{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"OR\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/designation-longest-us-highway-national-medal-honor-highway", "Designation of the Longest U.S. Highway as the \"National Medal of Honor Highway\u201d", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 I am glad to share that this week, U.S. Route 20, the nation\u2019s longest road stretching from Newport, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts, will be officially designated as the \"National Medal of Honor Highway\" under legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. The 12 states along US Highway 20 account for about 62 percent of all 3,516 Medal of Honor awards presented since the Civil War.\n\nThe Medal of Honor is the nation\u2019s highest military award for valor, presented by the President in Congress\u2019 name. This section of U.S. Route 20 will honor 29 Medal of Honor recipients connected with Oregon who acted with \u201cconspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of his life\u201d during combat with an enemy of the United States thus receiving our nation\u2019s highest award for military valor during 8 wars over a 108-year period.\n\nI was honored to support this effort and am even more gratified to have my House colleague\u2019s support to pass it in the House this week.\n\nI would also like to mention a Central Oregon Veteran, Dick Tobiason, who set out on a mission 11 years ago to name Highway 20 in honor of our Medal of Honor Veterans. Tobiason is the chairman of the Bend Heroes Foundation, which he founded in 2010 with his son. Bend Heroes Foundation has been coordinating the designation of 11 more state Medal of Highways and has led the charge in getting U.S. Route 20 designated in Congress. Dick Tobiason has made it his life\u2019s work to ensure that Veterans and their families get the recognition they deserve. His lifetime of service and dedication to the Oregon Veteran community have been instrumental in bringing this recognition to fruition. I salute his efforts, his tenacity, and his relentless advocacy on behalf of Oregon Veterans and their families.\n\nA full copy of the legislation renaming U.S. Route 20 as \u201cThe National Medal of Honor Highway\u201d can be found by clicking here. A link to my letter regarding the U.S. Highway, here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-responds-governor-koteks-request-national-monument", "Congressman Bentz Responds to Governor Kotek\u2019s Request for a National Monument Designation of Owyhee Canyonlands", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02), released a statement in response to Governor Tina Kotek's letter to President Biden, which requests a national monument designation for the Owyhee Canyonlands.\n\n\"The Governor\u2019s letter is a classic example of crying wolf. She should answer these questions: How many millions of acres in size is this monument she supports? What is the purpose of this monument? How many additional thousands of visitors from the immediately adjacent Boise Valley, home of about 900,000, would be attracted to this fragile area by a Monument designation? What are these \u201cdevastating consequences\u201d she references? Why does she want to obstruct and stop the transfer of a cultural icon (Castle Rock) and 23,000 acres of grazing land to the Burns Paiute Tribe? Why does she falsely say that there is \u201cbroad support\u201d for this monument from \u201clocal interests\u201d when 90% of the voters in the county in which it would be located voted against such a designation? Why does she object to land management that will actually improve the condition of this land while protecting the people (including the tribes) who have lived on it for generations? And finally, why is she talking about impending \u201cdevastation\u201d when she, of all people, knows that it takes literally decades to do anything in Oregon, including on federal land, that requires a permit?\"\n\nCongressman Bentz added,\"I have been on a first name basis with now Governor Kotek for 17 years. She has my cell phone number. She knows I have lived in Malheur County for much of my life. Yet not a peep from her since she became Governor. No effort by her or by her staff to inquire regarding the locally based efforts to find agreement regarding management of the Owyhee that we have been working on for at least seven years. Sadly, whether it\u2019s forest land, range land, farmland, the ocean, or the Oregon coast, the predictable Portland centric approach is to ignore the people trying to make a living in harmony with these resources, and instead impose management techniques guaranteed to make things worse. The devastation the Governor should be talking about is what which has happened and is happening to the timber industry, the wastelands created by intense wildfires, the economically ravaged small communities, and the flow of business and people out of our state.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-hearing-scheduled-congressional-bill-protect-owyhee-canyon-lands", "House Hearing Scheduled on Congressional Bill to Protect the Owyhee Canyon Lands", "2024-11-05", "2024", "2024-11", "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-OR 02), is pleased to announce that his bill, to be introduced tomorrow, which would protect the Owyhee Canyon Lands, and the people who live on and around those lands, will be heard in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands, at 2 pm on November 19th, 2024.\n\n\u201cThis bill is the result of hundreds of hours of negotiation and collaboration by those who live, work, and recreate in Malheur County, The Burns Paiute Tribe, and many environmental organizations. It is based on a bill introduced last year by Senator Ron Wyden. It is a provisional bill, but it contains those elements needed to protect the land, plants, animals and communities that rely upon that land. I want to thank the Senator for his personal involvement and for his staff\u2019s work, and I look forward to successfully passing this bill out of the House within the next few weeks,\u201d said Congressman Cliff Bentz.\n\n\u201cCongressman Bentz and I have been working together to pass Owyhee legislation before the end of the year. His announcement today of the upcoming hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands on his \"Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act\" takes a significant step forward toward achieving that goal,\u201d Senator Ron Wyden said. \u201cI applaud Congressman Bentz\u2019s thoughtful and constructive approach and am looking forward, as we continue to work together on this bill, to success on legislation that leaves the farmers, ranchers, preservationists, Tribes and all the residents of Eastern Oregon the true winners of the economic and preservation gains this legislative approach can achieve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-attends-field-hearing-address-central-oregons-water-supply", "Congressman Bentz Attends Field Hearing to Address Central Oregon's Water Supply", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, Subcommittee on Natural Resources Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Chairman Cliff Bentz joined Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) in her district to open a Subcommittee hearing titled, 'It All Depends on Water: Examining Efforts to Improve and Protect Central Oregon\u2019s Water Supply.' The hearing emphasized the need to protect water resources, address water shortages for farmers and ranchers in Central Oregon and across the country and highlighted the importance of reforming the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Other Members of Congress, including Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04) also participated in the event.'\n\nClick here to watch Chairman Cliff Bentz's opening statement.\n\nChairman Cliff Bentz\u2019s Statement:\n\n\"Water is essential. Drought and federal regulations are combining to create winners and losers in the allocation of water. Nowhere is this more evident than in Central Oregon. Water once used in productive and important crops is being taken and placed into streams for frogs and fish, with no regard for the damage done to those from whom the water is being take,\u201dsaid Chairman Bentz. \"I was extremely pleased, as the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, to bring the committee to Central Oregon for a hearing on these important issues. I want to thank Congresswoman Lori-Chavez-DeRemer for hosting this hearing in her Congressional District. This gave us the chance to hear how the locally driven, cooperative efforts happening there were working. The two clear messages from the witness\u2019s testimony were that we need to better protect our watersheds from fire and our farmers and ranchers from being ruined by the implementation of the endangered species act. The witnesses\u2019 testimony was helpful, and we will return to Washington better prepared to draft legislation addressing these issues.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bentz-announces-military-service-academy-nomination-process-class-2029", "Rep. Bentz Announces Military Service Academy Nomination Process for the Class of 2029", "2024-07-09", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) announced the annual process of nominating Oregon students to attend the nation's prestigious service academies for the upcoming Class of 2029.\n\n\"It is an honor to be a part of a process that supports young leaders from Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District who exemplify leadership, academic excellence, character, and patriotism towards our country, said Bentz.\u201d\n\nOregon\u2019s Second Congressional District office nomination process is unique. The office assembles a Selection Board composed of retired and active-duty military officers from the district community. These veterans and active-duty military officers interview each student who is seeking a nomination from the Congressman. The service academies recommend this approach to ensure transparency and fairness in congressional nominations. After conducting interviews, the Selection Board submits its recommendations to the Congressman for review and approval.\n\nTo be eligible for appointment for the Class of 2029, an applicant must be: a U.S. citizen; a legal resident of the 2nd District; at least 17 but not more than 23 years of age on July 1, 2025; single; and have no dependents. It is encouraged that applicants contact the academy (or academies) of their choice to request a pre-candidate questionnaire, which is the first step in the Admission Office\u2019s evaluation.\n\nFor more information, please visit my website: bentz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bentz-honors-class-2028-us-service-academy-nominees", "Rep. Bentz Honors Class of 2028 U.S. Service Academy Nominees", "2024-07-09", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) released the names of the 7 individuals he nominated to be considered for attendance at our nation\u2019s service academies.\n\nThe full list of students who received and then accepted offers of Appointment are:\n\nSean Donohue | Phoenix Highschool | United States Naval Academy\n\nKonnor Lilly | T.R. Robinson Highschool | United States Naval Academy Prep School\n\nHunter Carpen | Madras High School | United States Air Force Academy\n\nSamuel Endicott | Ridge High School | United States Merchant Marine Academy\n\nConnor Sam | Dalles High School | United States Military Academy\n\nWren Rambo | Crater Academy of Health and Public Service High School |United States Military Academy Prep School\n\nTimothy Paul | Osan Midde High School |United States Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation Scholarship\n\nThese men are true examples of leadership, academic excellence, high character, and strong patriotism.\n\nI wish Sean, Konnor, Hunter, Samuel, Connor, Wren, and Timothy the very best of luck in the upcoming year at their academies and in serving our great country. I am confident they will continue to make the Second Congressional District proud of them and their accomplishments.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bentz-announces-winner-2024-congressional-art-competition", "Rep. Bentz Announces Winner of 2024 Congressional Art Competition", "2024-06-07", "2024", "2024-06", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-O2) announced that Tyler Correa, a senior from Phoenix High School, out of a record number of 40 submissions, has been selected as the winner of OR-02\u2019s 2024 Congressional Art Competition! Tyler\u2019s artwork, Strawberries, was chosen by a panel of three judges who praised the piece as having \u2018amazing textures and details\u201d. Tyler may travel to Washington, D.C., to see her artwork displayed in the national student art exhibit in the U.S. Capitol and attend a reception in her honor.\n\n\"I am pleased to congratulate Tyler on this terrific achievement. I look forward to seeing Strawberries each day as I walk to and from the House Chamber. I want to thank her for this incredible piece \u2013 Congratulations, Tyler!\"\n\nBentz also announced that North Powder Charter School student Bella Brandt\u2019s piece Isolationsim was the regional winner from Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District. Bella\u2019s art will be displayed in Congressman Bentz\u2019s Medford District Office.\n\n\u201cI am very thankful to the judges who volunteered their time and expertise to our district's art competition. They helped make this year's competition memorable and a great success.\u201d\n\nJudges for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in Oregon\u2019s Second Congressional District included:\n\nKyle Larson, Assistant Professor, Painting/Drawing, Southern Oregon University, Ashland\n\nKristen O\u2019Neill, Executive Director, Rogue Gallery and Art Center, Medford\n\nMichael Sell, Associate Professor of Art, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:11:47Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congressman-bentz-leads-field-hearing-delisting-gray-wolves", "ICYMI: Congressman Bentz Leads Field Hearing on Delisting Gray Wolves", "2024-05-06", "2024", "2024-05", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Friday, May 3, 2024, Chairman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) led a Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries oversight field hearing titled, \u201cHow Many Wolves Are Enough? Examining the Need to Delist the Grey Wolf.\u201d\n\nChairman Cliff Bentz\u2019s opening statement (as written):\n\n\"I want to thank the witnesses for being here today and our members for their interest in the issues we\u2019ll be discussing.\n\nToday, the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee will examine the current and future management of the gray wolf. A species that is of great concern to me and my constituents back in Oregon and as can be seen by the attendance at today\u2019s hearing, many of you.\n\nToday\u2019s hearing is coming on the heels of a great success on the House floor back in Washington. On Tuesday evening, the House of Representatives passed in a bi-partisan fashion H.R. 764, a bill entitled the \u201cTrust the Science Act,\u201d which would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue the 2020 Trump Administration rule that delisted the gray wolf in the lower 48 states.\n\nWhat was discussed during floor debate and what will be central to today\u2019s discussion is when should we declare the gray wolf an ESA recovery success story and who should be in charge of managing populations going forward. My unequivocal answer to those questions is that the number of wolves we have on the landscape today is more than enough to consider the species recovered and that states are best equipped to manage gray wolf populations going forward.\n\nTake my home state of Oregon, where we have the peculiar situation in my district where a highway determines whether wolves are listed under the ESA or not. West of the highway, they are listed, east of the highway, they are not. We currently have roughly 250 wolves in Oregon, which the state seems to believe is enough and does not want the population to grow any further. This stands in stark contrast to where we sit today here in Minnesota, where there are at least 10 times as many wolves on the landscape. In the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Michigan, there are roughly an additional 1,700 wolves combined. According to testimony heard by this subcommittee last year during the consideration of H.R. 764, federal recovery goals in this region have been met since at least 1994, yet the gray wolf is still listed.\n\nWhy is this such an important issue to us here today and why does the gray wolf\u2019s perpetual listing under the ESA matter? The answer is simple, the ESA was not intended for species to be listed permanently, as some would like to believe, and the consequences of an unmanaged wolf population have dire impacts on our constituents. As we will hear from witnesses today, unmanaged wolf populations have a devastating impact on farmers and ranchers, other wildlife species, and the communities that depend upon them. The fact is that wolves are apex predators who rely on killing other animals to survive, whether they are a farmer\u2019s cattle or wild moose living out in the forests of Minnesota. The management of wolf populations is the only logical path forward that can strike a balance between maintaining a healthy population and protecting the way of life of so many of our constituents. The good news is that states have already proven to be capable wildlife managers. This was confirmed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service two months ago when they denied petitions to list gray wolves in the Western United States and relist them in the Northern Rockies Ecosystem, an area where wolves have been delisted for over a decade. The Service stated that wolves are \u201cnot at risk of extinction in the Western United States now or in the foreseeable future.\u201d The Service also stated that wolves in the Western United States had a healthy abundance, retained genetic diversity, have the ability to respond to high-mortality events, and maintain adaptive capacity.\n\nInstead of sitting on our hands and allowing the issues associated with an unmanaged wolf population to grow, we as members of Congress must continue to act to ensure the voices of our constituents are heard and that we do everything we can to delist the gray wolf. The action on the House floor this week was one step in the right direction, and I believe this hearing today will continue that path forward.\n\nThis hearing provided a platform for experts and those impacted to testify on the gray wolf population surge's multifaceted implications, including its economic, ecological, and societal ramifications. Ranchers, farmers, and outdoorsmen alike are fed up with the way the federal government has handled the gray wolf population surge and are ready to change!\"\n\nHighlighted Q & A from Chairman Bentz:\n\n\u201cIs a wolf the same [when it comes to killing animals] as your household pet?\u201d\n\nMr. John Williams, Representing the Oregon Cattlemen\u2019s Association:\n\n\u201cAbsolutely not. Wolves are somewhere around 100 pounds. They do not kill animals and then eat them. They just start eating them. And they keep eating them until they get to something vital and then the animal dies. It\u2019s one of the most horrific deaths you can have. They also pack hunt, or they individually hunt, so if an individual gets beaten by a cow, he\u2019ll bring a friend back, and they\u2019ll win eventually. They also traumatize those animals that they leave alive. I can go on, but in no way a 110-pound wolf that is a born killer is anything close to a pet.\u201d\n\nBackground courtesy of the House Natural Resources Committee GOP:\n\nThe Great Lakes region has the largest concentration of gray wolves in the lower 48 states, with approximately 4,200 wolves that inhabit the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Under the current management framework, wolves in Minnesota are listed as threatened, whereas wolves in Michigan and Wisconsin are listed as endangered. The recovery plan for the gray wolf in the Great Lakes is clear when it comes to criteria for delisting, a stable or increasing population of wolves in Minnesota and at least 200 wolves outside of the Minnesota population.\n\nThe Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations have all agreed that the gray wolf species is recovered and should be delisted, but extreme environmental groups and activist judges have stopped the delisting attempts by multiple administrations. The gray wolf should be celebrated as an Endangered Species Act success story. Recent scientific analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service show that the gray wolf population is healthy and can sustain itself. The case for delisting is clear, and on April 30, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 764, the Trust the Science Act, which would remove the recovered gray wolf from the endangered species list.\n\nLast week's hearing in Sandstone, Minn. was a chance for members to hear from local elected officials and wildlife experts to learn more about the gray wolf population and its impact on rural communities.\n\nWatch the complete hearing:\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/live/Y32iGQ-YbCs?si=WeZwwomeVoU3IgBS\n\nBentz\u2019s Opening remarks:\n\nhttps://youtu.be/XBNwZalYSlI?si=uVwhZ6PsPryETZX-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:01:11Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-bentz-scorches-democrats-putting-wolves-above-ranchers", "VIDEO: Bentz Scorches Democrats for Putting Wolves Above Ranchers", "2024-04-30", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) gave the following speech on the House floor in defense of America's ranchers. This speech occurred during debate on H.R. 764 the \u201cTrust the Science Act\u201d which will delist the Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act in the Lower 48 states:\n\nWATCH: Bentz Scorches Democrats for Putting Wolves Above Ranchers", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/week-congressman-bentz-lead-water-wildlife-and-fisheries-hearing-delisting", "THIS WEEK: Congressman Bentz to Lead Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Hearing on Delisting the \u2018Natural Born Killer\u2019 Gray Wolves", "2024-04-29", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Friday, May 3, 2024, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) will lead an oversight field hearing titled, \u201cHow Many Wolves Are Enough? Examining the Need to Delist the Grey Wolf.\u201d\n\nThis hearing will take place in Minnesota and provide a platform for expert testimony on the multifaceted implications of the gray wolf surge, including its economic, ecological, and societal ramifications. Additionally, it will scrutinize the federal government's role in addressing this pressing issue and examine potential pathways forward.\n\nRead more on the hearing from the Washington Examiner\n\n\u201cWolves are natural-born killers, and they are wreaking havoc upon wildlife, preying on livestock, and damaging the ability of fish and wildlife agencies to do their jobs,\u201d Congressman Bentz stated. \u201cThe U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has admitted that \u2018wolves are not at risk of extinction in the Western United States now or in the foreseeable future,\u2019 so we must ask ourselves: how many wolves are enough?\u201d\n\nBentz continued, \u201cThe Biden Administration remains idle on this issue. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to hold 'strategic alignment workshops' to achieve 'trust and social cohesion,' the population of gray wolves continues to grow with no end in sight. This is inhumane and unacceptable to our ranchers, farmers, and outdoorsmen alike. Prioritizing the protection of wolves over that of our elk deer, moose populations, and important parts of our rural communities.\u201d\n\nWhen: May 3rd, 2024 @10:00am CT\n\nWhere to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@NaturalResourcesGOP\n\nMembers:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-bentz-lead-water-wildlife-and-fisheries-hearing-natural-born-killer", "Chairman Bentz to Lead Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Hearing on the \u2018Natural Born Killer\u2019 Gray Wolves", "2024-04-23", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) has announced that on May 3rd in Minnesota, the Congressional Subcommittee of Natural Resources on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries will convene a field hearing addressing the growing harm being done by the gray wolf to elk, deer, moose, farmers, ranchers, and outdoorsmen.\n\nThis hearing will provide a platform for expert testimony on the multifaceted implications of the gray wolf surge, including its economic, ecological, and societal ramifications. Additionally, it will scrutinize the federal government's role in addressing this pressing issue and examine potential pathways forward.\n\nCongressman Bentz stated, \u201cThe U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has admitted that \u2018wolves are not at risk of extinction in the Western United States now or in the foreseeable future,\u2019 so we must ask ourselves: how many wolves are enough?\n\n\u201cWolves are natural-born killers, and they are wreaking havoc upon wildlife, preying on livestock, and damaging the ability of fish and wildlife agencies to do their jobs.\n\n\u201cYet, the federal government remains idle on this issue. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to hold 'strategic alignment workshops' to achieve 'trust and social cohesion,' the population of gray wolves continues to grow with no end in sight. This is inhumane and unacceptable to our ranchers, farmers, and outdoorsmen alike. Prioritizing the protection of wolves over that of our elk deer, moose populations, and important parts of our rural communities.\u201d\n\nWhen: May 3rd, 2024 @10:00am CT\n\nWhere to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@NaturalResourcesGOP\n\nRead more from the Washington Examiner", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-introduces-bill-protect-ag-producers-klamath-basin", "Bentz Introduces Bill to Protect Ag Producers in Klamath Basin", "2024-04-15", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) introduced legislation aimed at protecting agricultural producers in the Klamath Basin because of the dam removal.\n\n\u201cThis bill builds upon the promises made by parties to the agreement entered into regarding dam removal and species restoration, all intended to shield farmers from the adverse effects of dam removal. The legislation also ensures that the Department of the Interior remains accountable, preventing the transfer of river infrastructure unrelated to irrigation costs onto hardworking farmers,\u201d stated Congressman Bentz. \u201cFurthermore, the legislation tackles regulatory challenges posed by species habitat expansion while bolstering efforts to transport water to the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, thus reaffirming commitments made to farmers and ranchers.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe could not be more grateful to Representative Bentz for introducing this legislation to protect farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin,\u201d said Paul Simmons, Executive Director of Klamath Water Users Association. \u201cIt\u2019s proof positive of his leadership and that things can in fact happen in Washington. We look forward to working with Congressman Bentz\u2019s office and our representatives in the Senate who have supported similar legislation in recent years.\u201d\n\nRead the full bill HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-releases-statement-fisa-reauthorization", "Bentz Releases Statement on FISA Reauthorization", "2024-04-12", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement on FISA:\n\n\u201cToday, I joined 126 members of my Republican conference in voting for HR 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing American FreedomAct. Although not perfect, it is necessary, and it contains 56 Republican changes to the existing FISA law which provide significant protections against abuse of Foreign Surveillance processes.\n\n\u201cI also voted for Andy Bigg\u2019s warrant requirement amendment but unfortunately, that amendment failed (on a tie vote!). On the positive side, two other amendments I voted for did pass and both make the law more protective of American citizens. One of these was Chip Roy\u2019s amendment which forces the FBI to report to congress on a quarterly basis, and which allows certain members of Congress to attend proceedings before FISA courts. Also, the term of the reauthorization contained in the bill has been reduced from five years to two years, thus providing us with an excellent opportunity to first observe how our changes to this law will work and then, if necessary to further improve this law hopefully with the help of a Republican President.\n\n\u201cHad this bill not passed, the probable alternative would have been a Senate bill which would not have included the Roy amendment, nor the Bigg\u2019s warrant amendment, and, very probably, having a five and not two-year sunset.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-and-congressman-gosar-demand-transparency-bidens-energy", "Congressman Bentz and Congressman Gosar Demand Transparency on Biden's Energy Agenda", "2024-04-08", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02), joined by Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-09), sent a letter addressed to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Young, expressing concerns about the Biden Administration's approach to energy affordability across the Western United States and Pacific Northwest as well as seeking transparency on the future of the Lower Snake River Dams.\n\nThis request comes in response to the Biden Administration's proposal to disable and incapacitate the hydroelectric Lower Snake River dams as a means to recover salmon populations. Such action would not only harm the environment, but also negatively impact the local power grid and the cost of energy for ratepayers already struggling to keep up with Bidenflation. The U.S. Energy Information Administration noted just last month that hydropower generation fell to a 22-year low between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.\n\nIn a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Young, the lawmakers wrote:\n\n\u201cIt is indisputable that a breach of the Lower Snake River Dams would lead to innumerable challenges across the Pacific Northwest.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s actions threaten the economic vitality and environmental stability of our region, and it is critical that we understand the potential impacts of any decisions made regarding the future of the Lower Snake River Dams.\u201d\n\nCongressman Bentz continued, \u201cThese dams provide irreplaceable benefits not only to the ratepayers of Oregon, but to the entire Western United States. The planned removal of these four dams by the Biden Administration is a direct attack on ratepayers, clean energy production, and navigation in the Northwest.\u201d\n\nRead the letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-presents-navy-veteran-missing-medals", "Congressman Bentz Presents Navy Veteran With Missing Medals", "2024-04-05", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "OREGON \u2013 Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement after meeting Navy Veteran, Robert Keys Jr., and presenting him with 3 missing medals for his service to our nation:\n\n\"One of the privileges I have as a Congressman is recognizing Veterans for their dedicated service to our country.\n\n\"Today, I had the honor of meeting retired Navy Lieutenant Robert Keys Jr., who bravely served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Sadly, however, Mr. Keys never received his military medals recognizing his service.\n\n\"I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to work with the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to obtain his medals and present them to him today.\n\n\"He is not only a remarkable individual, but he also has a wonderful family. Thank you, Mr. Keys, for your service to our nation.\"\n\nLieutenant Robert Keys Jr. was presented with the following medals:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-present-service-medals-navy-veteran-hermiston", "Congressman Bentz to Present Service Medals to Navy Veteran in Hermiston", "2024-04-04", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) will present veteran Robert Keys Jr. with three medals highlighting his service and sacrifice to our nation on Friday, April 5th, in Hermiston, Oregon.\n\nMr. Robert Keys Jr. served 6 years in the United States Navy and received the rank of Lieutenant (O-3) during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He was attached to a Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron that participated in the crisis.\n\nWhen: Friday, April 5, 2024 @ 9am\n\nWhere: Stafford Hansell Building, 915 SE Columbia Dr.\n\nBelow are the medals Congressman Bentz will present to Mr. Keys:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-gray-wolves-terrorize-farms-and-ranches-gop-lawmakers-demand-endangered", "ICYMI: As gray wolves terrorize farms and ranches, GOP lawmakers demand endangered species delisting", "2024-04-01", "2024", "2024-04", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "https://www.foxnews.com/politics/endangered-species-gray-wolves-threaten-farms-ranches-gop.amp\n\nBy Thomas Catenacci - Fox News\n\nFIRST ON FOX: A group of 20 House Republicans is urging the Biden administration to roll back protections for the gray wolf, pointing to the species' growing population size and conflicts with ranchers and farmers.\n\nThe GOP coalition, led by Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., argued in a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director Martha Williams that the gray wolf no longer needed to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. He wrote that \"protection merely for the sake of protection\" is not the purpose of the law. Instead, he encouraged the agency to focus its efforts on protecting species in danger of extinction.\n\n\"The substantial growth in the population of gray wolves throughout Oregon and the western United States poses significant challenges for ranchers, farmers, and outdoorsmen alike,\" Bentz, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee's Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee, told Fox News Digital in a statement.\n\n\"It's imperative that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service promptly act to delist the gray wolf so that those in the western United States who are burdened by the reintroduction of an admittedly recovered apex predator species can protect themselves.\"\n\nBentz and his 19 fellow Republicans said the resurgence of the gray wolf population should be touted as a success story of the Endangered Species Act. They argued that removing the federal protections would allow western states to pursue their own protections.\n\nAnd they emphasized that without a FWS rule delisting the species, the growing population of wolves would create significant, and sometimes life-threatening, conflicts for Americans. Under the Endangered Species Act, killing listed animals can be punishable by heavy fines and even jail time.\n\n\"Unsurprisingly, the substantial growth in gray wolf populations has led to increased conflict between wolves and people,\" the letter reads. \"The impact of gray wolves on livestock herds is not, and cannot, be limited to just depredation. Wolves inflict much greater damage to herds than can be measured by simply counting carcasses.\n\n\"Wolves have an immense psychological impact on livestock herds that does result in losses for producers. These losses can manifest as \u2018stress, sickness, and reduced weight gain and pregnancy rates when wolves scare, chase or attack livestock.\u2019 Too often ranchers are put in the impossible situation of choosing between obeying the law and protecting their livelihoods.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:47:55Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-leads-letter-urge-us-fish-and-wildlife-service-delist-gray-wolves", "Bentz Leads Letter to Urge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Delist Gray Wolves as a Protected Species", "2024-03-28", "2024", "2024-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Bentz led 19 of his Republican colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Director, Martha Williams, urging her to delist the Gray Wolf as a protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This letter follows the Service\u2019s decision last month to not re-list wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains because the Service found the wolf was not in danger of extinction anywhere across the Western United States. Despite this finding, the Service has done nothing to allow those bearing the burden of an apex predator\u2019s reintroduction to protect themselves, livestock, or even deer and elk populations from devastation by the predator. The Service should move immediately to delist the gray wolf as a protected species which would allow the use of accepted methods of predator control to be used by ranchers and state agencies.\n\n\"The substantial growth in population of gray wolves throughout Oregon and the Western United States poses significant challenges for ranchers, farmers, and outdoorsmen alike. It's imperative that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service promptly act to delist the gray wolf so that those in the Western United States who are burdened by the reintroduction of an admittedly recovered apex predator species can protect themselves,\" Congressman Bentz stated.\n\n\"The decision by the Fish and Wildlife Service to keep the gray wolf listed is disappointing and contrary to sound science,\" said Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). \"It is clear that gray wolf populations have recovered and that state and local officials should be empowered to manage their gray wolf populations. As Chairman of the Western Caucus and Co-Chair of the ESA Working Group, I will continue to advocate for greater flexibility to manage the wolves and for reforming the ESA to make the law work better for rural communities and species alike.\"\n\nCongressman John Duarte (CA-13) added, \"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's own findings indicate that the wolf population is not in danger of extinction across the Western United States. Therefore, it is imperative that we take action to empower those affected by the reintroduction of this apex predator to protect themselves and their livestock. Failing to do so not only jeopardizes the safety and livelihoods of our ranchers, but it also threatens livestock.\"\n\nCosigners: Peter Stauber, Dan Newhouse, Tom Tiffany, Mark Amodei, Paul Gosar, Lauren Boebert, Harriet Hageman, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Tom McClintock, Eli Crane, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, John Duarte, Andy Ogles, Russ Fulcher, August Pfluger, Matt Rosendale, Adrian Smith, Derrick Van Orden, and Ryan Zinke", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:32:04Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-joins-ochoco-irrigation-district-title-transfer-signing", "Bentz Joins Ochoco Irrigation District for Title Transfer Signing", "2024-03-22", "2024", "2024-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement regarding the partial title transfer by the Bureau of Reclamation to the Ochoco Irrigation District (OID) of the water delivery infrastructure associated with Ochoco reservoir located near Prineville, Oregon:\n\n\u201cThis \u2018phase one\u2019 title transfer of the Crooked River Project\u2019s water distribution facilities to OID will provide the District with complete ownership of the water delivery infrastructure and land upon which that infrastructure is located. This is an important step toward local control and autonomy for the District. The District\u2019s final payment of its share of the original cost of the project was made some years ago, and the District has since been paying for maintenance and operations, so this is a welcome opportunity for the Bureau to hand over the title to this portion of the project. I congratulate OID and thank Commissioner Camille Touton for her leadership in making this conveyance a reality.\u201d\n\nCongressman Bentz joined Commissioner Touton in his Washington office to celebrate the signing of the conveyance document.\n\nImage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:32:04Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-votes-fund-government-through-fiscal-year-2024-and-win-conservative", "Bentz Votes to Fund the Government Through Fiscal Year 2024 and Win Conservative Policy Victories", "2024-03-22", "2024", "2024-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "March 22, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Cliff Bentz, (OR-2) released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of the \u201cThe Further Consolidated Appropriations Act\u201d (FCAA):\n\n\u201cThis was a difficult vote. There is much I dislike in this bill, but when we Republicans barely control only one of the three branches of government (House, Senate, White House), the results our team obtained after months of work and thousands of amendments are deserving of serious respect. Additionally, failing to move this bill forward now would not in any way guarantee a better outcome and could result in a far worse one. We are now five months into the fiscal year to which this bill applies. We absolutely cannot keep kicking the budget can down the road, and we cannot shut down the government when we Republicans have not agreed on what it would take to reopen it. Our leadership team has negotiated, among many other things, reductions in overall spending, an increase in our military\u2019s pay, and a stronger more modern fighting force. With this budget behind us, we will immediately begin work on the 2025 budget. For those interested in reviewing a summary of what we Republicans were able to do in this budget, here is a link to a summary of the six budgets that make up the FCAA. And in case you are wondering, yes, I have plowed my way through the 1012 pages of the bill!\u201d\n\nHighlights from the Remaining FY24 Appropriations Legislation:\n\nOregon:\n\n26 F-35s jets to be stationed at Kinsley Field, thus maintaining the huge value of this fighting force in Oregon.\n\nH\u20132B SUPPLEMENTAL VISAS EXEMPTION will help alleviate these workforce shortages and in doing so, will help create and sustain the jobs of American workers who rely on the H-2B workers to support their jobs during their peak seasons. These workers will come and work, pay income, FICA and Medicare taxes, then return to their home countries.\n\nLong overdue pay raise of 5.2 percent to our men and women of the armed forces.\n\n$364.6 million for rural health programs.\n\nPro Life Inclusions:\n\nHyde Amendment - Protects federal funding from being used for abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or life of the mother. The Hyde Amendment has bee enacted in various forms from FY 1976-2023. [Division D, Title V \u2013 General Provisions, Sec. 506-507.]\n\nHyde Amendment Maintenance of the prohibition on federal funding for abortion coverage in federal and local DC programs, respecting the sanctity of life.\n\nWeldon Amendment - Prevents HHS funding recipients from discriminating against health care entities because they refuse to provide, pay for or refer for abortion. This provision has been enacted from FY2005-2023. [Division D, Title V \u2013 General Provisions, Sec. 507(d).]\n\nDickey-Wicker Amendment \u2013 Prevents federal funding of harmful human embryo research. This provision has been enacted from FYs 1996-2023.\n\nBorder Security:\n\nExpansion of ICE beds by 25% (from 34,000 to 42,000) to allow a strengthening of enforcement of immigration laws and enhance border security efforts.\n\nAllocation of resources for 22,000 border agents to bolster security along our nation's borders.\n\nA 25% increase in spending on border technology to modernize and enhance surveillance capabilities.\n\nProhibits the federal government from hiring illegal aliens.\n\nProhibits funds for programs that encourage, organize, facilitate, or promote migrant caravans to the United States-Mexico border\n\nFiscal Discipline:\n\n20% cut to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to encourage a better use of taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.\n\nCuts to the Pentagon\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) climate programs to prioritize national security and operational effectiveness.\n\nCulture:\n\nProhibits the flying of flags other than the American flag over U.S. diplomatic facilities. (aka prohibits flying pride flag over US consulates and embassies)\n\nPrevention of banning gas stoves by the Biden Administration.\n\nCuts totaling $2.16 billion in COVID-19 funding, reflecting a strategic approach to pandemic response.\n\nProhibiting funds from being used in contravention of the FY23 Congressional repeal of the COVID Vaccine Mandate\n\nTakes back $10 billion from the Administration, partially defunding President Biden\u2019s supercharged army of 85,000 IRS agents.\n\nA prohibition on a Federal Law Enforcement transfer of firearms to individuals if they are suspected of being an agent of a drug cartel.\n\nProhibiting funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology and EcoHealth Alliance in China\n\nCuts $50 million in DEI programs\n\nProtects American frees speech \u2013 continues current law language prohibiting the IRS targeting groups or individual citizens for their Fist Amendment rights.\n\nDefense/Foreign Affairs\n\nDefunds portions of the UN \u2013 defunds UNRWA, which has employees that participated in the October 7th attack on Israel\n\nIncreases military spending by $26 billion\n\nPays our troops more \u2013 includes 5.2% increased in basic military pay, the largest increase in over 20 years\n\nGroups Supporting:\n\nAdjutants General Association of the United States (AGAUS)\n\nAerospace Industries Association (AIA)\n\nAIPAC\n\nAir and Space Forces Association (ASFA)\n\nAmerican Hotel and Lodging Association\n\nAmerican Trucking Associations\n\nAnduril Industries\n\nArmy Aviation Association of America (AAAA)\n\nChief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA)\n\nCoalition for Jewish Values\n\nCommissioned Officers Association of the USPHS (COA)\n\nCUFI Action Fund\n\nEnlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS)\n\nFDD Action\n\nFoundation for American Innovation\n\nGeneral Aviation Manufacturers Association\n\nGlobal Special Operations Forces Foundation (GSOF)\n\nIndependent Electrical Contractors\n\nIndependent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big \u201cI\u201d)\n\nInternational Foodservice Distributors Association\n\nInternational Franchise Association\n\nJewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA)\n\nJewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV)\n\nJob Creators Network\n\nMarine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA)\n\nMilitary Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA)\n\nMilitary Officers Association of America (MOAA)\n\nNational Association of Home Builders (NAHB)\n\nNational Association of Wholesaler-Distributors\n\nNational Defense Industrial Association\n\nNational Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS)\n\nNational Military Family Association (NMFA)\n\nNational Restaurant Association\n\nNational Retail Federation\n\nNon Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA)\n\nRepublican Jewish Coalition\n\nService Women\u2019s Action Network (SWAN)\n\nSmall Business & Entrepreneurship Council\n\nThe United States Army (AUSA)\n\nTREA: The Retired Enlisted Association\n\nUnited States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA)\n\nU.S. Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA)\n\nU.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association & Enlisted Association (CPOA)\n\nWith Honor Action", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:32:04Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-votes-protect-american-citizens-apps-controlled-foreign-adversaries", "Bentz Votes To Protect American Citizens From Apps Controlled By Foreign Adversaries", "2024-03-13", "2024", "2024-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) joined 197 of his Republican and 155 of his Democrat colleagues voting in support of H.R. 7521, The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting American national security against the threats posed by social media applications controlled by foreign adversary governments. This bill, introduced by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce by a rare unanimous vote of 50-0.\n\n\u201cIt is paramount that we take action to protect Americans from potential surveillance, data breaches, and targeted political messaging orchestrated by apps being controlled by adversarial foreign powers like the People\u2019s Republic of China,\u201d Congressman Bentz stated. \u201cThis bill provides a critical framework to safeguard our national security interests while minimizing disruptions to users and businesses.\u201d\n\nBackground on H.R. 7521:\n\nH.R. 7521 addresses the urgent need to safeguard Americans and promotes U.S. national security by prohibiting marketplaces like app stores and web hosting services from hosting applications controlled by foreign adversaries, including the PRC, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Specifically, the Act empowers the President to require divestment of applications controlled by covered companies controlled by foreign adversaries or face a prohibition on app store availability and web hosting services in the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:32:04Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-responds-president-bidens-state-union", "Congressman Bentz Responds to President Biden\u2019s State of the Union", "2024-03-08", "2024", "2024-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden\u2019s State of the Union address:\n\n\u201cPresident Biden's State of the Union address painted a tone-deaf picture of the realities facing Americans today. From the President's lack of leadership on the world stage to his handling of immigration and the economy, his policies have led to dire consequences for our nation and the world.\n\nThe facts speak for themselves: millions of unvetted illegal border crossings, skyrocketing grocery and rent prices, much higher interest rates, and foreign policy that emboldens our adversaries and endangers our allies. These are not mere statistics; they represent the hardships faced by hardworking Americans every single day.\n\nIt is time for accountability and action. We must secure our borders, reinforce innovation and productivity, reduce interest rates, cut our spending, and reassert our strength on the world stage to ensure the safety of our communities and the long-term economic growth of our nation.\n\nI call on President Biden and his administration to address the real concerns of the American people, to prioritize their well-being above his ultra-partisan agenda, and to work tirelessly to address the pressing issues that threaten the fabric of our society. The time for political rhetoric is over; now is the time to aggressively address the challenges facing our nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:32:04Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-votes-cut-spending-protect-veterans-2a-rights-and-pass-6-spending-bills", "Bentz Votes to Cut Spending, Protect Veterans' 2A Rights, and Pass 6 Spending Bills", "2024-03-07", "2024", "2024-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) issued the following statement regarding the passage of H.Res. 1061, a bill containing six of the twelve appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2024 (which began on October 1st, 2023):\n\n\u201cThese appropriations bills represent a long, demanding, and labor-intensive effort to address the budgetary issues facing our country,\" Congressman Bentz stated. \u201cThis legislation is not perfect, but it emphasizes fiscal responsibility and marks the first overall reduction in non-defense and non-VA spending in almost a decade. It also succeeds in securing crucial conservative victories such as preventing the Biden Administration from stripping Second Amendment rights from veterans. With the crisis taking place at our Southern Border, high-interest rates, and international challenges of enormous importance, it was time to pass this legislation and move to the next step in this long process.\u201d\n\nHighlights from FY24 Appropriations Legislation:\n\nKey Changes To Funding:\n\nFully funds veterans\u2019 health care and benefits.\n\n10% cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\n\n7% cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).\n\n6% cut to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).\n\nIncreases funds to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), including increased funds for efforts to combat fentanyl.\n\nKey Policy Provisions:\n\nPrevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from attacking Second Amendment rights by sending information on those seeking assistance with their benefits to the FBI\u2019s National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) system, without a judge's consent.\n\nProhibits the Department of Justice from targeting or investigating parents who exercise their right to free speech at local school board meetings.\n\nStrengthens tracking and review of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land.\n\nPrevents the sale of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China.\n\nCuts endangered species listing activities at U.S. Fish and Wildlife.\n\nGroups in Support:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:32:04Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-urges-wsdot-reconsider-dam-breaching", "Bentz Urges WSDOT to Reconsider Dam Breaching", "2024-03-04", "2024", "2024-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON- Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02), joined his Pacific Northwest colleagues in raising concerns with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Secretary Roger Millar regarding the economic fallout of breaching the lower Snake River dams (LSRD).\n\n\u201cThis scheme by WSDOT and the Biden Administration is a direct attack on clean energy production and navigation in the Northwest, stated Congressman Bentz. \u201cThese dams are essential to energy production, navigation, and the Northwest\u2019s agricultural industry. Removing or adjusting their operations to negate power generation and river commerce would be devastating.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOne analysis estimates that it would take 39,204 rail cars and 150,784 semi-trucks per year to move the cargo that is currently passed through the Columbia and Snake Rivers. To meet this new shipping demand, breaching the LSRD would require the total number of truck drivers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to triple. We are urging WSDOT to provide detailed plans to mitigate these impacts and propose alternative solutions to support our region's economy.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:32:04Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-votes-keep-government-operating", "Bentz Votes to Keep Government Operating", "2024-03-01", "2024", "2024-03", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) joined Speaker Mike Johnson in voting for HR 7463, the \u201ccontinuing resolution\u201d which keeps the government open, the military paid, the FAA and TSA working, and the border patrol on duty up to March 8th and March 22nd. This gives Congress time to finalize the 12 budget bills that make up the discretionary part of the nation\u2019s 2024 budget. In addition, the bill prevents the President from inappropriately initiating a congressionally unauthorized 30 billion-dollar expansion of a student grant program.\n\nCongressman Bentz stated: \u201cWe must finalize our 2024 appropriations. The 2024 Fiscal year began on October 1st of LAST year! We are finally very close to agreement on many of the 12 budgets that make up the discretionary part of the budget. We need to get this important work done, and this bill helps us do just that.\u201d The next several weeks will see important votes on all 12 budget bills.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:32:04Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-holds-listening-session-community-growing-population-wolves", "Congressman Bentz Holds Listening Session with Community on Growing Population of Wolves", "2024-02-23", "2024", "2024-02", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PRINEVILLE, OR. - In case you missed it, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) held a roundtable listening session in Prineville, Oregon yesterday on the increasing population of wolves and its impact on the community. The session included local ranchers and stakeholders and was aimed at fostering dialogue and identifying solutions in preparation for an upcoming congressional hearing on the subject.\n\nCongressman Bentz stated, \"The growing population of wolves across Oregon is wreaking havoc for ranchers, farmers, and sportsmen. Ranchers are tired of seeing their cattle chased around and killed and hunters are tired of seeing a decline in mule deer populations.\n\nThanks to the many people who shared their stories with me today, I can begin to use my position as the Chair of the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee to educate others in Congress about this growing issue. I look forward to working on a legislative solution to fix this problem when I get back to DC.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:21:00Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-joins-colleagues-challenging-use-enron-era-statute-basis-sentencing", "Bentz Joins Colleagues in Challenging Use of Enron Era Statute as Basis For Sentencing January 6th Defendants", "2024-02-07", "2024", "2024-02", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Cliff Bentz (Or-02) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (Oh-04) and 20 fellow members of Congress in filing an amicus (Friend of the Court) brief in the Supreme Court. The brief was filed in the case of Joseph Fischer v. the United States, challenging the lower Courts\u2019 decisions to apply what is a financial crimes statute against people linked to the events of January 6th, 2021.\n\nThe petitioner, Joseph Fischer, faces indictment for his alleged involvement in activities near the U.S. Capitol on the aforementioned date. The charges brought against him cite a violation of 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1512(c)(2), a statute initially crafted in response to the Enron scandal to combat witness tampering and destruction of evidence in financial crimes cases. The brief argues that the prosecutors and court have misapplied this statute so that the defendants could be exposed to the statute: imposing a potential maximum prison sentence of 20 years.\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration's use of this is a concerning overreach,\u201d stated Congressman Bentz. \u201cI am joining my colleagues in pushing back against what I see as politicization of what should be a strictly legal proceeding. This would set a dangerous precedent.\u201d\n\nThe amicus brief can be viewed here.\n\nAdditional members of Congress endorsing the brief include:\n\nSen. Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota)\n\nSen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)\n\nRep. Lauren Boebert (Colorado-03)\n\nRep. Jerry Carl (Alabama-01)\n\nRep. Michael Cloud (Texas-27)\n\nRep. Matt Gaetz (Florida-01)\n\nRep. Lance Gooden (Texas-05)\n\nRep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia-14)\n\nRep. Harriet M. Hageman (Wyoming)\n\nRep. Diana Harshbarger (Tennessee-01)\n\nRep. Lisa McClain (Michigan-09)\n\nRep. Mary Miller (Illinois-15)\n\nRep. Alex Mooney (West Virginia-02)\n\nRep. Barry Moore (Alabama-02)\n\nRep. Andy Ogles (Tennessee-05)\n\nRep. Bill Posey (Florida-08)\n\nRep. Guy Reschenthaler (Pennsylvania-14)\n\nRep. Matt Rosendale (Montana-02)\n\nRep. Tom Tiffany (Wisconsin-07)\n\nRep. Michael Waltz (Florida-06)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:21:00Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-votes-impeach-homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas", "Bentz Votes to Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas", "2024-02-06", "2024", "2024-02", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Congressman Cliff Bentz released the following statement after voting in favor of impeaching Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas:\n\n\"It has been said that Secretary Mayorkas is dishonest, duplicitous, and derelict in his duties. I agree. However, it has also been said that such conduct does not rise to the constitutionally required 'high crimes and misdemeanors.' That legal conclusion may or may not be true, but when we add in the Secretary\u2019s willful refusal to comply with and enforce the nation\u2019s laws along with his explicit direction to DHS (Department of Homeland Security) employees to NOT enforce the law, we satisfy, in my opinion, the High Crime and Misdemeanor standard.\n\nFortunately, the Articles of Impeachment now before the House (they passed out of the House Committee on Homeland Security last week) are dramatically more complete than was the case back in November (where another set of articles of impeachment was brought up to soon), since they now contain facts and legal theories that actually support impeachment. As I said last week on the House floor: 'If we fail to follow best practices in this effort, impeachment will soon become little more than a sad and ineffective means of expressing dissatisfaction with the policies of the opposing party.' Chairman Mark Green of the House Committee on Homeland Security is to be commended for his efforts to get this process right. (As an aside, Article II of the impeachment Articles, which includes obstruction, could have recited what we members of the Judiciary Committee observed, as the Secretary dodged our questions regarding his Department\u2019s activities. It seemed to me then that his responses were designed to obstruct our efforts to elicit what he was ordering his department to do and not to do on the border.)\n\nMost House Republicans are committed to properly conducting the process of impeachment. Because we followed \"regular order\" (the step-by-step procedural sequence called out by the Constitution and past practice), there is now evidence in the record that the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, intentionally flouted immigration law and disregarded his constitutional duty to secure America\u2019s borders. Secretary Mayorkas deserves to be impeached, and I cast my vote in favor of impeachment.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:21:00Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-votes-pro-growth-pro-worker-pro-american-tax-bill", "Bentz Votes for Pro-Growth, Pro-Worker, Pro-American Tax Bill", "2024-02-02", "2024", "2024-02", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) joined 168 of his Republican colleagues in voting for the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024), which received overwhelming support in the House of Representatives with a vote of 357-70. This policy, focused on fostering economic growth and supporting families, aims to enhance the child tax credit, bolster small businesses, and advance American competitiveness.\n\n\u201cThis legislation helps our children and our economy,\u201d Congressman Bentz stated. \u201cIt improves the Children\u2019s Tax Credit, which amounts to 2000 dollars per year per qualifying child. A tax credit is a reduction in taxes, and the beneficiary must be working to receive the benefit. As the cost-of-living skyrockets, fewer families are having children, and this Child Tax Credit will help address this huge challenge.\u201d\n\nBentz continued, \u201cThe legislation also helps our economy by allowing immediate deduction of Research and Development expenses, increasing the business interest deduction, and continuing the 100% bonus depreciation for business property placed in service after December 31 of 2022. These tax reductions will drive economic growth up and unemployment down.\u201d\n\nImportant Provisions in The Tax Relief for American Families Act:\n\nBoosts American business and manufacturing through tax cuts and incentives, including:\n\nExtending research & development (R&D) tax breaks to help companies invest and compete.\n\nLowering borrowing costs for small businesses facing high interest rates.\n\nFull write-offs for equipment investments to keep jobs in America.\n\nSimplifying regulations and reporting requirements for small businesses.\n\nProvides disaster relief by:\n\nSimplifying tax rules for casualty losses in natural disaster zones.\n\nExcluding certain disaster compensation from income taxes.\n\nTreating specific disaster payments as deductible.\n\nExtends and improves the child tax credit (for 2025), making it:\n\nAvailable for all children in a family, regardless of size.\n\nIndexed to inflation to keep up with rising costs.\n\nGroups Supporting:\n\nStudents for Life Action\n\nSusan B. Anthony Pro-Life America", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:21:00Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-works-to-defend-the-snake-river-dams-and-for-upkeep-of-the-columbia-river-system", "Congressman Cliff Bentz Works to Defend the Snake River Dams and for Upkeep of the Columbia River System", "2024-02-02", "2024", "2024-02", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) announced his proposed amendments to the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) that aim to protect the Snake River Dams and ensure the continued functionality and upkeep of the Columbia River system.\n\n\"For decades, the Columbia River has been essential to Oregon's economy, conveying over 65 million tons of cargo in 2021 alone,\" Congressman Bentz stated. \"Thanks to the Columbia River, wheat from the Pacific Northwest reaches the world, and entire regional economies flourish on its banks. Two of my requests to the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) are to ensure our Columbia River system continues to function. If taken up, these additions would secure funding for upkeep and improvements that this system must have. I have also offered two other amendments to the bill that would safeguard the Lower Snake River Dams from removal.\"\n\nBentz continued, \"This isn't just about water. The Snake River Dams and Columbia River are essential to the Northwest\u2019s energy production, navigation, and agricultural industry. It is critical that Congress protect the Pacific Northwest\u2019s economy by approving these submissions.\"\n\nWhat is the Water Resources Development Act?\n\nThe WRDA is a legislative package for authorizing federal navigation projects and implementing policy changes for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is designed to conserve and develop water and related resources, and authorizes the Secretary of the Army to conduct studies, construct projects, and manage research activities to improve the rivers and harbors of the United States.\n\nDetails on Bentz's Requests:\n\nProgram Name: Columbia River Pile Dike Maintenance\n\nDescription: Pile Dike Maintenance Definition Clarification.\n\nThe Corps\u2019 Portland District is conservatively interpreting authorization to maintain the pile dike system in the Lower Columbia River including viewing pile dikes that have disconnected from eroded shorelines as if they are new projects rather than maintenance of existing projects. When maintained properly, pile dikes serve to train the river flow to assist with sediment transport and decrease channel maintenance over time. This also results in preventing draft restrictions which impacts navigation efficiency and safety and benefits climate change goals by reducing fuel consumption and emissions.\n\nProposed language to clarify the maintenance of pile dikes includes, \u201cExtension of existing pile dikes and channel training structures necessary for maintenance repairs shall include reconnection to the existing shoreline or extension towards the channel in order to restore function is authorized.\u201d\n\nCurrently, authorized projects in the Columbia River with pile dikes includes: \u2022 Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) - River and Harbor Act of 1884, 1905, 1954, 1983 \u2022 Columbia and Lower Willamette Below Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR (C&LW) - Rivers and Harbors Acts 1912, 1930, 1962, 1999 \u2022 Columbia River between Vancouver, WA and The Dalles, OR (VTD) - Rivers and Harbors Act of 1938, 1946 \u2022 Columbia River at Baker Bay, WA & OR (Baker Bay) - River and Harbor Act of 1933, 1935, 1945\n\nProgram Name: Navigation, Columbia River Channel, Oregon and Washington\n\nDescription: Project to be modified: 1999 WRDA Section 101(b) & (b) (13)\n\nIt is in the federal interest to support full operating costs for critical equipment used to ensure a safe and operable federal navigation channel. As a trade dependent region, marine highways are critical to the region's continued success. A big part of the success as a trade gateway is attributed to the Dredge Oregon and other dredging equipment. However, the Dredge Oregon was built in 1965, 58 years ago, while the average age of a dredging vessel in the United States is 25 years.\n\nDespite several upgrades, the dredge continues to experience high maintenance costs primarily due to its age and unforeseen structural conditions that are beginning to manifest on a more frequent basis. Two of the three primary work vessels required to maneuver the Dredge Oregon and support the pipeline operation were built in the 1950\u2019s and are well past their useful life. In Serial Letter No. C-0008, dated November 7, 2019, the USACE recognized the need to replace the dredge and asked the Port to develop a long-term capital project plan for the Dredge Oregon that identifies associated future capital projects. Maintenance (including major scheduled dry-docking) and repair costs over the remainder of the dredge\u2019s useful life are expected to be significant, and at some point, will exceed the replacement cost. Forecasted benefits of replacing the Dredge Oregon with a new vessel include an extended useful life, greater operational efficiency, less down-time for maintenance, less overall maintenance expenses, fewer environmental impacts from operations, and potential operational costs savings associated with fuel and personnel. Currently, the Dredge Oregon operates solely on diesel and is not set up to accommodate alternate fuel sources. A new dredge will be designed to convert to Methanol more easily in the future.\n\nTitle: LSRD Protection\n\nAfter several years of litigation and mediation, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a 10-year agreement with various indigenous tribes, states, and dam breaching advocates to operationally and functionally breach the Lower Snake River Dams through the creation of a Pacific Northwest Tribal Energy Program, funding of a comprehensive strategy to \u201crestore salmon and steelhead\u201d to \u201chealthy and abundant levels\u201d, determining replacement energy services through numerous studies.\n\nTitle: LSRD Protection", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T20:21:00Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-vote-impeachment-secretary-mayorkas", "Bentz to Vote for Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas", "2024-01-31", "2024", "2024-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Congressman Cliff Bentz (Or-02) released the following statement after the House Homeland Security Committee voted early this morning to send articles of impeachment for Secretary Mayorkas to the House floor:\n\n\"House Republicans are committed to properly conducting the impeachment process. Because Republicans followed regular order, there is now evidence in the record that the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, intentionally flouted immigration law, disregarding his constitutional duty to secure America\u2019s borders. Secretary Mayorkas deserves to be impeached, and it is my intention to vote in favor of impeachment.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:46:48Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-joins-speaker-johnson-voting-resolution-keeps-government-operating", "Bentz Joins Speaker Johnson in Voting for a Resolution that Keeps the Government Operating", "2024-01-19", "2024", "2024-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, January 18th, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) joined Speaker Johnson in voting for a resolution (H.R. 2872) that keeps the government operating until March 1st and March 8th. Without the resolution, the government would have partially shut down on January 20th.\n\n\"I am absolutely supportive of securing the Border and reducing spending,\" said Congressman Bentz. \"But shutting down the government will not secure the Border, will not force the Democrats to accept our Republican Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2), and would be fiscally irresponsible. A shutdown would mean many bad things, including the fact that our military would not be paid (for example, significant parts of the Kingsley field mission would be affected), our border patrol would not be paid, munitions would not be manufactured, and the President's and Democrat's power would be dramatically increased, making it extremely difficult for Speaker Johnson to negotiate real Border solutions from a position of strength.\"\n\nBentz emphasized that our best chance of actually moving toward a more secure Border is by helping Speaker Johnson use the leverage he has available, not by holding our own military, the border patrol, and our economy hostage, which would be the case if we shut down the government. \"Also, we must not initiate a shut down unless we have an agreed upon Republican plan on when and how we Republicans would all vote to reopen the government,\" said Congressman Bentz. \"And I can guarantee you that we are nowhere close to having such an agreement or such a plan.\"\n\nThe resolution (H.R. 2872) keeps the government open until March 1st and March 8th. According to the Republican chairs of the appropriation committees, this is enough time to finalize and pass the remaining appropriation bills, which, if enacted, would moot the need for further funding resolutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:46:48Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-announces-2023-congressional-app-challenge-winner-yahir", "Congressman Bentz Announces 2023 Congressional App Challenge Winner:  Yahir Conejo-Garcia, Hermiston High School", "2024-01-17", "2024", "2024-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Oregon) announced Yahir Conejo-Garcia from Hermiston High School as the 2023 winner of the Congressional App Challenge for District 2.\n\nHe created Fix My Car, a web app designed to help new and experienced drivers diagnose issues with their vehicles and assist in taking control of maintenance and safety. The user starts at a section of a car and narrows the results to a specific issue. The app then instructs the user on how to check that issue and further repair it. If the user needs any automotive part, the app will access the user's location and show the nearest auto part stores on Google Maps.\n\nCongressman Bentz was impressed with Yahir\u2019s creativity and skill stating, \u201cI applaud Yahir for his coding skills with the goal of making car issues less stressful for drivers at various experience levels,\u201d Congressman Bentz said. \u201cThe judge\u2019s evaluations encourage Yahir\u2019s aspirations to expand the app\u2019s usability in future versions. The Congressional App Challenge is an avenue for encouraging students to pursue careers in coding, math, or science fields, and I hope Ava continues to pursue and develop his coding skills.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:46:48Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-nominates-fourteen-oregon-students-acceptance-us-service-academies", "Bentz Nominates Fourteen Oregon Students for Acceptance to U.S. Service Academies", "2024-01-16", "2024", "2024-01", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Cliff Bentz (R-Oregon) today announced that he has nominated fourteen Oregon students for acceptance to the prestigious United States service academies. Bentz\u2019 Service Academy Nomination Board -- retired and active-duty military officers who interview potential candidates for the service academies -- recommended each student based on their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character.\n\n\"I am honored to nominate these outstanding young Oregonians to America\u2019s service academies,\" Congressman Bentz said. \"Years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to character have earned these future leaders these much-deserved nominations. By pursuing a higher education at one of our country\u2019s select service academies, these students have shown a desire to lead by example, grow intellectually, and serve the United States in uniform. I am confident that each nominee will have tremendous success in this admirable endeavor and that their futures will be bright.\n\nI also thank my Service Academy Nomination Board for recommending these young leaders. Their experience serving our country in uniform is invaluable to the nomination process and speaks to the caliber of the students they interviewed and recommended for nominations this year. Without their guidance and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the U.S. service academies, these nominations would not be possible.\"\n\nServing on Bentz\u2019 Service Academy Nomination Board were: Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dave Dotterrer, Oregon Air National Guard Colonel Jason Nalepa, Retired U.S. Navy Commander John Howard, Oregon Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Travis Lee, Oregon Army National Guard Captain Stephanie Rokes.\n\nThe service academies include the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. Final selection for admission to the service academies will be determined by officials at each respective academy this spring.\n\nStudents who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit Bentz\u2019 website at https://bentz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.\n\nThe nominees from Oregon are as follows:\n\n2023 Academy Nominee\u2019s\n\nBaker County\n\nAshton Letourneau, son of Jason and Cassi Letourneau of Baker City, attending Home School - nominated to the Unites States Air Force Academy.\n\nDeschutes County\n\nHenry Micek, son of Edward Micek III and Laura Schaben of Bend, attending Caldera High School - nominated to the United States Military Academy.\n\nJackson County\n\nChristian Derek, son of Todd and Sarah Derek of Central Point, attending the University of Oregon \u2013 nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.\n\nSean Donohue, son of Robert Donohue and Jennifer Drake of Phoenix, attending Phoenix High School \u2013 nominated to the United States Naval Academy.\n\nMia Marinucci, daughter of James and Heather Marinucci of Eagle Point, attending Eagle Point High School \u2013 nominated to the United States Military Academy.\n\nTimothy Paul, son of Michael and Susan Paul of Applegate, attending Osan Midde High School \u2013 nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.\n\nAlyssa Powell, daughter of Eric and Sarti Powell of Eagle Point, attending Eagle Point High School \u2013 nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.\n\nWren Rambo, son of Tom and Sidney Rambo of Central Point, attending Crater Academy of Health and Public Service High School \u2013 nominated to the United States Military Academy.\n\nJefferson County\n\nHunter Carpen, son of Dwight Carpen and Kellie Passarello of Madras, attending Madras High School \u2013 nominated to the United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy.\n\nJosephine County\n\nAiden Fiske, son of Jason and Amy Fiske of Grants Pass, attending Hidden Valley High School \u2013 nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.\n\nKlamath County\n\nKonnor Lilly, son of Michael and Katherine of Klamath Falls, attending T.R. Robinson High School - nominated to the Unites States Naval Academy.\n\nLake County\n\nSamuel Endicott, son of Troy and Tammy Endicott of Lakeview, attending Vista Ridge High School - nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.\n\nWasco County", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:46:48Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 34, "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": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 34, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OR&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 34, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2024&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "OR", "label": "OR", "count": 34, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OR&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 34, "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": 157.4304262176156, "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"}