Oregon senators Merkley and Wyden plan to skip State of the Union to host virtual town hall
WASHINGTON. -- U.S. Senators. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley will not attend the State of the Union address on Feb. 24, choosing instead to host a virtual town hall for Oregonians. The live online event will focus on protecting the U.S. Constitution and addressing federal policy concerns.
The town hall, co-hosted with the organization People's Town Hall, will give residents the opportunity to ask questions and share viewpoints. The senators announced the move as a way to resist what they described as assaults on the Bill of Rights while engaging directly with their constituents.
The virtual town hall is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on YouTube. Oregonians who wish to participate can submit questions to the senators in advance through an online portal.
Senator Wyden explained his decision by citing concerns over the economy and legal issues. He also mentioned the current administration's handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
"Sitting through Donald Trump's unhinged ramblings about his unconstitutional schemes does nothing to help Oregonians justifiably concerned about his attacks on the economy and the law as well as his desperate diversions from the Epstein investigation," Wyden said. He added that he prefers to hear "the truth" from his constituents during the alternative event.
Senator Merkley criticized the impact of the administration's policies on working-class families. He stated that the boycott of the national address is a move to prioritize direct connection with his home state.
"After a year in office, Trump has made America poorer and sicker," Merkley said. "He ran for president promising to help working people, but in office he's only helped the rich and powerful. Trump is putting up red tape for families and rolling out the red carpet for billionaires. Every day of the week, I'll choose to boycott the wannabe dictator and connect with Oregonians."
The event is being held in collaboration with People's Town Hall, an organization formed by the founders of the Town Hall Project. Nathan Williams, a representative of People's Town Hall, described the partnership as a way to ensure elected officials remain accountable to their constituents. "Direct dialogue with our leaders is a cornerstone of our democracy and it's never been more important for our elected representatives to listen to the people they work for: their constituents," Williams said.
This virtual format follows the senators' established practice of regular engagement with Oregon residents. Both Wyden and Merkley conduct at least one town hall in each of the state's 36 counties every year.
