Congressman Cliff Bentz has released a detailed Thanksgiving message and legislative update summarizing national conditions, the recent federal shutdown, and his ongoing work in Congress as the government heads into the final weeks of 2025. His message outlines areas where the nation continues to see relative stability while acknowledging the disruption caused by the forty-three-day shutdown that ended on November eighth.
In his update, Bentz notes that the country enters the holiday season with several indicators of stability. The nation is not engaged in major conflicts abroad, the federal government is open after weeks of interruption, and the economy continues to add jobs. Gasoline prices have leveled or declined, current tax rates remain in place due to legislation passed earlier this year, and Social Security payments continue without interruption. Store shelves remain fully stocked as consumers head into the holidays, and Congress has begun addressing major issues including health care costs, insurance affordability, day care expenses and housing shortages.
Bentz also provides a detailed account of how the federal shutdown unfolded. The federal fiscal year ends on September thirtieth, requiring passage of twelve appropriations bills to continue government operations. When it became clear that additional time was needed, the House passed a continuing resolution in September to extend funding into November. The measure required additional votes in the Senate, and negotiations delayed passage for nearly seven weeks. The shutdown ended only after approval of a temporary funding bill that keeps the government open through January thirtieth.
According to Bentz, the shutdown placed millions of Americans under strain. Nearly two million federal employees missed paychecks. Military families experienced reduced or delayed income. Small businesses lost access to federal loan programs and contracts, and households relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program faced temporary gaps in support. Air travel was affected due to the loss of fully staffed aviation personnel, and several federal agencies were forced to halt research, data collection and public service operations.
In Oregon, local communities attempted to soften the impact. Churches, food banks and volunteers mobilized to assist families whose nutrition benefits were interrupted. Bentz highlighted the efforts of a church in Athena that distributed groceries and emergency supplies to residents using its own reserves until federal assistance resumed.
The update also outlines Bentz’s legislative activities during and after the shutdown. He voted in favor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the release of records related to the Epstein case while allowing limited redactions for sensitive victim information. Additional votes included measures concerning natural gas regulation, federal land management policies and Senate data disclosure rules. Bentz also participated in Natural Resources Committee discussions on illegal foreign fishing and permitting reforms intended to streamline energy and infrastructure development.
As Thanksgiving arrives, Bentz encourages residents to reflect on the stability that remains despite the turmoil caused by the shutdown. His message underscores the importance of avoiding future disruptions as Congress prepares for another funding deadline in January.