Cliff Bentz

Congressman Bentz Applauds House Passage of the Farm Bill

Position: Congressman Bentz supports the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) for its provisions securing food supply, supporting farming operations through crop insurance and commodity programs, funding nutrition initiatives, and including specific benefits for Oregon agriculture and rural communities.

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. ### Issues:Congress

The House Natural Resources Committee Held hearing on Congressman Bentz Bill Strengthening Local Input in Federal Water Management

Position: Congressman Bentz supports H.R. 8259, which would require federal agencies to consult with and incorporate input from water users holding federal water project contracts during Endangered Species Act section 7 consultation processes, ensuring local knowledge informs agency decisions.

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. Issues:Congress

Congressman Bentz Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Local Input in Federal Water Management

Position: Congressman Bentz supports legislation to strengthen local input and transparency in federal water project management, particularly in Endangered Species Act consultation processes affecting agricultural water users and rural communities.

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 The legislation applies to federal water projects managed by the Bureau of Reclamation across Reclamation states, where reliable water access is essential to agricultural production, local economies, and community stability. Under current law, ESA consultations can lead to significant reductions in water deliveries with limited input from local stakeholders. This legislation addresses that gap by requiring federal agencies to actively engage with contractors throughout the consultation process. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Issues:Congress

Congressman Bentz Introduces Bonneville Power Leadership Recruitment Act

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. ### Issues:CongressEnergy

Members of Congress Present Secretary of Energy with List of Attributes Considered Essential in the Selection of New Administrator for the Bonneville Power Administration

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 We further stressed the importance of clear performance benchmarks and a thorough understanding of regional frameworks, including the Columbia River Treaty and the Northwest Power Act. Read the full letter here. Issues:CongressEnergy

Congressman Bentz meets with U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer

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. Said Congressman Bentz: “I appreciate the time, effort, and experience that Ambassador Greer brings to the job of U.S. Trade Representative. It is apparent that he is working closely with the President to create the bargaining leverage needed to open up markets for our commodities and products. Consistent with his direction, I ask that my constituents contact my office about the impact of tariffs and trade policy on their businesses. We will relay that information to Ambassador Greer.” Issues:CongressForeign Affairs

Congressman Bentz Introduces Legislation That Would Stop Misuse of the Endangered Species Act

Position: Congressman Bentz introduced legislation to exempt the National Flood Insurance Program from Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation requirements, arguing that ESA provisions should not be applied to flood insurance and that floodplain management should focus solely on property and human life protection rather than environmental mandates.

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. “The National Flood Insurance Program is vital to safe, responsible development in Pendleton and other rural communities. While we strongly support efforts to protect fish and restore habitat, litigation has misused the Endangered Species Act to impose overly broad restrictions that threaten our ability to serve local residents. I appreciate Congressman Bentz’s leadership and support his legislation to bring a common-sense solution to this issue,” said McKennon McDonald, Mayor of the City of Pendleton. Issues:Congress

Congressman Bentz Introduces O&C Renewal Act to Restore Timber Production, Support Counties, and Reduce Wildfire Risk

Position: Congressman Bentz advocates for amending the 1937 Oregon and California Lands Act to prioritize timber production on federal O&C lands in western Oregon, arguing that sustained-yield forest management will improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and generate revenue for county services and rural jobs.

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. ### Issues:Congress