River Bend Times

Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, has issued a statement following the passage of the FY25 budget resolution by Republicans through committee. In his remarks, Senator Merkley expressed strong disapproval of the budget, citing significant potential impacts on American families.

"This Republican budget opens the door to massive cuts for families," said Merkley. He noted that Democrats on the committee had proposed multiple amendments aimed at safeguarding essential services such as health care, housing, and education. However, these amendments were blocked by Republicans.

Merkley criticized the reallocation of funds resulting from these cuts, suggesting they would benefit wealthy individuals. "Democrats on the committee offered amendment after amendment to protect health care, housing, and education – all of the foundations working families need to thrive – and Republicans blocked every single one of them, all to later divert those cuts into massive tax breaks for the richest Americans," he stated.

The senator labeled this approach as "the Great Betrayal," accusing President Trump and Senate Republicans of prioritizing billionaire interests over those of working families. "This isn’t government of, by, and for the people; it's government of, by, and for billionaires," Merkley concluded.

For further information or inquiries regarding this issue or other related matters, interested parties can contact the Senate Budget Committee's main office in Washington D.C.