratogian

A group of senators is urging the U.S. Census Bureau to recruit out-of-work Americans at unemployment offices. The agency seeks to fill thousands of positions to help with the nationwide head-count. Full Article at The Troy Record

December 1, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that he has co-sponsored legislation to reform existing trade policy that has put American workers at a disadvantage in the global marketplace. Full Article at All American Patriots

MSNBC just put out the article, "Seven items you didn't know were in the Senate Bill." At #1, was Senator Jeff Merkley's nursing mandate. Full Article at The Oregon Catalyst

Yes, there's plenty of time to change the bill. Full Article at Southern California Public Radio

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has a great idea to make the jobs bill green In the wake of news this month that US unemployment has hit 10.2 percent, the Senate leadership appears to be looking very hard at throwing together a comprehensive “jobs bill,”... Full Article at It's Getting Hot In Here

Oregon's U.S. senators, in the middle of a two-day trip to Iraq, said Monday that they are optimistic that parliamentary elections still can be held in time to allow the scheduled withdrawal of U.S. combat troops by August 2010. Democratic Sens. Full Article at Salem Statesman-Journal

When a reporter told Burris some were questioning the expense of his Iraq trip, Burris said they were entitled to their opinion. Asked how much the trip cost, he replied: "I have no idea." Burris said he is traveling with Sens. Full Article at Chicago Tribune

Burris, 72, sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He was traveling with four other Democratic senators, Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, both of Oregon, Tom Udall of New Mexico and Michael Bennet of Colorado. All except Wyden are in their first term. Full Article at Chicago Tribune

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) is now advocating that any jobs bill include support for building retrofits to create jobs and reduce energy bills. What he’s got in mind is a variation on his S. 1574: Clean Energy for Homes and Buildings Act of 2009. Full Article at Grist

Last night, we took a huge step forward towards passing health care reform. Full Article at The Hill

TRNS Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner speaks with Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) about the status of healthcare reform legislation in the Senate. Full Article at Talk Radio News Service

Stopping Oregon’s Job Loss - The October employment numbers are out and they spell more bad news for Oregon. Only someone as economically illiterate as Gov. Ted Kulongoski would chara... Full Article at NW Republican

November 17, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today the Senate passed legislation that will increase funding for housing and supportive services for veterans. Full Article at All American Patriots

November 16, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. –Today the Senate took another step closer to passing legislation that will give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the resources it needs to ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply. Full Article at All American Patriots

November 13, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced today that he has co-sponsored legislation to increase food safety by assisting local farmers and processors with new food safety regulations. Full Article at All American Patriots

A Senate hearing last week for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act alternated between tales of discrimination and wrangling over the bill’s exemptions for religious groups. The Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee heard testimony Nov. Full Article at Washington Blade

Senate Banking Committee Chairman unveiled his financial reform package on Tuesday and consumers could win big if the bill becomes law. Full Article at WalletPop