National Senator Merkley: Time to Stop Manufacturing Crises, Get Back to Rebuilding Middle Class by Gary Kopycinski on October 17, 2013 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)–October 17, 2013. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after an agreement was reached to reopen the government and prevent a default on U.S. debt: