Sen. Merkley Postpones Baker City Town Hall, New Dates Pending

Sen. Jeff Merkley called off his Baker City town hall less than 48 hours before it was to convene at Community Connection of Baker County, giving residents no rescheduled date to press him on wildfire funding, rural healthcare, and infrastructure.

The March 31 event was one of nine stops Merkley had planned across Eastern Oregon between March 30 and April 1, covering Malheur, Harney, Grant, Baker, Union, Wallowa, Umatilla, Morrow and Wheeler counties. The Senator's office cited unforeseen circumstances in announcing the postponement but provided no further detail, leaving open whether security concerns, a scheduling conflict, or another factor drove the decision.

For Baker County residents who had planned to attend, the cancellation closes a rare window for direct engagement with a sitting senator at a time when federal decisions on public lands, wildfire appropriations, and rural services are actively in play. Community Connection of Baker County had been selected as the venue for what was to be a public session.

Rescheduled dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, constituents can submit questions and request casework assistance through the Senator's official Senate website. Residents navigating federal agency issues, including veterans benefits, rural healthcare coverage, and infrastructure concerns, can reach Merkley's Oregon staff through the same channel. Disability accommodations previously arranged for the March 31 event can be re-requested once replacement dates are confirmed.

The Senator's office has not specified what prompted the postponement or whether security concerns or potential disruptions factored into the decision. Baker County has no confirmed date for a rescheduled session.