News from Representative Bentz

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Friends:

Below you will find mention of some of the interesting events that happened in August during my time across the district.

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POLL:

In an effort to gauge the political temperature of those in Oregon Congressional District 2, we have begun asking a poll question in each newsletter. Here is this week’s question:

As we near the midpoint of President Trump’s second term in office, what do you think?

Strongly Approve

Slightly Approve

Neutral

Slightly Disapprove

Strongly Disapprove

Click here to take Survey

Fire Town Halls

Oregon’s 2026 wildfire season is the worst in history. Over 2.3 million acres have burned so far, approximately 400,000 acres more than the 1.9 million acres that burned in 2024’s record year.

In an effort to meaningfully respond to this year’s disaster, I held six Town Halls in August across my District focusing on wildfire. These Town Halls were opportunities for me, agency leaders, and county commissioners to hear directly from constituents about three things: the effectiveness (or not) of recent firefighting efforts; the need for federal programs designed to help address fire-related losses; and ideas for congressional fire-related legislation. My staff organized the attendance of a panel of knowledgeable people (somewhat different at each meeting) including the Director of Oregon’s Farm Service Agency, Tootie Smith, local county commissioners, Forest Service and BLM agency representatives, and when available, the fire incident commanders. At several meetings, state legislators also joined the panel. Here is a short summary of what we heard in each of the three areas of focus:

1. Effectiveness of firefighting efforts:

Many attendees were complimentary about efforts of those fighting fire. Others were critical of how and where backfires were started; angry about the lack of speedy response; upset that people managing Rural Fire Protection District equipment were not reimbursed for operating costs (fuel, tires, and breakdowns); incensed that firefighters in Rural Fire Protection Districts were not paid for the significant amount of time they spent fighting large fires—as opposed to conducting their original purpose, which is quickly responding to and extinguishing small fires; confounded when they found firefighters sleeping or standing around not attempting to fight fire; and wondering why more planes and helicopters were not available to deploy water and retardant.

2. Programs available:

Director Smith reviewed the many types of federal recovery programs, and distributed materials including fire recovery contacts and the importance of writing down and retaining records to prove loss. The local FSA agent attended these meetings, took down contact information, and answered questions. Further information about these programs can be found here.

3. Congressional efforts to address wildfire:

At each of these meetings, I presented a short PowerPoint summarizing information regarding the fires. That presentation also included some of the legislation that I am working on to reduce fuel loads. This legislation includes the Fix Our Forests Act, the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act, and several other bills. The PowerPoint slide that garnered the most consternation was the one that summarized the astounding amount of red tape (paperwork and studies) obstructing the reduction of fire fuel loads. I set that slide forth here because it is essential that you know what is stopping us from getting into the woods to effectively fight fire:

The Fix Our Forests Act would address some of these barriers, but it has been stuck in the Senate for a year and a half.

To additionally address these concerns, I am drafting a bill that would utilize focused cattle grazing to reduce fine fuels in a large area perhaps creating a form of a fire break.

I learned a lot at these meetings and—judging from the response—I believe attendees thought that their time was not wasted.

Baker County Town Hall:

This Town Hall was held on August 12 at the Baker County Fairgrounds in Baker City. It was a productive conversation. The people attending commented on back fires, daily fire activity in their area, and personnel and equipment needs for the Fox, Powder River, Bob Creek, Anthony, Oliver Butte, Salmon, and Tarter Fires.

Union County Town Hall:

Union County’s Fire Town Hall was held Thursday, August 13, at the Elgin Community Center. In addition to discussing Wildfire Recovery Assistance Programs, we also talked about the Fix Our Forest Act and the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act, a bill I am leading that would make possible the removal of woody biomass in federal forests for use in cellulosic conversion plants.

Klamath County Town Hall:

Klamath County’s Fire Town Hall was held Thursday, August 20, at the Klamath County Fairgrounds in Klamath Falls. We had another productive conversation, this time about the Wright Springs Fire. I was able to update members of the local community about the status of the Wright Springs Fire and the number of personnel and equipment on the ground.

Harney County Town Hall:

Harney County’s Fire Town Hall took place Tuesday, August 25, at the Harney County Community Center in Burns. We discussed Rural Fire Protection Districts, the lack of water for cattle in areas that would benefit from fine fuel reduction, and the work that RFPD firefighters are doing outside the scope of and beyond their original purpose.

Crook County Town Hall:

Crook County’s Fire Town Hall took place Thursday, August 27, at the Barnes Butte Elementary School in Prineville. We talked about the Rowe Creek Complex, the Coyote Fire, the Henry Fire, and the Shingle Fire.

Jefferson County Town Hall:

Jefferson County’s Fire Town Hall was held Friday, August 28, at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras.

We had a very productive discussion about the role our Rural Fire Protection Districts played by providing initial attacks on several fires in Jefferson County.

Representatives from the Warm Springs Tribe were present and discussed how cattle grazing helped reduce the fuel load in certain areas. Notably, those areas were not part of the severely burned areas.

I’d like to thank all the tribal, state, and federal representatives who participated.

Additional POLL question:

Do you support or oppose President Trump's decision to reduce the tariff on 300,000 metric tons of imported beef for 90 days.

Support

Oppose

Undecided

Click here to take Survey

Meetings Across the District

Kingsley Field

On Friday, August 21, I met with Kingsley Field leadership at Klamath Falls, who updated me on their plan to transition to an F-35 training base.

I’m pleased to report that a squadron of F-35 planes will arrive in Klamath Falls next summer. I have been working closely with leadership at Kingsley and the United States Air Force to ensure that this transition from the F-15 Eagle to the F-35 actually occurs. This is the reason why I strongly supported the $80 million in funding for the construction of a facility on the base to house the F-35 Full Mission Simulators.
The team at Kingsley is made up of true professionals, and I’m thankful we have them here in Oregon!

Rotary Club of Medford

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Medford for having me as their guest speaker on August 18th at the Rogue Valley Country Club. I enjoyed the meeting and the questions that were asked. I hope to be invited to address the Tuesday Medford Rotary Club again!

Rotary Club of Grants Pass

Thank you to the Grants Pass Rotary Club for having me as their keynote speaker on August 19th at the Wild River Brewing and Pizza Co. in Grants Pass. I enjoyed taking questions from the audience and the participation of Rotarians from the area.

Asante

On Tuesday, August 18, I met with Kristen Roy, Asante’s chief public affairs officer and general counsel, and David Jacobson, Asante’s public affairs and associate general counsel, at the Elmer’s Restaurant in Medford. We had an important conversation about financial challenges facing the hospital including the 340B drug pricing program and the impacts of H.R. 1.

We also discussed how Oregon’s aggressive tax policy and anti-business legislation is causing businesses to flee from Oregon and how that exodus is driving down the number of commercially insured patients, one of the main financial pillars of a successful hospital.

Rogue Valley Irrigation

On Tuesday, August 18, I met with members of the Medford Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of discussing irrigation challenges facing the Rogue Valley. Our conversation included water claims being made by various tribal nations, less precipitation, and the cost of piping open canals. A representative of Harry and David attended expressing concern over the need for more certainty regarding water supplies.

Josephine County Commissioner Meetings

On Wednesday, August 19, I met with Josephine County Commissioners, Ron Smith, Colene Martin, and Gary Richardson.

We exchanged ideas about legislation that would improve forest management such as the Fix Our Forests Act, the O&C Renewal Act, and the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act, which I introduced in July.

Jackson County Cattlemen's Meeting

On Tuesday, August 18, I traveled to Hyatt Lake on the edge of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument where I met with members of the Jackson County Cattlemen Association. We discussed federal Monument policy that limits grazing and timber harvesting. The Cattleman’s group shared concerns about the operation and management of the Siskiyou National Monument and how the creation of national monuments negatively impacts cattle ranchers and grazing rights.

They also expressed a lack of opportunity to express their concerns about management of the Monument and how it has negatively impacted ranchers.

Klamath Chamber

On August 20th, I met with local business leaders at the Chamber of Commerce office in Klamath Falls for lunch and a discussion about issues such as infrastructure, hospital costs, community college program expansion, water supply, and Kingsley field. We also reviewed the status of legislation supporting active forest management, including the Fix Our Forests Act, the O&C Renewal Act, and the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act, which I introduced in July.

Grants Pass Chamber

On Wednesday, August 19, I met in Grants Pass with local business leaders. We discussed the challenges local businesses are facing amidst Oregon's business exodus and the resulting increase in the proportion of older adults as compared to the number of younger people in their communities. We also talked about forest management and the federal legislation they believe must be passed if they are to protect their communities from catastrophic wildfire. I also discussed my efforts to help unlock BRIC funding for the City of Grants Pass’s water treatment plant relocation project.

Medford Veteran Advisor Group

On Wednesday, August 19, I had the pleasure of meeting in Medford with seven retired military officers (from different branches of military service), most of whom participate in the incredibly important process of vetting and selecting candidates that are considered for admission to our military academies. They also serve as an important sounding board for me regarding military issues. We talked about the state of the United States' military, the conflict with Iran, our relationship with Israel, and the latest information regarding the USS Abraham Lincoln. To say that the conversation was animated, particularly about the USS Abrahm Lincoln, would be an understatement.

Western Energy Summit

On Wednesday, August 26, I had the opportunity to speak at NewsData's Western Energy Summit in Boise, Idaho. Because I am a member of the Energy and Commerce committee, and because I sit on its sub-committee on Energy, I had been invited to appear at the Summit by Steve Ernst, an editor at NewsData. We discussed Northwest energy issues including what I think about the new BPA Administrator, Travis Kavulla, and how I think/hope he might change in the operation of the BPA, electric transmission, data centers, solar viability, hydropower, and the ESA.

We also talked about the wildfires across Oregon and how to best combat them, including the function and impact of my Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act.

Commissioner Jake Seavert

On Thursday, August 13, I met with Jake Seavert, a County Commissioner in Union County, Oregon. We drove out to what had been Conley Lake, (pictured above) a former wetland in Union County. This parcel of land, upon which the lake used to exist, is owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (DF&W). The parcel, currently devoid of water, is subject to a Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) held by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The wetland easement is a barrier to the possible use of this parcel as a water storage site.

Commissioner Seavert is currently working with the Upper Grade Ronde Watershed Partnership, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and his fellow Union County Commissioners to arrange the termination or transfer of the federal easement. If this is accomplished, the parcel could be used for water storage and habitat instead of sitting empty, useless, and dry.

Eastern Oregon Economic Summit

On Tuesday, August 25, I had the opportunity to speak to approximately 300 attendees at the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit held at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario, Oregon. At the summit, I shared some of the economic successes in Eastern Oregon, including the 600-employee Ontario Simplot food processing plant (home of the Tater Tot); the Malheur County stocker cow businesses, which is the fourth largest in the nation; and the U.S. Silica diatomaceous earth plant, which is the third largest in the world. I also had the opportunity to call out the worst-in-the-nation tax system and progressive employment legislation. Both are unfriendly to businesses and have had an incredibly negative impact on all of Oregon’s economy, causing business and residents to stampede out of Oregon into Idaho and other business-friendly states.

In the News

Rep. Bentz: More cattle grazing could reduce wildfire intensity | East Oregonian

Five on 5 – Rep. Cliff Bentz – (R) Oregon, District 2 - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2

KDOV | Cliff Bentz

Second-District Congressman Cliff Bentz talks about the Oregon wildfires

Baker County residents tell Rep. Bentz about problems during Fox Fire | Baker City Herald

Rep. Bentz to host Prineville town hall on wildfire recovery, federal legislation - KTVZ

Sincerely,

Cliff Bentz

Member of Congress

It is the honor of a lifetime to represent you in Congress. Should you need to contact me or my staff, please do not hesitate to do so. You can visit my website here.

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