Free Republic

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) on Monday became the second senator to call for a cease-fire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants. “I am calling for a ceasefire — a cessation of hostilities by both sides,” Merkley posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “To endure, the ceasefire and the following negotiations must accomplish other essential objectives, including the release of all hostages and a massive influx of humanitarian aid.” Merkley’s call comes after Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the second-highest ranking Democrat in the Senate, became the first senator to back a stop in...

Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley speculated about the existence of a “pee tape” with President Donald Trump during an interview with BuzzFeed. “Do you think Vladimir Putin has something on him?” BuzzFeed editor Ben Smith asked Merkley during a sit-down interview, noting Trump’s reluctance to ever criticize the Russian president. “I think it’s likely, yeah,” Merkley confirmed.

Sen. Jeff Merkley spoke for over 15 hours, protesting the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch, saying how this seat on the high court is stolen, and that the integrity of the courts would be undermined for decades if the Senate confirms him. Yes, a man who received the American Bar AssociationÂ’s highest rating is going to denigrate the courts. This is bath salts logic, but Merkley has been one of GorsuchÂ’s early (and vocal) opponents. HeÂ’s from a blue state. And his base is frothing at the mouth to go all-out war, even in the face of defeat....