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would be given to the City of Milton-Freewater for the replacement and expansion of a portion of the City’s outdated water supply system.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