Senator Jeff Merkley comes from a family of fighters. According to family lore, his grandmother lived for a time in a boxcar during the Great Depression. Jeff’s mother stretched a dollar as far as anyone possibly could, and his father overcame a serious illness and went on to work in a lumber mill and become a union machinist. Life wasn’t glamorous, but together, Jeff’s parents saved enough to buy a modest home, take their children on annual camping vacations, and retire comfortably after a lifetime of contributing to their community.
As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, Senator Merkley is focused on ensuring the safe evacuation of Americans, our Afghan allies, and the most vulnerable populations in the country, including women and children. Senator Merkley and his team are working directly with the State Department and other relevant agencies to process requests as quickly and efficiently as possible during this difficult time.