All articles tagged with #jeff merkley
A bipartisan bill to prevent the demolition of presidential memorials, including the Kennedy Center, failed in the Senate after Republican Sen. Mike Lee objected to a unanimous consent vote. The measure, led by Democrats and Republicans, would have required congressional approval for any such demolition. Supporters plan to reintroduce the legislation in both chambers of Congress.
A bipartisan bill to prevent the demolition of presidential memorials, including the Kennedy Center, was blocked in the Senate by a single objection from Utah Republican Mike Lee. The measure, introduced by Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley and Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, sought to require congressional approval before any presidential memorial could be demolished. Lee objected to the fast-track unanimous consent vote without providing a statement. This action follows recent threats from President Donald Trump to demolish the Kennedy Center after failing to rename it, and comes amid ongoing legal battles over the building's status and condition.
A bipartisan bill to prevent the demolition of presidential memorials without congressional approval was blocked in the Senate by a single Republican objection. The Protecting Presidential Memorials Act, co-authored by Democrats and Republicans, would have protected the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial. Senator Mike Lee of Utah objected to the unanimous consent vote, citing concerns about the bill’s process. The move comes amid ongoing legal battles over the Kennedy Center, where the Trump administration has sought to rename the venue and has threatened demolition if its demands are not met.
Senate Democrats, led by Schumer, urge a Government Accountability Office audit of White House East Wing/ballroom spending, citing concerns about transparency and stewardship. The D.C. Circuit Court ruling could require congressional approval for the ballroom, foreshadowing a potential Supreme Court fight. The Washington Post reported roughly $927 million in White House campus spending, largely funded by taxpayers, with the White House saying public dollars cover security while the ballroom itself would be privately funded.
The US Senate is preparing to vote on the Shutdown Fairness Act to pay federal workers and military members working during the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 23rd day. Despite efforts, the Senate has repeatedly failed to pass a funding bill to end the shutdown, with recent votes falling short of the required 60 votes. Senator Jeff Merkley delivered a historic 22-hour speech protesting the administration's policies amid the shutdown.
Sen. Jeff Merkley delivered a record-breaking 22-hour speech in the Senate to warn of authoritarian threats and emphasize the importance of the upcoming election amid ongoing government shutdown and political tensions.
Senator Jeff Merkley delivered an extended marathon speech on the Senate floor protesting President Trump's policies, criticizing actions such as deportations, federal program cancellations, and the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, framing it as a threat to the Constitution and democracy.
Senator Jeff Merkley held the Senate floor to protest President Trump's actions he perceives as threats to democracy, including efforts to undermine vote-by-mail and gerrymandering, amid a government shutdown.
Senator Jeff Merkley held the Senate floor to protest President Trump's actions he claims threaten democracy, including voter suppression tactics and efforts to eliminate vote-by-mail, amid a government shutdown.