Free and unfettered discourse has been the lifeblood of our democracy, and it has kept us free.
Editor's note · Context
Merkley emphasizes the importance of free speech in democracy.
Share & report
More from Jeff Merkley
Mr. President and colleagues, back in 1974, the Senate and the House were very agitated over the increases in the national annual deficit that was adding considerably to the national debt. They said we needed to do something about this…
To protect Americans from Big Brother government exploiting their Social Security and tax records, I vote no. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant to rule XII, no debate is permitted during a vote. The Senator will suspend. The clerk will…
Mr. President, my colleagues, my good friend from South Carolina compared this bill with balancing the family budget. Well back in my neighborhood, balancing the budget means you only spend what you earn. It doesn't mean borrowing, and it…
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Chance Mitchell, a law clerk on the Budget Committee minority staff, be granted floor privileges during consideration of S. Con. Res. 7. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection…





