Health and Fitness Senator Merkley Statement on Vote to Defund Planned Parenthood by Gary Kopycinski on August 3, 2015 Gary Kopycinski Author More in Health and Fitness: On Hantavirus, Park Forest Officials Urge Caution May 18, 2026 Rep. Kelly Condemns FDA Approval of Flavored E-Cigarettes May 6, 2026 Park Forest Aligns With Illinois Guidance on Childhood Vaccines Amid Federal Changes January 11, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. â-(ENEWSPF)–August 3, 2015. Oregonâs Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Senate on Monday night defeated an effort to defund Planned Parenthood: