June 16, 2025 3:30 p.m. 

On Monday, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released a statement following reports that the GOP’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” includes provisions that would allow the federal government to sell off millions of acres of federal lands, including thousands of acres in Oregon.

Merkley said, “Our public lands – which contribute to the spirit and economies of communities throughout Oregon and the country – belong to all of us. Republican’s attempts to sell off our public lands, kick millions off their health insurance and make it harder for families to put food on the table – all to fund tax giveaways to billionaires – is a betrayal to families and communities across this country”.  Merkley said, “As I told Secretary Burgum last month: our public lands are not for sale. As Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee and Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I will fight like hell against any Republican attempts to rip away public lands from public use”.

The Republican’s provision to sell off public lands can be found in the section of the legislation linked at: https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/DF7B7FBE-9866-4B69-8ACA-C661A4F18096