Cliff Bentz

Kingsley Field Authorized to Receive F-35s!

Position: The release announces that the Air Force signed a Record of Decision authorizing Kingsley Field to prepare for F-35A jets and praises the decision as beneficial for national defense, training airspace, and the Klamath Basin economy.

Klamath Falls — Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) is delighted to announce today that the Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Troy Meink, signed the Record of Decision, giving Kingsley Field Oregon Air National Guard Base, home of the 173rd Fighter Wing, formal authorization to begin preparations for a squadron of F-35A Lightning II jets. The Record of Decision allows Kingsley Field to begin facility construction for F-35A Lighting II jets set to arrive in Summer 2027. The Congressman and his staff have worked closely with Department of the Air Force, the Trump Administration, and Kingsley Field to identify and qualify the Kingsley Field airbase as the premier location for the jet. The Congressman would like to thank the National Guard Bureau, Secretary Troy Meink, the Oregon National Guard, Colonel Adam Gaudinski (Commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing), and Micah Lambert (Deputy Commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing) for their hard work and dedication in the transition of Kingsley Field from the F-15C Eagle to the F-35A Lightning II. Said Congressman Bentz: “The decision by Airforce Secretary Meink is extraordinarily good news for Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, the State of Oregon, and our nation. The airspace in Southern and Eastern Oregon provides an immensely large and mostly empty airspace for absolutely essential training of the men and women who will fly one of the most amazing aircraft in the world, the F-35A Lightning II. This decision is also of significant importance to the economic future of the Klamath Basin and the people who live there. A huge thank you is due to the leadership at Kingsley Field, the Oregon National Guard, and the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.” Said Colonel Gaudinski: “Kingsley Field is officially an F-35 base, securing its place at the forefront of American airpower for generations to come. From here, we will forge the fighter pilots who will deter our adversaries, defend our nation, and ensure America maintains air supremacy anywhere in the world. America’s Air Supremacy starts here. “Representative Cliff Bentz has been an incredible champion for Kingsley Field and the men and women of the 173d Fighter Wing. His leadership, advocacy, and unwavering support helped make today possible, ensuring Kingsley will train America’s F-35 pilots and strengthen our nation’s airpower for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment to Kingsley, Southern Oregon, and our national defense.” ###

Congressmen Bentz and Goldman Introduce the IMD CARE Act for Patients Suffering from Serious Mental Illnesses

Position: Supports introducing legislation to amend the Social Security Act so that Medicaid can fund psychiatric facilities with more than 16 beds, replacing the temporary waiver system with a State Plan Amendment option for patients with serious mental illness.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) and Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY) introduced the IMD CARE Act, legislation which would expand Medicaid eligibility to include psychiatric care facility beds in excess of the current 16 bed limit for patients suffering from severe mental illness. When the Social Security Act was enacted in 1965, it limited Medicaid funding to psychiatric facilities that had no more than 16 beds, resulting in a shortage of beds when the need for inpatient mental health care has grown. The IMD CARE Act would amend the Social Security Act to establish a State Plan Amendment, allowing Institutions of Mental Diseases (IMDs) with more than 16 beds to receive Medicaid funding for all mental health patients. Under current law, States that wish to receive federal Medicaid funding for IMDs with over 16 beds must submit a request for a waiver allowing them to receive Medicaid reimbursement for individuals needing psychiatric care. These waivers are temporary and unstable and require complex renewal negotiations. The State Plan Amendment option included in the IMD CARE Act would provide predictable reimbursement structures, durable financing mechanisms, and greater continuity for patients and providers. Said Congressman Bentz: “Studies show that a significant portion of the homeless and prison population suffer from severe mental illness. These people would benefit from the availability of proper treatment in our existing mental healthcare facilities. This bill would result in an increased number of beds and treatment available for mentally ill people. Without this improvement in how we deliver mental health services, those who need such treatment will continue to cost communities more in law enforcement and healthcare expenses. The circular progression of the mentally ill from the street to the hospital to the prison and back to the street must stop.” “When someone on Medicaid is experiencing a mental health crisis, the program often won’t cover a psychiatric hospital bed. That’s because of a rule written in 1965,” said Scott Dziengelski, President and CEO of the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare. “A 60-year-old rule shouldn’t keep people from getting the care they need today. The IMD CARE Act takes an important step toward fixing that.” “Outdated Medicaid restrictions on long-term mental health care have left too many Americans in crisis without access to treatment,” Congressman Goldman said. “By allowing states more authority to expand their mental health services, we can reach more Americans who are stuck in a never-ending cycle of hospitals, jail, and the streets. This legislation is a critical step towards ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, can get the help they need with dignity.” ### Issues:Health

Congressman Bentz Introduces the Public Access to HHS Health Data Act

Position: Introduces the Public Access to HHS Health Data Act (H.R. 10616), which would require HHS to create a centralized, easily navigable repository of its publicly available data and report to Congress on dataset availability, update frequency, and publication barriers.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) introduced yesterday the Public Access to HHS Health Data Act (H.R. 10616), a bill that would require The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a centralized repository of all publicly available data. While the HHS maintains a large portfolio of publicly available information, it can be difficult and confusing to navigate. HHS currently lists tens of thousands of distinct data sets across multiple websites. This act would require HHS to create and maintain a centralized website where all of HHS’s publicly available information can be easily found and accessed. The bill would also require HHS to report to Congress on the number and types of datasets made available, how frequently those datasets are updated, and barriers preventing additional datasets from being published. Said Congressman Bentz: “We all want to improve our healthcare system, and access to data is absolutely essential to these efforts. My Public Access to HHS Health Data Act will help all groups more quickly access this essential information.” ### Issues:Health

Congressman Bentz, Thompson, Merkley, Hyde-Smith Introduce "Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026"

Position: The release supports introducing legislation to expand the Clean Air Act definition of biomass to include additional low-value woody materials from forest management, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and forest products manufacturing residuals, so these materials can qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

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. Full text of the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act can be found by clicking here. Issues:Energy

Congressman Bentz Introduces "Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act" to Modernize Hydro-Electric Re-Licensing and to Protect Existing Energy Generation

Position: The release supports the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, which would limit federal license conditions for non-federal hydroelectric projects to those reasonable and directly tied to a project's adverse effects, including fish passage mitigation.

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. ### Issues:Energy

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