A bill that would ban all e-cigarette flavoring other than tobacco, apply existing cigarette taxes to vaping devices and require the HHS to educate the public about the potential health effects of vaping has been introduced by Sens. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. The measure is called the Ending New Nicotine Dependencies Act.

The Senate Banking Committee will hold its first hearing on legislation that would make it easier for banks to do business with legal cannabis companies. Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., are expected to testify about their version of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Act, which has already passed the House of Representatives.

Oregon State University has received a $2.5 million grant from the Energy Department to develop technology for monitoring offshore wind turbines that could minimize their effect on wildlife. "If we want to curb climate chaos and remain an economic force in the world, we must invest in research and development for the most cutting-edge energy technology," says Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.

A bill that would let Affordable Care Act customers and employers buy Medicare coverage was unveiled last week by Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn. The legislation, which is co-sponsored by 10 Senate Democrats, would also permit the government to negotiate Medicare drug prices and extend eligibility for ACA subsidies to 600% of the federal poverty level.