{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"OR\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-12-trillion-infrastructure-bill", "Statement on $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill", "2021-11-20", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "There were many reasons I voted against the infrastructure bill. The first was that Speaker Pelosi had harnessed the infrastructure bill to the multi-trillion-dollar welfare spending bill that passed. One bill could pass only if both passed. Thus, if Republicans had stopped the infrastructure bill, we could have also stopped the two trillion Build Back Broke bill. Second, the bill was designed and developed by the Senate with no input whatsoever from the House Republicans. Third, I believe the infrastructure bill invested far too much in passenger rail (east coast Amtrak) ignoring the incredible need for repair of roads and bridges. Fourth, the infrastructure law contains provisions that pour money into Green New Deal initiatives such as hundreds of electric charging stations (has the federal government ever paid for gas stations?). Fifth, the law forces all Americans to pay for projects that should be paid for by those actually using these improvements. Finally, it also contains a provision that gives the federal government power to override state siting of power lines. There are many more provisions that I do not support in the 2,700-page bill, but these are the major reasons underlying my NO vote.\n\nAlthough the bad outweighed the good, the law does contain some funding for investments in water infrastructure, roads and bridges, broadband, etc. As I understand the situation, funds provided in the law will be made available through existing grant programs. I would write letters of support for grant applications by those in Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District seeking to access funds in the law, should I be asked and should the facts warrant. This would be no different than any other existing federal funding opportunity for organizations and localities in Oregon. I have asked my staff to work on updating our congressional website to include information that addresses the means of accessing these and other funding opportunities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-bill-limit-northern-spotted-owl-habitat", "Congressman Bentz Introduces Bill to Limit Northern Spotted Owl Habitat Designation", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) introduced H.R.6019, a bill that would codify the Trump Administration\u2019s Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) Critical Habitat Revision, which would fine-tune the NSO's habitat designation and remove about one million acres of non-NSO habitat lands from the area designated as owl habitat.\n\n\"The Biden Administration's newly announced critical habitat designation for the Northern Spotted Owl is one of many examples of the far Left's weaponization of the Endangered Species Act,\" said Bentz. \"I am fighting to restore the Trump Administration's habitat designation for the NSO because its designation balanced the needs of the owl against the needs of rural communities and the threat of massive wildfires.\"\n\n\u201cEvery American wants to see our rich diversity of species not just survive, but to thrive for generations to come. That goal doesn\u2019t necessitate bureaucratic red tape and government overreach, like the Endangered Species Act often entails. The northern spotted owl is the perfect example. Overly expansive critical habitat designations have resulted in more catastrophic wildfires and significant loss of owl habitat. The Trump administration aimed to fix this issue by reducing the amount of critical habitat to allow for more forest restoration. Now, the Biden administration is swooping in with a \u2018government knows best\u2019 approach. With this legislation, Congressman Bentz is returning power to those who matter: the communities who know how to care for the owl the best. I\u2019m proud to join him in this effort.\u201d -House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)\n\n\u201cFar too often, the Endangered Species Act has been weaponized at the expense of industry and the jobs they provide for the West\u2019s rural communities. The listing and mismanagement of the northern spotted owl hits home for both Rep. Bentz and I, and it has had a negative impact on our communities, local economies, and the species itself. I am proud to support his legislation to codify the commonsense critical habitat designation for the spotted owl that will deliver certainty to our local land managers and conservationists and help us work toward the species\u2019 successful recovery.\u201d - Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.)\n\nCongressman Cliff Bentz understands that both owls and people need healthy and resilient forests. After 30 years of failed policies, it's time for more effective and balanced solutions to help recover Northern Spotted Owl populations, conserve wildlife habitat, and protect our communities from devastating wildfires and toxic smoke. His solution recognizes that science-based active forest management is needed to prevent further habitat loss from severe wildfires and that federal agencies should follow the law to conserve habitat that's actually habitat for the species. The legislation will also encourage agencies to focus on the biggest threat to this species- competition from the Barred Owl, a larger, more aggressive owl species. We applaud Congressman Bentz\u2019s introduction of this legislation to ensure Northern Spotted Owl habitat protections reflect the science, law, and decades of lessons learned. - American Forest Resource Council President and CEO Travis Joseph\n\n\u201cFor decades, the overly broad Northern Spotted Owl Critical Habitat designation has prevented responsible forest management. Oregon communities have paid the price, and every summer we face out of control wildfires and smoke. The Critical Habitat does not even address the primary threat to the Northern Spotted Owl, which is competition from the invasive Barred Owl Species. Congressman Bentz\u2019s bill to codify the Trump Administration\u2019s Revised Critical Habitat is a step in the right direction. It will allow for accelerated forest management and fuels treatment to prevent the uncontrollable wildfires that have devastated Oregon communities.\u201d - Lake County, Oregon Commissioner Barry Shullanberger\n\n\u201cThis legislation will help to lift some of the layers of \u201cprotective\u201d designations on public lands that currently prevent healthy forest management, which will ultimately help prevent the threat of wildfire and protect Oregon communities and wildlife.\u201d - Jackson County, Oregon Commissioner Colleen Roberts", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-statement-vote-against-multi-trillion-dollar-build-back", "Congressman Bentz Statement on Vote Against Multi-Trillion Dollar Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) released the following statement regarding his vote against the Build Back Better Act:\n\nThank you to Leader McCarthy who made history in the House of Representatives last night and into the early hours this morning. He held the line by delaying the massive $1.9 trillion (but more like $4 trillion) Democrat-welfare spending bill on the House Floor for 8 hours and 32 minutes. Every second he spoke was one more moment we were spared the terrible policies in this bill: higher inflation, amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants, higher taxes on middle class families, taxpayer funding of abortion, and federal overreach in our schools and our children\u2019s education - to name just a few!", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-bill-restore-trump-era-rule-defining-habitat", "Congressman Bentz Introduces Bill to Restore Trump-Era Rule Defining Habitat for Endangered Species", "2021-10-26", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz introduced H.R. 5708, a bill that would curtail the use of habitat designations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for areas not inhabited by an endangered species. Congressman Bentz's legislation is aimed at stopping the Biden Administration's announced plan to begin rolling back several critical Trump-era reforms of the ESA.\n\nIn a statement, Bentz said: In the Biden Administration\u2019s latest effort to reverse every accomplishment of the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Interior has rescinded the December of 2020 science-based definition of habitat. This change will have far-reaching and potentially disastrous implications for rural communities, federal forests, and wildlife. Sadly, President Biden has made it clear that his administration\u2019s policies are focused on fulfilling the agenda of far-left environmental radicals instead of conserving our natural resources and working with rural communities where many Americans have lived and protected the land for generations. That is why I introduced H.R. 5708, a bill to codify the Trump Administration\u2019s definition of habitat, which is scientifically based and meets the needs of both our environment and the people living within it. My bill will help to begin restoring balance to species management policies that lock up federal lands from human activity \u2013 including those activities which will help clean up, conserve, and restore natural habitats.\n\nBackground:\n\nBetween 2019 and 2020, the Trump administration introduced five significant Endangered Species Act regulations. Congressman Bentz's bill, introduced today, would codify the Trump Administration's definition of habitat, giving it the force and effect of law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-calls-attorney-general-garland-prioritize-drug-and", "Congressman Bentz Calls on Attorney General Garland to Prioritize Drug and Immigration Enforcement", "2021-10-22", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, during a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) called on United States Attorney General Merrick Garland to prioritize and direct more federal resources to local law enforcement in places like southern Oregon where county officials are combatting drug cartel operations including illegal marijuana farms and human trafficking.\n\nIn Congressman Bentz's remarks, as prepared for delivery, he stated, \"I've spoken with the FBI, but the Justice Department needs to be doing more about this issue at all levels.\" Bentz continued, \"Oregon, and possibly other states are caught up in the illegal growing and production of marijuana and cannabis on an industrial scale. According to local law enforcement, this industry is based in large part on the miserable suffering of thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people coming across the border illegally, and then being pressed into indentured servitude by cartels.\"\n\nFollowing the hearing, Bentz stated \u201cI had the opportunity to directly ask the Attorney General why he told the FBI to focus on parents appearing before school boards voicing their displeasure about critical race theory, instead of protecting Oregon communities from the obvious and real dangers posed by illegal and dangerous drug cartels. I hope he listened and that he will do more to help.\u201d\n\nAdditional Resources:\n\nVideo: Bentz Hearing Clip on YouTube\n\nVideo: Bentz Hearing Clip (Downloadable)\n\nTranscript: Bentz Remarks at Hearing\n\nPhotos: Bentz at Hearing\n\nVideo: Bentz Reaction to Hearing on Newsmax TV (Downloadable)\n\nLetter and Photos: Josephine County Commission\n\nEmergency Declaration by Jackson County", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-announces-federal-casework-milestone-more-1100-cases-worked", "Congressman Bentz Announces Federal Casework Milestone: More than 1,100 Cases Worked", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) announced that his congressional staff have worked more than 1,100 cases on behalf of constituents in Oregon's Second Congressional District since Bentz took office 9 months ago.\n\n\u201cMy offices in Oregon and Washington, DC are dedicated to serving the people of Oregon's second congressional district,\" said Bentz. \"I am incredibly proud of my hardworking casework staff for going to great lengths to assist our fellow Oregonians. Our team works diligently to cut through miles of bureaucratic red tape and to ensure timely responses on federal matters ranging from Medicare and Social Security to veterans benefits, drought relief, and assistance following devastating wildfire.\u201d\n\nAs part of this milestone, Congressman Bentz's office provided the following highlights of several cases worked since the beginning of 2021.\n\nPassport Assistance: Congressman Bentz's office helped a constituent in Jackson County get her passport for a vacation that previously had to be twice rescheduled. The constituent remarked: \"I truly appreciate all the hard work that you guys do for all of us small people and our State. I hope you have a blessed day.\u201d\n\nSocial Security Disability Assistance: Congressman Bentz's office helped a constituent in Crook County get his Social Security disability payment, for which he had been waiting for more than 6 months. In less than a week, Congressman Bentz's office ensured he received his payment for more than $52,000. The constituent remarked: \u201cThank you again for your care and diligence.\u201d\n\nVeterans Affairs Disability Assistance: Congressman Bentz's office helped a retired U.S. Navy constituent in Jackson County recover approximately $900 of his retirement pay after an increase in the constituent's VA disability triggered a premature withholding of a portion of his retirement pay. Within three weeks of opening the case with Bentz's office, the constituent received two months worth of refunded withholdings and his retirement pay was returned to the correct monthly amount. The constituent remarked: \u201cI had a problem concerning Department of Veterans Affairs and with Defense Finance (from which my military retirement is paid). I met with your field representative. She recognized my problem and quickly came up with a solution. I was greatly impressed with her pleasant professionalism. Words alone can not express my gratitude.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-20th-anniversary-september-11-2001-terrorist-attacks", "Statement on 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks", "2021-09-10", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ONTARIO Ore. - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz released the following statement in observance of the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.\n\nOn September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent Americans were murdered by terrorists who hijacked airplanes for use as weapons of fear and mass carnage. During these dark hours \u2013 at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in a field Shanksville, PA \u2013 our nation and the world witnessed true evil. But in those moments, we also saw incredible heroism, including that of the first responders who ran into heavy smoke and flames without any hesitation. We continued to see the strength of American patriotism, courage, and resiliency in the aftermath of 9/11 as our nation deployed our brave warriors overseas to defend our homeland and deny terrorists a safe haven from which to plan future attacks.\n\n20 years since 9/11, we continue to vow: \u201cwe will never forget.\u201d As one nation, we reflect on the tragic events of that horrific day and the sacrifices made in the aftermath by countless Americans (and our allies) to promote peace, liberty, and security around the globe. To many of us, these sacrifices are as real as ever. The recent scenes coming out of Afghanistan are heartbreaking for all who had hoped we would leave the country and its people in good and capable hands. And the devastating news of the 13 American troops killed in Afghanistan should weigh heavily on our country\u2019s leadership, just as it will continue to weigh heavily on the heart and soul of our nation. Together, we honor these fallen heroes who bravely carried out their mission to save tens of thousands of lives in Afghanistan, despite the threat of attack. To their families and the countless others grieving such a loss, thank you and God bless you.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-amendments-35-trillion-reconciliation-bill-us", "Congressman Bentz Introduces Amendments to $3.5 Trillion Reconciliation Bill in U.S. House Natural Resources Committee", "2021-09-09", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, during a U.S. House Natural Resources Committee markup meeting for a roughly $31.7 billion portion of President Biden\u2019s $3.5 trillion budget resolution, Congressman Cliff Bentz offered three amendments aimed at refocusing federal priorities and redirecting funding from President Biden and Speaker Pelosi\u2019s liberal wish list to ongoing natural disasters and real-world needs in communities across the American West.\n\n\u201cGiven the historic spending levels continued in this enormous $3.5 trillion proposal, there is no doubt that Democrats are pedal to the metal when it comes to driving our nation over a fiscal cliff,\u201d said Bentz. \u201cMeanwhile, they are not coming close to investing adequately in areas that are critical to our nation such as drought solutions, wildfire mitigation, and federal land and forest management. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, and although I am opposed to this $3.5 trillion proposal, I used the markup as an opportunity to call out some of the most misdirected and damaging parts of this out-of-control Democratic spending spree.\u201d\n\nCongressman Bentz\u2019s amendments were part of a variety of amendments offered by House Republicans that were not accepted by the Democrat majority on the panel. The three amendments offered by Congressman Bentz were:\n\nDrought Relief Amendment \u2013 This amendment would have shifted $50 million in federal funding from several single-species conservation programs to emergency drought relief and water storage projects in the western United States.\n\nWildfire Mitigation Amendment \u2013 This amendment would have directed $5 billion in existing federal spending to the Department of Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the purpose of reducing the enormous risk of wildfire facing our nation.\n\nNorthern Spotted Owl Habitat Amendment \u2013 This amendment would have increased forest restoration projects, created jobs, and protected the Northern Spotted Owl from the threat of wildfire by re-aligning the Biden Administration\u2019s critical habitat designation for the owl with a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision and with federal environmental law.\n\nThursday\u2019s markup was the House Natural Resource Committee\u2019s second meeting to review its assigned portion of the $3.5 trillion spending target contained in the massive reconciliation proposal which continues to wind its way through various committees in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-leads-successful-push-open-coronavirus-food-assistance-program-cfap-2", "Bentz Leads Successful Push to Open Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP-2) to Grass Seed Producers", "2021-08-27", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) applauded the decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to update the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP-2), which added growers of Kentucky bluegrass seed to the list of eligible recipients under the program.\n\nIn June, Congressman Bentz led a congressional letter to the United States Farm Service Agency requesting that critical pandemic assistance be available to local and regional farmers who grow Kentucky bluegrass seed for the turf and sod industry. The letter was signed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), James Risch (R-ID), and Mike Crapo (R-ID), as well as Congressmen Russ Fulcher (R-ID) and Mike Simpson (R-ID).\n\nIn a statement, Bentz said, \"I thank the USDA and my colleagues in U.S. House and Senate for working together to ensure Pacific Northwest producers of Kentucky bluegrass seed be included in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2. Over this past year, agricultural producers have been hit hard by drought as well as the coronavirus pandemic. This program provides vital assistance to farmers who experienced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19.\"\n\nCraig Weigand, Jefferson County Oregon Seed Growers Secretary and Treasurer, said, \u201cWe appreciate Congressman Bentz leading the way and Senators Merkley and Wyden for joining the efforts to correct the determination of CFAP-2 eligibility for Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Growers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-announces-afghanistan-resources-0", "Congressman Bentz Announces Afghanistan Resources", "2021-08-26", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "My heart goes out to the families of the service members who lost a loved one due to violence in Afghanistan. As we continue to learn more about the ongoing tragedy, I am praying for our troops, citizens, and those in harm\u2019s way. To our veterans and their families who bravely answered the call to serve, please know that we thank you, that we stand by you, and that there is confidential support available for you during this immensely difficult time.\n\nMy office has been focused helping constituents who may have family, friends, or contacts asking for help in escaping Afghanistan. If you or someone you know is an American citizen or Afghan ally stuck in Afghanistan, please contact my office at 541-776-4646.\n\nAdditionally, below are resources for service members, veterans, military families, and anyone who is impacted by this situation.\n\nResources:\n\nThe U.S. Embassy in Kabul is requesting that U.S. Citizens use this repatriation link for the purpose of facilitating return travel to the United States. Each traveler in the group should complete one form.\n\nThe U.S. State Department has also consolidated all Afghanistan inquiries to HAfghanInquiries@state.gov.\n\nPlease view the latest Security Alerts from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and the Department of State\u2019s website for more information.\n\nFor information regarding the process to apply for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), please see here.\n\nTHE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CANNOT ENSURE SAFE PASSAGE TO THE HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.\n\nThe State Department has now set up a hotline at 1-888-407-4747(domestic calls) and 1-202-501-4444 (overseas calls), as well as a Repatriation Assistance Request form online for any U.S. Citizens seeking emergency flights out of Kabul.\n\nhttps://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/AfghanistanEvacuation.html\n\nU.S. citizens seeking assistance to depart the country should complete this Repatriation Assistance Request for each traveler in their group. Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan who are awaiting immigrant visas should also complete this form if they wish to depart. Please do so as soon as possible. Please do so only once. You must complete this form even if you\u2019ve previously submitted your information to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul by another means.\n\nThis form is the only way to communicate interest in flight options. They will notify you directly by email based on your registration as soon as departure options become available.\n\nIf you are not already registered, please sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://step.state.gov to ensure you receive travel and health notifications from the U.S. Embassy.\n\nSpecial Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters\n\nhttps://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/siv-iraqi-afghan-translators-interpreters.html\n\nIf you/someone you know has an approved petition for a Special Immigrant Visa, email NVCSIV@state.gov or call 1-603-334-0828.\n\nP-2 Program for Afghan Nationals\n\nhttps://www.wrapsnet.org/siv-iraqi-syrian-afghan-p2/\n\nRESOURCES FOR VETERANS\n\nCompiled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\n\nSee a comprehensive list of community resources for Veterans and their families here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-hosts-11-town-halls-start-august-recess", "Congressman Bentz Hosts 11 Town Halls at  Start of August Recess", "2021-08-19", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ONTARIO, Ore. - This past week, Congressman Cliff Bentz hosted town halls in 11 of the 20 counties in Oregon's Second Congressional District. During the town halls, Congressman Bentz gave an update on his work in Washington, D.C., including his efforts to secure aid for communities struck by drought, promote water infrastructure projects, raise the profile of wildfire issues in the West, stop out-of-control deficit spending, and address the immigration and border crisis.\n\n\"I am so thankful to those who took the time to participate in our town halls this past week,\" said Bentz. \"In groups big and small, we talked about serious issues impacting Oregon families and communities. I am committed to continuing to listen to my constituents as I return to Washington, D.C. for debate on the upcoming budget bill and as I look to visit the remaining nine counties in Oregon's vast Second Congressional District.\"\n\nEach forum gave constituents the opportunity to ask questions and voice their opinions on federal legislation and other issues impacting Oregon. Many spoke of their concerns regarding federal land management policies that contribute to catastrophic wildfires, dam removal proposals that would harm Oregon agriculture, pandemic measures that have impacted the economy, and efforts to undermine local decision making in communities and schools.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-statement-biden-administrations-withdrawal-afghanistan", "Congressman Bentz Statement on Biden Administration's Withdrawal from Afghanistan", "2021-08-16", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan:\n\n\"The scenes we are seeing in Afghanistan are truly devastating. My heart goes out to our servicemembers, veterans, military families, and our partners in the region who gave so much to the fight for freedom, democracy, and a civilized government in Afghanistan. Sadly, our allies and adversaries around the world are watching one of the most significant foreign policy and national security failures in a generation.\n\n\"The Biden Administration is responsible for the abrupt Taliban takeover in Afghanistan because it failed to follow the condition-based withdrawal established by the Trump Administration for our military. Instead, President Biden chose symbolism over safety by recklessly withdrawing our Armed Forces to coincide with the upcoming 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. As a result, we are now seeing President Biden\u2019s Saigon \u2013 a catastrophe of his own making. This is a very sad day for us all, and the Biden Administration must work to secure the safety of our troops, diplomats, and our partners attempting to flee the country.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-joins-republican-effort-stop-stone-manning-nomination-bureau", "Congressman Bentz Joins Republican Effort to Stop Stone-Manning Nomination to  Bureau of Land Management", "2021-07-28", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) joined 75 members of the U.S. House of Representatives - including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) - in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to withdraw his nomination of Tracy Stone-Manning to serve as Bureau of Land Management Director. In part, the members wrote:\n\n\"The primary reason we oppose Ms. Stone-Manning\u2019s nomination is because of her connections to tree spiking incidents. As you are well aware, tree spiking is an especially vicious eco-terrorist tactic by which a metal rod is hammered into a tree trunk with the intent of jamming loggers\u2019 or firefighters\u2019 saws. Spiked trees can also end up in mills and cause costly damage to mill equipment, as well as injury or death to mill operators. At its worst, tree spiking is lethal to loggers, firefighters, mill workers and land managers, and at its best, causes life-altering injuries. Those who employ these tactics know exactly what they are doing. Ms. Stone-Manning is no exception...\n\n\"Furthermore, Ms. Stone-Manning has advocated for other deeply disconcerting ideologies. Just last year, she tweeted an article written by her husband, Richard Manning, in which he wrote that firefighters should simply let homes and property in or near forests burn. 'There\u2019s a rude and satisfying justice in burning down the house of someone who builds in the forest...' he wrote. Ms. Stone-Manning termed the article a '[c]larion call.'\n\n\"There is no doubt that someone with this history of extreme, violent views should not be in a position of authority at an agency responsible for managing 245 million acres of federal lands and 700 million acres of mineral estate.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/oregon-delegation-pushes-feds-more-relief-following-historic-wildfires", "Oregon Delegation Pushes Feds for More Relief Following Historic Wildfires, Droughts, Heat", "2021-07-27", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Wyden, Merkley, DeFazio, Blumenauer, Schrader, Bonamici, Bentz: \u201cAlthough the extent of damages relating to the extreme heat has yet to be fully determined, agricultural producers expect these impacts to be severe\u201d\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Oregon\u2019s entire congressional delegation today joined with Western colleagues in the House and Senate to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to secure more relief for farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture producers in the West affected by historic wildfires, droughts, and extreme heat.\n\nIn a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack signed by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Kurt Schrader, Suzanne Bonamici and Cliff Bentz, the Western lawmakers seek to open USDA relief programs up to more producers that have lost crops and livestock to the ongoing droughts, extreme heat, and wildfires.\n\nIn addition to droughts and wildfires, an extreme heatwave hit the Pacific Northwest in June with temperatures reaching as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In response, Secretary Vilsack issued several disaster designations, unlocking vital federal resources. However, many of the producers who suffered the greatest heat-related losses were either located in counties not covered by the drought designations, experienced losses not covered by drought assistance programs, or both.\n\n\u201cAlthough the extent of damages relating to the extreme heat has yet to be fully determined, agricultural producers expect these impacts to be severe,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe respectfully request USDA explore all potential flexibilities for additional relief within existing programs and identify other options to deliver federal relief to producers in our states so they have the resources to overcome the extreme drought and heat crisis.\u201d\n\nReports across the Pacific Northwest and Western states indicate berry crops, tree fruits, grain and pulse crops, potatoes, hops, dairy products, forage crops, wine grapes, nursery crops, poultry, beef cattle, and general livestock experienced excessive heat impacts to yield and quality. Specific examples of the impact of these extreme weather events include:\n\nRaspberry, blueberry, and blackberry farmers are reporting widespread losses of 20 to 80 percent of their crops and harm to the canes that will produce next year\u2019s crop.\n\nCherry growers in the west have so far lost an estimated 20 percent of their overall crop.\n\nEarly modeling for shellfish suggests an estimated 1 billion sea creatures died along the Salish Sea\u2019s coastline with reported mortality rates for certain shellfish farmers up to 90 percent.\n\nFor crops including apples and pears, the full extent of losses may not be known until harvest in the fall, or even later if damage manifests in storage.\n\nThe letter also encourages USDA to work with Congress to provide technical assistance as lawmakers craft additional authorities and appropriations to address the 2020 and 2021 seasons that include wildfire, drought, and excessive heat-related losses.\n\nIn addition to Wyden and Merkley in the Senate, others signing the letter include U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Hoeven (R-ND), James Risch (R-ID) and Jon Tester (MT). In addition to DeFazio, Blumenauer, Schrader, Bonamici and Bentz in the House, others signing the letter led by Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) include Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Ami Bera (D-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Jared Huffman (D-CA) Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Adam Smith (D-WA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-delivers-remarks-oregon-wildfires-and-commonsense", "Congressman Bentz Delivers Remarks on Oregon Wildfires and Commonsense Coordination Act", "2021-07-22", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nClick Image to watch on YouTube\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) delivered remarks on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. Bentz spoke on Oregon wildfires, specifically the Bootleg fire, and his recently introduced bill, the Commonsense Coordination Act.\n\n\"This horrific fire, now the third largest in my State\u2019s history, has consumed some 400,000 acres, (660 square miles), which had been a beautiful landscape of pine and fir timber, sage brush, grass and meadows,\" said Bentz. \"The fire has already taken with it millions of board feet of timber, the lives of thousands of forest creatures, cattle by the dozens if not hundreds, horses, fences, buildings, and homes. The fire released hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon, which had been and could have remained sequestered indefinitely. The smoke plume created by this conflagration has reached across this nation, more than 2000 miles, to cloud the air along the east coast, including the air right here in Washington, DC.\"\n\nBentz continued, \"I am pleased to report that I am currently working with Ranking Member Bruce Westerman whose 'Resilient Federal Forests Act' will be a huge step toward giving Forest Service the tools it needs to better manage our public lands. I introduced legislation included in that package, the 'Commonsense Coordination Act.' This bill will cut through some of the red tape that agencies must overcome to complete critical forest management activities.\"\n\nCongressman Bentz's bill, the Commonsense Coordination Act, allows the United States Forest Service to utilize the same exemptions from the National Environmental Policy Act as other federal agencies when working to implement joint projects that can range from wildfire preparedness and response to certain land management and infrastructure activities. The bill would eliminate duplicative paperwork for potentially life and property saving federal projects that do not require an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-commonsense-coordination-act", "Congressman Bentz Introduces Commonsense Coordination Act", "2021-07-22", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) introduced the Commonsense Coordination Act. The bill allows the United States Forest Service to utilize the same exemptions from the National Environmental Policy Act as other federal agencies when working to implement joint projects that can range from wildfire preparedness and response to certain land management and infrastructure activities. The bill would eliminate duplicative paperwork for potentially life and property saving federal projects that do not require an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement.\n\n\"For too long, bureaucratic red tape has inhibited responsible forest management, leading to uncontrollable wildfires such as Oregon\u2019s Bootleg fire. That\u2019s why I have introduced the Commonsense Coordination Act - to improve the ability of USDA to coordinate with other federal land management agencies on forest management projects. It will enable the Forest Service to utilize another agency\u2019s categorical exclusion (CE) when implementing joint projects. Additionally, it will permit agencies to utilize CEs belonging to other federal agencies for the purpose of similar projects. These changes will help expedite the process of getting projects approved to ensure that bureaucracy doesn\u2019t continue to prevent actions which will save lives and property.\" - Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.)\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a reason the phrase \u2018it takes an act of Congress\u2019 is synonymous with excessive delays. Bureaucracy and unnecessary red tape constantly delay projects across all areas of government, making it increasingly difficult for agencies to carry out essential tasks. Forest management is no exception. Even though wildfires decimate the American West annually, the U.S. Forest Service is still regularly stonewalled on critical forest management activities by outdated regulations and miscommunication. Congressman Bentz\u2019s Commonsense Coordination Act would address this issue by allowing the Forest Service to utilize another agency\u2019s categorical exclusion when implementing joint projects, thereby shortening the project turnaround timeline. This will allow land managers to finish critical work quickly and stay ahead of wildfires, without getting stuck in a review backlog. I\u2019m grateful for Congressman Bentz\u2019s leadership on this issue and look forward to moving the bill through the legislative process.\u201d - House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-statement-revised-designation-critical-habitat-northern", "Congressman Bentz Statement on Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for Northern Spotted Owl", "2021-07-20", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) released the following statement regarding the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's announcementof the revised designation of critical habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl.\n\nI am extremely disappointed that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has formally announced that they plan to withdraw the Trump Administration\u2019s revised critical habitat designation for the Northern Spotted Owl (owl). Instead, the agency has decided that it will largely uphold the 2012 critical habitat rule, which includes over a million acres of land that are not, and never have been, actual owl habitat. These same acres are at extreme and deadly risk of catastrophic fire and are in desperate need of fuel reduction, something that the 2012 critical habitat rule makes almost impossible. Meanwhile, FWS has acknowledged that competition from the non-native Barred Owl is the primary factor causing the owl\u2019s population to decline, yet the agency has done almost nothing to curb Barred Owl populations.\n\nIn April, I wrote to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to express concern that returning to an overly broad critical habitat designation would prevent crucial forest management activities and would make uncontrollable wildfires even more likely. The FWS has yet to respond to my letter but has still moved forward with this proposed rule. In Oregon, the 2020 fire season alone destroyed more owl habitat in one National Forest than the previous seven years of timber harvests on 17 National Forests! These tragedies show that the Obama-era approach of locking up lands for \u2018conservation\u2019 is killing the owl, not to mention uprooting the lives of many Oregonians who have lost their homes, businesses, crops, and livestock to preventable fires.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/case-you-missed-it-congressman-bentz-appointed-gop-task-force-big-tech", "In Case You Missed It: Congressman Bentz Appointed to GOP Task Force on Big Tech Censorship and Data", "2021-07-01", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) was appointed to the House Republican Task Force on Big Tech Censorship and Data by House Republican Leader Kevin McCarty (R-Calif.). The Task Force is to be led by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and includes a total of 16 republican Members of Congress.\n\nAccording to the press release from McCarthy's office, \"The Big Tech, Censorship, and Data Task Force will examine policies to bring much-needed accountability to Big Tech. The Task Force will focus on three pillars: Big Tech Responsibility, where members will consider section 230 reform; Big Tech Power, where members will focus on competition issues; and Big Tech Data, where members will explore data privacy and security matters. Big Tech must be reined in and it will take a unified Republican Conference to do it.\"\n\nFollowing the announcement, Congressman Bentz released a statement saying, \"I am honored to be appointed to the Republican Task Force on Big Tech Censorship and Data. There are many challenges when it comes to big tech that need to be addressed. However, we must make sure government actions are carefully considered as we weigh many subjects, including: free speech, innovation, data privacy, national security, and the welfare of consumers. I look forward to working with my colleagues on all of these important issues.\"\n\nThe announcement strengthens Congressman Bentz's ability to help shape ongoing discussions concerning big technology companies like Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Apple. Congressman Bentz is also a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law.\n\nJust this past week, Bentz participated in a 25-hour Judiciary Committee markup (amendments) of six bills focused on reshaping antitrust laws that directly impact big technology companies. During the markup, one of Congressman Bentz's amendments was adopted on a 22-21 vote after receiving bipartisan support. His amendment operates to make H.R.3816, the American Choice and Innovation Online Act \"much more supportive of both consumers and innovation,\" according to Bentz.\n\nClick here for more information on the Task Force and a full list of members.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/case-you-missed-it-congressman-bentz-advocates-consumers-and-innovation", "In Case You Missed It: Congressman Bentz Advocates for Consumers and Innovation through Amendments to Antitrust Bills", "2021-06-25", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee finished its marathon markup of six bills focused on reshaping antitrust laws that directly impact big technology companies like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google - and possibly other companies.\n\nCongressman Cliff Bentz, who participated in the two-day, 25-hour markup, offered several amendments to the bills and voiced his concerns that the technology giants need more congressional oversight. However, Bentz stopped short of supporting the bills on the premise that the legislation would do far more harm than good to consumers and technological innovation.\n\n\"I appreciate the efforts of those who tried to address the challenges of 'big tech,' of which there are many. Unfortunately, these bills equate to opting for a sledgehammer instead of a scalpel,\" said Bentz. \"Collectively, these bills would harm American consumers and innovation by instituting a government engineered industry policy \u2013 which is exactly what we do not want. Allowing this to happen would set the precedent that government can make major business decisions not just for large technology firms but for other businesses as well.\"\n\nOne of the amendments offered by Bentz during the markup passed with bipartisan support (22-21). His amendment to H.R. 3816, the \u201cAmerican Choice and Innovation Online Act,\u201d will make the legislation much more supportive of both consumers and innovation.\n\nAccording to Bentz, \"The language in my amendment ensures that businesses can continue to defend against allegations of anticompetitive behavior when such actions are shown, through clear and convincing evidence, to benefit consumers. My amendment reinforces the concept that we need to be focused on helping consumers not big business, and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-announces-2021-congressional-app-challenge", "Congressman Bentz Announces 2021 Congressional App Challenge", "2021-06-25", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) announced the start of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for Oregon's Second Congressional District. The competition is a public initiative to encourage middle and high school students to pursue an interest in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science. Students compete by creating and submitting their own software application or \"app\" for the opportunity to receive national recognition.\n\n\"I am pleased to announce this exciting competition, which encourages young people to develop their coding and critical thinking skills,\" said Bentz. \"I look forward to seeing the creative ways students design apps to solve problems and meet the needs of consumers and industry in the 21st century.\"\n\nStudent registration for the CAC started yesterday, June 24, 2021, and continues through November 1, 2021. Students may enter the competition individually or as teams. The winners will be announced during the month of December 2021.\n\nVideos of the winning apps will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the House of Representatives website. Winning students will be invited to a reception in Washington, D.C.\n\nFor more information and competition rules, those interested in the competition may visit CongressionalAppChallenge.us or call Congressman Bentz's district office at 541-776-4646.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-questions-interior-secretary-haaland-drought-relief-klamath", "Congressman Bentz Questions Interior Secretary Haaland on Drought Relief for Klamath Basin", "2021-06-23", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, during a House Natural Resources Committee Budget Oversight Hearing on the Department of Interior's Spending Priorities and the President's Fiscal Year Budget 2022 Proposal, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ont.) questioned Department of the Interior Secretary Debra Haaland on the Agency's efforts to direct relief to the Klamath Basin where extreme and exceptional drought conditions have caused the Klamath Project to make an unprecedented zero water allocation for irrigators this water year.\n\n\"In April, the Administration announced the creation of an interagency working group to address the worsening drought conditions in the West and support farmers, tribes, and communities impacted by water shortages,\" said Bentz. \"Right now, things are incredibly grim in the Klamath Basin. With silence from the Administration comes increased frustration, which we absolutely want to avoid given the incredible challenges faced by all groups in the Basin. Has the working group been formed and has it met? If not, when can we anticipate that group will visit the Klamath Basin?\"\n\n\"Congressman, thank you so much for the question and thank you again for your accessibility to my staff,\" said Haaland. \"Your input has been extremely beneficial and we appreciate that very much. I know how important this issue is to you. We want to make sure that we will be in touch with you as this working group moves forward. As soon as we are able to meet, we will make sure that we reach out to you.\"\n\nBentz pressed the Haaland for a higher level of involvement from the Biden Administration on the Klamath Basin issue and asked about additional efforts to find financial aid for all those in the Klamath Basin - referencing a proposal Bentz, along with Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) previously announced for $57 million in aid and relief for farmers and ranchers, wildlife refuges, families, water districts, fishermen, and tribes in the Klamath Basin.\n\nSecretary Haaland responded by referencing actions already taken by the Department of Interior, including \"[The Bureau of] Reclamation committed $15 million in immediate aid through the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency, and then there was another $3 million in technical assistance to tribes for ecosystem activities. I know the community is asking for more help, and we are looking to do more and leverage additional resources, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\"\n\nMany farmers in the region began tilling ground, applying fertilizers, and planting crops earlier in the year before the zero-water allocation. Without water, those crops will now die, causing huge economic impacts to the region. Bentz has consistently called for calm in the region and for the community to come together to find long term solutions to the question of water allocation in the Basin.\n\nIn 2021, at least 15 Oregon counties have received drought declarations, including 12 in Oregon's Second Congressional District, represented by Congressman Bentz. These counties include Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Sherman, Wallowa, and Wheeler.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-continues-push-drought-relief-house-republican-forum", "Congressman Bentz Continues to Push for Drought Relief in House Republican Forum", "2021-05-19", "2021", "2021-05", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) chaired the House Natural Resources Committee Republican Forum on Catastrophic Drought in his continuing effort to address the ongoing water crisis in the American West. He was joined by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.).\n\nDuring the discussion on Wednesday, the panel heard testimony from Americans impacted by the drought, including testimony from Klamath County Commissioner Donnie Boyd. Republicans on the panel and other witnesses spoke on the impact of the current drought on agriculture and the economy, wildlife, energy, recreation, and tribal communities. They discussed why people living outside western states should care about drought and potential conservative water infrastructure and policy solutions.\n\nDuring his opening statement, Bentz said: \"Today's forum is a another first step toward bringing the attention of the nation to what is shaping up to be a catastrophic year of drought and wildfire.\" Bentz continued: \"Short-term solutions hopefully will involve funding to help mitigate the drought, but we must clearly do something longer term so our communities can better withstand the next drought. Cleaning up watersheds on a large scale and increasing the height of existing water storage structures are just a few of the smart, commonsense things we must do\"\n\nCongressman Bentz's remarks during the forum follow his joint announcement yesterday with Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) of a $57 million disaster aid proposal focused on providing relief and assisting those harmed by drought in the Klamath Basin.\n\nDuring the forum on Wednesday, Klamath Commissioner Donnie Boyd stated: \"Surface water irrigation is shut down. Family farms, farm employees, businesses that serve agriculture, main streets in the Klamath County and in rural communities are all at risk and terrified. Natural wildlife refuges that rely on the same water delivery system as agriculture have no water. This year is the worst, or close to the worst, drought year in memory.\"\n\nClick HERE or below to watch the entirety of Wednesday's forum.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:49:40Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bentz-delivers-first-floor-speech-joins-rep-lamalfa-57-million-proposal", "Rep. Bentz Delivers First Floor Speech, Joins Rep. LaMalfa in $57 million Proposal to Address Klamath Water Crisis", "2021-05-18", "2021", "2021-05", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) delivered his first speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was joined by Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) in raising awareness of the catastrophic drought in the American West and supporting immediate relief for those affected by the ongoing crisis in the Klamath Basin through a $57 million aid and relief proposal.\n\nLast week, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) updated their water projections and declared that no water will be delivered to farmers, towns, or wildlife in the Klamath Project. LaMalfa and Bentz have called for immediate action from the Biden Administration to bring additional aid to the area. Many farmers, having been informed earlier in the year they would receive some water, tilled ground, applied fertilizers, and planted crops. Without water, those crops will now die, causing huge economic impacts to the region.\n\nRegarding his speech on the floor, Bentz said: \u201cThe catastrophic drought and historic zero water allocation by the Bureau of Reclamation have been absolutely crushing to irrigators, water users, and wildlife in the Klamath Basin. I have already worked \u2013 and will continue working \u2013 with Oregon\u2019s U.S. Senators to secure assistance for those in the Basin. However, our farmers simply cannot ride out this crisis or afford to rely on current measures to deal with this catastrophic drought. I appreciate the commitment by Congressman LaMalfa to lead with me in the House of Representatives on requesting enhanced, immediate relief for those in the Klamath. We are focused on elevating the needs of everyone in the community for further federal action.\u201d\n\nClick HERE or below to watch the entirety of Congressman Bentz's remarks.\n\nClick HERE to read Congressman Bentz's remarks as prepared for delivery.\n\nLaMalfa and Bentz Disaster Aid Proposal:\n\n$40 million to assist farmers through USDA programs. These funds will help protect multigenerational family farms though this crisis.\n\n$2.5 million to aid wildlife refuges, including funding for a rescue duck hospital to limit botulism outbreaks, funds for necessary maintenance to stop the spread of diseases and improve habitat, funds for pumping groundwater.\n\n$2.5 million to assist families whose residential wells have gone dry due to lack of overall water availability in the Basin.\n\n$4 million in aid to water districts to repair canals. Without water flowing through canals, subsidence and wall collapse will destroy existing infrastructure.\n\n$3 million in aid for commercial fisherman affected by a loss of fishing opportunities on the lower Klamath.\n\n$5 million in food aid through USDA and Bureau of Indian Affairs to Tribes and Tribal Governments.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:49:40Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-announces-2021-congressional-art-competition-winner-macelle", "Congressman Bentz Announces 2021 Congressional Art Competition Winner: MacElle Kirsch of Pendleton High School", "2021-05-11", "2021", "2021-05", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The winning piece: North American Bobcat in the Snow is a collage of glue and magazine clippings picturing an attentive North American bobcat trudging through the snow.\n\nONTARIO, ORE. \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) announced that MacElle Kirsch, a senior at Pendleton High School, has been selected as the overall winner for Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. MacElle\u2019s artwork, North American Bobcat in the Snow, was selected by a panel of five judges who praised the composition and quality of the piece as well as the creative color palette.\n\n\"I am pleased to congratulate MacElle on this terrific achievement,\" said Bentz. \"Her original artwork will be placed on display in the U.S. Capitol alongside the winning pieces from other congressional districts across the country. I am excited to see North American Bobcat in Snow each day, as I walk to and from the House Chamber, representing our district and MacElle's creative talent. She should feel very proud!\"\n\nBentz also announced four regional winners from Oregon\u2019s Second District. Each regional winner will have his or her art displayed in one of Congressman Bentz\u2019s offices in Medford, OR; Ontario, OR; or Washington, D.C.\n\nA Pig Sees His Equal, Bradley Pogue, Phoenix High School, grade 12\n\nHawk, Sussan Uribe, Phoenix High School, grade 12\n\nSilent Morning, Mary Thiel, Joseph Charter High School, grade 10\n\nDivinity Carved from Stone, Sydney Aghajanian, Phoenix High School, grade 12\n\nCongressman Bentz also thanked the judges for the 2021 competition. \"I am very thankful to the judges who volunteered their time and expertise to our district's art competition,\" said Bentz. \"They helped make this year's competition not just memorable but also a great success.\"\n\nJudges for the 2021 Congressional Art Competition in Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District included:\n\nKim Hearon - Executive Director, Rogue Gallery & Art Center, Medford\n\nCody Bustamante - Professor of Painting and Drawing, South Oregon University, Ashland\n\nMichael Sell - Associate Professor of Art, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande\n\nLori Sams - Gallery Director, Feves Art Gallery, Pendleton\n\nTed Fink - Chair, Fine and Performing Arts, Treasure Valley Community College, Ontario", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:49:40Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-calls-governor-brown-end-statewide-shutdown", "Congressman Bentz Calls on Governor Brown to End Statewide Shutdown", "2021-05-04", "2021", "2021-05", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ONTARIO, Ore. \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) released a statement calling on Governor Kate Brown to end the recently re-instituted COVID-19 restrictions.\n\n\"In the normal course, as a United States Representative, I would not enter debates regarding state-level politics. However, the Governor\u2019s most recent response to the COVID-19 situation is not only historically broad in impact, but an action that causes far more serious damage than benefit. Additionally, in recent days, the Oregon Health Authority actually invited public input from Oregon\u2019s congressional delegation.\n\n\"Governor Kate Brown\u2019s decision to again lockdown huge parts of Oregon has caused incredible frustration for many in my district, and I share their frustration. In a recent letter by Governor Brown, she commended Oregonians for helping make our state \u201camong the lowest COVID-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths in the nation,\u201d to which she gave credit in \u201clarge part to the actions of Oregonians to take seriously the health and safety measures.\u201d And indeed, today, nearly 70 percent of Oregon\u2019s older population is fully vaccinated and many communities across our state were well on their way to safely returning to some sort of normal. However, Governor Brown has now done completely the opposite of many other states: imposing yet another lockdown.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:49:40Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-introduces-first-bill-solving-our-shortages-seedlings-act", "Bentz Introduces First Bill: Solving Our Shortages for Seedlings Act", "2021-04-16", "2021", "2021-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Legislation focuses on seedling shortage and reforestation\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) introduced his first piece of legislation as a Member of Congress. His bill, H.R.2562, the Solving Our Shortages for Seedlings Act (SOS for Seedlings Act) addresses the national shortage of seedlings needed for reforestation efforts following wildfires across the United States. According to the House Natural Resources Committee, wildfires destroyed more than 68 million acres in the last decade and over 10 million acres in 2020 alone.\n\nCongressman Bentz's first piece of legislation has the backing of three key House Republican cosponsors, including Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.); Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.); and Former Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Congressman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.).\n\nThe bill contains three main provisions. First, it directs the Chief of the Forest Service to develop a national seedling strategy that assesses regional reforestation opportunities and the nursery capacity needed to meet those opportunities. Second, it provides funding for federal nurseries, which are the main supplier of seedlings for reforestation on federal lands. Third, it creates a new $1 billion loan program to address nursery infrastructure and build new State, Tribal, local, and private nurseries.\n\n\"I thank Ranking Member Westerman and my colleagues for their support of my first piece of legislation in Congress,\" said Bentz. \"My bill, the SOS for Seedlings Act, is tailored to meet the accelerating need of reforestation efforts due to years of devastating wildfires. This bill directs critically needed support to nurseries in Oregon and across our country as we scale up seedling production to an additional 1.7 billion seedlings annually to meet our country's share of the One Trillion Tree Initiative.\"\n\nSupporters in Congress and across America have provided the following statements of support for the of the SOS for Seedlings Act:\n\nHouse Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)\n\n\u201cWith catastrophic wildfires decimating the West each year, it\u2019s imperative that we pair scientific forest management with aggressive reforestation efforts. In order to do that, however, we\u2019re going to need to ramp up our supply of seedlings across the U.S., involving both public and private nurseries. Congressman Bentz\u2019s home state of Oregon has been a model for many of these nurseries to follow, so I can\u2019t think of a better person to take on this initiative. I\u2019m proud to cosponsor this legislation, and congratulate him on introducing his first bill!\u201d\n\nCongressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.)\n\n\u201cEach year, the West faces devastating wildfires that threaten our communities, livelihoods, and \u2013 certainly \u2013 the resiliency of our forests. To support reforestation efforts and promote healthy forests, we need nurseries \u2013 that why is the SOS for Seedlings Act is so important. I am proud to support Representative Bentz\u2019s legislation, which will support wildfire recovery efforts, benefit our environment, and restore our forests throughout the Pacific Northwest and the United States.\n\nCongressman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)\n\n\u201cI am proud to join Congressman Bentz in his leadership on the SOS for Seedlings Act. Catastrophic wildfire is an extremely dangerous and destructive form of natural disaster. Prompt replanting and recovery from these disasters is critical to prevent ongoing harm to communities. By having a secure source of seedlings available for replanting we can more quickly restore our forests, prevent mudslides, and preserve habitat for critical species. Like Federal fish hatcheries growing endangered species, federally funded seedling farms are critical to our nation\u2019s fire recovery and the future of forest management.\u201d\n\nNational Alliance of Forest Owners\n\n\u201cWe applaud Representatives Bentz, Westerman and Newhouse for their efforts to improve our capacity to deliver natural climate solutions through sustainably managed private working forests and wood products. As policy makers address climate change, infrastructure, affordable housing, rural economic development and other pressing needs, they are increasingly turning to forests and wood products. Our success on each of these fronts requires a healthy supply of seedlings. Smart legislation, like the Solving our Shortages for Seedlings Act, will help America\u2019s private working forests continue to deliver for America. We look forward to working with Representative Bentz and the House Committee on Natural Resources to further advance opportunities for private working forests and wood products to meet the needs of our country.\u201d\n\nJoe Fox, President of the National Association of State Foresters\n\n\u201cState tree nurseries play an obvious and important role in reforestation efforts, but many are producing fewer seedlings and saplings compared to previous years. To meet our nation\u2019s lofty tree planting goals, we\u2019ll need to dramatically improve seedling production and accessibility. The National Association of State Foresters applauds Representative Bentz\u2019s efforts to increase nursery output and our collective capacity for tree planting nationwide.\u201d\n\nChandler Van Voorhis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ACRE Investment Management\n\n\"By planting trees on scale, we clean the air, purify the water and restore hope. But to think big, we first need to think small. It starts with seedlings. Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Bentz, the Solving Our Shortages (SOS) For Seedlings Act will help State and private nurseries build capacity. This capacity will meet the demand for forest based carbon removal. It\u2019s the start for creating a green infrastructure that enshrines life and land and our American heritage and landscape.\"\n\nNick Smith, Executive Director of Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities\n\n\"Reforesting our federal lands should be an important priority after years of severe wildfires. In Oregon and throughout the West, there is a critical need for seedlings on burned forests of all ownerships. We thank Representative Bentz for bringing this solution forward so we can have healthy and green forests again.\"\n\nTravis Joseph, President and CEO of American Forest Resource Council\n\n\"With as many of 7.3 million acres of federal lands in need for reforestation, there is a critical need for seedlings to help our forests recover from devastating wildfires and other disturbances. The SOS for Seedlings Act will help ensure federal nurseries have the resources they need and will significantly improve our infrastructure so we can plant more trees and sequester more carbon from the atmosphere. Many of these seedlings will grow and be sustainably harvested and manufactured into climate-friendly wood products that support thousands of American jobs. The American Forest Resource Council applauds Representative Cliff Bentz for bringing this legislation forward.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:42:19Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-republican-panel-hear-oregon-company-impact-biden-administrations-energy", "Bentz, Republican Panel Hear from Oregon Company on the Impact of Biden Administration's Energy and Industry Killing Policies", "2021-04-16", "2021", "2021-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) participated in a House Natural Resources Committee Republican Virtual Forum focused on the impact of President Biden's energy and industry killing Executive Orders. The forum was not an official House Natural Resources Committee event because the Committee's Democrats have declined to hold a hearing on this important matter.\n\nCongressman Bentz invited Mr. Trent Tyree, Chief Operating Officer at Tyree Oil to testify at the forum and answer questions. Tyree Oil has operations across Oregon, including several in Congressman Bentz's district. According to Mr. Tyree, the company's operations have been significantly impacted due to the polices of the Biden Administration.\n\nMr. Tyree talked about the the dramatic increase in the cost of oil and oil products due, at least in part, to President Biden's Executive Orders. Tyree's comments referenced Executive Order 14008, which halted new oil and gas leases and permits both on federal land and offshore.\n\nMr. Bentz:\"You mentioned that one of the impacts of the Biden Administration\u2019s executive order to take oil and gas leasing off the table has been to raise the cost of certain necessary energy and lubrication sources - can you comment?\"\n\nMr. Tyree: \"Yes. I think a lot of what we have seen recently, in the short term, has to do with some of the supply chain issues and getting additives and also product moved around the country. I think some speculation has led to the increase, but we are at the tip of the iceberg of what these executive orders are going to do to the prices of lubricants and fuel, I believe, for our country and our communities. Specifically for us, who deal heavily in forestry and manufacturing, a 40 percent price increase in lubricants is a huge detriment and a huge hit to the bottom line. That money could be better spent elsewhere. I\u2019m aware of many projects in our area that have been put on hold due to increased cost of raw materials, including oil. That\u2019s jobs that could have been created in our communities.\"\n\nAdditional Background\n\nThe submitted text of Mr. Tyree's opening statement can be found here.\n\nThe submitted text of all the forum's witnesses can be found here.\n\nThe full video recording of the forum can be found here.\n\nIntro & Opening Statement of Mr. Tyree here\n\nQuestion and Answer of Mr. Tyree here\n\nAbout Tyree Oil Inc. and Mr. Trent Tyree", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:42:19Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bentz-announce-relief-klamath-basin-irrigators-klamath-tribes", "Merkley, Wyden, Bentz Announce Relief for Klamath Basin Irrigators, Klamath Tribes", "2021-04-14", "2021", "2021-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The initial $28 million will provide immediate aid, as available water falls far short of need\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Oregon\u2019s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, with Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR-2), today announced that irrigators on the Klamath Reclamation Project will receive $15 million in immediate aid and Klamath Basin tribes will receive $3 million in technical assistance, and that another $10 million will be available for drought assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, following the release of a water operations plan for the Klamath Reclamation Project.\n\n\u201cWhile it\u2019s clear that both water and aid fall short of the need, this is a good first step in supporting communities through this extremely challenging water year,\u201d said Merkley, chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds Department of Interior. \u201cThe congressional delegation is working closely with federal agencies and the White House to meet this crisis with the urgency it requires. We will continue to approach this as a shared effort among federal, state and local partners striving to provide both immediate assistance and support for long-term solutions.\u201d\n\n\u201cI heard and saw firsthand last week in the Klamath Basin how farmers and the Klamath Tribes face the brutal prospect of another tough water year,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cWhile I\u2019m glad that Senator Merkley and I teamed up to secure a total of $28 million in aid for the Basin, I also know full well that much more must be done to help southern Oregon weather this crisis. This is urgent business, and I\u2019m treating it as such by working with all parties to find the solution this plight demands.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is an incredibly difficult water year for those in the Klamath Basin, and I have been working with Oregon\u2019s U.S. Senators to communicate and express the seriousness of this drought and its terrible impacts to the Biden Administration,\u201d Bentz said. \u201cAlthough there is still much more work to be done, these funds are important to providing an increased level of immediate relief to farmers. I thank Senator Merkley, Senator Wyden, and Department of Interior Secretary Haaland for working together to begin to address the ongoing needs in the Klamath Basin.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. Department of Interior relief funding comes as the Bureau of Reclamation released the Klamath Reclamation Project\u2019s 2021 Temporary Operations Plan. Because of extreme and persistent drought conditions, the water available is far short of the need for irrigation, wetlands, and endangered suckers.\n\nThe Interior Department resources will provide immediate aid to Project irrigators through the Klamath Project Drought Relief Agency, and will provide technical assistance to the Klamath Tribes for ecosystem activities in the Basin, as well as funding for groundwater monitoring by the State of Oregon. The Department of Agriculture assistance will allow the State of Oregon to tailor drought relief to agricultural producers who forego irrigation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:42:19Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-wyden-bentz-push-emergency-resources-klamath-basin", "Merkley, Wyden, Bentz Push for Emergency Resources for Klamath Basin", "2021-04-13", "2021", "2021-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Oregon\u2019s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, with Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR-2), today released the following statement after meeting with U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland about the dire water year the Klamath Basin will face, and the emergency resources needed to provide the community relief:\n\n\u201cCommunities in the Basin are facing another year of hardship. As drought conditions persist and worsen, the water supply that is critical for tribal, agricultural and environmental interests will be stretched desperately thin. We know this comes on top of challenges caused by the global pandemic, unprecedented wildfires, and ongoing recovery from the impacts of previous drought years.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been heartened as stakeholders over the years have set aside conflicts to come together and work toward solutions\u2014and this year it will be even more important to find a community approach. We are committed to pushing hard for an emergency effort that will support community-driven efforts to provide relief for irrigators and the Klamath Tribes, and support the long-term restoration endeavors we\u2019ve worked closely with stakeholders in the Basin to develop.\n\n\u201cAfter speaking with Secretary Haaland again today, we are assured that federal agencies and the White House are preparing to meet the water crisis with the urgency it requires, identifying immediate assistance and relief for the irrigators and tribes who will suffer economic and environmental impacts.\n\n\u201cWe all understand that tensions are high right now, and we encourage everyone in the Basin to look to peaceful collaboration to grapple with another difficult year. It\u2019s going to take a shared effort, from D.C. to Salem to the Basin, to support collaborative community efforts, help all stakeholders get to the other side of this water year, and continue to advance the long-term work to address ongoing water resource challenges.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:42:19Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-calls-out-biden-administrations-failure-protect-rural-communities-and", "Bentz Calls Out Biden Administration\u2019s Failure to Protect Rural Communities and Northern Spotted Owl from Wildfire", "2021-04-08", "2021", "2021-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) led on a congressional letter, signed by 9 House Republicans, urging the U.S. Department of Interior to immediately implement a federal rule previously published on January 15, 2021, revising the designation of the critical habitat of the Northern Spotted Owl (NSO).\n\nThe rule was delayed by the Biden Administration on March 1, preventing it from going into effect on March 16, 2021. If implemented, the 2021 rule would better allow federal agencies to implement the NSO Recovery Plan. The plan calls for the use of active forest management tools to mitigate the risks of wildfire on 1.1 million acres of federal lands in the Pacific Northwest that were illegally designated as \u201ccritical habitat\u201d by the Obama Administration (Weyerhaeuser v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service et al.).\n\n\u201cThe 2021 designation aligns critical habitat for the NSO with a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision and with federal environmental law. It represents an opportunity to move past antiquated, ineffective habitat policies that have stymied critical federal forest restoration activities by focusing on the real threats to this species and its habitat, while supporting American jobs and rural communities across three Western states. Science and the law have changed since the NSO was listed 30 years ago, and [the Department of the Interior] needs to adapt to this as well,\u201d the Members wrote in the letter.\n\n\u201cI thank my fellow Members of Congress who have joined me in fighting for rural communities and the health of our forests,\u201d said Bentz. \u201cThe immediate implementation of this rule means we can sustainably manage a significant portion of our forests in a way that supports jobs in the Pacific Northwest and protects not just rural communities from wildfire but also the Northern Spotted Owl from a staggering level of habitat loss due to wildfire.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is imperative that Secretary Haaland resume the revision of the critical habitat designation of the Northern Spotted Owl, originally implemented by the Trump Administration, for the sake of the species and the neighboring wildlife. By redesignating the habitat, the Federal Government will be authorized to responsibly manage the surrounding 1.1 million acres of land that is currently overstocked and unnaturally dense, decreasing the likelihood of out-of-control wildfires during the summer months. I urge Secretary Haaland to implement the critical habitat designation rule change immediately,\u201d said House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.).\n\n\u201cInstead of locking up our land, we should empower locally-led conservation efforts for species like the Northern Spotted Owl and continue to make commonsense improvements like updating critical habitat designations. Representative Bentz is already proving to be a strong leader on species and land management \u2013 two major priorities for the Pacific Northwest. I am proud to support this effort to ensure we can effectively care for our lands and our wildlife,\u201d said Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.).\n\n\u201cThe Northern Spotted Owl was listed as an Endangered Species more than 30 years ago. On the federal government\u2019s watch, the population has severely declined, timber mills have gone out of business, and we have seen increased catastrophic wildfires that have burned up the owl\u2019s habitat and harmed Western communities. Extremist environmentalists opposing active forest management don\u2019t have the owl or the American people\u2019s best interests at heart. In 2020, Colorado had the three largest fires in state history, one of which was in my district. We need to do more to prevent dangerous wildfires before they get started, not less. I applaud Congressman Bentz for his leadership on this important issue. The January 2021 rule should be issued without further delay,\u201d said Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO).\n\nThe full list of cosigners on the letter include Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.).\n\nThe full letter can be viewed here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:42:19Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-supports-passage-farm-workforce-modernization-act", "Congressman Bentz Supports Passage of Farm Workforce Modernization Act", "2021-03-18", "2021", "2021-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) voted in favor of H.R. 1603 \u2013 the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021, which passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support 247-174. The bill goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Bentz was joined by 29 House Republicans in passing this legislation, which seeks to address the labor shortage faced by many food and fiber producers in Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District.\n\n\u201cAs one who was raised on a cattle ranch in Harney County, I know firsthand just how much work must be done by those who work in agriculture. I have also spoken with local leaders across our district \u2013 including farmers, ranchers, orchardists, and producers; business owners; trade associations; and local governments. After many conversations and careful consideration, I agreed with my constituents that our district would benefit from the reforms this bill makes to the H-2A guest worker program. These reforms are important to ensuring that we have a stable and legal workforce to operate and raise the more than 200 crops produced in our state. In doing so, the bill will also help guard against future illegal immigration through a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for all agriculture employment,\u201d said Bentz.\n\nThe bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act provides reforms that have long been sought after by the agriculture sector to help streamline and reduce costs in the H-2A visa program. In the past, this program has been criticized for being cumbersome, inefficient, and slow. Despite these shortcomings, many in the agriculture sector rely on H-2A visas to help fill gaps in their workforce, grow our economy, and feed America. This legislation would also institute a mandatory E-Verify system for all agricultural employment \u2013 serving as a last necessary part of ensuring a legal workforce for the agriculture sector.\n\nAcross the Pacific Northwest region, leaders in agriculture have applauded Bentz\u2019s vote in support of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act:\n\nDevon Wells, President of the Hood River County Farm Bureau, Walter Wells & Sons, LLC, a Century Farm \u2013 Hood River, OR\n\n\u201cFinding a stable workforce is a top challenge for growers in Hood River and The Dalles. Addressing that challenge is vital to our ability to continue producing apples, pears, and cherries. While not perfect, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act provides a pathway to legalization for current employees who are undocumented and makes needed changes to the agricultural guestworker program as an important step towards ensuring growers can access the employees needed to keep growing and harvesting crops into the future. I thank Congressman Bentz for standing up for fruit growers in the Gorge by helping pass this important legislation through the House, so that it can be further improved upon in the Senate.\u201d\n\nWarren Chamberlain, Dairylain Farms \u2013 Vale, OR\n\n\u201cWe need a legal workforce in this country. My family made the investment in a robotic milking system five years ago because we could not find anyone that wanted to work, regardless of what the pay was.\u201d\n\nKyle Fessler, President of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas \u2013 Woodburn, OR\n\n\u201cThe nursery and greenhouse industry is the top sector of agriculture in the state and passing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act is our top federal priority. Resolving the immigration issue has languished for 30 years and if we delay much longer, agriculture will not survive.\u201d\n\nJim Simnitt, Past President of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, Simnitt Nursery \u2013 Canby, OR\n\n\u201cI have heard from the industry that if we had available and willing labor, the nursery industry could grow by 20 percent or more - there is that much demand for Oregon\u2019s nursery bounty. Instead, we plan for less than 2 percent growth due to the lack of labor. We are in crisis and by not acting on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act \u2013 Congress is deciding to place a cap on our economic ability to grow environmentally beneficial plants\u201d\n\nMark Bigej, Past President of the Oregon Association of Nurseries and current Chairman of the OAN Government Relations Committee, Al\u2019s Garden & Home \u2013 Woodburn/Sherwood/Wilsonville/Gresham, OR\n\n\u201cWe are a grower and a retail operation, and the Oregon Association of Nurseries is in favor of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. There is a labor crisis in agriculture and the largest sector of agriculture is calling for congressional members to put aside partisan differences and do what is right \u2013 support our family farms.\u201d\n\nJeff Stone, Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries \u2013 Wilsonville, OR\n\n\u201cI had a front row seat in 1988 as a US Senate staffer to see Congress fail to complete its mission to fill President Ronald Reagan\u2019s immigration reform bill. As executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries for the last 11 years \u2013 passing sensible immigration legislation has been the top priority for the state\u2019s billion-dollar nursery industry. The time is now to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.\u201d\n\nChad Allen, Board Member of the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, Victor Dairy \u2013 Tillamook, OR\n\n\u201cThe US has the safest food supply in the world. In order to continue that, we must have people to work in Agriculture. The lack of a sustainable workforce is a big food security risk.\u201d\n\nShay Myers, Chief Executive Officer of Owyhee Produce \u2013 Nyssa, OR/Parma, ID\n\n\u201cIt is a big deal that Congressman Bentz supports this legislation. For years, farmers across the nation have looked for and supported solutions for their businesses and employees. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a step in the right direction. It helps those who came here through a virtual open door. These workers are welcome and needed, and who have put in a tremendous effort to better their lives, provide food for every American, and a future for their children. We need these workers, and this legislation is the solution to the problem. This bill allows those who are already here and working to get legal worker status. It also allows for businesses to continue to hire H-2A workers, and for our industry to use E-Verify. E-Verify will prevent more undocumented workers from crossing illegally into the United States because they will no longer be employable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:33:37Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-votes-against-1900000000000-house-spending-bill", "Congressman Bentz Votes Against $1,900,000,000,000 House Spending Bill", "2021-02-27", "2021", "2021-02", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) voted against H.R.1319, the $1.9 trillion spending bill, which passed the United States House of Representatives 219-212. The bill moves to the United States Senate for consideration.\n\nCongressman Bentz released the following statement regarding his vote against H.R.1319:\n\n\u201cThere is no doubt that because of the COVID-19 virus and the shutdowns resulting from it, some American families and businesses are truly devastated. In recognition of this, Congress has previously passed five bipartisan, pandemic-related packages totaling more than $3.5 trillion. This bill will add another $1.9 trillion to that previous amount. These trillions of dollars are going to have to be paid back some day, so it is essential that our money be used for those who truly need help.\n\n\u201cThis bill does contain provisions which are truly necessary and which I support, such as funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, extended unemployment benefits, and vaccine development and distribution. But we all know Democrats have also chosen to include billions upon billions of dollars that have nothing to do with COVID relief. We Republicans offered more than 200 amendments to this bill \u2013 including commonsense proposals to protect jobs, to provide mental health services for unemployed workers, to limit relief funds to use for pandemic-related expenses only, and to ensure that schools reopen safely. However, Democrats rejected all but one of these amendments.\n\n\u201cThe bottom line is that this bill fails to target the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. Less than 9 percent of the funds will go directly to combat the virus through public health spending, and the funding for stimulus checks fails to target those who truly need help. And of the $130 billion in spending set aside for our nation\u2019s schools, only 5 percent is actually spent in 2021 \u2013 meaning there is almost no incentive provided to our schools to reopen anytime soon. Additionally, the bill spends billions on items totally unrelated to the pandemic and includes: a $15 minimum wage hike that would devastate small businesses; policies that pay people more not to work than to work; bailouts for mismanaged public union pensions; policies that give federal bureaucrats better paid leave than those which are available to essential workers; provisions that undermine the Hyde Amendment; and overly broad bailouts for states regardless of their responses to the pandemic and their current financial needs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:26:35Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-named-top-republican-house-natural-resources-subcommittee-0", "Congressman Bentz Named Top Republican on the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife", "2021-02-17", "2021", "2021-02", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ONTARIO, Ore. \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) was named the Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife. This places Oregon\u2019s freshman Republican congressman front and center on matters concerning America\u2019s water resources, federal irrigation projects, hydroelectric power, interstate water issues, and fisheries management.\n\n\u201cI am honored to serve as the leading Republican voice on the House Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, and I thank the Committee\u2019s Ranking Member, Bruce Westerman, for this opportunity,\u201d said Congressman Bentz. \u201cFor more than half of my professional and political career, I have stood up and fought for agriculture and communities that rely on our water resources and are feeling the effects of a real and regulatory drought. I will take an active role in the consideration of all water issues coming before the panel. Whether it is dealing with regulations under the Clean Water Act; advocating against dam removal and addressing fish passage; encouraging responsible water storage policies; promoting low-cost, renewable electric power from federal water projects; or providing a thoughtful check and balance to the Biden Administration and the Democrat majority in Congress \u2013 I will work to ensure our water resources are managed wisely and to the benefit of communities across our nation.\u201d\n\nCongressman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so pleased to welcome Congressman Bentz as the Ranking Member for the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee. While he is new to Congress, Congressman Bentz is not new to this subject matter. He brings a wide array of personal experiences and expertise as a water rights attorney to the table, and I know this will equip him to be a strong and thoughtful voice on water-related issues. As we begin this new Congress, I believe we have the best possible team ready to take on any challenge and show Americans that conservation is inherently conservative.\u201d\n\nJ.R. Cook, Director, Northeast Oregon Water Association\n\n\u201cThe Northeast Oregon Water Association looks forward to continuing our outcome based working relationship with Congressman Bentz on regional water needs. Congressman Bentz\u2019s legal understanding of water law and common-sense approach to water needs will be a major asset to our region, the Columbia River system and western United States.\u201d\n\nApril Snell, Executive Director, Oregon Water Resources Congress\n\n\u201cThe Oregon Water Resources Congress (OWRC) is excited to learn Congressman Bentz has been appointed as ranking member on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife. This subcommittee has oversight over issues of critical importance to irrigation districts and other OWRC members, including water resources, federal projects, hydropower, and fisheries management policy. While it is extraordinary for a freshman to receive a leadership position, it is not surprising given the Congressman\u2019s vast experience with natural resources, particularly western water law. Through his many years in the Oregon Legislature, Congressman Bentz knows first-hand the importance of bridging the urban-rural divide and supporting common-sense solutions regardless of party. His thoughtful and deliberative approach to complex policy is needed now more than ever and we are grateful to have him in Congress working on Oregon\u2019s behalf. We congratulate Congressman Bentz on his appointment and look forward to his new leadership role on water and other important natural resources issues.\u201d\n\nCraig Horrell, President, Deschutes Basin Board of Control\n\n\"We are proud to have Congressman Bentz in Washington D.C., representing our eight irrigation districts in rural Central Oregon that convey water to over 7,600 farm and ranch families, schools, and parks. At a time when water resources are stretched further and further, we welcome Congressman Bentz's vast knowledge and commitment to addressing water issues.\"\n\nBarb Iverson, President, Oregon Farm Bureau", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:26:35Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-applauds-nearly-45-million-federal-grant-josephine-county", "Congressman Bentz Applauds Nearly $4.5 Million Federal Grant for Josephine County to Combat Coronavirus Pandemic", "2021-02-12", "2021", "2021-02", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ONTARIO \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recent announcement of a federal grant for the State of Oregon, to include nearly $4.5 million for COVID-19 response efforts in Josephine County, Oregon.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to join FEMA in announcing a federal grant for almost $4.5 million in funding for Josephine County,\u201d said Bentz. \u201cThese funds will bolster efforts by the County to administer vaccines and implement emergency protective measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. I thank FEMA for supporting COVID-19 response efforts in Oregon, and I will continue working with counties, community leaders, and healthcare professionals across the Second Congressional District to defeat this virus and ensure our state can reopen.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:26:35Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-appointed-house-judiciary-committee-0", "Congressman Bentz Appointed to the House Judiciary Committee", "2021-01-27", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) was appointed to the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over a wide array of matters relating to the administration of justice in federal courts, civil liberties, oversight of the United States Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, legal and regulatory reform, innovation, competition and anti-trust laws, terrorism and crime, and immigration reform.\n\n\u201cI am honored to have been appointed to the House Judiciary Committee,\u201d said Congressman Bentz. \u201cAs a trained attorney and former Oregon state legislator, I will bring real world experience to the Judiciary Committee\u2019s important role in addressing many of the most pressing issues facing our nation. I look forward to working with the Republican Ranking Member Jim Jordan and members on both sides of the aisle.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Bentz is a strong defender of our country\u2019s fundamental principles and will be a key voice on the Judiciary Committee,\u201d said the Committee\u2019s Ranking Member, Jim Jordan (R-OH). \u201cWe are extremely excited to get to work with him to continue to fight for conservative values.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:19:43Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-appointed-house-natural-resources-committee", "Congressman Bentz Appointed to the House Natural Resources Committee", "2021-01-26", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) was selected to serve on the House Natural Resources Committee \u2013 a committee well-suited to Oregon\u2019s vast Second Congressional District and one that will provide Bentz the opportunity to apply his unique knowledge of water, energy, carbon, forests, minerals, and federal land management.\n\n\u201cI am honored to have been appointed to the House Natural Resources Committee,\u201d said Congressman Bentz. \u201cMembership on this committee, combined with my previous experience as a water rights attorney, rancher, member of the Oregon Water Resource Commission, and member of Oregon State Legislature, will help me advocate for improved management and more balanced use of our federal lands, forests, and water. I will continue to focus on our communities hardest hit by natural disasters \u2013 especially those in southern Oregon struggling to rebuild after devastating wildfires. Also, given the recent exposure of our dangerous supply chain dependence on countries like China, this committee can protect and preserve our nation\u2019s access to rare earth minerals on federal lands.\u201d\n\n\u201cOregon has an incredibly diverse array of public lands and resources, and I know Congressman Bentz will bring that important perspective and background to the Natural Resources Committee,\u201d said the Committee\u2019s Ranking Member, Bruce Westerman (R-Ark). \u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to getting to know him better as we work together on our shared goals of conservation and environmental stewardship. Welcome to the team!\u201d\n\nThe House Natural Resources Committee oversees a number of important matters that include federal lands, wildlife, water, energy and mineral resources, oversight and investigations, and affairs with indigenous peoples.\n\nCliff Bentz is a third generation Oregonian, rancher, businessman, attorney, and a former state legislator. He was elected to represent the Second Congressional District of Oregon on November 3, 2020. The district includes all or part of 20 counties across northern, eastern, central, and southern Oregon.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:19:43Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-votes-against-impeachment", "Congressman Cliff Bentz Votes Against Impeachment", "2021-01-13", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz of Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District voted against the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump in the United States House of Representatives. In a statement, Bentz cited the importance of unifying the nation around a peaceful transition to the Biden Administration.\n\n\u201cI continue to share the emotions many are feeling in the aftermath of the unprecedented and unacceptable violence this past week. But the current rush-to-judgement impeachment proceedings have only succeeded in dividing our country even more. I voted against impeachment because our focus should be on unifying our nation, ensuring a peaceful transition to the Biden Administration, and working to address the pressing issues facing our country and Oregon's Second Congressional District. I came to Congress to stand up for rural communities across my district by addressing the terrible damage caused by recent wildfires, reforming the laws that govern our water rights, and ensuring we help those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:19:43Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-statement-electoral-college-certification", "Congressman Cliff Bentz Statement on Electoral College Certification", "2021-01-07", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Cliff Bentz of Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District released the following statement regarding the recent events at the United States Capitol and the Electoral College certification process in Congress.\n\n\u201cThe violent events that took place yesterday on the Capitol grounds are a stain on the history of our country. There is absolutely no excuse for protests to turn into riots, and I condemn the actions of the rioters in the strongest terms possible. I call on all Americans to choose peaceful protests over violence, chaos, and anarchy. I commend Capitol Police for their brave efforts to end yesterday\u2019s incident and enable Congress to return to our important work.\n\n\u201cAs the Representative of Oregon\u2019s Second District, I am committed to listening to the opinions of my constituents, upholding the Constitution, and engaging in the deliberative process entrusted to the United States House of Representatives. I have heard many speak of distrust in the elections that were facilitated by several states. That is why I wrote to Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month, urging for a prompt and thorough congressional investigation into voting irregularities during the 2020 presidential election. So far, my request has fallen on deaf ears. Therefore, the duty has fallen on Congress to begin restoring faith in our representative form of government and to ensure the voice of the American people is heard through the Electoral College certification process.\n\n\u201cAfter seeking the opinions of constitutional experts, listening to my constituents, and many conversations with Members from the states in question, I cast my vote in support of the objection to the certification of the Electors from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In doing so, my goal was to protect the integrity of our elections and to prompt all states to uphold election laws as determined by their state legislatures \u2013 all in accordance with our Constitution.\n\n\u201cArticle II of the Constitution sets forth that each state legislature is entrusted with the authority to establish and facilitate elections within that state. In Pennsylvania, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the state\u2019s Supreme Court did not adhere to the statutes set forth by the legislature when they extended deadlines for the return of absentee ballots. This action violated the principles of Article II of the Constitution because the state legislature had not previously delegated broader authority to the Secretary. Ultimately, this change in voting procedures by a non-legislative body contributed to a widespread loss of faith by many Americans in the integrity of the 2020 election \u2013 including many in my district. Such a violation of our Constitution must be discouraged in the strongest terms possible.\n\n\u201cI could not support objections to the certification of Electors of any other state \u2013 including Arizona. Like many states in question, the Arizona legislature had in fact delegated broader authority to administer elections to other state and local agencies, and I found little evidence supporting an argument that Article II of the Constitution was violated.\n\n\u201cAs we conclude the Electoral College certification process, we can accept that Joe Biden will be the next President of the United States. I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power, but I continue to empathize with those whose frustrations with the electoral system remain unresolved. I share their frustrations, and as the Representative of Oregon\u2019s Second District, I will do my best to address their concerns.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:19:43Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-sworn-represent-oregons-second-congressional-district", "Congressman Cliff Bentz Sworn in to Represent Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District", "2021-01-04", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz was formally sworn in as a Member of the 117th United States Congress. Bentz was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Lindsay Norman.\n\n\u201cIt is an honor to represent the citizens of Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District, and I humbly thank them for entrusting me with this responsibility,\u201d said Bentz. \u201cI will fight every day to protect rural communities and stand up for Oregon values in Congress.\u201d\n\nCliff Bentz is a third generation Oregonian, rancher, businessman, attorney, and a former state legislator. He was elected to represent the Second Congressional District of Oregon on November 3, 2020. The district includes all or part of 20 counties across northern, eastern, central, and southern Oregon.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:19:43Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/117th-united-states-congress-convenes", "117th United States Congress Convenes", "2021-01-03", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The First Session of the 117th United States Congress commences on January 3rd, 2021. Members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives will attend the First Session.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:19:43Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/newest-members-congress", "Newest Members of Congress", "2021-01-03", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The freshman class will be sworn in on January 3rd, 2021 when the First Session of the 117th United States Congress convenes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:19:43Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/taking-oath-office", "Taking the Oath of Office", "2021-01-03", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House on January 3rd, 2021.\n\nThe Honorable Cliff Bentz was elected to serve as representative of Oregon\u2019s 2nd Congressional District. Representative Cliff Bentz was added to the rolls of the House upon executing the oath of office.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:19:43Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 42, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "OR", "p2": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 42, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 42, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2021&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "OR", "label": "OR", "count": 42, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 42, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 231.99270805343986, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}