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!

WATCH: @RepBentz asked @Interior Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor about how revenue from energy production helps maintain America’s public lands under the Great American Outdoors Act 250. "We are taking from the land but we are giving back to it. And to me, that is part of the genius of the bill that Chairman Westerman is bringing to us today."

Ready, Set, GAOA! Watch our field hearing in Hot Springs, Arkansas, now 👇 x.com/i/broadcasts/1DGLddNBN…

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!

It was a pleasure meeting with Makeena, a student from South Umpqua High School in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. Congratulations to her on being recognized as a recipient of the 2026 Capitol Hill Challenge Award. We also spoke about my journey to Congress, public service, and the growing opportunities available to young people interested in government.

I spoke with a great group of students this morning from North Wasco County School District 21. Our conversation was thoughtful and covered a range of issues including the power of AI, current issues that are before Congress and the legislative branch. Thank you for making the trip to Washington, D.C.!

It is my honor to preside over the House floor as Members debate critical legislation. I am proud to represent the Second Congressional District form the Speaker’s Chair!

Thanks to the Rural Health Transformation Fund, included in @HouseGOP Working Families @TaxCuts Act. This year alone, Oregon will received more than $197 MILLION! ⬇️ bentz.house.gov/media/press-…

“It seems to me that you make more money, on the lawyer side of things, if you can drag things out and bill more hours. Is that correct?” -@RepBentz “Yes, absolutely.” – Lawson Fite, Natural Resources Attorney

82 years ago today, brave Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy and put their lives on the line to advance the cause of global freedom. We are forever in their debt.

Across the country, @CMSGov is rooting out Medicaid fraud that steals from Americans in need. Alongside @HouseCommerce's sweeping investigation, the Trump Administration is cracking down on the fraudsters and scammers who prey on vulnerable Americans, restoring integrity to the programs millions rely on.

Today in the @NatResources Subcommittee on Federal Lands hearing, “The State of Our Nation’s Federal Forests and Outlook for the 2026 Wildfire Year,” I asked U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz whether the agency is prepared for the 2026 wildfire season. Chief Schultz confirmed the Forest Service has increased firefighting staffing levels and is prepared to respond to wildfires this year. As communities across the West face another challenging fire season, we must make sure our firefighters have the personnel, resources, and support they need to protect lives, property. I also asked Chief Schultz to remain in contact with my office should additional firefighting resources be needed during the upcoming wildfire season.

Tune in today at 10:15 am ET | 7:15 am PT for the @NatResources Subcommittee on Federal Lands as we examine the state of our nation’s forests and the outlook for the 2026 wildfire season. With more than 100 million acres of National Forest System lands in need of active management, I look forward to hearing from Tom Schultz about the challenges facing our forests and the growing wildfire risks impacting communities across the West. Watch live ⬇️ youtube.com/live/GDuZ8U6Y_0A…

I had a great meeting with the National Grain and Feed Association @NGFA. We spoke about the need for key Columbia River provisions in Surface Transportation Reauthorization and WRDA, renewing USMCA, and the impacts of foreign shipping vessel fees. We must continue to support agriculture, trade, and reliable supply chains.

Today, I joined the @HouseCommerce Subcommittee on CMT for a hearing titled, “Examining Legislation to Establish a Federal Comprehensive Privacy and Data Security Law.” As more of our personal information moves online, it is critical that the Energy and Commerce Committee continues examining ways to protect Americans privacy, make sure individuals have control and consent over how their personal information while ensuring economic growth can continue to thrive.

Thank you to Taylor Smith and Scott Maguire of the United States Navy League for taking the time to meet with me in my Washington, D.C. office! We discussed the importance of rebuilding America’s domestic shipbuilding capacity through strategic investments and new policies in commercial shipbuilding, strengthening our domestic shipbuilding workforce, and the need to compete with China by building U.S. flagged vessels.

Protecting Medicaid from fraud isn't "cutting Medicaid."   Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar stolen from a senior, a disabled child, or expectant mothers most in need. That's why @HouseCommerce is fighting to protect Medicaid for those who need it the most.

Litigation stalls projects for too long and too often. When the West is in dire need of water infrastructure, we can’t wait.

Thank you to Valley Family Health Care Pharmacy in Ontario for inviting me to the ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of their new pharmacy! It was great meeting the team and hearing about their commitment to serving Oregon families and rural communities. Small, community-focused pharmacies play an important role in keeping care accessible close to home.