River Bend Times

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon and the Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, has commented on a recent report from the Commerce Department indicating a slowdown in the economy. The data suggests a contraction during the first quarter of the year, a notable change after continuous growth since 2022. The previous administration had seen an economic expansion of 2.4% during the last quarter of 2024.

Merkley expressed concern about the impact of President Trump's early administration policies on the economy. "Trump has been in office for only 100 days, and costs, chaos and corruption are already on the rise. The economy is slowing, prices are going up, and middle-class families are feeling the pinch," Merkley noted. He challenged the President's promises upon entering office, stating, "While Trump ran on a promise to lower prices ‘on day one,’ the President’s reckless blanket tariffs and trade wars with our allies are only making it harder for families in Oregon and across the country to make ends meet."

Merkley highlighted the effect of increased costs across essential sectors, pointing out the burden on working families. He declared, "From energy to housing and food, costs are up while the President is actively driving the economy into a ditch leaving hardworking Americans to bear the brunt."

Summing up his view on the current economic situation, Merkley labeled it as problematic for the average citizen, asserting, “This is the Great Betrayal of American families – families lose, billionaires win."