Cliff Bentz

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. That is why I introduced the IMD CARE Act today. 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. See the press release on my website below! https://t.co/UxmMPz7tTx

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.”

409 Cannon House Office BuildingEmail Me (202) 225-6730 Subscribe WASHINGTON, D.C. – Because of the importance and value of our Military Service Academies and the educational opportunity they offer, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) wishes to share the annual process of nominating Oregon students for attendance at these academies. Said Congressman Bentz: "Our Military Academies (U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY) are essential to the success of our future military efforts and activities. Additionally, they provide qualified men and women with an extraordinarily valuable education. The process of being selected for this prestigious and important future is straightforward but not well understood. The purpose of this press release is to shed some light on the actions a person interested in a military education must take if they wish to attend an academy.” The first step in this process is to contact the academy (or academies) of choice to request a pre-candidate questionnaire to verify eligibility. To be eligible, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen; a legal resident of Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District; at least 17 but not more than 23 years of age on July 1, 2027; single; and have no dependents. After completing the questionnaire, the individual should seek to obtain a nomination from Congressman Bentz. The nomination application form can be found on the Congressman’s website at this link. This application will be received by Congressman Bentz’s Selection Board, a group composed of retired and active-duty military officers from the district. The Selection Board will then arrange an interview with each student who is seeking a nomination from the Congressman. Our nation's service academies recommend this approach to ensure transparency and fairness in congressional nominations. After conducting interviews, the Selection Board submits its recommendations to the Congressman for review and approval. After receiving a Congressional Nomination, the academy chosen by the nominee will make a final application decision in February. If selected, the nominee will receive an offer of admission directly from the academy. For more information, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Congressman's website regarding Military Academy Nominations or contact the Medford District office. ###

409 Cannon House Office BuildingEmail Me (202) 225-6730 Subscribe 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.” ###

Wallowa, OR – Wallowa Memorial Hospital announced Tuesday that it will receive $5.46 million in federal grants to modernize technology and enhance healthcare access. This $5.46 million comes from the Big Beautiful Bill’s provision that created the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative intended to transform and improve rural hospitals. Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) was the only member of Oregon’s congressional delegation to vote YES for the Big Beautiful Bill. Said Congressman Bentz: “I am very pleased that Wallowa Memorial Hospital was selected to receive this $5.46 million grant. This federal investment in Wallowa County means that county residents will be able to obtain high-quality medical assistance much more quickly and much more closely to home. This is exactly one of the many positive outcomes I hoped for when I voted for the Big Beautiful Bill.”

I am very pleased to announce that the Wallowa Memorial Hospital was selected to receive a $5.46 million grant from the Big Beautiful Bill. This federal investment in Wallowa County means that county residents will be able to obtain high-quality medical assistance much more quickly and much more closely to home. This is exactly one of the many positive outcomes I hoped for when I voted for the Big Beautiful Bill. https://t.co/SxXiGhXgrP

409 Cannon House Office BuildingEmail Me (202) 225-6730 Subscribe Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill last week that included a $13 million authorization, which if passed by the Senate and if appropriated by the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, would be given to the City of Milton-Freewater for the replacement and expansion of a portion of the City’s outdated water supply system. This biennial and bipartisan bill, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), authorizes certain studies and projects presented by a congressman or congresswoman to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which, if approved by the Corp, becomes eligible for federal funding subject to appropriation by Congress. In January of this year Congressman Bentz met with Milton-Freewater’s Mayor, City Manager, and a city counselor to discuss the City’s dire need for funding to replace one of the City’s three reservoirs, which reservoir is 70 years old, failing, and not repairable. Water and sewer rates in the city are already close to $80.00 per month. Because there are other additional and unavoidable City utility improvements on the near horizon, City leaders are trying to avoid borrowing the $13 million, which would, of course, necessitate a water/sewer rate increase. They asked if the Congressman would assist them by requesting a WRDA authorization. Congressman Bentz did so and this first step was successful. A provision for Milton-Freewater has been included in the WRDA bill and, if this $13 million authorization is passed by the Senate and later appropriated through the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, the City would receive the $13 million. Said Mike Odman, Mayor of Milton-Freewater: “The Middle Reservoir is a critical component of our municipal water system, and its replacement will help ensure a safe, reliable water supply for our residents for decades to come. Congressman Bentz and his office's responsiveness throughout the application process—from the initial project scoping conversations through submission—made a meaningful difference for a small community with limited grant-writing capacity. We are grateful for the time Congressman Bentz’s staff invested in understanding the project and advocating for it in Washington.” ###

Today marks 25 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the attempted attack that ended in the fields of Shanksville Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. We will always remember the tragedy of the 2977 men and women who lost their lives; we will always remember the bravery of the American heroes who ran toward danger; and we will always remember the responsibility to protect what is most sacred against those that wish for America’s destruction. We will never forget.

Thanks to everyone who attended my wildfire townhalls - we had lots of productive conversation. https://t.co/xf4QGiRcCX

REMINDER KLAMATH COUNTY: U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz will host another town hall TODAY focused on recent wildfires in Klamath County. It will take place later this morning, 10 AM, at the Klamath County Fairgrounds Hall #2, 3531 S 6th St., Klamath Falls, OR, 97603.

It’s always great to stop by KMED’s studio with Bill Meyer. We had an excellent discussion on the Fix Our Forest Act (which has passed the House), my Fire Townhalls across the district, and my meetings across southern Oregon. https://t.co/CRZvBJm07y

It was great to visit the KOBI studio in Medford where I gave an update on my wildfire meetings across the district. https://t.co/FUo4TP2R1R

Good news! I just received word from Tootie Smith, State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, that Oregon has now been approved to utilize Conservation Reserve Programs (CRP) lands for emergency grazing due to the catastrophic wildfires burning through my district. This decision should be of some help to alleviate the burden our ranchers are facing to find grazing land for their cattle. Please contact your local Farm Service Agency for details.

Good news! I just received word from Tootie Smith, State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, that Oregon has now been approved to utilize Conservation Reserve Programs (CRP) lands for emergency grazing due to the catastrophic wildfires burning through my district. This decision should be of some help to alleviate the burden our ranchers are facing to find grazing land for their cattle. Please contact your local Farm Service Agency.

Yesterday, FEMA authorized use of federal funds to help Oregon fight the Fox Fire and the Rowe Creek Complex. These funds will help reimburse Oregon for firefighting costs.

Washington, D.C. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved three of five Oregon requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG). These grants are meant to provide financial assistance to state, local, tribal and territorial governments to help mitigate, manage and control active wildfires on public or private forests or grasslands that threaten to become major. Three of the governor’s applications for such designation were approved, the Lower Dry Creek Fire near Milton-Freewater, the Awaka Butte Fire near Sisters, and the Grasshopper fire near Pine Hollow. According to FEMA’s office of external affairs, these fires, at time of designation, could have become “major disasters” without speedy intervention. It appears, sadly, that these have indeed become major fires. Lower Dry Creek Fire FEMA approved, on July 16th, the State of Oregon’s request for FMAG assistance for the Lower Dry Creek Fire burning in Umatilla County. Oregon requested FEMA assistance on July 15, the same day the fire started. Between the time the fire began and the time of the request, the Lower Dry Creek Fire had already burned 5000 acres of federal, state, private, and tribal land, threatening 428 homes in addition to outbuildings, schools, fire stations, commercial buildings, radio and cell towers, natural gas and electrical utilities, and agricultural operations in the communities of Milton Freewater, Athena, Weston, Adams, and Tolgate. Additionally, when Oregon made the request, the fire was 0 percent contained. FEMA determined that the Lower Dry Creek Fire threatened destruction that would constitute a major disaster without FEMA’s assistance and approved the state’s request. Awaka Butte Fire Oregon submitted another FMAG request on July 22 for the Akawa Butte Fire burning in Jefferson and Deschutes Counties. By the time of the request, the fire had burned nearly 14,000 acres of federal, state, and private land. FEMA determined that if the fire continued without containment, it would constitute a major disaster, threatening nearly 700 primary homes, five fire stations, cellular towers, power lines, and power transmitters. FEMA approved Oregon’s request on July 23. Grasshopper Fire FEMA approved an FMAG request for the Grasshopper Fire affecting Wasco County on July 25, the same day Oregon made the request. Between the time the fire began on July 23 and the FMAG request, the fire burned 3,500 acres of federal land, was 0 percent contained, and threatened nearly 700 homes. The fire also threatened commercial and residential buildings, electric utilities, campgrounds and trails, BLM roads, and radio and cellular facilities around the communities of Tygh Valley, Wamic, Pine Hollow, and Sportsman’s Park. FEMA determined that the Grasshopper Fire has the potential to become a major disaster and swiftly approved the request. Once a fire threatens to become a major disaster, FEMA’s FMAG grants funds up to 75 percent of a state’s eligible firefighting costs. These costs can include expenses for materials, equipment use, and mobilization activities that support firefighting efforts. With FEMA’s assistance, we are responding quickly to contain and control these fires. I will continue to work closely with FEMA and administration agencies as they support efforts to fight fires across Oregon.

Please see the attached story about my recently introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing the danger of cataclysmic wildfire. https://t.co/JcEuoS5FE6

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.

Congratulations to Yi-jia (Lyra Lu), a student from Burns High School in Oregon’s Second Congressional District for winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition with her outstanding piece, “Still, She Rises.” Her artwork will be proudly displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, alongside the winning entries from across the country. It was a pleasure to meet Yi-jia (Lyra Lu) here in Washington, D.C.!

Today, the @NatResources Committee, on which I serve, advanced the Great American Outdoors Act 250 to help address the maintenance backlog on our public lands, improve access for the people who use them, and ensure these lands remain available for future generations. Good stewardship begins with taking care of the assets we already have. By investing in needed repairs and infrastructure, we can better support recreation, public access, and responsible management of America’s public lands. #GAOA250

Hydropower is one of our nation's most reliable, affordable, and clean energy sources, but outdated licensing requirements and endless litigation are putting many projects at risk. That's why I introduced the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, legislation that brings greater clarity and accountability to the federal licensing process while ensuring mitigation requirements are reasonable and tied to a project's actual impacts. As energy demand continues to grow, we must protect and strengthen the hydropower resources that help keep electricity affordable and reliable for families and businesses across Oregon and the nation.

Protecting our forests, strengthening consumer privacy, supporting agriculture, and addressing national security challenges remain top priorities. Read more about my recent work in Congress and the issues impacting Oregon’s Second Congressional District. ⬇️ https://t.co/OriAJ3HGag

Happy 251st birthday to the U.S. Army! Thank you to the brave men and women who valiantly serve and have served. Our nation would not be what it is without you. https://t.co/N9TzNwfNP5

Today, I attended a House Natural Resources Committee Committee hearing on The Great American Outdoors Act 250, held in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I’d like to thank Chairman Bruce Westerman for holding the hearing where we examined legislation aimed at enhancing public lands access, improving infrastructure, and creating new outdoor recreation opportunities in our nation’s crown jewels like Crater Lake National Park, and in this case, Hot Springs National Park. I’d also like to thank my Democrat colleges from Oregon, both Congresswoman Val Hoyle and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter for also attending the hearing. Among our witnesses was actor Kevin Costner who shared his personal stories about the importance of getting outdoors and recognizing this history of our Country’s natural resources. We also had Department of Interior Deputy Secretary Kate McGregor testify about the Administration’s work with Congress to maximize the experience for those to visit our National Parks and National Forests. It was great fun!

It was great meeting with students from the Pendleton FFA Chapter from Pendleton High School. FFA programs provide students with valuable hands on learning experiences and leadership opportunities that help prepare the next generation of Oregon’s agricultural community. I know that Oregon agriculture has a bright future, and these students are helping lead the way!