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/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