By Jordain Carney, The Hill
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said Wednesday that he will oppose Rahm Emanuel’s nomination to be ambassador to Japan.
“Black Lives Matter. Here in the halls of Congress, it is important that we not just speak and believe these words, but put them into action in the decisions we make,” Merkley said in a statement.
“I have carefully considered Mayor Emanuel’s record—and the input of civil rights leaders, criminal justice experts, and local elected officials who have reached out to the Senate to weigh in—and I have reached the decision that I cannot support his nomination to serve as a U.S. Ambassador,” Merkley added in a statement.

The committee is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, meaning Emanuel will need help from Republicans to get his nomination to the Senate floor. But Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), who previously has served as ambassador to Japan, has backed Emanuel’s nomination and introduced him at his committee hearing.
Recent Posts
Is The Democratic Party Embracing Bernie Sanders-Style Politics?
November 26, 2025
Take Action Now Maybe. Let’s hope it is not too late for Democrats to win back the working class and WashingtonBy Dustin Guastella, The Guardian…
War On Venezuela Is A Lie
November 26, 2025
Take Action Now The growing discussion of the responsibility to disobey illegal orders is not unrelated to this threatened war. The UK has reportedly…
The Trump-Mamdani Show Was Amazing. But Downsides For Progressives Could Turn Out To Be Steep
November 25, 2025
Take Action Now It’s all well and good to laud Mamdani’s extraordinary political talents and inspiring leadership for social justice. At the same…
ICE Sent 600 Immigrant Kids To Detention In Federal Shelters This Year. It’s A New Record.
November 24, 2025
Take Action Now This year ICE has sent more immigrant children into the federal shelter system than in the previous four years combined. New data…




