River Bend Times

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has expressed strong criticism of the recently passed FY25 budget resolution by Senate Republicans. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, Merkley voiced his concerns about the impact of the budget on American families.

"Families lose and billionaires win. That’s the heart of the Republicans budget resolution," Merkley stated, highlighting a $1 trillion cut to programs that support working families. He argued that such cuts would necessitate significant reductions in agency services relied upon by these families.

Merkley accused former President Trump and Senate Republicans of prioritizing their wealthy allies over ordinary citizens. "Trump’s tax plan is the Great Betrayal of working families," he remarked.

Throughout the legislative process, Democrats, led by Merkley, sought to safeguard family interests by attempting to lower costs for essential items like groceries, prescription drugs, rent, and housing. However, according to Merkley, "Republicans voted against every single one."

He further criticized Republican fiscal policies: "The American people are sick and tired of this bait-and-switch of Republicans campaigning on fiscal responsibility and then governing by driving up deficits and debt at the expense of critical programs."

During the Senate's consideration of numerous amendments, Merkley took an active role as floor manager. He introduced two key amendments aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and addressing housing affordability by curbing hedge fund activities in the single-family housing market.