November 10, 2025 3:50 a.m.  

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden both cast a no vote Sunday night as the Senate took the first step toward ending the longest shutdown of the federal government in U.S. history.

The legislation, which passed by a 60 to 40 vote, would fund most federal agencies through January and backs down from Democrats central demand to extend Obama Care health care subsidies that are slated to expire at the end of the year.

Ahead of casting his vote on Sunday night, Senator Jeff Merkley said, “The vote tonight to reopen the government with no deal on health care is a brutal blow to all those who have stood together to save affordable health care for more than 20 million Americans”. Merkley said, “I strived to stop this outcome. I will vote “NO” tonight with every fiber of my being”.

In a social media post, Senator Ron Wyden said, “My red line has always been lowering health costs for Americans. Donald Trump and Republicans don’t want an agreement that meets that bar. I’m a no”.

Senators are reconvening Monday to continue working towards ending the federal government shutdown.