Statement record
Ron Wyden — Jul 28, 2026
U.S. Senator (D-OR) · Jul 28, 2026
Co-signed the Jul. 28, 2026 Merkley/Wyden letter to FEMA on denial of Fire Management Assistance Grants for the East Evans Creek Fire and Rowe Creek Fire Complex amid Oregon's record wildfire season (same letter as Merkley primary). Oregon is in a dire wildfire situation — the worst in the nation — with 86 active fires burning over 1 million acres and more than 33,000 Oregonians under evacuation as of July 27. Merkley and Wyden pressed FEMA on denials of Fire Management Assistance Grants for the East Evans Creek Fire and Rowe Creek Fire Complex despite Level 3 evacuations surpassing historical residence thresholds. They wrote that withholding FMAG resources until a fire becomes a major disaster is "a major shift in administrative policy" contrary to FEMA's own manual.
Analysis notes
OR senator (core). Co-signer on Merkley-led FMAG oversight letter. Out of window (before anchor).
Codes
- Disaster Mention yes — Oregon 2026 wildfire season / Rowe Creek + East Evans Creek.
- Climate Connection no — No climate framing.
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action partial — Challenges Trump-admin FEMA criteria shift on FMAG denials.