U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are sounding the alarm about the mental health care crisis facing Malheur County. They learned that nearly 800 residents might lose access to essential mental health services because of Medicaid funding cuts tied to a recent budget bill pushed by former President Trump and congressional Republicans.
In letters to local health care providers, Wyden and Merkley asked how they would manage to keep services running under these new financial constraints. They highlighted the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, such as children and individuals with disabilities.
Wyden and Merkley are committed to ensuring health care access in rural communities, promising to continue their fight against these harmful cuts. They requested prompt feedback from healthcare organizations on how the changes will affect local care.
In related news, Senator Merkley recently reported raising $781,200 in the third quarter of 2025, with about 84% coming from individual donors. He also disclosed spending $364,000 during this period. He ended the filing period with $5.1 million in cash on hand, showing strong financial backing.
Merkley’s net worth is estimated at $11 million, making him one of the wealthier members of Congress. Surprisingly, he has no investments in publicly traded assets.
He has also proposed several bills aimed at different issues. Notably, he’s looking to support nursing schools with funding for program enhancements and modernization. Another notable proposal aims to prohibit the use of U.S. forces in conflicts related to Venezuela, reflecting his cautious approach to military engagement.
As the situation in Malheur County unfolds, community members await a response on how their mental health services will be affected. The senators’ active role highlights the ongoing importance of mental health resources, particularly in under-resourced areas.
For more details on Senator Merkley’s proposals and financials, you can check Quiver Quantitative’s politician page for Merkley.
