Senator Jeff Merkley sworn in today

Earlier today, the Northwest's newest Democratic U.S. Senator, Jeff Merkley, was sworn into office. His first act? Well, just by being installed as the junior Senator from Oregon we're sure Merkley is improving the quality of life in his home state, since Gordon Smith now has time to ensure that his frozen food company doesn't continue to dump waste in local waterways.

In all seriousness, adding Jeff Merkley to a group of Senators that includes Ron Wyden, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, gives the Northwest a formidable lineup (though we've got to get to work on Idaho). Like his colleagues, Jeff Merkley is someone we can count on to stand up for our values.

Senator Merkley issued the following statement today:

“Three decades ago, when I came to the Senate to work as an intern for Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield, I never imagined then that I would have the opportunity to sit in his seat. I will aspire to serve with the same integrity and bipartisanship that marked Senator Hatfield’s career.

“Our nation faces many challenges right now: an economy in recession, our armed forces engaged in two wars, global threats from climate change and the proliferation of nuclear weapon states. This is not the time for incremental change – we need bold leadership and action to address these challenges.

“We need to immediately pass an economic recovery package to create living wage jobs and lay the groundwork for future growth. We need to invest in green energy and tap into America’s legacy of innovation. We need to end the predatory business practices that drained wealth from working Americans and undermined our financial markets. And we need to start the difficult task of restoring America’s reputation in the world by responsibly ending the war in Iraq.

“Our job will not be easy. But working together we can again build a nation where every American has the opportunity to succeed. I look forward to working with President-Elect Obama and my new colleagues in putting our nation back on track.”

At NPI, we have no doubt that Jeff Merkley is up to meeting the challenges our nation faces, and we're proud to have another progressive voice from the Northwest in the Senate.