Representative’s Letter: The One Big Beautiful Bill

On July 3, I joined 217 of my Republican colleagues in voting for H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), as amended by the Senate. Two Republicans joined all of the Democrats (214) and voted against the bill. Thus, the bill passed by one vote (217-216).

This legislation does a lot, including making some of the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, investing in securing our borders, adding new tax reductions (no tax on most social security benefits, no tax on some overtime pay, a deduction for interest paid on a loan for the purchase of a new car built or assembled in the United States), adding money to the Department of Defense budget, allocating some 12 billion dollars for Air Traffic Control upgrades, and providing new means of incentivizing removal of timber from our forests.

By extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts, the OBBB prevents a scheduled 22% tax hike on millions of people. It raises the Child Tax Credit to $2,200. It strengthens the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit, supports Made-in-America manufacturing, and makes permanent the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction — and this is very significant for more than 350,000 Oregon small businesses, including S-Corps, LLCs, and family-run partnerships. This bill will benefit 33.9 million seniors, about 4 million tipped workers, and roughly 97.7 million overtime workers.

For Oregon’s farmers and ranchers, this bill includes more than $10 billion in tax cuts, continues disaster relief funding, strengthens crop insurance, and increases the wheat reference price from $5.50 to $6.35 per bushel. Critically, as mentioned above, it mandates a year-over-year increase in timber harvested from Forest Service and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, helping us reduce wildfire risk and put Oregonians back to work in the woods.

The bill provides $175 billion for border enforcement including an additional 701 miles of physical wall and 900 miles of river barriers. It funds 3,000 new Border Patrol agents, 5,000 new customs officers, provides $150 billion to modernize our military and $12.5 billion to begin the overhaul of our air traffic control systems.

It also rescinds wasteful green energy handouts from the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, eliminates the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and restores oil, gas, and coal leasing on federal lands. With 36 mandatory lease sales in our oceans, we are taking real steps to restore American energy dominance and to reduce dependence on foreign energy.

Some critics have focused on the bill’s healthcare and nutrition assistance reforms, but here’s the truth: this bill protects Medicaid for those it was meant to serve — seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. It is also important to note that the OBBB does not touch Medicare. Instead, it slows unchecked spending and begins the process of fixing loopholes states have exploited for years. For example, Oregon is currently the only state that provides most adult Medicaid recipients with two years of continuous eligibility. As a result, even when people get jobs with access to employer-sponsored insurance, many stay on Medicaid. Starting in 2027, the OBBB will require that states conduct eligibility redeterminations twice annually for ACA expansion enrollees (Able-bodied Adults), replacing the patchwork of state schedules with a clear six-month standard. State programs will also be able to automate verifications using federal data, like Social Security numbers and death records, eliminating repetitive paper-work and catching cases of fraud. The bill invests $250 million in system upgrades to support these changes. Taken together, these reforms reduce administrative layers, speed benefit processing, and give states the resources they need for efficient, ac-countable implementation.

For those impacted by Medicaid eligibility redeterminations, alternative coverage remains available through employer-sponsored plans, private insurance, or the subsidized ACA marketplace. These alternative insurance options reimburse hospitals at significantly higher rates. Increasing eligibility reviews can provide important financial benefits and security to the providers who care for them. Additionally, our rural hospitals remain protected thanks to continued federal funding through the Disproportionate Share Hospital program and the newly created Rural Transformation Fund, a $50 billion provision I discussed in detail and at length with Dr. Mehmet Oz (the Administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services). It should be understood that the reductions in the “Provider Tax” will not begin until Oct. 1, 2027, and then are phased in over five years.

The bill also takes long-overdue steps to restore integrity to the SNAP (Food Stamp) program. It establishes clear work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), requiring, if they wish to be eligible for these benefits, to work, volunteer, or attend school for at least 20 hours per week. It implements a state cost-share model to hold states accountable for states’ performance.

This is especially applicable to Oregon. In 2022, Oregon had one of the worst SNAP error rates in the nation, being responsible for nearly $250 million in overpayments. Under this bill, states with error rates above 6% will be required to contribute up to 20% in matching funds unless corrective action is taken. States that manage the program properly will not be penalized.

This is not a complete summary of what’s in the bill, nor is it a detailed summary of the provisions in the bill. For further information, it is best to go online and review one or more of the many articles that have been posted. There is no doubt that this bill sup-ports working families, farmers, small businesses, and the rural communities that keep our nation strong. It reins in bloated bureaucracy, reduces wasteful spending, and re-stores accountability to governments. There is more work to do, but with this bill, we are fulfilling the promises made to the American people and getting our country back on track.

Votes

H.R. 1709 – Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act

This legislation would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to examine and report on the cybersecurity of mobile service networks and the vulnerability of such networks and mobile devices to cyberattacks and surveillance conducted by adversaries. 

I voted YES.

H.R. 1770 – Consumer Safety Technology Act

This bill would require various agencies to explore the use of emerging technologies in the context of consumer products and safety. First, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) would be required to consult with relevant stakeholders, such as data scientists and product manufacturers, and use artificial intelligence in a pilot program for a least one of the following processes: (1) tracking trends in injuries involving consumer products, (2) identifying consumer product hazards, (3) monitoring the sale of recalled consumer products, or (4) identifying consumer products that do not meet specified importation requirements related to product safety.

I voted YES.

H.R. 1717 – Communications Security Act

This bill would codify the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) existing Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Advisory Council. This council provides recommendations to the FCC on ways to promote the security, reliability, and resiliency of America’s communications systems.

I voted YES.

H.R. 3633 – Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025

This bill establishes clear, functional requirements for digital asset market participants, prioritizing consumer protection while fostering innovation. By providing strong safeguards and long-overdue regulator certainty, this bipartisan legislation advances American innovation and reinforces America’s leadership in the global financial system.

I voted YES.

S. 1582 – GENIUS Act

This bill establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins (digital assets which an issuer must redeem for a fixed value). Under the bill, only permitted issuers may issue a payment stablecoin for use by U.S. persons, subject to certain exceptions and safe harbors. Permitted issuers must be a subsidiary of an insured depository institution, a federal-qualified nonbank payment stablecoin issuer, or a state-qualified payment stablecoin issuer. Permitted issuers must be regulated by the appropriate federal or state regulator. Permitted issuers may choose federal or state regulation; however, state regulation is limited to those with a stablecoin issuance of $10 billion or less.

I voted YES. 

H.R. 1919 – Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act 

This bill prohibits a Federal Reserve bank from offering products or services directly to an individual, maintaining an account on behalf of an individual, or issuing a central bank digital currency (i.e., a digital dollar). Further, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is prohibited from using a central bank digital currency to implement monetary policy or from testing, studying, creating, or implementing a central bank digital currency, with exceptions as provided by the bill.

I voted YES.

S. 331 – HALT Fentanyl Act

This bill permanently designates fentanyl analogues into schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), to remove incentive for the creation of new dangerous substances. If a fentanyl related substance is found to be less harmful or potentially beneficial, The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has the capacity to deschedule it through rulemaking. Additionally, the bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for schedule 1 research that is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or that is conducted under an investigative new drug exemption from the Food and Drug Administration. This will ensure practitioners can conduct research of fentanyl-related substances to better understand their overall effects on human health.

I voted YES.

H.R. 22 – Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act

This bill protects and preserves the right of American citizens to vote by requiring states to obtain proof of citizenship – in person – when registering an individual to vote in a federal election and requires states to remove non-citizens from their voter rolls. This bill prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in federal elections unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides proof of citizenship and requires states to establish an alternative process which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate citizenship.

I voted YES.

H.R. 1526 – No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA) of 2025

This bill limits U.S. district courts from issuing broad injunctive relief beyond the parties involved in a case. However, nationwide injunctions are allowed if a case involves two states from different judicial circuits. In such cases, a panel of three randomly selected judges would decide on the injunction, with direct appeal to the Supreme Court. 

I voted YES.

H.R. 1048 – DETERRENT Act

H.R. 1048 strengthens disclosure requirements for all institutions of higher education that receive gifts from or enter into contracts with foreign countries or entities. Institutions that fail to meet the new requirements could be assessed civil penalties or lose eligibility for federal student financial aid. 

I voted YES.

H.R. 1156 – Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

This bill extends, from five years to 10 years, the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions related to fraudulent claims funded by federal pandemic unemployment programs created in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

I voted YES.

H.R. 77 – Midnight Rules Relief Act

This bill amends the Congressional Review Act to allow Congress to consider a joint resolution disapproving of more than one regulation at a time issued during the final year of a President’s term in office. This legislation allows Congress to disapprove of multiple regulations under a single joint resolution of disapproval. Requiring that the regulations are submitted for review during the last 60 legislative days of the final year of a President’s term. Joint resolutions currently only allow disapproval of one regulation.

I voted YES.

H.R. 471 – Fix Our Forests Act

This bill restores forest health, increases resiliency to catastrophic wildfires, and protects communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). The bill would accomplish these goals by expediting environmental analyses, reducing frivolous lawsuits, and increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration projects. This legislation would give federal land managers, including the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the critical tools they need to implement forest restoration treatments immediately.

I voted YES.  

Southern Oregon Telephone Town Hall Meeting

We have held four live town hall meetings this year, one in Baker City (220 people), another in La Grande (550 people), then in Pendleton (330 people), and finally the Port of Morrow (180 people). These meetings were well attended, but it became clear that many in attendance were there not to exchange thoughts, ideas and information but instead to threaten, harass, and put on a show for social media purposes. A significant number of those attending followed us from one meeting to another, repeating the same remarks, many in the same inconsiderate manner used in previous meetings. Many gathered together before the meetings to practice coordinated tactics such as holding up green cards if pleased or red cards if displeased. They came prepared with flyers with lists of questions and canned statements developed by outside groups. Some of these statements were designed to mislead and to frighten people who justifiably and legally rely on government programs. We know this because one of the organizers handed one of my staff the packet of questions and materials they were using, mistakenly thinking that he was one of those who wanted to participate in their "mediscare" tactics. I do not want my town hall meetings to be used as opportunities to create videos that mislead, misstate, and lie to many who are dependent upon the government. 

This is why I decided to switch, for the time being, to telephone town halls. The first one that we held, on May 21st, was a huge success. We focused this call on three of the most populated counties that I represent- Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas. The service we hired arranged to dial some 100,000 phones. About 70,000 answered (many by voicemail). About 12,788 (!) constituents actually joined in and stayed on our call for at least part of the hour or so that the meeting lasted. At the same time, about 400 people participated online. I received well over 470 questions. I was able to answer a significant number of these questions as they were asked, live, by persons selected by the moderator. 

We will be holding more of these telephone town halls in the near future. 

Working with the president

On May 20, 2025, President Trump joined our Republican Conference (all 220 of us) at our weekly meeting in the Capitol. He spoke about the "Big, Beautiful Bill" and took questions from Members. These meetings with President Trump are re-occurring and reflect the strong, ongoing partnership between the White House and Congressional Republicans.

My office works closely with President Trump's legislative affairs team to ensure that priorities important to Oregon's Second Congressional District are understood and supported. This line of direct communication is why the threat the wolf designated OR158 was so quickly resolved. This is why FEMA has been so active in the wildfires now plaguing Oregon. This is why the Bureau of Reclamation is helping the farmers in Klamath secure water. This is why we have effectively participated in the continued funding of highway projects across Oregon. This is why the Forest Service is focusing on increasing the timber harvest in Oregon. This is why we are optimistic that the Kingsley Field near Klamath will end up with F-35 jets. And I could go on, but this is enough to show why it's great to have a Republican, President Trump, in the White House. Things are actually getting done! 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS)

This is already a bad year for fire, and it will probably get worse. The Administration's reduction in force (RIF) efforts are appreciated, and necessary, but in the area of fire suppression, such reductions to staff of BLM and Forest Service, if not handled carefully, could increase the risk of disaster to communities, rangeland, and forests. To ascertain the impact of the reductions, I have done the following:

1. In late May, I met with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) officials at the Medford Interagency Office to discuss wildfire preparedness, forest management, and the steps they are taking to protect Southern Oregon this fire season. (See the photo above). They assured me that they were comfortable with staffing and that there was nothing they wanted me to do. The BLM did suggest that if they could obtain another wildland fire truck (“engine”) to have ready when those that they had now were on the far side of the huge area they are responsible for. We have reached out to BLM leadership asking for this additional machine. 
2. I also personally met with The Douglas Fire Protection District near Roseburg to discuss with them their staffing. They assured us that they were as prepared as they have ever been.
3. We have also reached out to the Central Oregon, Lakeview, Burns, Vale, not found anyone who thinks they are understaffed. In fact, the message as recently as July 19th, they when it comes to fire suppression, we are as ready as we have ever been. This is reassuring, since it appears, unfortunately, that this year we are going to need all the fire suppression help we can get.

Visit my website, here for wildfire resources. 

My statement on Senator Mike Lee's proposal to dispose of 4 million acres of Public Lands

After the "Big, Beautiful Bill" passed out of the House (on May 22nd) and moved to the Senate, we learned that Senator Mike Lee of Utah was going to ask Senate leadership to include in the OBBB a mandatory disposition, over five years, of some four million acres of public lands. I was asked by many where I stood on such a concept. In response, I wrote the following:

In case you did not see it; to be clear - I do support and encourage sale or exchange of parcels of federal land when there is a clear economic or social demand for such disposition, and when that disposition follows appropriate procedure and is generally supported by those affected. I include congressional action as an appropriate procedure. I do not support a mandated disposition of millions of acres of federal land, the amount of which was arbitrarily established, the primary goal not being to respond to demand, but instead being the removal of land from federal ownership.

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

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

Some might argue that the abject failure of the federal government to adequately manage BLM and Forest Service land justifies its sale. But sale of this land to someone else is no way to assure it’s proper management. The best way to protect this land is to identify and correct the reasons these agencies are failing in their mission. The easiest observation to make is that environmental organizations, using the ESA, CWA, CAA, and other environmental laws, compliant federal judges, and the Access to Justice Act, (an act that pays the attorney fees of plaintiffs who successfully sue the federal government) through protracted and expensive litigation, make a mockery of agency’s attempts to craft management plans.

If our nation is to be a landowner (and it is), it must take care of that land. This means that the laws that are being perverted to line the pockets of environmental organizations at the expense of the taxpayer and our forests and rangelands, must be changed so that such perversion is stopped.

I was joined in my opposition to such disposition by Congressman Ryan Zinke (Montana), Senator Risch (Idaho) and others. The Senate Parliamentarian determined that Senator Lee's concept was not within the parameters of the Reconciliation process. Senator Lee reduced the number of acres from four million down to something around one million acres and made some other changes regarding restriction on use to housing, and then decided to withdraw the concept from consideration. At the time of this writing, it is my understanding that Senator Lee is still actively pursuing this concept. 

Congressman Bentz’s to expand The Dalles’ water supply Passes House Natural Resources Committee

Last summer during a visit with The Dalles city council and other community leaders, we learned that the City was in the process expanding its water supply and that it needed additional land to expand its reservoir. To expand the reservoir land owned by the federal government next to the reservoir would need to be acquired. We suggested that we introduce a bill transferring 100 or so acres from the Forest Service to the city. This is what followed.

My bill, H.R. 655, was included in the Federal Lands Subcommittee hearing marking the critical first step in the legislative process. The bill received support among the subcommittee as well as the acknowledgment of the United States Forest Service that a land transfer would greatly benefit the community. The bill then moved to the second “markup”, and on June 25 it was voted out of committee and will now move to the floor. If passed across the floor, it will move to the Senate.

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

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

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

My Statement Regarding Wheat Reference Price in the House Reconciliation

I am pleased to announce that the House Reconciliation Bill included a critical provision to support wheat producers by increasing the statutory reference price for wheat under the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program from $5.50 to $6.35 per bushel, a 15% increase (if passed by the Senate). This adjustment in reference prices is a significant win for wheat producers in Oregon and across the nation. By updating the reference price, we would provide farmers with a more realistic safety net that reflects current market conditions and production costs. The PLC program offers financial assistance to farmers when market prices fall below a predetermined reference price. The updated rate of $6.35 per bushel, if approved by the Senate, will apply to crop years 2025 through 2030, with a provision for annual increases of 0.5% starting in 2031, capped at 115% of the 2025–2030 value. For years, wheat producers in Eastern Oregon have faced higher production costs and increasing global competition. Raising the reference price to $6.35 per bushel acknowledges those challenges and delivers meaningful support to the hardworking farmers who put food on our tables.The adjustment is part of broader efforts within the reconciliation bill to strengthen the agricultural safety net and ensure the sustainability of farming operations amid fluctuating market dynamics. Hopefully, the Senate will join the House in making these changes. As the process continues, I will continue to advocate for policies that support our farmers and rural communities. Ensuring that agricultural programs are responsive to current economic conditions is essential for the prosperity of our region. It is up to the Senate now.

On June 26, 2025, I Issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of the Interior Authorizing $31 Million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for Oregon Counties

The PILT and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) programs are essential and necessary supplements for rural communities because there are millions of acres of non-revenue generating federal land in Oregon counties that add costs to the Counties’ operations.  Additionally, the reduction in revenue from our federal lands caused by the ESA and other federally imposed restrictions has dramatically decreased monies needed to maintain basic county infrastructure. These programs help keep essential things such as emergency services, education, roads, funded and thus it is essential that they be reauthorized.

This month, the Department of the Interior announced that more than1,900 state and local governments across the country will receive a total of $644.8 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes program (PILT) of which $31 million dollars is designated to Oregon counties. Because local governments cannot tax federal lands, annual PILT payments help defray the costs associated with maintaining community services including firefighting, policing, education, and road construction.

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

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

Individual payments may vary from year to year as a result of changes in acreage data; prior-year federal revenue-sharing payments; and inflationary adjustments based on U.S. Census Bureau data.

My Statement Regarding Restoring Communication in Wildfire Country Key to Saving Lives: H.R. 1655, the Wildfire Communication Resiliency Act

When you are deep in the forest and a wildfire is racing toward you, a warning sent to your cell phone can save your life. But what if environmental laws and regulations have delayed repair, replacement, or improvement of the very infrastructure needed to send that warning to your phone? You may not make it out alive.

This is why I sponsored and carried H.R. 1655, the Wildfire Communication Resiliency Act. This bill, if enacted, would provide an exemption from bureaucratic red tape that otherwise could delay repair and replacement of life saving communication infrastructure damaged by fire for months and even years.

This exemption is limited to the footprint of what had been a “declared wildfire disaster.” It’s not about ignoring process; it’s about enabling our communities to recover and prepare, in a timely fashion, without unnecessary and duplicative hurdles that cost money, time, and possibly even lives.

President Trump, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum know the importance of our rural communities and great potential of our American forests. This bill represents a commonsense approach to disaster recovery which is grounded in the reality that our communities face growing threats from increasingly severe wildfires. In times of emergency, people need reliable networks that are up and operational to coordinate rescue efforts, receive emergency alerts, and maintain contact with loved ones. Bureaucratic permitting delays and lengthy environmental assessments should not hinder this urgent restoration process.

My Statement Regarding FEMA’s Authorization of Funds to Fight the Highland Fire in Oregon

On Saturday, July 12th, 2025, FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich approved Oregon’s request for federal assistance through the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program. This decision was made after determining that the Highland Fire posed a serious threat of destruction that could lead to a major disaster. This marks the fourth FMAG declaration granted to Oregon in 2025 to help combat wildfires across the state. The FMAG program allows the federal government to reimburse up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs, including fire camp operations, equipment use, personnel, supplies, and costs related to mobilizing and demobilizing firefighting resources.

“I was pleased to announce that the White House authorized FEMA to provide funding to help fight the Highland Fire currently burning in Crook County, Oregon. We must continue to protect the homes, infrastructure, and natural resources threatened by this dangerous wildfire. This authorization will help the Crook County Community. I will continue to work with FEMA and other agencies as they respond to wildfires.”

Read Press release, here. 

Congressman Bentz Joins Natural Resources Oversight Hearing titled “Permitting Purgatory: Restoring Common Sense to NEPA Reviews”

As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, I participated just a few days ago in an oversight hearing titled "Permitting Purgatory: Restoring Common Sense to NEPA Reviews." In this hearing we examined how the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) has become a significant obstacle to infrastructure, forestry, energy, and water projects. We discussed how to streamline the NEPA process to restore balance to federal permitting decisions that impact our communities and economy.

Since its enactment in 1969, NEPA has evolved into a complex and cumbersome process that has dramatically increased costs and permitting timelines across a wide range of projects—from transportation and infrastructure to forestry and energy development. NEPA was created to ensure transparency in how federal projects affect the environment. Over time, however, it has become a litigation-prone process that hinders progress more than it safeguards our natural resources. What began as a reasonable procedural requirement has transformed into a tool for obstruction. Projects vital to our economy, such as roads, irrigation systems, energy development, and wildfire prevention, are routinely delayed for years. The predictable results include higher costs, fewer jobs, and missed opportunities to improve both our communities, economies, and the environment.

I will continue to work to restore NEPA to its original purpose: providing common-sense environmental stewardship without paralyzing our ability to build for the future.

Permitting Process Flowchart for Natural Gas Pipeline Project, here. 

Federal Permitting Process Flowchart for a Transmission Project, here.

Congressman Bentz Joins House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Markup Bipartisan SCORE Act

As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, on which I serve, I had the opportunity to discuss the SCORE Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will standardize Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for student-athletes. This is a complex and critical issue. As I said during the markup: “This is a business—an incredibly huge and valuable business to this nation and to the colleges that enjoy college football programs. But the enthusiasm of some reflects their power in the system, while the fear of others—particularly smaller schools—reflects their lack of it. This 'have and have-not' dynamic is incredibly challenging.”

Colleges in Oregon, particularly smaller programs, have raised serious concerns. Their voices and their students must be part of this discussion as we consider exemptions from antitrust protections and the adoption of federal preemption from state law, that, once granted, are almost impossible to reverse. I'm hopeful that through continued dialogue, we can address these challenges and find a solution that ensures fairness, transparency, and sustainability for student-athletes, other students, and institutions alike. 

Congressman Bentz Joins House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy Hearing with U.S. Secretary of Energy Christopher Wright

This month, during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy hearing I spoke to U.S. Secretary of Energy, Wright on the importance of preserving hydropower on the Columbia River and urged them to revoke the flawed dam-breaching Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Secretary Wright confirmed the Department of Energy is working to rescind the MOU. I also asked how the U.S. plans to compete with China’s growing energy production. Secretary Wright emphasized the need to pivot away from intermediate power sources and reduce barriers to funding in order to invest in reliable, dispatchable energy, like hydropower.

Congressman Bentz Joins House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands to Discuss The State of Wildfires

Much said, by my Democrat colleagues, about the reduction of force in the BLM and Forest Service. If you listen to them, you might be lead to believe that huge numbers of federal employees in these two agencies have been shown the door. The Democrats have beat a trail through their thesauruses seeking words that convey a massive reduction in force such as "gut", "strip", "extract", "eviscerate" and the like. I have become increasingly impatient with this particular perversion of fact, so if you watch this clip you will note that I, having just listened to a Democrat engage in just such an exercise, share with the committee the facts of staffing based on my actual visits with BLM and Forest Service and other, set forth earlier in this newsletter. As mentioned earlier herein, to be certain that agencies are satisfied with their current staffing levels, we have been asking them to tell us if they were satisfied with staffing levels and the answer has been unanimous YES. 

I also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to identify areas where forest growth is outpacing active management, underscoring the need for targeted thinning, timber harvests, and fuel reduction to reduce wildfire risk. I remain committed to improving forest management policies that protect communities, support rural economies, and restore the health and resilience of our public lands.

Congressman Bentz Joins House Natural Resources Water Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Oversight Hearing on the Importance of Protecting and Advancing Hydropower

Last month, I joined the Natural Resources Subcommittee on the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries which held a hearing yesterday.

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

Meeting with Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Doug Burgum

Earlier this week, Congressman Cliff Bentz joined the full House Republican Conference for a “Meet the Cabinet” discussion with the 55th Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Doug Burgum. The conversation focused on critical energy policies, land management, and the Department’s role in supporting American energy independence and responsible resource development.

Meeting with the American Forest Resource Council (AFRC)

Congressman Bentz met with the American Forest Resources Council (AFRC) to discuss the importance of removal of timber from federal lands and increasing the production to meet forest growth. 

Oregon State University College of Forestry

Congressman Cliff Bentz met with Oregon State University College of Forestry Dean Tom DeLuca to discuss increasing timber removal from federal lands.

Oregon State FAA Officer Team

Congressman Cliff Bentz met with the Oregon State FFA Officer Team to discuss the importance of agriculture and the FFA’s efforts to prepare future leaders in science, business, and technology of agriculture. 

Umatilla County Cattleman's Association

Congressman Cliff Bentz met with Trevor Meyer, President of the Umatilla County Cattlemen’s Association, to discuss the urgent threat posed by the New World screwworm which currently advancing toward the U.S. from South America. They also addressed the ongoing challenges gray wolves present to rural communities in Oregon, including the impacts on livestock, pets, and families. Congressman Bentz thanked Trevor for his continued leadership and dedication to educating the next generation of cattle producers.

American Agri-Women's 30th Symposium

Congressman Bentz joined the American Agri-Women’s 30th Symposium and provided perspective on the importance of the nation’s waterways drawn from his diverse experiences ranging from being involved in the Columbia River Treaty with Canada while being a state legislator and now serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee.

Oregon Institute of Technology

On June 16, 2025, I had the honor and privilege of being the commencement speaker at Oregon Institute of Technology where I delivered the address to the Class of 2025 which included nearly 500 students. About 3,000 relatives and friends were there in attendance. Thank you to President Naganathan for the invitation to celebrate and comment on the achievements and hard work of Oregon Tech's graduates. 

Kingsley Field

I am continuing my work to ensure Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls has a successful transition from the F-15E to the F-35 fighters. On June 16, 2025 I met with Colonel Gaudinski and Colonel Lambert at the base to get first hand updates.

The mission of Kingsley Field is vitally important to the success of our national defense. In Washington, D.C., I am working with the House Armed Services Committee and the House Appropriations Committee to ensure a seamless transition. 

I want to thank the Colonels for taking the time to meet with me and for the extremely interesting tour of their modular flight simulators. I learned a lot, most importantly that I would be well advised NOT to accept their kind invitation to join one of them for a ride in one of their jets!

2025 Memorial Day

On this 2025 Memorial Day, I had the great honor to speak, for the fifth time, at the Eagle Point National Cemetery as we remembered and honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Thank you to the thousands in attendance and for inviting me to share in their celebration on this most important and beautiful day. 

I focused my remarks on a good friend of mine, Wayne Carney, a Green Beret who served with honor in Vietnam. To read my speech, click here.

•••

U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz represents Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District. The above was taken from his newsletter, sent to constituents on July 28. Sign up for his newsletter at bentz.house.gov.