Congressman Cliff Bentz spent recent weeks participating in committee hearings, introducing legislation, meeting with industry and advocacy groups, and voting on measures involving wildfire preparedness, consumer privacy, agriculture, veterans affairs and international policy.
Among the issues receiving attention was wildfire preparedness and forest management. During a hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee, federal officials discussed the condition of national forests and preparations for the 2026 wildfire season. Testimony included discussion of forest density, fuel reduction efforts, forest health and the impact of litigation on forest management projects.
Bentz questioned U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz regarding overgrown forest conditions and legal challenges that have delayed thinning projects on federal lands. The hearing also examined the relationship between forest conditions, watersheds and wildfire risk.
Wildfire preparedness was also the focus of legislation introduced by Bentz involving Juniper Canyon in Crook County. The proposal would grant the county a permanent right of way across Bureau of Land Management property to create an additional public access route connecting Oregon Route 380 and Juniper Canyon Road.
The legislation would also transfer four 40-acre parcels of federal land to Crook County for use as wildfire safety zones and emergency response areas. County officials have expressed concerns that the area’s existing roadway network provides limited evacuation options during emergencies.
Consumer privacy was another topic addressed during recent committee activity.
Bentz participated in a hearing before the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade examining proposed federal privacy legislation known as the SECURE Data Act. The proposal would establish a national framework governing consumer rights and the handling of personal data by companies and online platforms.
During the hearing, Bentz raised questions regarding consumer consent and whether individuals fully understand the terms and conditions associated with data collection and online privacy agreements.
Agriculture and ranching issues also remained part of Bentz’s recent schedule.
Meetings with representatives of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association included discussions regarding wolf management and the Livestock Indemnity Program, which provides assistance to producers experiencing livestock losses. Additional meetings addressed transportation, trade and shipping concerns involving agricultural products and the Columbia River system.
Bentz also met with representatives from Keystone RV, the National Grain and Feed Association, the United States Navy League and the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Topics included workforce development, domestic shipbuilding, transportation infrastructure, trade policy and funding for victim services programs.
Foreign policy drew attention during House consideration of H.R. 2913, legislation involving additional support for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia and the creation of a reconstruction trust fund utilizing frozen Russian assets.
Bentz voted against the measure. According to information released by his office, Bentz stated he supports Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russia’s invasion but opposed the legislation because of concerns regarding additional spending, sanctions provisions and the impact on ongoing diplomatic efforts. The measure passed the House and now advances through the legislative process.
Additional votes cast by Bentz included support for the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026, legislation designed to strengthen oversight and enforcement within federal childcare assistance programs. He also voted in favor of legislation extending battlefield preservation grant programs and reauthorizing the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative.
Recent activity also included participation in Memorial Day events in Southern Oregon.
Bentz attended the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Eagle Point National Cemetery, where veterans, families and community members gathered to honor service members who died while serving in the military. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for more than 28,000 veterans, spouses and dependents.
Later that day, Bentz participated in the dedication of a replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Howard Memorial Sports Park in Medford. The memorial contains the names of 58,479 Americans who died during or as a result of the Vietnam War and was completed following more than 15 years of fundraising and planning by Southern Oregon Veterans Benefit and community supporters.
The activities reflected a broad range of issues currently being addressed in Congress, including public lands management, emergency preparedness, consumer protections, agriculture, transportation, veterans affairs and international policy. Many of those subjects continue to affect communities throughout Southern Oregon and the rest of the state.