WASHINGTON, April 22 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley issued the following press release:
Today, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley-the Ranking Member of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee-delivered the following remarks as prepared for delivery at the hearing reviewing the President's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of the Interior with Secretary Doug Burgum:
Senator Merkley's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:
"Thank you, Chair Murkowski.
"And welcome, Secretary Burgum.
"The Department of the Interior carries a profound responsibility.
"It is entrusted with: stewarding our nation's public lands, honoring our commitments to Tribal nations, and safeguarding natural resources for future g...