It’s been a tumultuous 2025 when it comes to political headlines; what would you ask a U.S. senator if you got the chance?
Some Linn and Benton county residents had the opportunity to do so at U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley’s (D-Ore.) Feb. 1 town hall at Linn-Benton Community College. The Saturday evening Q&A was the 583rd town hall of Merkley’s career, a now annual stop at LBCC as he tours the state.
For around an hour, Merkley fielded questions from a moderately full Russell Tripp Performance Center at LBCC’s Albany campus. Attendees who wished to answer a question were given tickets ahead of the event, although the time constraints only allowed for around ten to be answered.
Merkley, flanked by the flags of the United States and Oregon, was introduced by Albany mayor Alex Johnson and LBCC president Lisa Avery before the event. He wore a casual button-up shirt and a flannel as he spoke to an audience of largely retired-age citizens. Only one college-age student asked a question, although attendance was low for that demographic overall.
Given a round of applause as he entered, Merkley wasn’t challenged by the audience, many of whom spoke of their appreciation for the senator and his values ahead of their questions. Attendees asked about topics ranging from social security funding to Project 2025 to the United States sending weapons to Israel.
Asked about how to keep hope in the nation’s current political climate, Merkley spoke about how wealth inequality has created “a lot of problems to sort out.” He added that “the voices are getting louder – more people are starting to say what I’ve been saying for the last 16 years: major, massive reform is needed to restore government for and by the people.” The response elicited an “amen” from a member of the crowd.
Merkley often directed barbs at major players in the Trump administration such as Elon Musk and Russell Vought, criticizing their treatment of government workers. “We’re going to push back in every way we can,” he said. “I want nonpartisan professionals making the things work better, not lackeys.” He repeatedly denounced the federal funding pause that was announced in a memo on Jan. 28, frozen by a judge, and later walked back.
Merkley also talked about his support of raising the social security tax cap, which was greeted with applause. Asked about how to aid forest management to prevent wildfires, he spoke in support of funding forest management and said, “We want to apply the best science the best we can.” Merkley added that climate change has created the “perfect combination” for growing fires, while also directing a jab at President Donald Trump’s 2018 comments about raking forests to prevent fires following the Camp Wildfire in Paradise, California: “President Trump was asked this question – he said, ‘Get a rake.'”
Merkley refused to answer questions that had to do with inner-party politics, and he opted to not go into detail regarding inquiries about the United States’ potential acquisitions of Greenland, Canada, or the Panama Canal, telling attendees, “Do not get distracted by those issues.” He also replied to a question about the 14th Amendment being amended to revoke birthright citizenship, saying, “Hell no, that’s not gonna happen.”
Despite his criticism of prominent Republican figures, Merkley still called for unity, praising the “civil rights” roots of the GOP and saying he’d work with Trump on bills both sides could agree on.
Merkley has served as a U.S. senator since 2009, with his current term set to end in 2027. He is currently a ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.
