url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/big-beautiful-bill-provides-546-million-to-wallowa-memorial-hospital,Big Beautiful Bill Provides $5.46 Million to Wallowa Memorial Hospital,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Wallowa, OR – Wallowa Memorial Hospital announced Tuesday that it will receive $5.46 million in federal grants to modernize technology and enhance healthcare access.

This $5.46 million comes from the Big Beautiful Bill’s provision that created the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative intended to transform and improve rural hospitals.

Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) was the only member of Oregon’s congressional delegation to vote YES for the Big Beautiful Bill.

Said Congressman Bentz: “I am very pleased that Wallowa Memorial Hospital was selected to receive this $5.46 million grant. This federal investment in Wallowa County means that county residents will be able to obtain high-quality medical assistance much more quickly and much more closely to home. This is exactly one of the many positive outcomes I hoped for when I voted for the Big Beautiful Bill.”",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/milton-freewater-one-step-closer-to-obtaining-13-million-water-system-grant,Milton-Freewater One Step Closer to Obtaining $13 Million Water System Grant,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill last week that included a $13 million authorization, which if passed by the Senate and if appropriated by the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, would be given to the City of Milton-Freewater for the replacement and expansion of a portion of the City’s outdated water supply system.

This biennial and bipartisan bill, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), authorizes certain studies and projects presented by a congressman or congresswoman to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which, if approved by the Corp, becomes eligible for federal funding subject to appropriation by Congress.

In January of this year Congressman Bentz met with Milton-Freewater’s Mayor, City Manager, and a city counselor to discuss the City’s dire need for funding to replace one of the City’s three reservoirs, which reservoir is 70 years old, failing, and not repairable. Water and sewer rates in the city are already close to $80.00 per month.

Because there are other additional and unavoidable City utility improvements on the near horizon, City leaders are trying to avoid borrowing the $13 million, which would, of course, necessitate a water/sewer rate increase. They asked if the Congressman would assist them by requesting a WRDA authorization. Congressman Bentz did so and this first step was successful. A provision for Milton-Freewater has been included in the WRDA bill and, if this $13 million authorization is passed by the Senate and later appropriated through the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, the City would receive the $13 million.

Said Mike Odman, Mayor of Milton-Freewater: “The Middle Reservoir is a critical component of our municipal water system, and its replacement will help ensure a safe, reliable water supply for our residents for decades to come. Congressman Bentz and his office's responsiveness throughout the application process—from the initial project scoping conversations through submission—made a meaningful difference for a small community with limited grant-writing capacity. We are grateful for the time Congressman Bentz’s staff invested in understanding the project and advocating for it in Washington.”",1,2026-09-28T11:29:07Z,2026-09-28T11:30:58Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/the-federal-emergency-management-agency-partially-approves-oregon-s-requests-for-fire-aid-declaring-possible-major-disaster,"The Federal Emergency Management Agency Partially Approves Oregon’s Requests for Fire Aid, Declaring Possible ‘Major Disaster’",2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved three of five Oregon requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG). These grants are meant to provide financial assistance to state, local, tribal and territorial governments to help mitigate, manage and control active wildfires on public or private forests or grasslands that threaten to become major. Three of the governor’s applications for such designation were approved, the Lower Dry Creek Fire near Milton-Freewater, the Awaka Butte Fire near Sisters, and the Grasshopper fire near Pine Hollow.

According to FEMA’s office of external affairs, these fires, at time of designation, could have become “major disasters” without speedy intervention. It appears, sadly, that these have indeed become major fires.

Lower Dry Creek Fire

FEMA approved, on July 16th, the State of Oregon’s request for FMAG assistance for the Lower Dry Creek Fire burning in Umatilla County. Oregon requested FEMA assistance on July 15, the same day the fire started.

Between the time the fire began and the time of the request, the Lower Dry Creek Fire had already burned 5000 acres of federal, state, private, and tribal land, threatening 428 homes in addition to outbuildings, schools, fire stations, commercial buildings, radio and cell towers, natural gas and electrical utilities, and agricultural operations in the communities of Milton Freewater, Athena, Weston, Adams, and Tolgate.

Additionally, when Oregon made the request, the fire was 0 percent contained. FEMA determined that the Lower Dry Creek Fire threatened destruction that would constitute a major disaster without FEMA’s assistance and approved the state’s request.

Awaka Butte Fire

Oregon submitted another FMAG request on July 22 for the Akawa Butte Fire burning in Jefferson and Deschutes Counties. By the time of the request, the fire had burned nearly 14,000 acres of federal, state, and private land.

FEMA determined that if the fire continued without containment, it would constitute a major disaster, threatening nearly 700 primary homes, five fire stations, cellular towers, power lines, and power transmitters. FEMA approved Oregon’s request on July 23.

Grasshopper Fire

FEMA approved an FMAG request for the Grasshopper Fire affecting Wasco County on July 25, the same day Oregon made the request. Between the time the fire began on July 23 and the FMAG request, the fire burned 3,500 acres of federal land, was 0 percent contained, and threatened nearly 700 homes. The fire also threatened commercial and residential buildings, electric utilities, campgrounds and trails, BLM roads, and radio and cellular facilities around the communities of Tygh Valley, Wamic, Pine Hollow, and Sportsman’s Park.

FEMA determined that the Grasshopper Fire has the potential to become a major disaster and swiftly approved the request.

Once a fire threatens to become a major disaster, FEMA’s FMAG grants funds up to 75 percent of a state’s eligible firefighting costs. These costs can include expenses for materials, equipment use, and mobilization activities that support firefighting efforts.

With FEMA’s assistance, we are responding quickly to contain and control these fires. I will continue to work closely with FEMA and administration agencies as they support efforts to fight fires across Oregon.",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-thompson-merkley-hyde-smith-introduce-wildfire-reduction-market-expansion-act-of-2026,"Congressman Bentz, Thompson, Merkley, Hyde-Smith Introduce ""Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026""",2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) and Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) joined Senators Merkley (D-OR), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in introducing the “Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026”. This bipartisan legislation intends to expand the definition of biomass as found in the Clean Air Act to include additional low value woody materials generated through active forest management, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and residuals from forest products manufacturing. This legislation continues Congressman Bentz’s efforts to better utilize the Renewable Fuel Standard so that it encourages conversion of forest biomass into usable fuel.

Said Congressman Bentz: “Hundreds of thousands of tons of new wood grow in Oregon’s forests each and every day, increasing the chance and the danger of cataclysmic wildfire. This danger can be reduced by removing brush and excess trees from the forests. Technology has found a way to convert wood into biofuel, so this wood does have value. The challenge, resolved by this bill, is to properly focus existing financial support systems on the removal, transport, and processing of qualified wood from our forests to processing facilities. This bill would provide financial support for such removal by expanding the Renewable Fuel Standard to include woody biomass removed from federal forest land. Removal of this biomass will reduce costs of fire suppression, protect forest health, and improve and preserve watersheds.""

“This bipartisan legislation recognizes that healthy forests and strong rural economies go hand in hand. By creating new markets for woody biomass generated through responsible forest management, we can help reduce wildfire risk, support jobs in rural communities, and expand America's renewable fuel supply. This commonsense approach creates economic opportunity while helping protect our forests and natural resources for future generations.”, Said Congressman Bennie Thompson.

“Reducing wildfire risk demands innovative solutions and using all the tools at our disposal to invest in wildfire prevention efforts,” said Senator Merkley. “Woody biomass that comes from responsible forest management activities—like hazardous fuels reduction—presents a huge opportunity for communities in Oregon and across the nation. By updating the definition for these materials to qualify as renewable fuels, we can harness their power to create new markets for these materials, reducing wildfire risk and supporting healthier public, private, and Tribal lands.”

“This bipartisan bill creates avenues to help reduce the wildfire threats in the West but also clears the way for biomass produced from non-federal lands in heavily forested states like Mississippi to contribute to the nation’s renewable fuels resources,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “With this bill, we will make it easier to develop a new revenue stream for the thinnings, logging residuals, and mill byproducts that Mississippi landowners and forest products manufacturers already generate, without requiring them to change how they manage their timberland.”

“The American Forest Resource Council strongly supports the bipartisan Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act. This legislation is a smart approach to help prevent catastrophic wildfires by creating new markets for low-value biomass fuels removed from at-risk national forests, protecting communities, increasing renewable energy supplies, and ultimately reducing wildfire suppression costs. Active forest management works. A recent large-scale study completed by UC Davis found that every dollar spent on forest fuel treatments saves about $3.75 in wildfire damages. We thank Congressman Cliff Bentz and Senator Jeff Merkley for being proactive and focusing on prevention to better protect our forests, communities, public health and safety, and the American taxpayer,” said American Forest Resource Council President/CEO Travis Joseph.

“The Forest Landowners Association applauds Congressmen Cliff Bentz and Bennie Thompson for introducing the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026. Family forestry businesses need an all-of-the-above approach to market opportunities, and low-value wood products, manufacturing residuals, and woody biomass should be part of that conversation. While no single policy will address every challenge facing working forests, expanding potential markets for these materials can help provide additional certainty and opportunity for private forest landowners, rural communities, and our nation's forest products supply chain,” said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association.

“Associated Oregon Loggers appreciates Representative Bentz, Bennie Thompson, and their cosponsors for leadership on the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act. Rural Oregon needs durable markets to sustain mills, contractors, and a skilled workforce required for active forest management. By creating economic value for low-value material, this bill would expand work for forest operators, allow rural Oregonians access to work in their local communities, and keep family-wage jobs where forest restoration needs are the greatest,” said Joe Justice, Executive Vice President of Associated Oregon Loggers.

“Representative Bentz understands that reducing wildfire risk requires viable markets for the low-value wood, thinnings, slash, and other material removed from overstocked forests,” said Dave Tenny, President and CEO of the National Alliance of Forest Owners. “When mills close and markets disappear, that material becomes more expensive and harder to remove from the landscape. The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act would connect sustainable forest management with growing demand for advanced biofuels, strengthening rural economies while making wildfire-resilience work more economically achievable. We thank Representative Bentz for his leadership.”

The following members co-sponsored the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act: Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rep. Westerman, Rep. Gallagher (CA-01), Rep. Ezell (MS-04), Rep. Bera (CA-06), Rep. Van Orden (WI-03), Rep. Max Miller (OH-07), Rep. Schrier (WA-08), and Latta (OH-05)

The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act would:

Expand the Renewable Fuel Standard's definition of ""renewable biomass"" to include additional forest products manufacturing and wood products manufacturing residuals, including wood residuals, paper residuals, sawdust, wood chips, bark, shavings, and other low-value byproducts.

Allow slash, storm debris, pre-commercial thinning material, fuel reduction byproducts, and ecological restoration material from qualifying private, tribal, and federal lands to be used as eligible renewable biomass.

Include vegetation removed through defensible space projects and wildfire risk reduction activities in the wildland-urban interface.

Establish a straightforward certification process for qualifying materials sourced from private and federal lands.

Clarify that existing forest plans and resource management plans do not need to specifically identify renewable fuel production as an intended end use, provided the underlying forest management activity is otherwise authorized and consistent with applicable law.

By expanding the definition of woody biomass under the renewable fuel standard, this legislation will help build new markets, strengthen rural economies, and reduce wildfire risk. This commonsense solution has drawn the support of over 86 organizations nationwide.",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-hydropower-licensing-affordability-act-to-modernize-hydro-electric-re-licensing-and-to-protect-existing-energy-generation,"Congressman Bentz Introduces ""Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act"" to Modernize Hydro-Electric Re-Licensing and to Protect Existing Energy Generation",2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Electricity generated by water is clean, renewable, highly reliable, and once built, extremely cost-effective. In the United States, there are 181 federal hydroelectric projects, and 2,221 non-federal hydroelectric projects. These non-federal hydro-projects generate about 55 gigawatts of reliable power (enough electricity for 40-50 million people). Non-federal hydro-projects are subject to the Federal Power Act and must be issued a license by the federal government to operate. These licenses must be renewed every 30-50 years. Between 2020 and 2035, 451 of these licenses will expire. Imprecise language in the Federal Power Act is being used by environmental organizations to ""litigate to death"" non-federal facilities. The Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, led by Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02), is intended to clarify that mandatory federal license conditions be reasonable and that required project mitigation measures be focused on the project's direct adverse effects. Additionally, the bill makes it clear that fish passage mitigation conditions must also be reasonable and focused on the direct adverse effects of the hydro project on fish in the applicable river system.

Said Congressman Bentz: ""The current hydropower re-licensing process is complex, costly, and disconnected from meaningful protection of affected species. This bill brings clarity and accountability back into the process by ensuring that mandatory federal conditions are reasonable and that fish passage conditions in licensing are tied to the project's direct, actual adverse effects. Hydropower is a critical part of our energy mix, and these reforms will help stop frivolous litigation and improve the chances that this invaluable resource will remain a reliable and affordable source of electricity for families and businesses across the country.""

""Hydropower is an important source of reliable, dispatchable energy, but for too long, an outdated licensing process has added burdensome red tape that fails to meet Americans' needs,"" said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Guthrie. ""The Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act will deliver commonsense reforms to ensure federal regulations are focused on safely and efficiently building power generation, rather than advancing a wish list of conditions unrelated to a project's direct environmental impact. Thank you to Congressman Bentz for his work to address this issue and help to lower electricity prices for American families and businesses.""

""The 'Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act' is long overdue. This bill closes a loophole that lets regulators impose permit conditions unrelated to a hydropower project's impact to secure their own wish list items. By restricting conditions to those directly related to a project's effects, we can implement a targeted reform that will make a big difference. With rising energy demand and 16,000 MWs of hydropower pending license renewal, we can't afford to keep the status quo. I urge Congress to pass this bill promptly"", said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association.

“The American Public Power Association (APPA) strongly supports the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act and urges Congress to advance this legislation without delay. Hydropower is essential to affordable, reliable electricity, but relicensing remains costly, complex, and uncertain. While FERC must consider many factors, it cannot modify “mandatory conditions” imposed by other agencies. This bill would clarify that such conditions are limited to addressing direct adverse effects. Without reform, existing hydropower capacity is at risk, threatening grid reliability”, said Scott Corwin, President & CEO, American Public Power Association.

A copy of the legislation is available here.

The legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Amodei (NV-02), Congressman Baumgartner (WA-05), Congressman Crank (CO-05), Congressman Downing (MT-02), Congressman Evans (CO-08), Congressman Fulcher (ID-01), Congressman Griffith (VA-09), Congressman Hurd (CO-03), Congressman Newhouse (WA-04), Congressman Weber (TX-14), and Congressman Zinke (MT-01).

Background:

Clarify the scope of federal reservation conditions: The bill amends Section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act to ensure mandatory conditions for hydropower projects located on federal reservations are used to reasonably mitigate the direct adverse effect of the applicable project on the reservation.

Ensure fishway prescriptions are properly scoped: The bill amends Section 18 of the Federal Power Act to clarify that prescribed fishways must be used to reasonably mitigate the direct adverse effect of the applicable project on the population of a species of fish in the applicable river system.

Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens: By tying mandatory conditions to the direct adverse effect of the project, the bill helps prevent overly broad or unrelated licensing requirements from increasing costs for hydropower operators and ratepayers.

Support affordable and reliable hydropower: The bill promotes continued investment in existing hydropower resources while preserving appropriate environmental protections and fishway authorities under the Federal Power Act.

By refining the hydropower licensing framework, the legislation will improve project certainty, reduce unnecessary costs, and support the continued operation of reliable domestic hydropower resources.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-shares-how-this-year-s-197-million-federal-investment-in-oregon-rural-healthcare-is-being-spent,Congressman Bentz Shares How This Year’s $197 MILLION Federal Investment in Oregon Rural Healthcare Is Being Spent,2026-06-08,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congress, last July, included, in the “Working Families Tax Cut Act” (WFTC), fifty billion dollars for “Rural Health Care Transformation”. This fifty billion dollar sum will be distributed over a five year period, to the states, beginning this year. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is responsible for determining the means of distribution. Oregon’s 2026 share, $197 million dollars, has just been allocated by the OHA for ultimate use by rural healthcare providers.

Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) and his team worked closely with the White House, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Oregon healthcare providers, and Oregon clinicians to secure inclusion of the $50 billion dollars in the WFTC and the 2026 allocation of $197 million dollars to Oregon for use by rural healthcare providers.

This year, OHA has divided the $197 million as follows: $45 million (in non-competitive grants) to eligible rural hospitals and clinics; $5 million to public health authorities, $6.5 million for 12 immediate impact awards, $20 million for grant and program administration, $22 million to Oregon Tribes, and $80 million for competitive Catalyst Awards. Recipients of the awards will be held accountable by the Office of Rural Health Transformation at CMS.

This fiscal year, OHA will provide hospitals in Congressman Bentz’s district with around $965,000 each through non-competitive grants, reference above. These hospitals, along with other rural health care providers, will be eligible to apply for additional awards funding through the Catalyst Awards.

Said Congressman Bentz: “Rural communities in Oregon and across the country face increasingly difficult challenges. Remote locations, increased cost of nursing services, difficulty in recruiting and retaining professional staff, declining rates of utilization, state-imposed regulations that ignore realities of rural locations, delays in insurance reimbursement and Medicare Advantage payments, and dramatically increasing costs of medical equipment and software programs, combine to push rural healthcare facilities to the brink of insolvency. We cannot keep doing things the same way and expect these problems to disappear. I appreciate CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz willingness to work with me and other members of Congress to develop new ways (these grants for example) to address persistent rural healthcare problems. These investments will help our local hospitals and clinics find new ways to strengthen their healthcare workforce, improve access to care, drive down the time it takes to get paid, and reduce paperwork. Our goal is to use this money, as much as a billion dollars for Oregon over the next five years, to develop ways to provide better care, less costly care, closer to home, and delivered in a way that works for rural communities.”

Background:

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) provides federal funding to states through a cooperative agreement to strengthen and modernize rural healthcare delivery. Investments are designed to improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and support system-wide transformation of care in rural communities.

Program funding is aligned with five core goals: improving rural health outcomes through prevention and chronic disease management; strengthening sustainable access by supporting coordinated regional care networks; building and retaining the rural healthcare workforce; advancing innovative care models that improve quality and reduce costs; and expanding the use of health technology, including telehealth and secure data systems.

Under the program, eligible rural hospitals and clinics across Oregon will receive support to improve long-term sustainability, workforce recruitment and retention, care delivery innovation, and technology adoption. Eligible hospitals include rural Type A and Type B facilities, as well as federally designated Sole Community Hospitals serving populations of 40,000 or fewer. Rural health clinics (RHCs) are clinics certified by the CMS under the federal Rural Health Clinic program.

Approximately $80 million is reserved for competitive Catalyst Awards focused on priority areas such as maternal and child health, behavioral health, aging, and chronic disease management.

Impact Award payments are expected to begin later this month, with Catalyst Award recipients selected through a separate competitive process. All funded projects must meet federal requirements supporting sustainability, workforce development, and improved rural healthcare delivery.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-legislation-to-improve-emergency-access-and-wildfire-preparedness-in-juniper-canyon,Congressman Bentz Introduces Legislation to Improve Emergency Access and Wildfire Preparedness in Juniper Canyon,2026-06-01,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) introduced legislation to grant Crook County, Oregon, a permanent right of way for the construction of a new public access road in Juniper Canyon and convey four Bureau of Land Management parcels to the County for the establishment and maintenance of “fire safe zones”.

The legislation is intended to improve public safety, emergency response capabilities, evacuation access, and wildfire preparedness for residents in the Juniper Canyon area.

“Central and Eastern Oregon communities continue to face growing wildfire threats and increasing concerns about emergency access,” said Congressman Bentz. “This legislation gives Crook County the ability to create an essential evacuation route, strengthen firefighter access, and establish strategically located fire safe zones that can help protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure during wildfire events.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Cliff Bentz for working with Crook County to find land for an additional route out of Juniper Canyon,” said Crook County Commissioner Seth Crawford. “This is an important step in solving a longstanding issue that has weighed heavily on the people who live in Juniper Canyon.”

Under the bill, the Department of the Interior would grant Crook County an 80-foot-wide permanent right of way connecting Oregon Route 380 to Juniper Canyon Road for the construction of a new public roadway. The bill also directs the conveyance of four approximately 40-acre BLM parcels to the County at no cost to taxpayers beyond conveyance expenses paid by the County.

The conveyed parcels would be permanently dedicated for use as locations for wildfire preparedness and emergency response purposes, including fuel break integration, firefighter operational safety, staging, and emergency management activities.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-supports-fy27-military-construction-and-veterans-affairs-bill-secures-inclusion-of-80-million-for-kingsley-field,"Congressman Bentz Supports FY27 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill, Secures Inclusion of $80 Million for Kingsley Field",2026-05-15,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. --Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) voted YES for the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, legislation that includes $80 million for the construction of an Academic Training Center at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls. The bill now passes over to the Senate.

The funding supports the 173rd Fighter Wing’s transition to its future mission as an F-35A Lightning II training base and represents a major investment in military readiness, pilot training, and Southern Oregon’s economy.

Congressman Bentz has worked closely with Air Force leadership, the Oregon Air National Guard, and local stakeholders to support Kingsley Field’s transition and ensure the base remains a critical component of America’s national defense infrastructure.

Congressman Cliff Bentz said: “I voted YES for the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which includes $80 million for Kingsley Field’s Academic Training Center. This funding is an important step forward as the 173rd Fighter Wing prepares for its future mission as an F-35A training base. Kingsley Field plays a critical role in our nation’s defense and remains an essential economic driver for Southern Oregon. I look forward to continuing to support the 173rd Fighter Wing and the Klamath Falls community as preparations for the training mission move forward.”

Colonel Gaudinski said: ""Kingsley Field’s Academic Training Center is more than a building. It is a forge for America’s future Air Warriors. As one of only three facilities in the entire United States Air Force dedicated to shaping and sharpening F-35 pilots, it stands as a national treasure where excellence becomes readiness, and readiness becomes Air Supremacy. Through the steadfast leadership of Rep. Cliff Bentz and the unwavering support of our Southern Oregon community, Kingsley Field continues to project global combat power from our hometown heroes. The world-class facility does not simply train pilots. Rather, it builds the confidence, discipline, and dominance required to defend our nation anytime, anywhere. Kingsley is Always Ready, Always There.”

The Academic Training Center will support the infrastructure necessary to train future F-35 pilots and help position Kingsley Field at the forefront of next-generation fighter pilot training for years to come.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-announces-winner-of-the-2026-congressional-art-competition,Congressman Cliff Bentz Announces Winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-O2) announced that Yi-jia, Lu (Lyra Lu), a junior attending Burns High School, has been selected as the winner of OR-02’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition out of a record number of amazing submissions.

Yi-jia Lu's (Lyra Lu’s) artwork, ""Still, She Rises"", was selected by a panel of five judges who praised Lyra’s work as “beautifully executed and quite powerful”. Her drawing will be displayed during the forthcoming year as part of the national student art exhibit located within the U.S. Capitol.

Yi-jia, Lu (Lyra Lu), said, describing what she had created: “This colored pencil piece is about how freedom isn’t always loud or obvious. I wanted it to feel more quiet and personal, like something that exists inside someone instead of something far away. The face represents a person, and the Statue of Liberty comes out of it instead of being separate. To me, that shows how freedom isn’t just a symbol, it’s something people carry with them. The eagle and the buildings represent the country, but they’re less detailed because I wanted them to feel more like an idea than something fixed. With the U.S. celebrating another year of independence, I thought about how patriotism isn’t’ the same for everyone. For some people it’s loud and proud, but for others it’s more quiet and personal. As the image fades out to the right, it shows how freedom can feel unclear or change over time, but it’s still something that is always there.”

Said Congressman Bentz: ""I congratulate Yi-jia on her achievement. I look forward to seeing Still, She Rises during the up-coming year, as I, along with my 434 congressional colleagues, walk to and from the House Chamber to vote and debate national issues. I thank her for her incredible work. Congratulations!""

Bentz also announced three regional winners from Oregon’s Second District. Regional winners will have their art displayed in one of Congressman Bentz’s offices in either Medford, OR, Ontario, OR or Washington, D.C.

These three winners are:

‘The Pillars that Built a Nation’, Phoenix High School, Grade 12

‘To My Great-Grandfather May He Rest’, Phoenix High School, Grade 12

‘Two Promises’, Crater High School, Grade 12

Congressman Bentz thanked the judges for their work in judging the 2025 competition. “Thank you to the judges who volunteered their time and expertise to our district's art competition,” Bentz said. “They helped make this year's competition a success.”

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program for students to showcase their artistic abilities and to highlight the importance of art education. Since its start in 1982, more than 700,000 high school students from around the country have participated.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-applauds-house-passage-of-the-farm-bill,Congressman Bentz Applauds House Passage of the Farm Bill,2026-05-05,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Last Thursday, the House passed the Farm Bill, H.R. 7567, the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026”. This bill helps secure America’s food supply, provides a safety net for farming operations in the form of crop insurance and commodity programs, and funds nutrition initiatives like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The bill helps farmers stay in business when weather, markets, supply chains, and other hazards threaten to drive them out of business. Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) was the only member of Oregon’s federal House delegation to vote YES to advance this bill to the Senate.

This farm bill contains provisions that are critical for Oregon. It strengthens wildfire mitigation and forest health programs, expands hazardous fuels reduction activities, and improves Oregon’s ability to partner with federal agencies on forest management projects (“Good Neighbor Authority”). It increases funding for watershed restoration, postfire recovery, and habitat improvement across Oregon’s mixed public and private landscapes. The bill also increases support for specialty crops such as onions, potatoes, and beans (“pulses”), expands disaster assistance for orchardists and nursery growers, and includes investments in rural broadband (the “USDA ReConnect Program”), water systems, and telemedicine, all focused on Oregon’s rural communities. For grape producers, the bill contains several provisions that are intended to focus on wine exports rather than encouraging imports. It doubles the funding for the “Market Access Program” and the Foreign Market Development Program to help domestic producers compete globally. For cherry producers, the bill includes a “tree assistance program, a new emergency assistance framework to help cherry producers, the doubling of funding for the Market access program mentioned above, crop insurance improvements, and 30 million for specialty crop research.

Of the 214 Democrats, only 14 voted for the Farm Bill. Many Democrats opposed it because they did not support the SNAP eligibility verification process or the SNAP work requirement. In Oregon, the work requirement is that an able-bodied person who doesn’t have a child under 14, who wants SNAP benefits, must work or volunteer for about 38 hours a month or about ten hours a week. Congressman Bentz has rejected Democrat claims that this bill “cuts” SNAP, noting that the benefits remain available. Still, the recipients, if able-bodied without a child under 14, must work as a volunteer…again for about 9 hours a week. This work-or-volunteer requirement to qualify for such benefits is supported by about 80% of those polled on the question.

It should be noted that the bill expands access in the SNAP program to certain hot foods; includes administrative changes intended to simplify access for certain seniors and eligible students; and authorizes $200 million in funding to connect local farmers with community food distribution organizations.

Congressman Bentz noted that Oregon continues to face high demand for workers across agriculture, forestry, food processing, and rural service industries, yet many able-bodied adults remain outside the workforce. Hopefully, this SNAP work requirement will prompt those who have not been working to look for employment.

Farmers, their families, and the businesses they have held together for generations are enduring one of the worst crop market years in recent memory. As the only Oregon House member to vote for this bill, Congressman Bentz recognizes that everything that can be done to help our farmers must be done. This bill will help, and help is truly needed. Why the other five members of Oregon’s delegation turned their backs on farmers and the rural communities they represent is up to them to explain.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/the-house-natural-resources-committee-held-hearing-on-congressman-bentz-bill-strengthening-local-input-in-federal-water-management,The House Natural Resources Committee Held hearing on Congressman Bentz Bill Strengthening Local Input in Federal Water Management,2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C -- Today, the House Natural Resources Committee heard H.R. 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, sponsored by Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02). This bill would require an agency, during a consultation process under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), when requested to do so, to discuss and engage with water users who have water supply contracts under federal water projects.

The legislation improves the ESA consultation process by requiring that agencies enforcing this law “inform and engage with” those who are most familiar with the water supply which would or could be affected by the proposed actions of the agency. Farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts, and rural communities often have detailed knowledge of the water source, means and methods of diversion, and how delivery systems affecting species actually work. This bill ensures that such knowledge will be taken into account as agencies implement the ESA. Additionally, the ESA process is complicated and difficult to revisit. This bill improves this process by requiring, upon request, explanations from the agencies of their analysis and conclusions early on so that new information supplied by those closest to the water can be incorporated into the agency’s work product.

“The knowledge that water users have regarding their water sources and delivery systems is invaluable, and essential to the proper application of the ESA.” said Congressman Bentz. “For too long, decisions with real, on-the-ground consequences have been made without meaningful input from the people who understand and work with these projects every day. My bill ensures that the process is more responsive to local insights, better tailored to fit within the irrigation systems where the ESA is to be applied, and ultimately, to improve the species protection process.”

“Thank you to the Subcommittee for the opportunity to testify on H.R. 8259, and to Congressman Bentz for his leadership in introducing this important legislation. This bill fills a critical gap in the Endangered Species Act consultation process by ensuring that federal water contractors, and those they serve, including farmers and ranchers, are brought to the table when federal agencies make decisions that have direct and profound impacts on their operations, livelihoods, and communities. By creating a more transparent and inclusive process, this legislation will lead to better-informed decisions and more durable outcomes. We appreciate the Subcommittee’s attention to this issue and look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this important effort.” said Elizabeth Nielsen, Klamath Water User Association.

""Western farmers and ranchers manage scarce irrigation water supplies daily yet are too often excluded from the ESA decisions that directly impact their operations. Water contractors aren't bystanders—we're essential partners. This legislation ensures those most affected by agency decisions have a seat at the table, bringing practical solutions and real-world expertise that can benefit both species and water reliability. Collaborative decision-making isn't optional; it's essential to protecting our natural resources and the agricultural communities that feed our nation.” said Samantha Barncastle, Executive Director, Family Farm Alliance

H.R. 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, applies to federal water projects managed by the Bureau of Reclamation across Western states, where water access is essential for agricultural production, local economies, and the long-term stability of rural communities.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/secretary-of-education-mcmahon-visits-oregon-s-second-congressional-district,Secretary of Education McMahon Visits Oregon’s Second Congressional District,2026-04-20,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CROOK COUNTY, OR – Today, U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz’s Oregon office staff facilitated the visit of U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to Oregon’s Second Congressional District as part of her 50 State “Returning Education to the States” tour, with stops at Crook County High School and Crooked River Elementary School in Prineville.

While Congressman Bentz was unable to attend due to the U.S. House of Representatives being in session, his team coordinated the Secretary’s visit providing her with a firsthand look at how the Crook County School District in rural Oregon is delivering strong educational outcomes and expanding opportunity for students across the region.

Working with Crook County Commissioner Seth Crawford, the Bentz team arranged for Secretary McMahon to engage directly with students, teachers, and administrators, so that she could hear firsthand about the programs, challenges, and successes shaping education in Central Oregon.

“Schools are the foundation of our communities, essential to the economic and social survival of the rural parts of our state,” said Congressman Bentz. “Visits like this provide agencies such as the Department of Education in Washington D.C. with invaluable insight into what is happening in our schools and where improvements are needed. Hearing directly from those on the ground helps better inform national policy decisions and improves opportunities for the success of students in Oregon and across our nation.”

Secretary McMahon toured the Crook County District’s Career and Technical Education facilities, which house business, construction, and health programs. These hands-on learning environments give students real-world experience in project management, design, and skilled trades, with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications and build the leadership skills essential for career success. The district also highlighted its expansive Advanced Placement and dual-credit offerings, including a pathway which allows students to earn an Associate’s Degree upon high school graduation.

“It’s not every day you find yourself coordinating a school visit alongside the Secret Service,” said Superintendent Dr. Joel Hoff. “We were honored to host Secretary McMahon in our schools. Regardless of which side of the political aisle you are on, we believe in the importance of meaningful dialogue, building bridges, and showcasing the incredible opportunities available to Crook County students.”

“We are deeply committed to providing the highest quality educational experience for every Crook County student,” said Director of School Improvement Dr. Bri Van Roekel. “It was an honor to welcome Secretary McMahon and share the work happening in our classrooms, while also learning from the broader conversation about education.”

“It was an honor working with Congressman Bentz to help bring Secretary McMahon to Crook County,” said Commissioner Seth Crawford. “Our schools play a critical role in preparing the next generation of Crook County residents for high-paying, in-demand careers, and it’s important to keep our focus on that work.”

The visit also included a stop at Crooked River Elementary, where discussions centered on early literacy and building strong foundational skills that support long term academic success. Throughout the day, conversations focused on continuous improvement, celebrating district successes, and identifying opportunities to further strengthen outcomes for all students.

The Secretary’s visit gave Crook County School District the opportunity to showcase the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local leaders which helps students, empowers educators, and improves the future of education across Oregon.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-legislation-to-strengthen-local-input-in-federal-water-management,Congressman Bentz Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Local Input in Federal Water Management,2026-04-15,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR), introduced H.R. 8259, Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, legislation to improve transparency and ensure meaningful input from local water users in the operation of federal water projects.

The bill focuses on strengthening coordination under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), particularly during federal consultation processes that can significantly impact water deliveries to agricultural producers, municipalities, and rural communities.

Congressman Bentz said: ""Water is the lifeblood of the West, and the people who rely on it deserve a voice in decisions that affect it. Too often, those decisions are made without adequate input from local contractors, irrigation districts, and the communities that depend on these projects. My legislation changes that by ensuring affected parties have a seat at the table. With greater transparency and accountability, we can follow sound science, protect species, and support strong communities at the same time.”

""Western farmers and ranchers manage scarce irrigation water supplies daily yet are too often excluded from the ESA decisions that directly impact their operations. Water contractors aren't bystanders—we're essential partners. This legislation ensures those most affected by agency decisions have a seat at the table, bringing practical solutions and real-world expertise that can benefit both species and water reliability. Collaborative decision-making isn't optional; it's essential to protecting our natural resources and the agricultural communities that feed our nation,"" said Samantha Barncastle, Executive Director, Family Farm Alliance.

“We commend Congressman Bentz for this common-sense legislation. It brings long-overdue fairness and transparency to a process that has profound impacts on farmers and ranchers in federal water projects across the West. Irrigators who have invested in and sustained these projects by paying for construction, operation, and maintenance costs, regardless of water deliveries, deserve a meaningful seat at the table during ESA consultations. This legislation does not re-write the ESA; nor does it change federal authority or responsibility. Instead, it simply ensures that those most directly impacted by federal regulatory actions can review and comment on documents, and engage in constructive dialogue, on critical decisions,"" said Klamath Water Users Association.

“OWRC supports this pragmatic legislation because it ensures local water managers are not just informed but actively engaged in federal decision-making—providing critical information and ensuring viable alternatives are included in consultation processes that directly impacts water delivery and the rural communities they serve. This will not only lead to better outcomes for contract holders and local economies but also cultivate more collaborative approaches to meeting ESA needs. We appreciate Congressman Bentz introducing the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act and his ongoing efforts to improve natural resources policy,"" said April Snell, Executive Director, Oregon Water Resources Congress.

The Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 would require federal agencies to:

Provide contractors with ongoing opportunities to engage during ESA consultations

Increase transparency around biological assessments and biological opinions

Clearly explain the scientific and legal basis for actions that could reduce water deliveries

Allow affected entities to review and comment on draft biological opinions

Ensure meaningful participation when developing alternatives that impact water supply",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-secures-80-million-for-kingsley-field-f-35-training-center-in-president-s-budget,Congressman Bentz Secures $80 Million for Kingsley Field F-35 Training Center in President’s Budget,2026-04-07,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.–Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) is pleased to announce that after working directly with Kingsley Field leadership, U.S. Air Force command, and the White House, the President’s 2027 budget includes an $80 million dollar line item for the construction of a new F-35 Formal Training Unit (FTU) for the Academic Training Center to be established at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

The Academic Training Center will support the U.S. Air Force, National Guard, and Kingsley Field’s transition from the F-15C to the F-35A Lightning II, one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. This investment will strengthen national defense by assuring that our fighter pilots are trained and ready to meet evolving threats. This investment indicates that Kingsley Field remains a critical site for pilot training and a cornerstone of the nation’s air defense mission.

“Kingsley Field has long been one of the most important cornerstones of our nation’s air defense,” said Congressman Bentz. “This $80 million investment in an F-35 Academic Training Center recognizes that those at Kingsley are training the best fighter pilots in the world and also reflects our nation’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of national security. Kingsley Field, located near Klamath Falls, Oregon, is central to this mission and will continue to play a critical role in fully training and preparing those who will face the incredible risks of war.”",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-bonneville-power-leadership-recruitment-act,Congressman Bentz Introduces Bonneville Power Leadership Recruitment Act,2026-03-27,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR), today introduced, along with Congressmen Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Mark Amodei (R-NV) the “Bonneville Power Leadership Recruitment Act”, legislation intended to modernize compensation for the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). If enacted, this bill would allow the Secretary of Energy to set the Administrator’s salary to make it competitive with compensation paid to executives of similar businesses. A competitive salary is seen as essential if the Secretary is to attract a pool of qualified applicants for the job of Administrator.

“The Bonneville Power Administration is the backbone of the Pacific Northwest’s energy system. It transmits roughly 32 percent of the region’s electricity over its nearly 75 percent of the high-voltage transmission network in the Northwest,"" said Congressman Bentz. “The Northwest’s hydropower is one of its greatest assets. It supplies almost four million people with dependable, reasonably priced power. We citizens of the Northwest cannot afford a BPA administrator who lacks deep experience, proven leadership capability, strategic vision, and an understanding of the incredible value of the BPA to many of us in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and even a part of Wyoming.”

“The Bonneville Power Administration provides one-third of the electric power in the Northwest. It is crucial for the region to have an experienced administrator, and proper compensation for this role strengthens the federal agency as a whole. I am proud to support Congressman Bentz's efforts in the search for a new administrator,” said Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID).

The Bonneville Power Leadership Recruitment Act updates federal compensation structures to better align with comparable roles in the utility sector. Specifically, the bill:

Requires the Secretary of Energy to set the BPA Administrator’s salary at a level comparable to chief executives of consumer-owned utilities in the Western Interconnection

Extends similar market-based compensation standards to BPA employees, including Senior Executive Service positions

Mandates the use of annual compensation surveys to ensure pay remains competitive and reflects industry standards

Ensures compensation decisions remain consistent with BPA’s budget and its mission to provide low-cost, reliable power to consumers

Emphasizes the need for leadership with deep experience, strategic vision, and accountability in managing the federal power system

This is not a role for on-the-job training. It requires someone with real experience in the utility sector who understands complex regulations and the very real responsibility of delivering reliable, affordable, dependable power.

The Northwest is already facing a growing energy shortfall. Demand is rising, transmission is lagging, and pressure on baseload power continues to increase.

If we want serious, qualified leadership, compensation must reflect the scale of the job. My bill makes the position more competitive so we can attract candidates with the level of experience this role demands.

The legislation comes as utilities across the Pacific Northwest warn of increasing strain on the region’s power supply driven by population growth, electrification, and rising demand from energy-intensive industries. The bill is designed to improve the Secretaries’ ability to find experienced leadership capable of maintaining reliable electrical service for the region and its people.",1,2026-06-19T06:50:32Z,2026-06-19T06:53:40Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-of-congress-present-secretary-of-energy-with-list-of-attributes-considered-essential-in-the-selection-of-new-administrator-for-the-bonneville-power-administration,Members of Congress Present Secretary of Energy with List of Attributes Considered Essential in the Selection of New Administrator for the Bonneville Power Administration,2026-03-20,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– This week, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR), and a coalition of Northwestern Republican Members of Congress from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada, (the “BPA Caucus”) delivered a letter to Secretary of Energy Chris Wright containing a list of the attributes believed to be essential to the future success of the BPA. The letter also urged the Secretary to prioritize protection of the BPA as an institution designed to manage and deliver low-cost hydropower to millions of citizens living in the Northwest.

The BPA is the backbone of the Pacific Northwest's energy infrastructure. It’s transmission lines carry approximately 32% of the region's electricity. It operates and maintains about 75% of the Northwest’s high-voltage transmission network and serves nearly 5 million residents across that region.

Said Congressman Bentz: “BPA and the Pacific Northwest must have a leader who will cut through bureaucratic gridlock, quickly advance critical transmission projects, and ensure that affordable, reliable hydroelectric power continues to flow to families and businesses across our region. We Northwest Republican members of Congress have formed the BPA Caucus so that we can collectively share with the Secretary of Energy our thoughts and concerns regarding the challenges facing the Northwest and the BPA’s importance in meeting those challenges.""

Members have welcomed the Department's decision to post the Administrator position publicly on “USAJOBS”, calling it a meaningful step toward a transparent, merit-based selection process. Drawing on input from utilities, public power providers, independent power producers, and former BPA officials, the letter outlines key qualifications for the role, including deep expertise in the utility sector, experience managing complex regulatory environments, and a firm commitment to BPA's core mission of affordable hydropower delivery to the citizens of the Northwest.

Additional Information:

The letter also highlights several of the urgent challenges that will face the incoming Administrator:

Transmission expansion delays holding back critical infrastructure projects

Inefficiencies in the interconnection queue that risk slowing immediate energy development

Recurring hydropower facility outages impacting regional reliability

The need for a modernized approach to fish and environmental management policies

Stronger coordination with federal partners including the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers",1,2026-06-09T06:27:37Z,2026-06-09T06:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-legislation-that-would-stop-misuse-of-the-endangered-species-act,Congressman Bentz Introduces Legislation That Would Stop Misuse of the Endangered Species Act,2026-03-09,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) introduced legislation to stop application of the provisions of the Endangered Species Act to the National Flood Insurance Program.

Congressman Bentz’s legislation amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 so that the insurance program remains focused on its intended purpose: protecting property and human life from flood risk.

The bill clarifies that ESA Section 7 consultation requirements do not apply to flood insurance. The legislation directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to withdraw existing biological opinions which pervert and misdirect the purpose of the program.

This legislation clarifies that floodplain management criteria established under this national insurance program should focus on protecting property and human health, consistent with the program's core mission of providing greater certainty and protection for communities participating in the program.

“Using a flood insurance program to trigger the Endangered Species Act effectively allows the federal government to dictate local zoning and this is totally contrary to the constitutional reservation of such decisions to state and local governments” said Congressman Bentz. “This bill stops application of the Endangered Species Act in a way Congress never intended. Flood insurance exists to protect human life and property. It should not be used as a vehicle to impose sweeping land-use mandates on local communities”.

“Communities that rely on the flood insurance program deserve clear, workable rules,” Congressman Bentz added. “This legislation restores the program’s focus and ensures that local governments can continue protecting their communities from flood risks without unnecessary and unconstitutional federal regulatory interference.”

“We have long been advocates for common-sense regulations that protect our country’s natural resources and provide regulatory certainty for home builders and developers to help create much-needed housing. The National Flood Insurance Program Clarification Act of 2026 will help ensure that flood insurance remains available and affordable for Oregon home owners while maintaining responsible land management practices,” said Jodi Hack, CEO of the Oregon Home Builders Association.

“For more than a decade, Oregon communities have faced uncertainty about the future of flood insurance and development in their communities. The National Flood Insurance Program Clarification Act of 2026 restores the careful balance of responsible development, land management, and flood protection that was intended by the National Flood Insurance Program. We thank Representative Bentz for his leadership in introducing this critical legislation,” said Jeremy Rogers, Board Chair of Oregonians for Floodplain Protection.

“The National Flood Insurance Program Clarification Act of 2026 would ensure that Oregonians can continue to live and work in low-lying communities with the protection of flood insurance and the strict requirements that already exist for responsible development and land management. We thank Representative Bentz for his leadership introducing this important bill,” said Dr. Tony Kelly, President of Oregon REALTORS®.

“The National Association of REALTORS® thanks Representative Bentz for introducing legislation to limit the application of the Endangered Species Act to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and reaffirm its core mission of protecting people and property from flooding. For nearly 60 years, the NFIP has provided critical flood insurance protections for communities that adopt and enforce stronger, safer floodplain ordinances and building standards. Clarifying that the program should not be repurposed, expanded, or used as a vehicle for Endangered Species Act enforcement will help restore focus to its public‑safety role and provide greater certainty for communities and property owners. We appreciate this leadership and look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen flood protection and housing resilience nationwide,” said Raley Wright, National Association of Realtors.

“For cities like Medford, access to the National Flood Insurance Program is essential to protecting residents and supporting thoughtful growth. While we remain committed to protecting fish and wildlife, the current litigation-imposed approach creates unworkable constraints for local communities. Congressman Bentz’s legislation is an important step toward restoring balance and ensuring communities can continue to plan, build, and serve their residents,” said Michael Zarosinski, Mayor of the City of Medford.",1,2026-06-02T06:40:38Z,2026-06-02T06:42:17Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-meets-with-us-trade-ambassador-jamieson-greer,Congressman Bentz meets with U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer,2026-03-09,2026,2026-03,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– On Wednesday, March 4th, Congressman Bentz attended a Republican member-only briefing with USTR Jamieson Greer. The meeting was held in the Capitol building. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the White House’s trade policies. Ambassador Greer made brief remarks and then asked for questions.

Congressman Bentz was the fourth member to speak. He began by saying that Oregon farmers were having a historically and truly disastrous year and asked that the administration design a trade policy that would help protect the Potato, Onion, Sugar, wheat, beans, grapes, cherries, alfalfa, nurseries, and corn sectors. He called out the dumping of onions by Mexico into the U.S. market, the deluge of wine from France being imported into the U.S., the dumping of sugar from Brazil, the refusal of Canadian retail outlets to buy onions from the U.S., the very real damage being done to Oregon’s cherry industry and the opportunity that Japan might offer when it came to U.S. potato exports. He also noted the uncertainty that frequent changes in tariff amounts were creating in the utility sector and the apparel business.

The Ambassador responded by saying that he would do his best to help. He noted that action had been taken to support sugar cane and sugar beet producers. He said there was an opportunity to help with the export of fresh potatoes to Pacific Rim countries. He indicated that he needed more detail regarding the nature and causes of loss in the other sectors Congressman Bentz had mentioned and asked that his staff stand ready to receive that detail from the Congressman’s staff.",1,2026-05-16T06:05:00Z,2026-05-16T06:06:37Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-oc-renewal-act-to-restore-timber-production-support-counties-and-reduce-wildfire-risk,"Congressman Bentz Introduces O&C Renewal Act to Restore Timber Production, Support Counties, and Reduce Wildfire Risk",2026-02-24,2026,2026-02,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C– Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) introduced the O&C Renewal Act of 2026, legislation to reaffirm timber production as the primary purpose of Oregon & California (O&C) lands and restore responsible, sustained-yield forest management across more than two million acres of federal timberlands in western Oregon.

The bill amends the 1937 Oregon and California Lands Act to clarify that permanent timber production under the principle of sustained yield is the primary purpose of O&C lands. Revenues generated from responsible timber harvests are intended to directly support county governments and fund schools, roads, public safety, and other essential services, while sustaining rural jobs, improving forest health, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. The legislation restores O&C lands to healthier, more resilient forest conditions while providing long-term economic stability for Oregon's timber industry.

""For decades, O&C counties depended on responsible timber harvests to fund schools, roads, and essential services,"" said Congressman Bentz. ""Following the listing of the spotted owl and years of federal delays, these lands have become overgrown and neglected. This bill restores the clear intent of the 1937 law— that O&C lands are to be managed for sustained timber production that benefits rural communities while reducing wildfire risk.""

“The O&C Lands are some of the most productive forestlands in the world, and they were set aside by Congress to be actively managed for the benefit of local communities,” said AFRC President Travis Joseph.“Representative Bentz’s legislation is common sense. It reaffirms the law, restores balance, and provides a clear path forward to improve forest health while supporting family-wage jobs and essential public services.”

“The Association of O&C Counties thanks Congressman Bentz for introducing this bill. We believe the legislation clarifies the historical intent of the 1937 O&C Act. We appreciate the time Congressman Bentz has dedicated to understanding these uniquely congressionally designated timberlands and look forward to this bill becoming law to help the Bureau of Land Management manage these lands reasonably and responsibly under the principles of sustained yield,” said Douglas County Commissioner and Association of O&C Counties (AOCC) President Tim Freeman.

Additional Information:

The O&C Renewal Act directs the Bureau of Land Management to modernize and finalize new Resource Management Plans within two years to ensure compliance with the law, includes O&C counties as cooperating agencies in the planning process, and maintains proven cooperative wildfire protection agreements with the State of Oregon.

Current management plans effectively place roughly 80 percent of O&C lands off-limits to sustained-yield timber production, contributing to reduced timber supply, mill closures, lost jobs, declining county revenues, and increased wildfire risk across western Oregon.

By reaffirming congressional intent and requiring active, responsible forest management, the O&C Renewal Act provides clarity, certainty, and a durable path forward for O&C land management. The legislation strengthens rural economies, protects communities and watersheds, supports family-wage jobs, and ensures these federally designated timberlands once again serve the people and counties they were intended to benefit.",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-supports-house-passage-of-appropriations-bills,Congressman Bentz Supports House Passage of Appropriations Bills,2026-02-04,2026,2026-02,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Senate amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. Congressman Bentz (OR-02) voted in favor of this legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 217-214.

This legislation includes funding for the Department of Defense (DOD); Financial Services and General Government (FSGG); the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; National Security; the Department of State and Related Programs (NSRP); and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD). The passage of this bill completes eleven of the twelve appropriation committees’ proceedings for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The twelfth appropriation bill, funding for Homeland Security, has been passed by the House, but is being held in the Senate pending discussions between the White House and Senate Democrat leadership regarding immigration enforcement.

The appropriation process employed by Appropriation’s Chair Tom Cole (R-OK.) was more thorough and comprehensive than was the process used during Congresswoman Pelosi’s time as Speaker. Budgets and appropriations during her tenure were the product of Democrat leadership. Speaker Johnson and Appropriation’s Chair Tom Cole followed a committee-led approach referred to as “regular order” where budgets and spending were subjected to careful and considered review in an open and inclusive process.

The funding in this bill is important to Oregon. Although exact numbers are not yet available, it is estimated that this bill contained between $16-22 billion in funds for Oregon. The total amount in the bill was approximately $1.18 trillion.

Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement:

“The House has spent the last several months working through a bipartisan, bicameral process to finish our appropriations work and fund the government in a member-driven, district-focused way. This is what a return to regular order looks like, and it ensures that Congress is fulfilling its constitutional duty to fund the government responsibly and transparently. While work remains to finalize FY26 funding for the Department of Homeland Security, I am confident that continued discussion and negotiations between the White House and congressional leadership will allow Congress to complete the appropriation process.”",1,2026-05-06T06:05:57Z,2026-05-06T06:07:49Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-votes-to-protect-funding-for-pregnancy-centers-and-pregnant-students,Congressman Bentz Votes to Protect Funding for Pregnancy Centers and Pregnant Students,2026-01-22,2026,2026-01,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bentz (OR-02) on January 21st, voted YES on legislation supporting pregnant and parenting women and families: H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, and H.R. 6359, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act. Together, these bills strengthen access to critical resources for women facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies by ensuring that pregnancy resource centers and institutions of higher education can continue providing meaningful, life-affirming support.

Congressman Bentz said, “This legislation would provide women with access to real support when they need it most. Women facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies often need help. Pregnancy resource centers provide practical, compassionate services that help women and families navigate these emotional and economically challenging circumstances with dignity and confidence. We should be expanding options and resources for pregnant women, and that is what these bills do.

Background:

H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, would protect the state's ability to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy resource centers. These centers offer medical care, parenting education, counseling, and material assistance to pregnant women. Many states, such as Oregon, rely on TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funding to help these centers. However, under the Biden Administration a rule was sought to single out pregnancy centers and restrict states from using federal funds to support them. While that rule was never finalized, this legislation ensures future administrations cannot pursue similar actions that would undermine access to these services.

H.R. 6359, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, would amend the Higher Education Act to ensure that colleges and universities inform students of the rights and resources available to pregnant and parenting students. Pregnant and parenting students make up nearly a quarter of undergraduate students and nearly one-third of graduate students, yet many report feeling unsupported or unaware of available accommodations. This bill would help students avoid choosing between pursuing their education or welcoming a child, and it would affirm their right to seek protection under Title IX if they face discrimination for carrying a pregnancy to term.",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-nominates-sixteen-oregon-students-for-consideration-to-us-service-academies,Congressman Bentz Nominates Sixteen Oregon Students for Consideration to U.S. Service Academies,2026-01-21,2026,2026-01,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) today announced that he nominated sixteen Oregon students for consideration for admission to the elite United States service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine). Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board– retired and active-duty military officers who interview potential candidates for service academies attendance– recommended each student based on their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character.

""I am honored to nominate these outstanding young Oregonians to America’s service academies,"" Congressman Bentz said. ""Years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to character development have earned these future leaders these much-deserved nominations. By pursuing a higher education at one of our country’s select service academies, these students have shown a desire to lead by example, grow intellectually, and serve the United States in uniform.

I also thank my Service Academy Nomination Board for its work in selecting and recommending these young leaders. The Board members' experience serving our country in uniform is invaluable to the nomination process and is reflected in the caliber of the students they recommended for nominations this year, said Congressman Bentz. Without their guidance and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the U.S. service academies, these nominations would not be possible.""

Congressman Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board included Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dave Dotterrer, Oregon Air National Guard Colonel Adam Gaudinski, Retired U.S. Navy Captain Chris Peyton, Oregon Army National Guard Major Stephanie Rokes, and U.S. Army Veteran Captain Anne Havniear.

The 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.

Students who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit Bentz’s website at https://bentz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.

The 2025 Academy Nominee’s Oregon are as follows:

Deschutes County

Kelsea Bomke, daughter of Kurt and Jen Bomke of Bend, attending Oregon State University - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Lucy Fisher, daughter of Ryan and Tamara Fisher of La Pine, attending La Pine High School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Cooper Garus, son of Toby and April Garus of Bend, attending Trinity Lutheran High School - nominated to the United States Naval Academy.

Taylor Goodrich, daughter of Alex and Tiffany Goodrich of Bend, attending Oregon Family School - nominated to the United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Jackson Hartley, son of Patrick and Jill Hartley of Bend, attending United States Air Force Academy Prep School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Steven Miller, son of Steven and Melanie Miller of La Pine, attending United States Air Force Academy Prep School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Grant County

Vincent Raschio, son of Robert and Sena Raschio of John Day, attending Grant Union High School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Jackson County

Aviyah Jones, daughter of Adam and April Jones of Jacksonville, attending Rogue Community College- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Gabriel Medina-Banuelos, son of Roberto Cervantes and Yolanda Medina of Medford, attending Chesterton Academy of the Rogue Valley– nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Keegan Thonstad, son of Dennis and Cassandra Thonstad of Medford, attending South Medford High School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Benjamin Warner, son of Sean and Audra Warner of Central Point, attending Crater High School- nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Klamath County

Miranda Vincent, daughter of Wayne and Suk Ching Vincent of Klamath Falls, attending Henley High School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Umatilla County

Jefferson Steele, son of Jesse and Kelly Steele of Pendleton, attending Teach Northwest Charter School- nominated to the United States Naval Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Union County

Kaden Jones, son of Trevor and Alynn Jones of La Grande, attending La Grande High School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Wallowa County

Lauren McBurney, daughter of Lawrence McBurney and Chantay Jett of Joseph, attending Joseph Charter School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Wasco County

Sterling Coburn, son of Mark and Staci Coburn of The Dalles, attending The Dalles High School- nominated to the United States Military Academy.",1,2026-04-21T05:46:59Z,2026-04-21T05:48:34Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-statement-regarding-the-events-in-venezuela,Congressman Cliff Bentz Statement Regarding the Events in Venezuela,2026-01-15,2026,2026-01,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Cliff Bentz, (R-OR), has these comments regarding events in Venezuela:

The night of January 2nd the United States sent military aircraft into Venezuela, capturing Nicolas Maduro, president of Venezuela and his wife, Cilia Flores. The raid lasted about 150 minutes, following several months of preparation.

Congressman Bentz states: “I want to thank the brave men and women of the United States military, and our intelligence services, for their work in completing this mission with outstanding skill, courage, and professionalism.

Nicolas Maduro, successor to his equally brutal predecessor Hugo Chavez, for decades has operated a narco-terrorist network centered in Venezuela which has flooded our country with deadly drugs destroying the lives of thousands of Americans. His regime’s mismanagement, open corruption, and disregard for human rights has caused extensive economic and social instability in Venezuela and created the largest refugee crisis in the Western Hemisphere. Thanks to decisive action authorized by President Trump, Mr. Maduro will be brought to justice for his crimes, a result consistent with ongoing efforts to stop the export of cocaine from Venezuela and the blockade of its oil exports, profits from which have been used to fund Maduro’s illegitimate hold on power.

Leaving Venezuela’s system of government in place while removing Maduro avoids creating a power vacuum which could easily throw the country into chaos, a situation which could be easily exploited by forces worse than Maduro’s regime. Thus, Venezuela’s authoritarian governing structure, undesirable as it is, was necessarily left in place.

The Administration’s plan is to use sanctions, the blockade of oil exports, and the threat of another military strike to “leverage” change within Venezuela and to discourage countries such as Cuba, China, Iran, and groups such as Hezbollah (collectively the “Axis of Autocrats”) from entering into the Western Hemisphere.

Helping protect the United States from foreign threats is one of the most important of a Congressman’s obligations. A Congressman must also oversee executive military operations. As one who has seen friends and other Oregonians killed, horribly wounded, or rendered mentally unfit while fighting in foreign entanglements which started out as limited interventions and then grew into massive troop deployments, I have no interest whatsoever in militarily pursuing regime change in Venezuela. In my opinion, to this point, the Administration has operated within its constitutional limits, carefully, and for justifiable reasons. The Administration’s next steps must be as carefully designed and implemented, as was the capture of Maduro, but the plan going forward must be clearly explained and justified to the American people and to Congress.”

###",1,2026-04-16T05:48:36Z,2026-04-16T05:50:08Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-applauds-the-advancement-to-delist-the-gray-wolf,Congressman Bentz Applauds the Advancement to Delist the Gray Wolf,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Following Congressman Bentz (R-OR) House floor speech last week outlining the dangers posed by the unchecked growth of gray wolf populations, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of delisting the gray wolf. The passage of H.R. 845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act is an important step toward restoring common sense wildlife management and returning authority to state agencies.

“Today’s vote is a long-overdue acknowledgment that the federal government’s approach to gray wolf management has failed,” said Congressman Bentz. “From my first days in Congress, I have pushed to delist the gray wolf because the consequences of inaction are being felt every day in Oregon’s Second Congressional District. Ranching families are paying the price for policies made in Washington that ignore conditions on the ground. Delisting the gray wolf is a necessary first step toward restoring balance, protecting livestock, driving down the cost of beef prices, and returning wildlife management to the state agencies best equipped to do the job. I strongly urge the Senators of Oregon and the rest of their chamber to pass this legislation.”

“Oregon’s livestock producers have been hard hit economically due to predator activity. It is for this reason, the Oregon Cattleman’s Association supports the passage of HR845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act, by the house of representatives which is the first step toward the delisting of the wolf. In Oregon, delisting will be a welcome relief to producers in ¾ of the state allowing for long overdue management options under the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. The assurances this bill offers will allow for quality wolf management and protection of private property,” said Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Tammy Dennee.

“Our most basic human and American rights are denied when we can’t legally take action to protect our own livestock from being harassed and killed right in front of our eyes. The current law is a form of entrapment that turns law abiding citizens into felons just for following their innate instinct to protect their home, family and livelihood. Humans and wolves are both apex predators, so protection laws must go both ways to maintain balance,” said Dr. Elise Flynn, Valley Falls, OR.

The House action follows Bentz’s recent floor remarks, where he highlighted the devastating impacts wolf depredation has had on livestock producers and rural economies, as well as the inability of states to effectively manage wolf populations under rigid federal control.",1,2026-04-12T05:43:33Z,2026-04-12T05:44:50Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-addresses-the-nation-on-the-dangers-and-costs-of-wolves,Congressman Bentz Addresses the Nation on the Dangers and Costs of Wolves,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.– Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives addressing the growing gray wolf populations across the Western United States and the serious threats they pose to ranchers, farmers, and outdoorsmen. Here is what he said:

WATCH: Congressman Bentz Remarks on the Dangers of the Gray Wolf

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call out the injury and injustice being inflicted upon my state and my constituents by the inappropriate and unfair enforcement of the Endangered Species Act as it has been and is being applied in the reintroduction of the Grey Wolf.

This injustice is apparent in the federal government’s inability to manage and control the killing and maiming of livestock and in the failure of the government to properly pay for the costs of its decision to reintroduce the wolf.

I will address the lack of management first.

Let me begin my discussion of failed management by showing several pictures which are graphic illustrations of the reality that my ranching families all too often have to face: As you can see, there is nothing refined about how a wolf goes about feeding itself. You can imagine the feelings of the rancher when he or she finds livestock torn apart and dying. You can try to imagine the anger that they feel knowing that they are legally prevented from stopping the wolf that caused this pain and horror to their cattle and calves from doing this again. And again. And again.

I have held meeting after meeting across my district listening over and over to stories about wolves attacking herds, scattering cattle, and ignoring the ineffective “hazing” efforts that owners of these cattle are allowed to use under the law to try to protect their livelihoods. The anger that they feel, their intense frustration, is totally understandable and is why I’m on this floor today sharing their pain with you.

If we are to protect those who are trying their best to feed this country, to make a living, to keep their communities alive, to put out range fires, to pay their taxes, and to continue to be productive parts of this nation, we need to delist the wolf and move management of these animals back to the states.

Let me turn to the actual cost of the reintroduction of the wolf and the need for those that have created this cost to be responsible for paying it.

The actual annual cost of the wolf to cattle businesses, as of a few years ago, is estimated to be 128 million dollars. Again, this is the annual cost. This number is far higher now that cattle prices are higher. Many think that the only cost of the wolf is the killing of livestock, but the impact of primal fear that cattle understandably feel when a wolf is near has dramatic and serious impacts on weight gain and on pregnancy rates. These losses are real and they are serious. In a time when even the President is concerned about beef prices, these losses affect everyone by reducing the size of cattle herds and herd productivity.

There has been legislation enacted, both in the big beautiful Bill and at the state level, to try to bring some reimbursement equity into play by providing at least some payment for the death of cattle caused by wolves, but these programs, although welcome, come nowhere close to making those damaged by wolves whole. In addition I can assure you that the rancher would absolutely be happier if he or she could completely avoid the losses that lead to asking for justice under these programs.

If we are to properly and fairly and logically manage the wolf, we must pass Congresswoman Boebert's and Tom Tiffany’s bill, HR 845, the Pet and livestock Protection Act. This would delist the wolf and allow states to manage those populations.

And if we are to properly allocate responsibility for the monetary cost of wolf reintroduction, those millions of dollars in cost unjustly imposed upon ranchers and farmers. Each and every year must be paid back. If society wants the world, society must pay for the wolf.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, I yield back.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-s-safe-social-media-act-passes-out-of-the-energy-and-commerce-subcommittee-on-commerce-manufacturing-and-trade,"Congressman Bentz’s “Safe Social Media Act” Passes out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.– Congressman Bentz (R-OR), one of the lead sponsors of H.R. 6290, the Safe Social Media Act, is pleased to announce that this bill passed unanimously out of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) on Thursday, December 14th. This bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a comprehensive study on social media among individuals under the age of 17.

Said Congressman Bentz: “Every day, millions of young Americans log onto platforms that are collecting their information, shaping what they see and influencing how they think. I have heard from parents, teachers, and mental health professionals all of whom are increasingly worried about what these platforms are doing to our kids. This Act will require a study that will gather the data necessary to learn how and what social media is impacting our children. My bill is a necessary step toward real accountability.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-s-bill-to-expand-the-city-of-the-dalles-water-passed-in-us-house-of-representatives,Congressman Bentz's Bill to Expand the City of The Dalles Water Passed in U.S. House of Representatives,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR2) voted YES and the U.S. House of Representatives PASSED his bill, H.R. 655: “The City of the Dalles Watershed Development Act”, paving the way for Senate consideration. This legislation, if enacted, would transfer ownership of 150 acres of U.S. Forest Service land within The Dalles’ municipal watershed to the City of The Dalles.

The City relies on its municipal watershed for 80% of its annual water supply. Expanding the size of the reservoir is essential if the city is to meet future demand.

“This transfer will help the City of The Dalles expand its potable water resources.” said Congressman Cliff Bentz. “A reliable and secure water supply for the City is one of my highest priorities. When this legislation is passed by the Senate and signed by the President, The Dalles will have the ability to better manage its watershed, expand its reservoir and support the Cities’ long-term growth. I am happy to see this bill advance and I thank my colleagues in the House and local leaders in the City who helped move it forward.”

“With 85% of our drinking water coming from this watershed, consolidating ownership of the land around the Crow Creek Dam and Reservoir is a tremendous step forward for our community,” said The City of The Dalles Mayor, Richard Mays. “This transfer will strengthen our ability to protect water quality, improve system management, and ensure a reliable water supply for the 16,000 residents of The Dalles. We’re excited about what this means for our future. Thank you to Congressman Bentz and the House Natural Resources Committee for advancing this critical legislation.”

""I am very excited to hear that The Dalles will have the property needed to address future water development needs with the passage of H.R. 655—The Dalles Watershed Development Act. This measure ensures that The Dalles will be able to collect surface water for the future of our community. Thank you to Congressman Bentz and his staff for ""carrying the water"" on this important issue.', said Wasco County Commissioner, Mr. Scott Hege.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-supports-house-passage-of-the-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act,Congressman Bentz Supports House Passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) voted YES on Senate Bill 356, the “Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act”, which will bring some 50 million dollars, for each of three years, to Oregon’s timber dependent counties.

Said Congressman Bentz: “In 1990 the Spotted Owl was listed under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species. Almost immediately timber production from federal forests in the Western United States plummeted by 80%. The economic and societal cost to timber dependent states and their timber reliant counties was appalling. Demand for SNAP and Medicaid shot up, alcoholism and meth addiction became routine. County tax revenues were decimated. A belated but needed response was the Secure Rural Schools Act first passed in 2000, ten years after the listing of the Owl. This law, and the funding it provides, was designed to partially offset the massive decline in federal timber revenue. It provides a modest amount of funding for critical services including infrastructure maintenance (roads), wildfire mitigation, conservation projects, search and rescue operations, fire prevention initiatives, and most importantly, money for children’s education.”

“When society enacts socially attractive laws that seemingly benefit the broader public but end up harming small communities, society must mitigate that harm. This is what the SRS bill does. It mitigates at least a part of the billions in damage done to small communities by the implementation of social goals such as, in this case, the Endangered Species Act. I thank my colleagues and Speaker Johnson for supporting this essential bill and the funding that my counties so desperately need.”

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/as-oregon-s-economic-conditions-worsen-democrats-flounder,"As Oregon’s Economic Conditions Worsen, Democrats Flounder",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– State Representatives Lieber and Sanchez, both of whom represent parts of Portland, wrote earlier this week in the Oregonian newspaper that it's “Trump’s cuts” (in the One Big Beautiful Bill) that are creating a “billion dollar problem for Oregon with no easy solutions”.

In the same piece, they assert the importance of “growing private sector jobs (to) stimulate our broader economy and provide good wages to hardworking Oregonians”.

What they intentionally fail to mention is that the Big Beautiful Bill, which every Democrat in Oregon's federal delegation voted against, protected Oregonians from a 20% federal tax increase which would have been effective just a few weeks from now. If the Democrats had had their way, this 20% tax increase would have been allowed to happen, small business would have been devastated, millions of jobs would have been lost and a recession may have occurred. Yet, not a peep about this in Lieber and Sanchez’s editorial. Instead, they say, with a straight face, that the Big Beautiful Bill is horrible, and that it’s actually Democrats who want to grow jobs and Oregon’s economy.

It’s bad enough that these two don’t support the tax reductions for business and individuals in the Big Bill, but they then confound the reader by saying it’s their intent to “stimulate the broader economy and grow jobs”. Just how is it that they are going to do this when they plan to raise your taxes and leave untouched the tangled mess of complicated, confusing, expensive, anti-business laws they have imposed upon Oregon’s businesses?

Having ignored their complicity in creating economic stagnation, they go on to unabashedly assert that the reduction in federal funds flowing to Oregon will “hamper economic activity and risk business closures at a time when we can least afford it”. This statement, read in conjunction with their opposition to the tax cuts in the Big Bill, is that Oregonian’s taxes should be higher and the federal government should send Oregonian’s tax money back in the form of government spending, substituting government judgment in how money is spent for individual judgment. Their statements broadcast Democrat’s belief that money should be taken from taxpayers and then used in ways politicians think best, often to hire indiscriminately at salaries totally disconnected from private sector rates for progressive purposes. But economics 101 teaches us that the federal and state governments are not jobs programs. Jobs that last and actually create value emerge from the private sector where employers are subject to the forces of competition, risk, profit, loss, and modest government intrusion.

Oregonians should call, text, or write Lieber and Sanchez, and tell them that they should reduce spending, reduce taxes, and repeal those laws which impose more paperwork, higher labor costs, and increased litigation risk on Oregon’s business. Bringing Oregon Back will begin when those in power actually acknowledge that it’s their laws and policies driving businesses out of Oregon. Your calls and texts to them carrying this message will help save our wonderful state.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-s-statement-on-the-release-of-the-epstein-files,Congressman Bentz's Statement on the Release of the Epstein Files,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.– Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) voted YES on H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This bill will require that the Attorney General release, to the public, all documents and records in the possession of the Department of Justice relating to Jeffery Epstein.

Said Congressman Bentz: “The horrific crimes perpetrated by Jeffery Epstein and his accomplices, and the inexcusable failure of federal prosecutors to hold them accountable, have left victims and their families seeking answers, transparency, and true accountability. The almost unanimous House vote to pass this bill, even though the bill is not perfect, clearly reflects that transparency in the Epstein matter is paramount. Amendments to the bill to clearly protect innocent victims from having their names disclosed as records are released were suggested to the authors of the bill, but were not adopted. This places responsibility for protection of the identity of the victims, as records are released, squarely upon the Attorney General. I urge the Attorney General, while complying with this law, to utilize the exception to disclosure contained in the bill to protect innocent victims so that they are not further damaged.

If we are to have any chance of preventing future crimes, such as those committed by Epstein, and if we are to improve the prosecutorial process that allowed Epstein to avoid justice, we must encourage and support the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein investigation. Its findings can then be used to enact legislation addressing such atrocities, and the failed federal prosecutorial practices that followed.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-statement-supporting-the-reopening-of-the-government,Congressman Bentz Statement Supporting the Reopening of the Government,2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Yesterday, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) voted YES on the “Senate Amendment to H.R. 531, Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2026”. This bill affects an immediate “reopening” of the government by extending government funding at current levels through January 30th, 2026, for most federal departments and programs, while also providing full-year funding for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), legislative branch operations, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Said Congressman Bentz: “On September 19th, over a month and one-half ago, I joined almost all of my House Republican colleagues (and a single Democrat) in voting for a Continuing Resolution (“CR”) which, if passed by the Senate, would have provided funding for the federal government through November 21st, 2025. It takes a supermajority of 60 votes in the Senate to pass this CR. Republicans only have 53 votes. Unfortunately for our nation, most of the Senate Democrats refused to vote to fund the government, and the CR that we had passed in the House failed on a 55 to 45 vote. Thus, without funding, the government shut down on October 1st, the beginning of the nation’s fiscal year. It remained shut down until three days ago, when 8 Democrats joined 52 Republicans in the Senate and passed H.R. 531. Yesterday, I voted for, and the House passed this bill, and the President signed it almost immediately thereafter. The Government is now funded and open, but the consequences of the shutdown will continue to be felt for months. Most of my Democrat colleagues in the House voted to keep the government closed.

It should never have come to this. Our system of government provides a forum and method for resolving disagreements. That forum and method is called Congress and elections. When the Democrats resorted to forcing a shutdown to achieve what they did not have the votes to pass, differences over policy instantly moved from just talk to the very real everyday activities of Americans. This “taking America hostage” tactic to achieve a political outcome is undemocratic, ridiculous, and wrong.

Now that the government is reopening, it's time to focus on the nine-remaining full-year appropriation bills, access to healthcare, correcting shortfalls in our electrical energy system, and reforming the labyrinth of government regulations that are paralyzing our economy. The “Schumer Shutdown” has cost us 44 valuable days, leaving us little time before the end of the year.

Let’s hope, as we approach the next funding deadline of January 30th, 2026, that those Democrats who just voted to keep the government closed (and that, sadly, would be most of the Democrats in both the House and the Senate) come to realize how damaging their shutdown was and that there are far more rational, not to mention democratic, means of achieving whatever their goals may be.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-and-golden-reintroduction-of-legislation-to-protect-patient-safety,Congressman Bentz and Golden Reintroduction of Legislation to Protect Patient Safety,2025-09-04,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) and Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME) reintroduced the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation prioritizes patient safety and will guarantee all Americans receive effective and printed medication information with their prescriptions.

“In rural Oregon, access to reliable internet or to a pharmacist is not always

guaranteed. But what should be guaranteed are clear, printed instructions on how to take your medication safely,” Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) said. “If enacted, this bill will provide patients with accurate, FDA-approved information. This would ensure fewer mistakes, fewer expensive hospital trips, and less strain on families and our small, local pharmacies. Additionally, this is at no cost to the government or to the rural pharmacies. It is a practical improvement that will help rural communities.”

“Mainers shouldn’t have to go out of their way to get the information they need about how their medicine works,” Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) said. “Requiring hard copies of instructions to be included with medicine is a no brainer to make prescription drugs safer, make treatment easier for families and their pharmacists, and prevent large pharmaceutical corporations from cutting corners at the expense of quality health care.”

“The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) thanks Representatives Bentz and Golden on their work to reintroduce the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of The National Rural Health Association. “NRHA is proud to support this legislation that will ensure rural residents have access to printed information about their medications. Not only will this bill support safe usage of prescription medications, but it also recognizes the importance of printed materials in rural areas where internet access is not always guaranteed or available.”

Additional Information:

The bill requires drug manufacturers to provide printed Patient Medication

Information (PMI), approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for every American taking prescription medications. PMI refers to the life-saving information dispensed at the pharmacy detailing a drug’s purpose, instructions for use, and potential side effects. Americans reference PMI to take their medications correctly and safely. The bill requires:

A one-page, printed, standardized format with FDA-approved content

dispenses with all prescription drugs in the outpatient setting.

Final regulations by the FDA regarding the inclusion of printed paper PMI on all prescription drugs and establishes a clear and standard format of vital information (warnings, side effects, etc.)

Timely, consistent, and accurate reviews of information as new drugs and new information become available.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-responds-to-governor-tina-kotek-s-partisan-take-on-the-one-big-beautiful-bill,Congressman Cliff Bentz Responds to Governor Tina Kotek’s Partisan Take on the “One Big Beautiful Bill”,2025-08-20,2025,2025-08,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz issued the following statement in response to Governor Tina Kotek’s recent comments regarding the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) on SNAP and Medicaid:

“Governor Kotek recently discussed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Her comments are misleading and leave out key facts about what this legislation does for Oregon. While the Governor portrays the OBBB as a wholesale attack on children, families, and working people, the reality is far different.

Democrats in Oregon have ignored the majority of the provisions in the bill and instead focused on the bill’s healthcare and nutrition assistance reforms. Here is the truth: this bill protects Medicaid for those it was meant to serve: seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. The bill DOES NOT touch Medicare. Instead, it slows unchecked spending and begins the process of fixing billion-dollar loopholes in Medicaid that states have exploited for years. And like the Medicaid provisions, the reforms to SNAP (Food Stamps) are not aimed at cutting coverage but instead focus on state and individual accountability.

For example, Oregon is currently the only state in the nation that provides most adult Medicaid recipients with more than two years of continuous eligibility. As a result, even when people get jobs with access to employer-sponsored insurance or earn far in excess of 130% if the Federal Poverty Level, many stay on Medicaid. Studies have found that Oregon leads the nation in the percentage of people retaining Medicaid coverage. Why pay for insurance if you can get the federal government and state to pay for your coverage? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently reported that more than 2.8 million Americans are potentially enrolled in both Medicaid and ACA exchange plans at the same time, costing taxpayers billions in duplicate coverage. This needs to change.

Starting in 2027, the OBBB will require that states conduct eligibility redeterminations twice annually for ACA expansion enrollees (able-bodied adults), replacing the patchwork of state schedules with a clear six-month standard. State programs will be able to automate verifications using federal data, such as Social Security numbers and death records, eliminating repetitive paperwork and catching cases of fraud. The bill invests $250 million in system upgrades to support these changes. Taken together, these reforms reduce administrative layers, speed benefit processing, and give states the resources they need for efficient, accountable implementation.

The bill takes long-overdue steps to restore integrity to the SNAP (Food Stamp) program. In 2024, Oregon once again had one of the worst SNAP error rates in the nation, with an error rate of 14.06%. Oregon’s performance was so bad that the state was fined millions of dollars by the federal government, but just a fraction of the actual amount the state had lost. SNAP error rates are a misuse of taxpayer funds because they pay out benefits incorrectly, wasting money that should go only to eligible recipients. The only way to get a state’s attention is to levy a penalty when the state fails to do its job. Under this bill, states with error rates above 5% will be required to contribute up to 20% of the cost of the SNAP state benefit unless corrective action is taken. States that stay below a 5% error rate will not be penalized.

The Governor failed to mention literally dozens of provisions in the bill beneficial to Oregonians, including: $10 billion in tax cuts for our farmers and ranchers, disaster relief funding, stronger crop insurance, and higher wheat reference prices. She failed to mention the extensions of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which prevented a 22% tax hike on millions of families, and new deductions for tips, overtime pay, Social Security benefits, and U.S.-made vehicles. She failed to mention that increasing timber harvest on federal lands as provided in the bill will create jobs and reduces wildfire risk. She failed to mention the 12.5 billion invested in improving our air traffic control systems. She failed to mention the increase in the child tax credit or the childcare tax benefits to employers. She failed to mention the added funding for the military, the funding for completion of the border wall, the funding for the addition of thousands more border patrol agents guarding the border against fentanyl and other drugs. She failed to mention opportunity zones, deductibility of investments in manufacturing, and increased support for energy development.

Overall, the Governor’s remarks failed to account for economic growth, higher wages, and reduced waste that these reforms will bring.

The Governor’s failures to mention any of these things, even though they mean so much to Oregonians, may be due to the fact that not one Democrat Congressman/woman from Oregon, including our Senators and all five of Oregon’s Democrat congresswomen, voted for this bill.

Silence on these important matters is one thing- but pushing out misleading and fear generating statements regarding the Bill is quite another. I do hope that the voters in Oregon will take the time to look at summaries of the OBBB and draw their own conclusions as to its value to them and to our nation.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-works-with-white-house-and-oregon-s-governor-to-secure-federal-relief-for-oregon-following-march-storms,Congressman Cliff Bentz Works with White House and Oregon’s Governor to Secure Federal Relief for Oregon Following March Storms,2025-07-24,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– On May 22, 2025, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02), following a meeting with community leaders, and calls with County Commissioners and community leaders of the affected counties, sent a letter to the Acting Region 10 Administrator of FEMA, Vincent Maykovich, urging a federal emergency declaration in response to the severe weather damage in Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties.

On March 12, 2025, a state of emergency was declared by Governor Kotek, triggering the necessary process of measuring damage resulting from the storms. Congressman Bentz stayed in close contact with the Oregon Emergency Management Agency (OEM), which determined that the storms and resulting flood events had caused approximately $9.5 million in damage. On May 19, 2025, Governor Kotek made the required formal request of a presidential declaration. This step by the Governor’s office cleared the way for Congressman Bentz to request that the Executive branch provide assistance to the affected communities. On July 22nd, 2025, in response to these requests, President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance for the counties of Coos, Curry, and Douglas, marking a critical first step in helping these communities repair and rebuild following the storms.

Congressman Bentz issued the following statement:

“In March of this year, severe storms caused significant damage to people and property in Coos, Douglas, and Curry Counties. Landslides, mudslides, flooding, and weather-related events lead to severe destruction. A Preliminary Damage Assessment by Oregon Emergency Management Agency (OEM) found that the damage caused by the storms totaled approximately $9.5 million across 25 impacted public entities. This far exceeds what these the people of these counties can bear, making the need for federal assistance essential. During the flood event, I held a round table discussion regarding the steps that would need to be taken to obtain federal assistance. The OEM, the Governor, and Commissioner Tim Freeman of Douglas County, are all to be commended for their work in gathering the facts and taking the actions necessary to support the request for this assistance. I also want to thank President Trump, his staff, and FEMA, for their essential help and support.""

Text of letter sent to the White House available, here.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-statement-regarding-fema-authorizing-funds-to-fight-highland-fire-in-oregon,Congressman Cliff Bentz Statement Regarding FEMA Authorizing Funds to Fight Highland Fire in Oregon,2025-07-14,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.-- I am pleased to announce that the White House has authorized FEMA to provide funding to help fight the Highland Fire currently burning in Crook County, Oregon. We must protect the homes, infrastructure, and natural resources threatened by this dangerous wildfire. This authorization will help the Crook County Community. I will continue to work with FEMA and other agencies as they respond to wildfires.

Read FEMA press release below.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-department-of-the-interior-authorizes-31-million-in-payments-in-lieu-of-taxes-pilt-for-oregon-counties,U.S. Department of the Interior Authorizes $31 Million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for Oregon Counties,2025-06-26,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the Department of the Interior announced that more than 1,900 state and local governments across the country will receive a total of $644.8 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes program (PILT) of which $31 million dollars is designated to Oregon counties. Because local governments cannot tax federal lands, annual PILT payments help defray the costs associated with maintaining community services including firefighting, policing, education, and road construction.

PILT payments are made for tax-exempt federal lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Payments are based on the number of acres of federal land within each county or jurisdiction, and the population of that area.

Said Congressman Cliff Bentz: “Since PILT payments began in 1977, the U.S. Government, through the Department of Interior, has distributed more than $12.6 billion dollars. PILT makes sense, since the Government collects more than $20.7 billion in revenue ANNUALLY from commercial activities on public lands. Millions of acres of federal land are located in Oregon counties, but this land cannot be taxed. Nonetheless, these counties and the people in them shoulder the multitude of costs that benefit this land such as maintaining roads, schools, first responders, law enforcement, and fire protection. This PILT program helps defray some of the cost associated with maintaining these crucial services.”

Individual payments may vary from year to year as a result of changes in acreage data; prior-year federal revenue-sharing payments; and inflationary adjustments based on U.S. Census Bureau data.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-participates-in-the-natural-resources-committee-s-markup-of-his-bill-which-would-facilitate-expansion-of-the-city-of-the-dalles-drinking-water-supply,Congressman Bentz Participates in the Natural Resources Committee’s Markup of His Bill Which Would Facilitate Expansion of the City of The Dalles’ Drinking Water Supply,2025-06-25,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— This week in the Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Cliff Bentz’s (R-OR) bill, The Dalles Watershed Development Act, was included in the full committee markup. This critical legislation, if enacted, would transfer 150 acres of U.S. Forest Service land within The Dalles’ municipal watershed to city ownership.

Said Congressman Bentz: “On April 29, 2025, my bill H.R. 655, was included in the Federal Lands Subcommittee hearing marking the critical first step in the legislative process. The bill received support among the subcommittee as well as the acknowledgement of the United States Forest Service that a land transfer would greatly benefit the community. The bill has now moved to the second step which is today’s “markup”. It was voted out of committee and will now move to the floor. If passed across the floor, it will move to the Senate.”

The City of The Dalles has long relied on its municipal watershed for 80% of its annual water supply. Protecting this watershed is essential to maintaining water quality, meeting future demand, and ensuring public safety. This bill would allow the city to expand the size of its reservoir and allow much less red tape in taking action to protect city water infrastructure works and the city's watershed.

""The City of The Dalles has maintained a great working relationship with the Forest Service, but the need for expansion of the reservoir, on land owned by the federal government, would be unnecessarily burdened by lengthy federally required administrative reviews."" said Congressman Bentz. ""To afford to expand its water storage capacity, avoiding unnecessary costs is absolutely crucial. This transfer of land would help avoid costs. Water security is a top priority, and this legislation will provide the land needed to meet the city's future growth.”

Congressman Bentz will continue to work with the Natural Resources Committee, House Leadership, local leaders and federal agencies to advance this legislation.

Read the bill text,here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-statement-on-public-lands,Congressman Bentz Statement on Public Lands,2025-06-25,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– To be clear - I do support and encourage sale or exchange of parcels of federal land when there is a clear economic or social demand for such disposition, and when that disposition follows appropriate procedure and is generally supported by those affected. I include congressional action as an appropriate procedure. I do not support a mandated disposition of millions of acres of federal land, the amount of which was arbitrarily established, the primary goal not being to respond to demand, but instead being the removal of land from federal ownership.

A policy to permanently dispose of massive amounts of land currently owned and managed for multiple use by the federal government should not be included in a reconciliation package where debate, by design, is truncated or completely avoided. A decision to irreversibly divest the nation of federally owned land is an important policy issue that must be carefully discussed with and designed by those of us representing states impacted by this policy.

Of particular concern in making any decision to sell public land is the sale’s impact on those who have rights in the land or currently have some type of use of the land. Indian Tribes, neighbors, grazing permittees, those utilizing public access across the land, hunters, watershed function, holders of easements, and environmental impact are some of the issues that must be taken into account in making a decision to alter ownership. These realities make the process used in selecting parcels of federal land offered for sale extremely important.

Some might argue that the abject failure of the federal government to adequately manage BLM and Forest Service land justifies its sale. But sale of this land to someone else is no way to assure it’s proper management. The best way to protect this land is to identify and correct the reasons these agencies are failing in their mission. The easiest observation to make is that environmental organizations, using the ESA, CWA, CAA, and other environmental laws, compliant federal judges, and the Access to Justice Act, (an act that pays the attorney fees of plaintiffs who successfully sue the federal government) through protracted and expensive litigation, make a mockery of agency’s attempts to craft management plans. If our nation is to be a landowner (and it is), it must take care of that land. This means that the laws that are being perverted to line the pockets of environmental organizations at the expense of the taxpayer and our forests and rangelands, must be changed so that such perversion is stopped.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-statement-recent-bombing-iran,Congressman Cliff Bentz Statement on Recent Bombing of Iran,2025-06-23,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– On June 22nd, using B2 bombers, 30 tomahawk missiles, and six 30,000 pound “Bunker Busting” bombs, the United States attacked three nuclear sites in Iran. The reason for the attack was to prevent Iran, a country hostile to the United States, Israel, and peace in the Middle East, from using the enriched uranium it had produced at those sites to construct an atomic bomb.

Said Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02): “I support President Trump’s decision to use our military to damage and hopefully destroy Iran’s immediate capability to produce nuclear weapons. To quote my fellow Congressman Dan Crenshaw, ‘The regime that’s spent decades chanting “death to America” just got the message: you don’t threaten the United States or our allies without consequences.’

Unless Iran immediately surrenders which is highly unlikely, this is not the end of this crisis. Therefore, every American must be vigilant and report to authorities any activity that even hints at terrorist activity. I thank the incredibly brave men and women that carried out this mission, and I pray for those currently stationed in the middle east protecting us from those who may at any time retaliate.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-announces-winner-2025-congressional-art-competition,Congressman Cliff Bentz Announces Winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition,2025-05-06,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-O2) announced that Talula Heckendorf, a junior from Phoenix High School, has been selected as the winner of OR-02’s 2025 Congressional Art Competition out of a record number of 38 amazing submissions!

Talula’s artwork, “Man Walking Through an Alaskan Town"", was selected by a panel of five judges who praised the piece as having ‘great depth, detail and perspective’. Talula 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.

""I am pleased to congratulate Talula on this terrific achievement. I look forward to seeing Man Walking Through an Alaskan Town each day over the up-coming year, as I walk to and from the House Chamber. I thank her for her incredible work. Congratulations, Talula!"" Congressman Bentz said.

Bentz also announced three regional winners from Oregon’s Second District. Regional winners will have their art displayed in one of Congressman Bentz’s offices in either Medford, OR, Ontario, OR or Washington, D.C.

These three winners are:

Oregon: Wild and Beautiful by Avery McLean, Crater High School, Grade 12

Mangoes by Lesly Alvarado Perez, McLoughlin High School, Grade 10

Colorful Desert Sunset with Huge Cacti by Talula Heckendorf, Phoenix High School, Grade 11

Congressman Bentz thanked the judges for their work in judging the 2025 competition. “Thank you to the judges who volunteered their time and expertise to our district's art competition,” Bentz said. “They helped make this year's competition not just memorable but also a great success.”

Judges for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in Oregon’s Second Congressional District included:

Kelly Wick, Kelly’s Gallery at Joseph

Rick Steber, Author from Prineville

Pamela Claflin, Pamela Claflin Fine Art from Prineville

Judy Phearson, Favell Museum from Klamath Falls

Pam Helfrich, Art Teacher from Ontario

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program for students to showcase their artistic abilities and to highlight the importance of art education. Since its start in 1982, more than 700,000 high school students from around the country have participated.

More information about this annual competition can be found, here.

Image

“Man Walking Through an Alaskan Town"" by Talula Heckendorf",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-joins-oversight-hearing-importance-protecting-and,Congressman Cliff Bentz Joins Oversight Hearing on the Importance of Protecting and Advancing Hydropower,2025-05-01,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-R) joined the Natural Resources Subcommittee on the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries which held a hearing yesterday.

During the hearing, it was noted that while actual dam removal may not proceed directly, there remains fear that dams will be functionally disabled in the name of fish conservation. Congressman Bentz attacked this narrative, emphasizing: dams on Snake and Columbia are not the primary obstacle to fish recovery. The greatest threat lies in the ocean, because fewer than 2% of the fish that reach the ocean return to spawn upstream. His comments serve as a strong reminder of the need for science-based policy that protects both hydropower energy production and rural communities that rely on these resources.

Watch Congressman Cliff Bentz Statement, here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:20:29Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentzs-bill-expand-city-dalles-water-supply-heard-congress,Congressman Bentz's Bill to Expand the City of The Dalles Water Supply Heard in Congress,2025-04-29,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week the Natural Resources Committee’s subcommittee on Federal Lands heard Congressman Cliff Bentz’s (R-OR) bill, “The Dalles Watershed Development Act”. This legislation, if enacted, would transfer ownership of 150 acres of U.S. Forest Service land within The Dalles’ municipal watershed and adjacent to the Cities’ existing reservoir, to the city.

The City of The Dalles relies on its municipal watershed for 80% of its annual water supply. Protecting this watershed is essential to maintaining water quality, meeting future demand, and ensuring public safety. The proposed transfer will allow the city to expand the size of its reservoir and to take all necessary action to protect city water infrastructure works and a portion of the city's watershed.

""This transfer is necessary if The Dalles is to have the opportunity to expand its potable water resources,"" said Congressman Bentz. ""The city's water supply is a top priority, and this legislation will provide land needed to meet the city's future growth.”

Congressman Bentz will continue to work with the Natural Resources Committee, House Leadership, local leaders, and federal agencies to advance this legislation.

Read the bill text,here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-holds-community-leader-and-agency-coordination-roundtable,Congressman Bentz Holds Community Leader and Agency Coordination Roundtable,2025-04-07,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BURNS, OR-- Thank you to the community leaders, local Harney County officials, State Senator Mike McLane, State Rep. Mark Owens (Represented by his Chief of Staff), state agency representatives, and federal agency officials, for joining me and my staff at yesterday’s Community Leader and Agency Coordination Round table in Burns, Oregon.

This meeting provided firsthand descriptions of the serious damage done and being done by the devastating and still ongoing flood of the Silvies River and surrounding watersheds which flow into the Harney Basin. We heard about, among many other problems, the damage to roads and streets, the precarious condition of the Burn’s City sewer system (now backing up into Burn’s resident’s homes), flood waters entering homes and businesses, and the danger of possible drinking water contamination.We also discussed possible solutions such as dredging the Silvies River, improving levee systems, and the remote possibility of building a flood control reservoir upstream from Burns.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management provided a comprehensive review of its efforts to coordinate with other communities to meet the criteria for an emergency declaration. The Army Corp of Engineers explained that it was standing by to offer technical assistance. The Burns City Manager provided a thorough review of the many challenges facing the City. I assured everyone attending that I am committed to helping obtain the support that Harney County needs, and that my office stands ready to assist in any way that it can. I do want to thank those who have been working so hard to help protect the residents of Burns, with particular emphasis on the County Court, the folks working for the City of Burns, and the Oregon Officer of Emergency Management.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-introduces-legislation-improve-city-dalles-water-security,Congressman Bentz Introduces Legislation to Improve the City of The Dalles' Water Security,2025-01-30,2025,2025-01,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C– Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) announces, The Dalles Watershed Development Act, which is critical legislation if enacted would transfer 150 acres of U.S. Forest Service land within The Dalles’ municipal watershed to city ownership.

The City of The Dalles relies on its municipal watershed for 80% of its annual water supply. Protecting this watershed is essential to maintaining water quality, meeting future demand, and ensuring public safety. The proposed transfer will allow the city to expand the size of its reservoir and allow much less red tape in taking action to protect city water infrastructure works and the cities watershed.

""This transfer is a necessary if The Dalles is to have the opportunity to expand its potable water resources,"" said Congressman Bentz. ""The cities water security is a top priority, and this legislation will provide at length the land needed to meet the city's future growth.”

Congressman Bentz is working with local leaders and federal agencies to advance this legislation.

Read the bill text, here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:10:36Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-nominates-sixteen-oregon-students-consideration,Congressman Cliff Bentz Nominates Sixteen Oregon Students for Consideration for an Appointment to a U.S. Service Academy,2025-01-14,2025,2025-01,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C – Congressman Cliff Bentz has nominated fourteen Oregon students for consideration for appointment to one of the five prestigious United States Service Academies. Congressman Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board—retired and active-duty military officers who interview potential candidates for selection by the service academies— recommended each student based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character.

""It is an honor to be a part of a process that supports young leaders from Oregon’s Second Congressional District. These students reflect leadership, academic excellence, positive character development, and patriotism.,” said Congressman Cliff Bentz. “Years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to character have earned these future leaders their nominations. By pursuing higher education at one of our country’s select service academies, these students have shown a desire to lead by example, grow intellectually, and serve the United States in uniform.”

Serving on Bentz’ Service Academy Nomination Board are: Oregon Army National Guard Colonel Travis Lee, Oregon Air National Guard Colonel Jason Nalepa (Ret.), U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Rich Halsted, U.S. Navy Commander John Howard (Ret.), and Oregon Army National Guard Captain Stephanie Rokes.

Students who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit my website.

The 2024 nominees from Oregon are as follows:

Deschutes County

Steven Miller, son of Steven and Melanie Miller of La Pine, attending La Pine High School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Jackson County

Zackary Cook, son of Kelly Cook of Medford, attending Cascade Christian High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy, United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy.

Ivar Hokanson, son of Matt and Jill Hokanson of Central Point, attending Crater High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Mia Marinucci, daughter of James and Heather Marinucci of Eagle Point, attending University of Arizona – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Paige Schiffer, daughter of Darren and Robyn Schiffer of Medford, attending South Medford High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Wren Rambo, son of Tom and Sidney Rambo of Central Point, attending United States Military Academy Prep School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Josephine County

Avarly Barnett, daughter of Christopher and Stefani Barnett of Grants Pass, attending New Hope High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Addison Cox, daughter of Donald Cox and Crystal Schumacher of Grants Pass, attending Logos Public Charter School – nominated to the United States Naval Academy and United States Air Force Academy.

Owen Hull, son of Brett and Kim Hull of Grants Pass, attending Grants Pass High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Phurin Veeraumpaipong, son of Christopher and Sunita Ogle of Grants Pass, attending Southern Oregon University – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Klamath County

Joseph Jennings, son of Jason and Lesli Jennings of Klamath Falls, attending Mazama High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Jason Kern, son of Bren and Dorthy Kern of Klamath Falls, attending Henley High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Konnor Lilly, son of Michael and Katherine of Klamath Falls, attending the United States Air Force Academy Prep School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Malheur County

Kase Schaffeld, son of Steve and Jeri Schaffeld of Vale, attending Vale High School - nominated to the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy.

Wasco County

Cody Agidius, son of Steve and Dawn Agidius, attending The Dalles High School – nominated to the United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Military Academy.

Umatilla County

Cash Paullus, son of Joshua and Heidi Paullus, attending Pendleton High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:10:36Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-congressman-bentz-and-senator-wyden-bill-protecting,President Biden signs Congressman Bentz and Senator Wyden Bill Protecting Klamath Basin Water Users,2025-01-07,2025,2025-01,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cliff Bentz’s bill, H.R. 7938, designed to protect Klamath Basin water users from being charged for maintenance and upgrade costs attributable to the Link River or Keno dams, was passed out of the House on December 17th, passed the Senate on December 19th, and on Saturday, January 4th, President Biden signed it.

“I am very pleased to report that H.R. 7938 is now the law of the land” said Congressman Bentz. “This bill directs the Bureau of Reclamation to operate the Link River and Keno dams consistent with existing contracts and without imposing any costs associated with these dams upon the water users. This law is the ratification of agreements made some 15 years ago which until now were not enforceable.”

The urgency of H.R. 7938 comes because the removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River, completed this year, introduced new legal risks for farmers and ranchers—risks unrelated to their actions. These four dams, which had historically provided affordable, renewable energy for over a century, were removed after prolonged regulatory and legal battles. The Keno and Link River Dams were especially burdened by costly need for fish passage and dam maintenance.

The legislation ensures that promises made to Klamath Project irrigators during the dam removal process are upheld, particularly regarding the Bureau of Reclamation’s complete assumption of responsibility for remaining water infrastructure. Congressman Bentz emphasized that these promises must be kept, highlighting the Bureau’s responsibility given its ownership of the Link River and Keno Dams and the potential regulatory impacts of returning fish species to the region.

In addition to these protections extended to the thousands of Klamath Project Water users, the bill also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to undertake certain studies and install infrastructure such as fish screens that may now be needed on irrigation diversions as a result of upstream migrations of fish resulting from removal of the downstream hydroelectric dams. These and other measures are directed to reduce conflicts over water in the Basin. Finally, the bill provides that the Secretary may enter into agreements with the Tulelake Irrigation District for not more than 69% of the cost incurred by the district for the operation and maintenance of Pumping Plant D. This facility provides considerable public benefits, including to two national wildlife refuges.

The passage of this legislation is a just result for farmers and ranchers who have sustained Klamath communities for the past century.

“I also thank Chairman Bruce Westerman for his support in the Natural Resources Committee; Water, Wildlife, Fisheries sub-committee staff leader Annick Miller for her excellent and irreplaceable work in moving the bill forward; attorney Paul Simmons for his invaluable efforts in drafting and then helping with amendments to the bill, Klamath Basin farmer Tracy Liskey for traveling to Washington, D.C. to testify in support of the bill, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jared Huffman and Senator Ron Wyden for their support in moving the bill through the House and Senate.”

To read the Bill text, here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:10:36Z
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”",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. – I am glad to share that this week, U.S. Route 20, the nation’s 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.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award for valor, presented by the President in Congress’ name. This section of U.S. Route 20 will honor 29 Medal of Honor recipients connected with Oregon who acted with “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of his life” during combat with an enemy of the United States thus receiving our nation’s highest award for military valor during 8 wars over a 108-year period.

I was honored to support this effort and am even more gratified to have my House colleague’s support to pass it in the House this week.

I 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’s 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.

A full copy of the legislation renaming U.S. Route 20 as “The National Medal of Honor Highway” 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’s 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 – 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.

""The Governor’s 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 “devastating consequences” 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 “broad support” for this monument from “local interests” 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 “devastation” when she, of all people, knows that it takes literally decades to do anything in Oregon, including on federal land, that requires a permit?""

Congressman 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’s 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.– 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.

“This 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’s work, and I look forward to successfully passing this bill out of the House within the next few weeks,” said Congressman Cliff Bentz.

“Congressman 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,” Senator Ron Wyden said. “I applaud Congressman Bentz’s 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.”",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 – 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’s 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.'

Click here to watch Chairman Cliff Bentz's opening statement.

Chairman Cliff Bentz’s Statement:

""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,”said 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’s 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’ 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.— 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.

""It is an honor to be a part of a process that supports young leaders from Oregon’s Second Congressional District who exemplify leadership, academic excellence, character, and patriotism towards our country, said Bentz.”

Oregon’s 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.

To 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’s evaluation.

For more information, please visit my website: bentz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations

###",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— Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) released the names of the 7 individuals he nominated to be considered for attendance at our nation’s service academies.

The full list of students who received and then accepted offers of Appointment are:

Sean Donohue | Phoenix Highschool | United States Naval Academy

Konnor Lilly | T.R. Robinson Highschool | United States Naval Academy Prep School

Hunter Carpen | Madras High School | United States Air Force Academy

Samuel Endicott | Ridge High School | United States Merchant Marine Academy

Connor Sam | Dalles High School | United States Military Academy

Wren Rambo | Crater Academy of Health and Public Service High School |United States Military Academy Prep School

Timothy Paul | Osan Midde High School |United States Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation Scholarship

These men are true examples of leadership, academic excellence, high character, and strong patriotism.

I 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’s 2024 Congressional Art Competition! Tyler’s artwork, Strawberries, was chosen by a panel of three judges who praised the piece as having ‘amazing textures and details”. 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.

""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 – Congratulations, Tyler!""

Bentz also announced that North Powder Charter School student Bella Brandt’s piece Isolationsim was the regional winner from Oregon’s Second Congressional District. Bella’s art will be displayed in Congressman Bentz’s Medford District Office.

“I 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.”

Judges for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in Oregon’s Second Congressional District included:

Kyle Larson, Assistant Professor, Painting/Drawing, Southern Oregon University, Ashland

Kristen O’Neill, Executive Director, Rogue Gallery and Art Center, Medford

Michael 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 – On Friday, May 3, 2024, Chairman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) led a Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries oversight field hearing titled, “How Many Wolves Are Enough? Examining the Need to Delist the Grey Wolf.”

Chairman Cliff Bentz’s opening statement (as written):

""I want to thank the witnesses for being here today and our members for their interest in the issues we’ll be discussing.

Today, 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’s hearing, many of you.

Today’s 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 “Trust the Science Act,” 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.

What was discussed during floor debate and what will be central to today’s 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.

Take 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.

Why is this such an important issue to us here today and why does the gray wolf’s 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’s 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 “not at risk of extinction in the Western United States now or in the foreseeable future.” 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.

Instead 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.

This 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!""

Highlighted Q & A from Chairman Bentz:

“Is a wolf the same [when it comes to killing animals] as your household pet?”

Mr. John Williams, Representing the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association:

“Absolutely 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’s 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’ll bring a friend back, and they’ll 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.”

Background courtesy of the House Natural Resources Committee GOP:

The 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.

The 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.

Last 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.

Watch the complete hearing:

https://www.youtube.com/live/Y32iGQ-YbCs?si=WeZwwomeVoU3IgBS

Bentz’s Opening remarks:

https://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 – 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 “Trust the Science Act” which will delist the Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act in the Lower 48 states:

WATCH: 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 ‘Natural Born Killer’ 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 – On Friday, May 3, 2024, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) will lead an oversight field hearing titled, “How Many Wolves Are Enough? Examining the Need to Delist the Grey Wolf.”

This 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.

Read more on the hearing from the Washington Examiner

“Wolves 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,” Congressman Bentz stated. “The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has admitted that ‘wolves are not at risk of extinction in the Western United States now or in the foreseeable future,’ so we must ask ourselves: how many wolves are enough?”

Bentz continued, “The 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.”

When: May 3rd, 2024 @10:00am CT

Where to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@NaturalResourcesGOP

Members:",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 ‘Natural Born Killer’ 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 – 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.

This 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.

Congressman Bentz stated, “The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has admitted that ‘wolves are not at risk of extinction in the Western United States now or in the foreseeable future,’ so we must ask ourselves: how many wolves are enough?

“Wolves 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.

“Yet, 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.”

When: May 3rd, 2024 @10:00am CT

Where to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@NaturalResourcesGOP

Read 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 – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) introduced legislation aimed at protecting agricultural producers in the Klamath Basin because of the dam removal.

“This 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,” stated Congressman Bentz. “Furthermore, 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.”

“We could not be more grateful to Representative Bentz for introducing this legislation to protect farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin,” said Paul Simmons, Executive Director of Klamath Water Users Association. “It’s proof positive of his leadership and that things can in fact happen in Washington. We look forward to working with Congressman Bentz’s office and our representatives in the Senate who have supported similar legislation in recent years.”

Read 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 – Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement on FISA:

“Today, 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.

“I also voted for Andy Bigg’s 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’s 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.

“Had this bill not passed, the probable alternative would have been a Senate bill which would not have included the Roy amendment, nor the Bigg’s 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 – 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.

This 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.

In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Young, the lawmakers wrote:

“It is indisputable that a breach of the Lower Snake River Dams would lead to innumerable challenges across the Pacific Northwest.

“The Biden administration’s 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.”

Congressman Bentz continued, “These 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.”

Read 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 – 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:

""One of the privileges I have as a Congressman is recognizing Veterans for their dedicated service to our country.

""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.

""I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to obtain his medals and present them to him today.

""He is not only a remarkable individual, but he also has a wonderful family. Thank you, Mr. Keys, for your service to our nation.""

Lieutenant 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.

Mr. 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.

When: Friday, April 5, 2024 @ 9am

Where: Stafford Hansell Building, 915 SE Columbia Dr.

Below 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

By Thomas Catenacci - Fox News

FIRST 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.

The 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.

""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.

""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.""

Bentz 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.

And 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.

""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.

""Wolves have an immense psychological impact on livestock herds that does result in losses for producers. These losses can manifest as ‘stress, sickness, and reduced weight gain and pregnancy rates when wolves scare, chase or attack livestock.’ 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 – 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’s 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’s 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.

""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.

""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.""

Congressman 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.""

Cosigners: 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 — 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:

“This ‘phase one’ title transfer of the Crooked River Project’s 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’s 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.”

Congressman Bentz joined Commissioner Touton in his Washington office to celebrate the signing of the conveyance document.

Image",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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Cliff Bentz, (OR-2) released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of the “The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act” (FCAA):

“This 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’s 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!”

Highlights from the Remaining FY24 Appropriations Legislation:

Oregon:

26 F-35s jets to be stationed at Kinsley Field, thus maintaining the huge value of this fighting force in Oregon.

H–2B 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.

Long overdue pay raise of 5.2 percent to our men and women of the armed forces.

$364.6 million for rural health programs.

Pro Life Inclusions:

Hyde 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 – General Provisions, Sec. 506-507.]

Hyde Amendment Maintenance of the prohibition on federal funding for abortion coverage in federal and local DC programs, respecting the sanctity of life.

Weldon 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 – General Provisions, Sec. 507(d).]

Dickey-Wicker Amendment – Prevents federal funding of harmful human embryo research. This provision has been enacted from FYs 1996-2023.

Border Security:

Expansion 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.

Allocation of resources for 22,000 border agents to bolster security along our nation's borders.

A 25% increase in spending on border technology to modernize and enhance surveillance capabilities.

Prohibits the federal government from hiring illegal aliens.

Prohibits funds for programs that encourage, organize, facilitate, or promote migrant caravans to the United States-Mexico border

Fiscal Discipline:

20% cut to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to encourage a better use of taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.

Cuts to the Pentagon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and Department of Defense’s (DOD) climate programs to prioritize national security and operational effectiveness.

Culture:

Prohibits the flying of flags other than the American flag over U.S. diplomatic facilities. (aka prohibits flying pride flag over US consulates and embassies)

Prevention of banning gas stoves by the Biden Administration.

Cuts totaling $2.16 billion in COVID-19 funding, reflecting a strategic approach to pandemic response.

Prohibiting funds from being used in contravention of the FY23 Congressional repeal of the COVID Vaccine Mandate

Takes back $10 billion from the Administration, partially defunding President Biden’s supercharged army of 85,000 IRS agents.

A prohibition on a Federal Law Enforcement transfer of firearms to individuals if they are suspected of being an agent of a drug cartel.

Prohibiting funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology and EcoHealth Alliance in China

Cuts $50 million in DEI programs

Protects American frees speech – continues current law language prohibiting the IRS targeting groups or individual citizens for their Fist Amendment rights.

Defense/Foreign Affairs

Defunds portions of the UN – defunds UNRWA, which has employees that participated in the October 7th attack on Israel

Increases military spending by $26 billion

Pays our troops more – includes 5.2% increased in basic military pay, the largest increase in over 20 years

Groups Supporting:

Adjutants General Association of the United States (AGAUS)

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)

AIPAC

Air and Space Forces Association (ASFA)

American Hotel and Lodging Association

American Trucking Associations

Anduril Industries

Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA)

Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA)

Coalition for Jewish Values

Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS (COA)

CUFI Action Fund

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS)

FDD Action

Foundation for American Innovation

General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Global Special Operations Forces Foundation (GSOF)

Independent Electrical Contractors

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”)

International Foodservice Distributors Association

International Franchise Association

Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA)

Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV)

Job Creators Network

Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA)

Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA)

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors

National Defense Industrial Association

National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS)

National Military Family Association (NMFA)

National Restaurant Association

National Retail Federation

Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA)

Republican Jewish Coalition

Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN)

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council

The United States Army (AUSA)

TREA: The Retired Enlisted Association

United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA)

U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA)

U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association & Enlisted Association (CPOA)

With 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 – 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.

“It 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’s Republic of China,” Congressman Bentz stated. “This bill provides a critical framework to safeguard our national security interests while minimizing disruptions to users and businesses.”

Background on H.R. 7521:

H.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’s 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 — Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address:

“President 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.

The 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.

It 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.

I 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.”",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 — 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):

“These appropriations bills represent a long, demanding, and labor-intensive effort to address the budgetary issues facing our country,"" Congressman Bentz stated. “This 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.”

Highlights from FY24 Appropriations Legislation:

Key Changes To Funding:

Fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits.

10% cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

7% cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

6% cut to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Increases funds to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), including increased funds for efforts to combat fentanyl.

Key Policy Provisions:

Prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from attacking Second Amendment rights by sending information on those seeking assistance with their benefits to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) system, without a judge's consent.

Prohibits the Department of Justice from targeting or investigating parents who exercise their right to free speech at local school board meetings.

Strengthens tracking and review of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land.

Prevents the sale of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China.

Cuts endangered species listing activities at U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

Groups 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).

“This scheme by WSDOT and the Biden Administration is a direct attack on clean energy production and navigation in the Northwest, stated Congressman Bentz. “These dams are essential to energy production, navigation, and the Northwest’s agricultural industry. Removing or adjusting their operations to negate power generation and river commerce would be devastating.”

Background:

One 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.

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

###",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 “continuing resolution” 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’s 2024 budget. In addition, the bill prevents the President from inappropriately initiating a congressionally unauthorized 30 billion-dollar expansion of a student grant program.

Congressman Bentz stated: “We 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.” 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.

Congressman 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.

Thanks 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 — 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’ decisions to apply what is a financial crimes statute against people linked to the events of January 6th, 2021.

The 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. § 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.

“The Biden Administration's use of this is a concerning overreach,” stated Congressman Bentz. “I 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.”

The amicus brief can be viewed here.

Additional members of Congress endorsing the brief include:

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota)

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)

Rep. Lauren Boebert (Colorado-03)

Rep. Jerry Carl (Alabama-01)

Rep. Michael Cloud (Texas-27)

Rep. Matt Gaetz (Florida-01)

Rep. Lance Gooden (Texas-05)

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia-14)

Rep. Harriet M. Hageman (Wyoming)

Rep. Diana Harshbarger (Tennessee-01)

Rep. Lisa McClain (Michigan-09)

Rep. Mary Miller (Illinois-15)

Rep. Alex Mooney (West Virginia-02)

Rep. Barry Moore (Alabama-02)

Rep. Andy Ogles (Tennessee-05)

Rep. Bill Posey (Florida-08)

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (Pennsylvania-14)

Rep. Matt Rosendale (Montana-02)

Rep. Tom Tiffany (Wisconsin-07)

Rep. 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:

""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’s willful refusal to comply with and enforce the nation’s 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.

Fortunately, 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’s 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.)

Most 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’s 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 – 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.

“This legislation helps our children and our economy,” Congressman Bentz stated. “It improves the Children’s 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.”

Bentz continued, “The 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.”

Important Provisions in The Tax Relief for American Families Act:

Boosts American business and manufacturing through tax cuts and incentives, including:

Extending research & development (R&D) tax breaks to help companies invest and compete.

Lowering borrowing costs for small businesses facing high interest rates.

Full write-offs for equipment investments to keep jobs in America.

Simplifying regulations and reporting requirements for small businesses.

Provides disaster relief by:

Simplifying tax rules for casualty losses in natural disaster zones.

Excluding certain disaster compensation from income taxes.

Treating specific disaster payments as deductible.

Extends and improves the child tax credit (for 2025), making it:

Available for all children in a family, regardless of size.

Indexed to inflation to keep up with rising costs.

Groups Supporting:

Students for Life Action

Susan 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.

""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.""

Bentz continued, ""This isn't just about water. The Snake River Dams and Columbia River are essential to the Northwest’s energy production, navigation, and agricultural industry. It is critical that Congress protect the Pacific Northwest’s economy by approving these submissions.""

What is the Water Resources Development Act?

The 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.

Details on Bentz's Requests:

Program Name: Columbia River Pile Dike Maintenance

Description: Pile Dike Maintenance Definition Clarification.

The Corps’ 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.

Proposed language to clarify the maintenance of pile dikes includes, “Extension 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.”

Currently, authorized projects in the Columbia River with pile dikes includes: • Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) - River and Harbor Act of 1884, 1905, 1954, 1983 • Columbia and Lower Willamette Below Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR (C&LW) - Rivers and Harbors Acts 1912, 1930, 1962, 1999 • Columbia River between Vancouver, WA and The Dalles, OR (VTD) - Rivers and Harbors Act of 1938, 1946 • Columbia River at Baker Bay, WA & OR (Baker Bay) - River and Harbor Act of 1933, 1935, 1945

Program Name: Navigation, Columbia River Channel, Oregon and Washington

Description: Project to be modified: 1999 WRDA Section 101(b) & (b) (13)

It 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.

Despite 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’s 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’s 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.

Title: LSRD Protection

After 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 “restore salmon and steelhead” to “healthy and abundant levels”, determining replacement energy services through numerous studies.

Title: 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:

""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’s 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. – 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.

""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.""

Bentz 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.""

The 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. — 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.

He 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.

Congressman Bentz was impressed with Yahir’s creativity and skill stating, “I applaud Yahir for his coding skills with the goal of making car issues less stressful for drivers at various experience levels,” Congressman Bentz said. “The judge’s evaluations encourage Yahir’s aspirations to expand the app’s 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.”",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’ 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.

""I am honored to nominate these outstanding young Oregonians to America’s 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’s 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.

I 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.""

Serving on Bentz’ 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.

The 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.

Students who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit Bentz’ website at https://bentz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.

The nominees from Oregon are as follows:

2023 Academy Nominee’s

Baker County

Ashton Letourneau, son of Jason and Cassi Letourneau of Baker City, attending Home School - nominated to the Unites States Air Force Academy.

Deschutes County

Henry Micek, son of Edward Micek III and Laura Schaben of Bend, attending Caldera High School - nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Jackson County

Christian Derek, son of Todd and Sarah Derek of Central Point, attending the University of Oregon – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Sean Donohue, son of Robert Donohue and Jennifer Drake of Phoenix, attending Phoenix High School – nominated to the United States Naval Academy.

Mia Marinucci, daughter of James and Heather Marinucci of Eagle Point, attending Eagle Point High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Timothy Paul, son of Michael and Susan Paul of Applegate, attending Osan Midde High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Alyssa Powell, daughter of Eric and Sarti Powell of Eagle Point, attending Eagle Point High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Wren Rambo, son of Tom and Sidney Rambo of Central Point, attending Crater Academy of Health and Public Service High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Jefferson County

Hunter Carpen, son of Dwight Carpen and Kellie Passarello of Madras, attending Madras High School – nominated to the United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy.

Josephine County

Aiden Fiske, son of Jason and Amy Fiske of Grants Pass, attending Hidden Valley High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Klamath County

Konnor Lilly, son of Michael and Katherine of Klamath Falls, attending T.R. Robinson High School - nominated to the Unites States Naval Academy.

Lake County

Samuel 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.

Wasco County",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-house-senate-lawmakers-demand-supreme-court-block-white-house-eco,"ICYMI: House, Senate lawmakers demand Supreme Court block White House eco actions: 'Set the record straight'",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-senate-lawmakers-demand-supreme-court-block-white-house-eco-actions-set-record-straight

By Thomas Catenacci - Fox News

FIRST ON FOX: A group of dozens of House and Senate Republicans filed a legal brief Monday to urge the Supreme Court to take up two cases related to President Biden's authority to lock up public lands from resource development and other uses.

In the brief first obtained by Fox News Digital, the lawmakers — led by Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., and joined by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and 26 other lawmakers including three senators — argued that the president's use of the 1906 Antiquities Act is an example of federal overreach and violates the U.S. Constitution.

The lawmakers specifically asked the high court to hear both American Forest Resource Council v. United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden, two cases challenging the expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southwest Oregon. Plaintiffs have argued that the monument expansion was both illegal and caused significant economic damage, particularly to the timber industry.

""We urge the Supreme Court to hear these cases and send a clear message that the President cannot simply bypass Congress and rewrite our nation's land laws with the stroke of a pen,"" Bentz said in a statement. ""This is about upholding the Constitution, protecting our rural communities, and ensuring responsible management of our public lands.""

The Antiquities Act, designed as a federal conservation tool, grants the president broad authority to establish national monuments on existing federal lands. Since taking office in 2021, Biden has established five such monuments in Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Mississippi and Arizona, which have faced opposition from industry, lawmakers and garnered legal challenges.

Invoking the Antiquities Act and establishing a national monument effectively blocks the designated lands from normal uses. Under separate legislation passed in the 1970s, Congress established the so-called ""multiple-use"" and sustained yield mandate, requiring the Bureau of Land Management to open the lands it manages to various uses including energy development like drilling, grazing, recreation and mining.

""For far too long the executive branch has abused the Antiquities Act to cut off millions of acres of public lands, an action that greatly impacts rural communities across the country and ignores Congress’ directive on how those lands must be responsibly managed,"" Westerman said Tuesday.

""The president does not have the constitutional authority to lock away our federal land and waters, especially without any local input,"" he said. ""I urge the Supreme Court to take up these two critical cases and set the record straight on the executive branch’s authority when it comes to regulating our federal lands and waters.""

But while the two cases are focused on that monument, they have much wider ramifications for future use of the Antiquities Act and national monuments created by Biden over the last two years, according to plaintiffs.

Biden's designation of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument in Arizona, for example, have faced opposition that included legal challenges from state governments as well as mining, livestock and agriculture groups.

""Whether you’re living in southwest Oregon near the illegal expansion of the monument, in Utah where numerous presidential proclamations have placed massive areas off-limits in recent years, or in Washington, D.C., where concerns about the protection of our democracy and constitutional processes are top of mind, this case and its outcome are critical to the future management of our federal lands,"" American Forest Resource Council (AFRC) President Travis Joseph said last month.

In 2019, after the AFRC sued the federal government over the designation of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, a lower court ruled in favor of the group and said the executive branch lacked authority to override the will of Congress which, in separate legislation, defined sustained-yield timber harvest as the dominant use of public land in Oregon.

Then in July, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision. Months earlier, in April, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals came to a similar conclusion in Murphy Company v. Biden, the second case that Republicans asked the Supreme Court to review.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-leads-bicameral-coalition-amicus-brief-urging-supreme-court-curb,Bentz Leads Bicameral Coalition in Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Curb Presidential Overreach under the Antiquities Act,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) announced that he is leading a coalition of Congressmen and Senators in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court, urging the Court to hear two important and critical cases challenging the President's misuse of the Antiquities Act to establish National Monuments. These cases, American Forest Resource Council v. United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden, present a clear opportunity for the Court to establish limits on presidential authority and uphold the Constitution's separation of powers doctrine.

""The Constitution makes it clear that Congress, not the President, makes our laws. The President’s job is not to make law, but to enforce them. Yet, in recent years, Presidents have increasingly usurped congressional authority by using the Antiquities Act to 'Monumentize' millions upon millions of acres of public land rendering massive areas largely untouchable. This blatant disregard for the will of the people is an affront to the Constitution,"" stated Congressman Bentz. ""In this brief we urge the Supreme Court to hear these cases and to make it clear that the President cannot circumvent Congress by rewriting our nation's public land

laws with the stroke of a pen. This is about upholding the Constitution, protecting our public lands from being left to burn up, and that they can be properly managed with the their best interest in mind.""

The amicus brief highlights several key concerns:

Presidential Overreach: The President's recent national

monument designation in Oregon overrides Congress's directive for

how these lands must be managed, specifically the O&C Act, which

mandates sustained-yield timber production to generate revenue for

rural communities. The President’s actions set a dangerous precedent

of executive overreach on all federal lands and waters.

Economic Devastation: The President’s monument designation

cripples forest-dependent communities and exacerbates the wildfire

crisis by severely limiting essential forest management practices.

Constitutional Violation: The Constitution vests Congress, not the

President, with the power to regulate federal lands. This case is an

opportunity for the Supreme Court to reaffirm the separation of

powers and protect the rights of American citizens.

Travis Joseph, American Forest Resource Council President stated, ""We thank Congressman Cliff Bentz for his leadership on the Congressional amicus brief, and for bringing awareness to these important issues on Capitol Hill. Congressman Bentz and his colleagues understand the Constitutional issues that are at stake; the need to maintain and strengthen the separation of powers; and to ensure that Congress - not the President - continues to make the laws on behalf of the Americans they represent.""

""For far too often, Congress has given the Executive Branch too much authority to manage and lock up Federal lands,"" said Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). ""Both the Obama and Biden Administrations have abused the Antiquities Act to create new national monuments out of our federal lands to lock them up from development in opposition to the intent of Congress. It’s past time for members of Congress to reclaim authority relating to the Antiquities Act, which is why I signed on to this Amicus Brief to make our argument clear to the Supreme Court as they review cases.""

Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) stated, ""For far too long the executive branch has abused the Antiquities Act to cut off millions of acres of public lands, an action that greatly impacts rural communities across the country and ignores Congress’ directive on how those lands must be responsibly managed. The President does not have the constitutional authority to lock away our federal land and waters, especially without any local input. I urge the Supreme Court to take up these two critical cases and set the record straight on the executive branch’s authority when it comes to regulating our federal lands and waters.""

""For years, the Obama and Biden Administrations used the Antiquities Act to institutionalize massive executive overreach, seizing acres and acres of land without consequence. In some Congressional Districts, almost 80% of rural land was set aside as public or federal land,"" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks (IA-01). ""We must preserve the use of federal lands for responsible recreational, agricultural, and energy use. I am proud to join my colleagues in urging the Supreme Court to curb executive overreach and require the Administration to consult Congress before making rash decisions about our federal lands.""

""I am proud to join my colleagues in asking the Supreme Court to impose a limit on a president’s authority under the Antiquities Act,"" Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) said. ""Congress should determine whether public land can become an untouchable national monument; not the president. The Biden Administration is taking land away Congress requires be sustainably harvested to generate revenue for rural counties. I have worked, on a bipartisan basis, to extend Good Neighbor Authority to counties and tribes, helping them with job creation and revenue from timber harvests, along with managing the risk of wildfires and good environmental stewardship of our forests. I hope the Supreme Court hears the message loud and clear: Congress – not the President – has the constitutional authority over federal lands.""

Congressman John Rose (TN-06) added, ""President Biden's heavy-handed approach to using the Antiquities Act must be halted by the Supreme Court. As an attorney and eighth-generation farmer, I understand that the best stewards of public lands are the local communities who manage and depend on them—not the federal government—and that President Biden's use of the Antiquities Act is blatantly unconstitutional. I am proud to join Rep. Bentz in this amicus brief to hold the president accountable to the constitution and prevent him from damaging rural southwest Oregon communities that depend on this public land.""

""Once again, the Biden administration is overstepping its authority and restricting more of our lands from use. The Antiquities Act is just one of many ways that the Biden administration is keeping Americans from gaining energy independence, enjoying sport & recreation activities, and restricting every ability to do anything except “conserve” land in the name of a ridiculous climate change agenda. I urge the Supreme Court to take up this case and to strike down this Biden abuse of office,"" Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-AL) concluded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-releases-statement-support-national-defense-authorization-act,Bentz Releases Statement in Support of the National Defense Authorization Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) released the following statement after voting “yes” on H.R. 2670, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

“The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is absolutely essential to the safety and security of every American. There is simply nothing more important than being able to defend our country and our freedoms. The bill is not perfect, but it takes huge steps in the right direction. This bill helps us prepare for the worst, and the list of really bad things that could happen grows longer every day.

One of the good things done in this bill is that it secures funding for Kingsley Field’s next mission, which is to train elite F-35A Lightning II jet pilots in Klamath Falls.

For nearly 70 years, Kingsley Field has played a critical role in safeguarding our nation's air superiority. Since taking office, securing Kingsley's future has been a top priority, and I'm thrilled the Air Force has chosen Kingsley for this essential mission.”

FY24 NDAA Highlights:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-releases-statement-following-todays-wwf-hearing-snake-river-dams,Bentz Releases Statement Following Today's WWF Hearing on the Snake River Dams,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - “Today’s Congressional hearing called out the Biden Administration for engaging in secret discussions to breach the four lower Snake River dams, to impose upon the people of the northwest billions in costs to replace thousands of megawatts of clean reliable power generated by these dams, and, if that was not enough, to force the people of the Northwest to inequitably pay billions in higher utility rates under the guise of building fish runs to levels not seen in centuries.” – Congressman Cliff Bentz

Click here to watch today's hearing.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-house-panel-probe-biden-admins-negotiations-eco-groups-trying-tear-down,ICYMI: House panel to probe Biden admin's negotiations with eco groups trying to tear down key power source,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-panel-probe-biden-admins-negotiations-eco-groups-trying-tear-down-key-power-source

By Thomas Catenacci - Fox News

FIRST ON FOX: A top House panel is probing the Biden administration's negotiations with left-wing environmental groups seeking to remove four hydroelectric dams in Washington to protect salmon.

The House Natural Resources Committee's Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee will hold a hearing next week, on Dec. 12, where it will review efforts to effectively dismantle the dams — which are a key source of clean energy and which enable agricultural transport — and related litigation. Experts and industry groups will speak at the hearing about the importance of the four federally-managed dams.

""Pacific Northwest residents should be extremely concerned,"" Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., who chairs the subcommittee, told Fox News Digital in an interview. ""It's exactly what we've been saying for years — that we have unelected folks, bureaucrats, especially in the [Council on Environmental Quality], dramatically exceeding their authority and basically stepping outside the description of what they have the power to do reflected in National Environmental Protection Act.""

Bentz said that he hopes witnesses will be able to highlight how removing, or breaching, the dams will impact electricity rates consumers pay and farmers who transport hundreds of thousands of tons of food, especially wheat, aided by the dams. The four dams are located on the lower Snake River, which winds through Idaho and Washington before feeding into the Columbia River and then into the Pacific Ocean.

The hearing next week is set to feature Scott Simms, the CEO and executive director of the Public Power Council; Neil Maunu, the executive director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association; and Humaria Falkenberg, the power resources manager at the Pacific County Public Utility District in Raymond, Washington.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator Richard Spinrad and White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chairwoman Brenda Mallory both declined to attend the hearing. John Hairston, the administrator and CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, Oregon, also declined to attend.

The four dams on the lower Snake River have been thrust into the spotlight in recent months and years as environmental organizations and some Democrats have argued the dams have decimated salmon and Steelhead populations, According to Columbia Riverkeeper, an Oregon eco group, the dams transformed the river into ""a series of warm, shallow lakes where predators, dam turbines and hot water kill too many migrating salmon.""

In addition, such groups have filed litigation against the federal government in an effort to force the dams to be breached. In November, though, environmental plaintiffs agreed to pause litigation through mid-December after a mediation was crafted with federal defendants that states action must be taken to save fish in the Snake River.

""We agree that business as usual — and the consequential disappearance of salmon and other native fish populations in the Columbia River Basin — is unacceptable,"" the mediation, which was confidential until it was leaked last week, states. ""And while there is still time to save these fish, there is no time to waste.""

The mediation notes that Democratic Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., released recommendations last year to quickly deploy green energy in the region to account for lost power were the four dams to be torn down. The document later notes the region must account for power to replace energy services currently provided by the dams.

""Instead of working with all interests, the U.S. Government chose for months to hold secret negotiations and refused to share any details with us, let alone allow our participation,"" said the executive directors of Northwest RiverPartners, the Public Power Council, and the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, which collectively represent power utilities, ports, agriculture companies and other businesses dependent on the dams.

""It is not surprising, then, that this proposal turns its back on over three million electricity customers as well as the farming, transportation, navigation, and economic needs of the region,"" they continued. ""By purposely excluding our respective organizations from the negotiations, literally millions of Northwest residents were deprived of fair representation in this process.""

The American Public Power Association and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association also blasted the leaked mediation last week, saying ""it would jeopardize electric reliability and increase costs for millions of Americans throughout the Pacific Northwest.""

After the mediation was leaked last week, the White House CEQ told Fox News Digital that breaching the lower Snake River dams would require congressional authorization ""and is therefore not an action that could be agreed to through the mediation.""

However, Bentz said while the federal government isn't able to breach the dams without congressional action, it could ""operationally neuter"" the dams under a legal order.

""They're not talking about breaching,"" Bentz told Fox News Digital. ""They're talking about operating them in a fashion that doesn't generate power and doesn't allow navigation. They will just be a big block of concrete in the river, around which the water will run.""

The dams were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers primarily to ensure the Snake River was passable for barge transportation. However, since then, the main benefit has been their reliable clean energy output. They still provide about 8% of the state's electricity, enough to serve millions of residents, and have a large total capacity of 3,000 megawatts.

Removing the dams would also likely chip away at U.S. climate goals since their energy production would likely need to be replaced by fossil fuel alternatives. According to federal data, replacing hydropower generated by the dams with natural gas generation would increase carbon emissions by up to 2.6 million metric tons per year, the equivalent of 421,000 passenger cars.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-bentz-lead-water-wildlife-and-fisheries-hearing-examining-biden,"Chairman Bentz to Lead Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Hearing Examining the Biden Administration’s Efforts to Eliminate the Pacific Northwest’s Clean Energy Production.",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington DC – Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) announced that on Tuesday, December 12th, the Congressional Subcommittee of Natural Resources on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries will hold a hearing on the Biden Administration's destructive, politicized, unfair, and deceptive scheme to ultimately remove the four lower Snake River Dams.

The Biden Administration's scheme is a direct attack on clean energy production and navigation in the Northwest. These four dams are essential to energy production, navigation on the Snake River into Idaho, and the Northwest’s agricultural industry. Removing or adjusting their operations to negate power generation and river commerce would be devastating. This hearing will expose this Administration's reckless and destructive policies and give the people most impacted by them an opportunity to be heard.

The hearing will feature expert testimony on the economic, environmental, legal, and inequitable impacts that would occur if these dams were removed or operationally destroyed. Witnesses will also discuss the Biden Administration's overreach and abuse of power as shown by its perversion of the court process by use of “sue and settle” tactics.

When: December 12th, 2:00 pm ET

Where to Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@NaturalResourcesGOP",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-and-colleagues-demand-transparency-access-secret-package-columbia-river,"Bentz and Colleagues Demand Transparency, Access to Secret Package in Columbia River System Operations Mediation",2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) joined Representatives Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), and Russ Fulcher (ID-01) in demanding the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) grant immediate access to the “package of actions and commitments” recently negotiated in the mediation concerning the Columbia River System Operations.

On October 31, 2023, the legal stay in the long-running court litigation related to the Columbia River System Operations expired. A 45-day stay extension was approved to allow federal mediation to continue. Shortly thereafter, federal defendants and plaintiffs filed a report to the court regarding the future of the litigation. In the status update report, the document noted the following:

""During the extended stay, representatives from the United States, and staff teams for the National Wildlife Federation et al. Plaintiffs, the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe (collectively, “Parties”), have developed a package of actions and commitments that they intend to discuss with the other regional sovereigns and litigation parties and, following conferral, present to the Parties’ decision-makers for final review and approval. If approved, the Parties intend to ask this Court to enter a multi-year stay of the litigation to allow the Parties to implement this package of actions and commitments.""

In a letter to Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, the lawmakers wrote:

""In addition to expecting the immediate transmittal of the proposed USG commitments, we find it necessary to remind you Congress alone has the authority not only to order the breach of the Lower Snake River Dams, but also exclusive authority to direct the study of breaching or to authorize replacement resources.""

""This is statutory fact, and we warn the administration not to attempt to circumvent that fact through clever wordsmithing.""

The letter is supported by stakeholders directly affected by the results of the mediation including TRIDEC, Washington Wheat Association, Public Power Council, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association.

""The four lower Snake River dams, along with the energy, navigation, and irrigation benefits they provide, are critically important to the Tri-Cities and the entire Pacific Northwest,"" Karl Dye, President & CEO, TRIDEC stated. ""The many stakeholders who stand to be impacted by the outcome of this mediation deserve a seat at the table and to have their voices heard. This is a basic tenet of our system of government, and it is fundamentally unfair for select groups to be left out of the decision-making process on an issue that affects them directly. We sincerely appreciate Representatives Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, Fulcher, and Bentz for their work to address this concern, and we hope that in the future all impacted parties will have an opportunity to participate.""

""We are appreciative of the efforts of these Representatives, demanding transparency in federal processes that have broad-reaching impacts on stakeholder communities including, the Washington wheat industry,"" said Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, Washington Wheat Association. ""We have said all along that healthy salmon and dams can coexist, but this can only happen through cooperative work and the ability for all stakeholders to come together in a productive way. Lack of clear direction and transparency from the Federal government only hinders the ability of that progress.""

Scott Simms, CEO & Executive Director, Public Power Council (PPC) stated, ""the people of the Pacific Northwest have really been let down by this so-called process being run by the Council on Environmental Quality. Our non-profit, community-owned member utilities and their customers were never given a real chance from the get-go, as we just recently learned a few parties in the litigation were working secretly with the federal government for more than six months on a ‘package of actions and commitments.’ We can’t wait for the day when the current confidentiality gag order is lifted on those proposed actions and commitments and everyone gets to see for themselves the level of uncertainty and prospective new costs that are being proposed for Northwest citizens as a result of these secret dealings.""

""We are deeply disappointed in the flawed process that resulted in the creation of the USG Actions and Commitments document, Neil Maunu, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association stated. ""Despite our organization’s extensive efforts to contribute as industry and subject matter experts, our input was overlooked for months while the plaintiffs engaged in secretive negotiations with the Council on Environmental Quality. This failure to consider the expertise and perspective of our members who rely on the critical navigation services provided by the system has left us with grave concerns about the credibility and fairness of the resulting package of actions and commitments. We urge transparency and fairness in this process and call on this administration to do so.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentzs-statement-praising-speaker-johnsons-efforts-avert,Congressman Bentz's Statement Praising Speaker Johnson's Efforts to Avert a Government Shutdown,2023-11-17,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C. – This week, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) voted for Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan to fund the government and avert a shutdown.

“I voted with Speaker Johnson because I support his short-term funding plan which will give us the time we need to keep working on reductions in spending. As the Speaker knows, a shutdown would cause serious hardships to many who work in the military, the TSA, agencies charged with issuing permits, and even agencies who send out government entitlement payments,” said Congressman Bentz. “Additionally, a government shutdown would be damaging to our economy and to our national security. I am fully committed to working with my colleagues to reduce spending while at the same time keeping the government open and operating.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cliff-bentz-statement-israel,Congressman Cliff Bentz Statement on Israel,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"I have long been a supporter of Israel and its people. The United States has consistently supported Israel, and I am proud to have been a part of that effort. Over the past three years, I have voted for a significant number of bills that help and support Israel. These bills include:

H.R. 5323 - Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act 2022

H.Con.Res.57 - Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel.

H.R.3099 - Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act

H.Res.771 - Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.

H.Res.793 - Calling on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during October 2023 attack on Israel.

I believe that supporting Israel is not only the right thing to do, but it is also in America’s national interest. Israel is the only democratic nation in the Middle East, and it shares our values of freedom, democracy, and human rights while being a vital ally. We have a long history of cooperation on a wide range of issues, including security, counterterrorism, and economic development.

The recent attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians are horrifying and have no place in a civilized world. Hamas is a terrorist organization that has repeatedly launched attacks against Israeli civilians, and I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. Israel has the right to defend itself, and I stand with Israel. Sadly, there are thousands of innocent victims in both Israel and Gaza who are being impacted by this senseless war started and perpetuated by Hamas and we must do what we can to help them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-releases-statement-secretary-mayorkas-impeachment-vote,Congressman Bentz Releases Statement on Secretary Mayorkas Impeachment Vote,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"There is no question that Secretary Mayorkas has failed to carry out his duties as cabinet secretary, putting the American people at serious and decades-long risk. His implementation of the Biden border policies has resulted in the worst mass illegal migration into the United States that we have ever experienced. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I have twice had the opportunity to personally question Secretary Mayorkas regarding his failure to protect our country.

The bottom line is this: if we actually want to impeach AND convict Secretary Mayorkas, we must proceed correctly, and go through “regular order.” “Regular order” means using the committee process to reach a solution.

The United States House of Representatives has the power to impeach, but not the power to convict. Articles of Impeachment are the equivalent of an indictment. To be removed from office, the impeachment resolution, once passed by the House, must be taken up by the Senate, a trial held, and then if there is a two-thirds affirmative vote in the Senate, the person is “convicted” and only then would he be removed from office. The Senate is not obligated to take up articles of impeachment, and I can guarantee you that the current Senate would never take up a resolution that had not gone through committee (regular order). This failure to follow “regular order” is one of the reasons that the second Trump impeachment was flawed, and a reason, among others, that many of us used to justify our votes objecting to that impeachment effort. Mayorkas is currently the focus of an impeachment inquiry in our Republican Homeland Security Oversight Committee, and we are told that this committee will act soon. (This is the committee to which the resolution was referred).

I will continue to do all that I can to hold Secretary Mayorkas responsible for his absolute failure to protect the American People. I will support conducting the impeachment process in a manner that maximizes our opportunity to have Mayorkas face trial in the Senate and prevents the Democrats from arguing that we failed to follow the Constitution, failed to follow regular order, and failed to properly develop the facts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-bentz-and-chairman-massie-send-letter-environmental-quality-chair,Chairman Bentz and Chairman Massie Send Letter to Environmental Quality Chair Demanding Answers on Lower Snake River Dams Interference,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C. – Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust Committee on the Judiciary, Thomas Massie (KY-04) joined Chairman of the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee, Cliff Bentz (OR-02) in sending a letter to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chair Brenda Mallory requesting documents related to the CEQ's role in mediation and settlement discussions regarding the Lower Snake River Dams.

The letter expresses concern that the CEQ has exceeded its authority by actively participating in these discussions, favoring certain parties, and potentially violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

“The Council on Environmental Quality appears to have dramatically overstepped its authority by interfering in ongoing litigation concerning operation of the Snake River Dams,” said Congressman Bentz. “The CEQ is supposed to act as an advisory board to Federal agencies concerning process and not policy. Instead, it has become the environmental arm of the Biden Administration. This interference is a misuse of the CEQ’s time and resources, extending far beyond its original mandate.”

Read the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-secures-amendment-prohibiting-funding-establishment-monument,Congressman Bentz Secures Amendment Prohibiting Funding for Establishment of Monument,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) announced that his amendment to H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024, was adopted and included in the bill which passed out of the House of Representatives on November 3rd. The amendment prohibits the use of funds approved in the bill for the establishment of any National Monument in Malheur County, Oregon.

“We don’t want a 2.5-million-acre monument promoted by Portland-based environmental groups making decisions for land they have never seen and frankly, only care about in the abstract. We must have a land management process that is based on the people who live, work, appreciate and recreate in Malheur County,” Congressman Bentz stated. “The Bureau of Land Management already controls 67% of our county, and a national monument designation would be damaging to the land and communities in Malheur. Our amendment sends a clear message to the President that we oppose a National Monument and that this would undermine the hard work that local groups have been doing for the better part of six years to protect this land.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-colleagues-host-field-hearing-lower-snake-river-dam-removal,"Bentz, Colleagues to Host Field Hearing on Lower Snake River Dam Removal",2023-06-21,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) announced that the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries is hosting a field hearing in Richland, Washington this Monday, June 26th, at 1:00 PM PT. The hearing is titled ""The Northwest at Risk: The Environmentalist's Effort to Destroy Navigation, Transportation, and Access to Reliable Power.""

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to hold a Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Congressional field hearing in Richland, Washington focusing on the future of the four Lower Snake River dams. These multi-billion-dollar energy and transportation facilities provide irreplaceable benefits not only to the citizens of Washington and Idaho, but to the entire western United States. The hearing will highlight how the Biden Administration, through abuse of the administrative process, use of “sue and settle” tactics, failure to defend the interests of the Northwest, and selective use of science to achieve political rather than biologically sound solutions, is advancing an agenda of economic and community destruction while doing nothing for our fish. My Congressional colleagues and I look forward to the hearing this Monday, June 26th, at the Richland High School auditorium.” - Rep. Bentz",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-announces-kingsley-field-will-receive-f-35a-lightning-ii-jet,Bentz Announces Kingsley Field Will Receive F-35A Lightning II Jet,2023-05-31,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement regarding the future of Kinglsey Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

“I am extremely pleased to say that I have just been informed by General David Allvin, Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, that Kingsley Field will have a next mission, and it will be training pilots to fly the F-35A Lightning II jet. For nearly seventy years, Kingsley’s missions have been absolutely essential to our country’s air superiority and the Klamath Falls community. Since day one in Congress, I have made Kingsley Field’s future missions a top priority, including securing the F-35 mission. I was very happy last year to have had an amendment included in the FY23 NDAA that requires the United States Air Force to submit public plans for the future of bases operating with the F-15 Strike Eagle, like Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls. The Air Force’s decision to provide Kingsley with the F-35 is great news for our country, Oregon, and Klamath Falls, and I look forward to seeing the amazing work of the 173rd Fighter Wing in continuing to train the best air-to-air combat pilots in the world.”

Kingsley Field is named after Lt. David R. Kingsley, an Oregon World War II hero killed in action in June of 1944. In 1954, the United States Air Force selected Klamath Falls for the establishment of an all-weather-fighter-interceptor-squadron and an aircraft control and warning squadron. Kingsley is now home to the 173rd Fighter Wing, which was activated on June 27, 1996.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-supports-historic-debt-ceiling-deal-largest-spending-cut-us-history,"Bentz Supports Historic Debt Ceiling Deal, Largest Spending Cut in U.S. History",2023-05-31,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) issued a statement on his vote in favor of the ""Fiscal Responsibility Act.""

“This bill, H.R. 3746, the “Fiscal Responsibility Act,” is the result of Speaker McCarthy forcing President Biden to the bargaining table, where our team was able to negotiate a truly meaningful deal, giving me – and the entire House of Representatives – the opportunity to vote for the largest spending cut in U.S. history. We blocked new taxes proposed by President Biden, capped discretionary spending at a 1% increase per year, reformed NEPA for the first time in 40 years, rescinded billions in COVID money, adjusted welfare requirements to incentivize individuals to seek employment, restarted $5 billion a month in student loan payments, protected Veterans, and maintained defense spending. Perhaps the best part of this deal is that if Congress fails to properly fund the government via the 12 appropriations bills passed by the Senate, all budgets will be automatically cut by 1% thus forcing everyone to the table. Moreover, Speaker McCarthy and his negotiators were able to do this while only looking at 11% of the entire budget (89% of the budget – Social Security, Medicare, the military, and Veterans were off the table). This deal represents a monumental achievement by House Republicans, and it is a much-needed step in the right direction in getting our fiscal house back in order."" - Rep. Cliff Bentz",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-announces-winner-2023-congressional-art-competition,Bentz Announces Winner of 2023 Congressional Art Competition,2023-05-15,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-O2) announced that Cali Lees, a sophomore from Phoenix High School, has been selected as the winner of OR-02’s 2023 Congressional Art Competition out of a record number of 43 talented submissions! Cali’s painting, entitled Cumulus Clouds, was selected by a panel of three judges who praised the piece as a ""lovely, straight-forward composition with good use of color relationships”. Cali will 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.

""I am extremely happy to congratulate Cali on this terrific achievement. I look forward to seeing Cumulus Clouds each day as I walk to and from the House Chamber. I want to thank her for this incredible piece – Congratulations, Cali!"" - Rep. Bentz.

Bentz also announced three regional winners from Oregon’s Second District. Each regional winner will have his or her art displayed in one of Congressman Bentz’s offices in Medford, OR, Ontario, OR, or Washington, D.C.

1) The Seeds of Growth by Shayna Giron-Lopez, Phoenix High School, grade 11

2) Lily Cat by Rowen Wiley, Phoenix High School, grade 10

3) Slow Your Roll by Brissa Bauer, Phoenix High School, grade 11

Congressman Bentz also thanked the judges for the 2023 competition. “I am very thankful to the judges who volunteered their time and expertise to our district's art competition,” Bentz said. “They helped make this year's competition not just memorable but also a great success.” The judges for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition in Oregon’s Second Congressional District were:

1) Kim Hearon, Executive Director, Rogue Gallery & Art Center, Medford

2) Cody Bustamante, Professor of Painting and Drawing, Southern Oregon University, Ashland

3) Michael Sell, Associate Professor of Art, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program for students to showcase their artistic abilities and highlight the importance of art education. Since its start in 1982, more than 700,000 high school students from around the country have participated. More information on the competition can be found via Rep. Bentz’s website at https://bentz.house.gov/services/art-competition.

See Cali’s beautiful piece below!",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/lummis-bentz-lead-colleagues-introducing-congressional-review-act-overturn,"Lummis, Bentz lead Colleagues in Introducing Congressional Review Act to Overturn Biden Rule on the Endangered Species Act",2023-03-31,2023,2023-03,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) led 17 of her colleagues in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to retain the regulatory definition of habitat within the Endangered Species Act (ESA). By defining habitat, this CRA will provide clarity and transparency to landowners and businesses in Wyoming and throughout the west.

“There is an important distinction between ‘habitat’ and ‘critical habitat’ for an endangered species,” said Lummis. “By scrapping the definition of habitat within the ESA, the Biden administration is causing chaos and confusion among private property owners throughout Wyoming and the west. Two-thirds of all endangered species are located on private lands, so private property owners need to be partners in species recover, not the enemy. This CRA will ensure that Wyoming landowners are not unfairly targeted by the administration and that habitat designations are based on science, not on politics.”

“The Biden administration is once again burdening Wyoming farmers, ranchers and landowners with regulations that hurt our agriculture producers and reduces land value,” said Barrasso. “I’m proud to join Sen. Lummis’ effort to reinstate the Trump administration’s rule to clearly define habitats under the Endangered Species Act.”

“By finalizing a new critical habitat designation, the Biden administration is once again increasing costs, creating more red tape, and ultimately making it more difficult to build here in America. We should be making it easier to achieve our conservation goals through clear definitions, but the Biden designation would only drive more uncertainty for landowners across our country. I appreciate Senator Lummis for her leadership in challenging this new rule, and will continue to support commonsense checks on this administration’s misguided policies,” Capito said.

“The Biden administration has cast a net so broad that nearly anywhere could qualify as a critical habitat. This misguided definition will have far reaching effects on Idaho’s farming, ranching, land management, and mining projects, and it will delay numerous projects vital to our rural communities. This resolution of disapproval provides the Senate with an opportunity to return some much needed common sense to critical habitat designation,” said Risch.

“Providing an exact definition for ‘habitat’ is necessary for transparency and clarity as stakeholders make decisions regarding wildlife and proper management practices,” said Crapo. “The Biden Administration’s rollback of the definition of ‘habitat’ is unnecessary and only adds confusion when dealing with important wildlife issues.”

“Once again, President Biden has attempted to take a common-sense law intended to protect endangered species and use it to expand the power of executive bureaucrats to intrude on the lives of North Carolina’s builders and job creators. I’m proud to join Senator Lummis’s CRA to stop this latest power grab,” said Budd.

“Oklahomans are more than willing to do their part to protect species on the endangered species list, but more and more often the rules and regulations for the Endangered Species Act are not rational,” said Lankford. “The Critical Habitat rule gives the Biden Administration free rein to interpret any geographic area across the country—not just the one a listed species currently occupies—as a ‘critical habitat’ in need of federal protection under the ESA. This radical environmentalist proposal potentially impacts landowners, a variety of industries crucial to Oklahoma, jobs, and existing wildlife recovery efforts nationwide. Oklahomans are tired of the federal government picking animals and plants over people, especially when the ESA only has about a two percent success rate of species recovery since the 1970s. I want to protect our plants and wildlife, but I stand firmly against this rule.”

“This CRA is about pushing back on the overreaching Biden rule that doesn’t respect private property rights and would lead to uncertainty for landowners when it comes to whether their property may be designated as critical habitat,” said Hoeven.

“We can all agree that safeguarding our environment and ensuring wildlife habitat is protected for future generations is important. There are commonsense measures we can take to support conservation without trampling on the rights of landowners. I’m pleased to support this effort to block this overreaching regulation,” said Boozman.

“Farmers and ranchers must be left to manage their land how they see fit,” Marshall said. “As the original conservationists, who have worked for centuries to leave the world better than they found it and maintain our land for the enjoyment of their kids and grandkids, we cannot let overreaching and fluctuating habitat definitions undermine the great work our producers are doing. This Administration’s regulatory overhaul of the ESA undermines our landowners and leaves them with a lot of uncertainty. That is why I am fully supporting this CRA that rolls back burdensome limitations on land use and costly mitigation requirements.“

Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Boozman (R-AR), John Hoeven (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) cosponsored the CRA.

Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) introduced a companion CRA in the U.S. House of Representatives alongside Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), David Valadao (R-CA) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).

“The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is being misused, abused, and misapplied, and it is time to get to work on fixing this. If the ESA is to work properly, without bankrupting all businesses and the USA, federal agencies must follow the science and narrowly target their efforts in ways best suited for the species, while not destroying communities. The Biden Administration, when it rescinded the Trump Critical Habitat Rule, gave Washington bureaucrats the green light to designate critical habitat where the species in question had not been seen in decades. This action by the Biden Administration was not about conserving or protecting at risk species. It was about preventing human activities that the Biden Administration disagrees with, like forest management, livestock grazing, and other multiple uses of our public lands and waters in and upon millions of acres of public land. The Trump Administration’s definition of habitat is scientifically based and meets the needs of both our environment and the people living within it. This measure will help to restore sanity to the implementation of the ESA and will provide at least some certainty to millions of Americans who are impacted by at risk species,” said Rep. Bentz.

The CRA is supported by the American Farm Bureau, the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, the Public Lands Council, the National Mining Association, the Western Energy Alliance, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, Property and Environmental Policy Research Center (PERC) and the Dallas Safari Club.

“Western Energy Alliance urges Congress to pass the CRA resolution to overturn the Biden Administration’s Critical Habitat Rule. The Supreme Court very clearly ruled that in order to be designated as critical habitat, lands must be just that, habitat. The Trump rule defined critical habitat accordingly. Now the Biden Administration would have us go back to a time before that unanimous Supreme Court decision and designate lands as critical habitat where not only is the species not even present, but doesn’t even contain the conditions for the species to survive. Such a policy is about controlling land and stopping useful human activities, not about protecting species,” said Kathleen Sgamma, President of the Western Energy Alliance.

“Each time an area is designated as critical habitat, ranchers and landowners bear the brunt of the regulatory burden. These decisions have real impacts on rural communities and landscape management – it is imperative that they be rooted in scientific reality, not hypotheticals. Restoring the 2020 definition of habitat is a commonsense step to reduce the delays and drawn-out, speculative analyses that are so often standing in the way of important wildlife conservation work on the ground,” said Public Lands Council Director Sigrid Johannes.

""Conserving and restoring habitat is essential to recovering species. Yet the Biden administration has opted to have no definition of habitat to guide its decisions. It would be appropriate to have a definition that reflects current science and the need for better incentives for private landowners to conserve and restore habitat,"" said Jonathan Wood, PERC Vice President of Law and Policy.

A critical habitat designation has major impacts on landowners, as it reduces the value of any private property within a designation because prospective landowners recognize the burdens that accompany a designation. It also greatly impacts any land with a federal nexus through permits or funding, as a critical habitat triggers significant scrutiny, resulting in burdensome limitations on land use and costly mitigation requirements.

In December 2020, citing Weyerhaeuser Co. v. U.S. FWS, the Trump administration finalized a rule that defined the term “habitat” as “the abiotic and biotic setting that currently or periodically contains the resources and conditions necessary to support one or more life processes of a species.”

On June 24, 2022, the Biden administration finalized a rule that rescinded the 2020 rule, eliminating the habitat distinction, leaving regulated parties in the dark and undermining the ESA’s purpose of protecting endangered or threatened species.

The Endangered Species Act directs the Secretary of Interior through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the Secretary of Commerce through the National Marine Fisheries Services to designate critical habitat for listed species.

The following species found in Wyoming are currently listed as endangered: the grizzly bear, whooping crane, black-footed ferret, gray wolf, yellow-billed cuckoo, Wyoming toad, northern long-eared bat, Kendall warm springs dace, Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, Canada lynx, blowout penstemon, Colorado butterfly plant, desert yellowhead and Ute ladies’-tresses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:30:02Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-announces-2023-congressional-art-competition-high-school-students,Bentz Announces 2023 Congressional Art Competition for High School Students,2023-03-13,2023,2023-03,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR-02) announced that his office is now accepting submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition. High school students from across Oregon’s Second District are invited to compete for a chance to showcase their art in the U.S. Capitol Building where it will be seen by Members of Congress and countless visitors from around the world.

Submissions for the Congressional Art Competition will be reviewed by a panel of experts which includes local artists and art professors. One winner and several runners-up will be selected.

In addition to a coveted spot in the 2023 national student art exhibit in the Capitol, the winner could receive complimentary round-trip airfare for two to visit Washington, D.C., a chance to see their artwork on display, and an invitation to a reception held in their honor. Runners-up will receive local recognition, and their artwork will be displayed in one of Bentz’s district offices.

To enter this contest, students should submit no more than two pieces of two-dimensional artwork and the Student Information & Release Form by April 23, 2023. Please email photos of the artwork (as a .jpeg), along with the student release form to Wyndess James at wyndess.james@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:30:02Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-bentz-holds-first-water-wildlife-and-fisheries-subcommittee-hearing,"Chairman Bentz Holds First Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee Hearing",2023-03-08,2023,2023-03,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Chairman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) held the Subcommittee’s first hearing of the 118th Congress on “Benefits and Access: The Necessity for Multiple Use of Water Resources.”

“It was an honor to gavel in and chair, for the first time, the Natural Resource Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Today’s hearing focused on water and oceans as essential elements of all aspects of life, and the serious damage the Biden Administration’s agencies, in dealing with matters concerning water, are causing to economies, the environment, and rural America. The hearing called out, among other issues, the Administration’s failure to identify and address barriers to water storage, its taking of vast amounts of water away from farmers without measurable benefit to fish, the selection of politically correct rather than biologically appropriate science, and the failure to incorporate peer reviewed private data regarding fish populations into agency analysis. As this Subcommittee and the 118th Congress progresses, we will remain focused on improving our use of diminishing water resources, protecting our fishermen and the fisheries that sustain them, and balancing protection of species while protecting communities.” – Chairman Cliff Bentz.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:30:02Z
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-named-chairman-water-wildlife-and-fisheries-subcommittee,"Bentz Named Chairman of Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee",2023-02-01,2023,2023-02,Republican,House,OR,Cliff Bentz,B000668,bentz.house.gov,bentz,https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR-02) announced that he has been named Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

“It is an honor to be selected as Chairman of the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee, and I thank Chairman Westerman for this opportunity. This subcommittee is tasked with the immensely important responsibility of overseeing and improving the federal policies and laws that so significantly affect America’s use and protection of our freshwater, our oceans, and our wildlife. Our subcommittee will improve the federal response to the crippling drought that is challenging the future of the west so that everyone—farmers, ranchers, homeowners, businesses, and tribes—can continue to live in and produce food and fiber, essential to our nation’s security, on our lands. Yes, we will be advocating for the storage of more water. Additionally, the Biden Administration, during this drought, has repeatedly perverted the application of the Endangered Species Act for the Administration’s political ends, wrongfully taking water away from those to whom water was promised, more than 100 years ago, by this same government. This subcommittee will conduct serious oversight of such heavy handed, wrongheaded, and scientifically unbalanced federal agency actions taken over the past two years. Finally, we will ensure that recreational and commercial fishermen and women have fair access to fishing in the oceans. I am eager to get to work with my colleagues on behalf of the people of our United States of America.” Rep. Bentz said.

“I’m so pleased to welcome back Congressman Bentz as the leader of our Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee. From western drought’s impact on food prices to the weaponized Endangered Species Act, America desperately needs innovation and transformation of the federal government’s approach to these issues. Given his professional background and work as the subcommittee’s ranking member last Congress, I’m confident Mr. Bentz will once again be a valuable advocate for modernizing our nation’s water infrastructure, drought-proofing parts of the West and modernizing outdated wildlife laws. Let's get to work!” - Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z