National Senator Merkley Statement on 2015 Spending Bill by Gary Kopycinski on December 15, 2014 Gary Kopycinski Author More in National: Rep. Kelly Condemns FDA Approval of Flavored E-Cigarettes May 6, 2026 Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Ban Slavery in Wisconsin February 24, 2026 Martha Washington’s Enslaved Maid Ona Judge Made a Daring Escape to Freedom – but the National Park Service Has Erased Her Story From Philadelphia Exhibit February 14, 2026 WASHINGTON –(ENEWSPF)–December 15, 2014. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement on Saturday after the Senate voted on passage of the 2015 spending bill.