States Oregon U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate, Oregon
November 3, 2026 · 14 statements · 2026.09.30-418e57dd
Candidates
Also on the ballot
Gary Lyndon Dye Libertarian Not researched: below our published threshold Chris Henry Green Not researched: below our published threshold
We research every Democratic or Republican nominee, every incumbent, and anyone who raised at least $50,000 (per the FEC) or reached 5 percent in a public poll. Methodology
Statements and positions
Agree Disagree No clear position Select a position to see the evidence behind it.
Jeff Merkley Democratic, incumbent David Brock Smith Republican
Federal statements
Economy No. 01/14
The federal minimum wage should be raised above $7.25 an hour.
Background The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009. States and cities can set higher minimums, and many do.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Taxes No. 02/14
Federal income taxes should be raised on households earning more than $400,000 a year.
Background This would increase the federal income tax owed by the highest-earning households. Households below that income would not be affected by this change.
this bill adds nearly $30 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years – mortgaging the cost on future generations to ensure billionaires can pay less in taxes.
Campaign or official site · Jul 1, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
Extending tax cuts for middle class families is extremely important. If we don't tend to our working families this economy will never recover.
Campaign or official site · Nov 17, 2010 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Health care No. 03/14
Federal premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans should be expanded.
Background These subsidies lower the monthly cost of health plans bought on HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces. Expanding them would lower premiums for more buyers and increase federal spending.
We must act now to ensure these provisions are made permanent to keep Oregonians reliably insured and keep health care costs from skyrocketing.
Campaign or official site · Jan 22, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Immigration No. 04/14
Congress should fund more physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Background This would pay for additional fencing or wall along the southern border. It concerns construction funding, not other kinds of border enforcement.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Guns No. 05/14
Federal law should require background checks for all gun sales, including private sales.
Background Federal law requires background checks for sales by licensed dealers but not for most sales between private individuals. This would extend the requirement to private sales.
An overwhelming majority of Americans agree that comprehensive background checks are a common-sense step to keeping guns out of the hands of people who may commit acts of violence.
Campaign or official site · Jan 9, 2019 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Abortion No. 06/14
Abortion laws should be set by each state rather than by Congress.
Background Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, each state sets its own abortion laws. Agreeing means Congress should not pass a national law that either expands or restricts access.
Here in America, we all should have the same right to make medical decisions about our own bodies, and to access the care we need—including reproductive care—no matter where we live.
Campaign or official site · Mar 9, 2023 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 07/14
The federal government should expand oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters.
Background This concerns leases on land and offshore areas the federal government owns. It does not cover drilling on private or state land.
This is a matter of national consequence for coastal communities across the country, regardless of political affiliation.
Campaign or official site · Oct 31, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
A major contribution to this challenge would be stopping new fossil fuel leases on our public lands that lock in oil, gas and coal extraction for decades into the future.
Campaign or official site · Nov 4, 2015 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 08/14
The federal government should limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
Background This would set federal limits on the carbon pollution power plants release. It concerns regulation by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
cutting our own emissions is key to persuading other countries to cut theirs.
Campaign or official site · Aug 3, 2015 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Economy No. 09/14
The U.S. should keep broad tariffs on imported goods.
Background Tariffs are taxes paid on imported goods. Since 2025 the U.S. has applied tariffs to imports from most countries, and this statement is about keeping them in place.
Trump's illegal and chaotic tariffs have harmed American consumers and businesses, leaving them to foot the bill for rising prices due to Trumpflation.
Campaign or official site · Feb 20, 2026 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Public safety No. 10/14
Federal grants to local police departments should be increased.
Background Federal grant programs help local departments pay for officers, equipment and training. This would raise the amount available.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.50)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Public safety No. 11/14
A president should be able to send the National Guard into a state over its governor's objection.
Background Governors normally command their state's National Guard, but federal law lets a president take control of it in some situations. Since 2025, the use of that power to send troops into cities has been challenged in court.
Trump's response to protests in California is purely authoritarian—an abuse of power designed to raise tensions.
Campaign or official site · Jun 23, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 12/14
The U.S. should continue sending military aid to Ukraine.
Background The U.S. has provided weapons and military funding to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion. This would keep that support going.
We have to fund Ukraine and stand with our European partners and the people fighting against Russian aggression.
Campaign or official site · Feb 8, 2024 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
merkley.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 13/14
The president should get approval from Congress before taking further military action against Iran.
Background The U.S. carried out military strikes on Iran in 2025 without a vote in Congress. This would require approval by Congress before further U.S. military action against Iran, other than responding to an attack.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Taxes No. 14/14
Earnings above the current Social Security tax cap should also be subject to the Social Security payroll tax.
Background The 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax applies only to wages up to a yearly cap, $184,500 in 2026. Applying it above the cap would raise more money for Social Security from higher earners.
Raising the contribution cap is a clear, simple, bipartisan fix that voters support.
Campaign or official site · Mar 25, 2026 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
budget.senate.gov No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jeff Merkley's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Brock Smith's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked