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Congressman Bentz Announces $197.3 Million for Oregon's Rural Healthcare in 2027

Congressman Bentz Announces $197.3 Million for Oregon's Rural Healthcare in 2027

Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded $197.3 million for fiscal year 2027 to enhance and modernize rural healthcare in Oregon. This funding is a continuation of the 'Big Beautiful Bill’s Rural Health Transformation Program,' which provided a similar amount to Oregon in the previous year. Congressman Bentz was the sole member of Oregon’s congressional delegation to vote in favor of this funding measure. In 2026, the program distributed $16.4 million across 42 'Immediate Impact Award' projects addressing urgent needs, and $80.1 million to 103 'Catalyst Award' projects aimed at improving healthcare access in areas such as maternity, primary, and senior care. Additionally, $21.7 million was allocated to Oregon's nine federally recognized Tribes, $35 million to its 35 rural hospitals, and $10 million to its 100 rural health clinics.

Bipartisan Efforts Target Forest Management and Wildfire Threat Post-Election

Bipartisan Efforts Target Forest Management and Wildfire Threat Post-Election

Following the November election, there is a renewed bipartisan push in Washington to address critical issues such as the growing threat of wildfire and the declining health of America’s federal forests. Lawmakers from both parties are seeking common ground to solve these problems, which have been exacerbated by decades of 'no-touch' management leading to overstocked forests. In January 2025, 64 House Democrats joined Republicans in supporting legislation to improve forest management and accelerate restoration work. Recent bipartisan cooperation has also led to legislation, supported by Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Rep. Russ Fulcher, becoming law, expanding opportunities for counties and tribes to manage federal forests and reinvest timber revenues in restoration projects. Oregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz have also introduced legislation to expand opportunities for converting woody material from forest management projects into renewable ...

Representative Cliff Bentz Announces $197.3 Million Federal Award for Oregon's Rural Healthcare in 2027

Representative Cliff Bentz Announces $197.3 Million Federal Award for Oregon's Rural Healthcare in 2027

Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has allocated $197.3 million to Oregon for fiscal year 2027. This funding is designated to enhance and modernize rural healthcare services across the state. The allocation is a continuation of the 'Big Beautiful Bill’s Rural Health Transformation Program,' which provided a similar amount to Oregon in the previous year. The program aims to support both ongoing healthcare initiatives and the development of new projects in rural areas. In 2026, the program distributed $16.4 million to 42 'Immediate Impact Award' projects addressing urgent needs, and $80.1 million to 103 'Catalyst Award' projects focused on improving access to maternity care, primary care, and senior care. Additionally, $21.7 million was provided to Oregon's nine federally recognized Tribes, $35 million was distributed among the state's 35 rural hospitals, and $10 million went to its 100 rural health clinics. Congressman Bentz was the sole memb...

Representative Crane Honors Veterans on Veterans Day, Highlights Support for Service Members

Representative Crane Honors Veterans on Veterans Day, Highlights Support for Service Members

Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) issued a statement on Veterans Day, paying tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. In his statement, Rep. Crane expressed gratitude for their courage, heroism, and leadership, acknowledging the sacrifices made by service members and their families. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the country supports veterans when they need it most. As Chairman of the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus, Rep. Crane reiterated his commitment to advocating for service members and veterans who have been wronged, regardless of their location. He also highlighted that his team is available to assist constituents in Arizona’s Second Congressional District with VA benefits, military records, and other federal issues.

Senator Marsha Blackburn's Veterans Health Care Freedom Act Stalls Amidst Broader Legislative Package Concerns

Senator Marsha Blackburn's Veterans Health Care Freedom Act Stalls Amidst Broader Legislative Package Concerns

Senator Marsha Blackburn's Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which aims to allow veterans to bypass Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authorization for outside care, has been introduced three times since 2022 without becoming law. This act is part of a larger legislative discussion surrounding the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA), a comprehensive package of 60 bills currently under consideration for a floor vote in the House. Critics argue that TCAVA, particularly its two grant programs—the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program and the RECOVER Act—could weaken the VA's authority to coordinate and decide on veterans' outside care. The Fox program, initially designed for non-clinical support and referrals to the VA, is reportedly being used by some grantees to fund routine mental health treatment, contrary to its original intent. The RECOVER Act, championed by organizations like the Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), seeks to establish a pilot grant program for nonprofit o...

Congressman Golden Celebrates Passage of Take Care of America’s Veterans Act in House

Congressman Golden Celebrates Passage of Take Care of America’s Veterans Act in House

Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) has celebrated the passage of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation, which received bipartisan support and passed via a voice vote, aims to strengthen veterans' benefits and improve VA healthcare. The bill includes numerous provisions designed to enhance various aspects of veterans' lives, such as healthcare, mental health services, and support for wounded warriors and surviving spouses. Congressman Golden emphasized the country's promise to care for its veterans and their families, highlighting the critical reforms within the bill. The passage occurred on Veterans Day, which Golden noted as an appropriate time to honor service members by supporting this legislation. The act has garnered support from several prominent veterans' organizations, including The American Legion, Wounded Warriors Project, and American Veterans (AMVETS).

Roseburg Forest Products Identified as Key Economic Driver in Douglas County Amidst Public Records Search Clarification

Roseburg Forest Products Identified as Key Economic Driver in Douglas County Amidst Public Records Search Clarification

Roseburg Forest Products Identified as Key Economic Driver in Douglas County Amidst Public Records Search Clarification

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak Supports House Passage of Comprehensive Veterans Package

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak Supports House Passage of Comprehensive Veterans Package

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) has publicly supported the House passage of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. This comprehensive legislative package, comprising over 60 bills, aims to modernize, enhance, and reform veterans' health care, benefits, and services. Key reforms within the act include improving access to care, strengthening benefits for disabled veterans and surviving spouses, expanding caregiver support, and streamlining operations within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Fedorchak specifically highlighted her co-sponsorship of the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to end the policy preventing combat-injured veterans from receiving both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. She emphasized that this particular provision addresses a top priority frequently raised by North Dakota veterans. The legislation also includes measures for VA Disability Benefits and Appeals Modernization, VA Information Technology Modernization, and the expansion and promo...

Oregon Department of Forestry Recognizes Three Logging Companies as 2026 Operators of the Year

Oregon Department of Forestry Recognizes Three Logging Companies as 2026 Operators of the Year

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has honored three logging companies as its 2026 Operators of the Year. Wood River Timber of Klamath Falls was recognized for eastern Oregon, Lone Rock Logging in Roseburg for southwest Oregon, and Iron Horse Logging in Mapleton for northwest Oregon. These companies were selected for their commitment to sustainable practices and their efforts in forest management. Specifically, Wood River Timber, owned by Ray Driscoll, was lauded for its work in thinning overcrowded pine trees on private land west of Klamath Falls, aiming to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk. The ODF selection committee highlighted Driscoll's skillful logging, which protected desired trees while removing others to open the forest floor for grazing by cattle and wildlife. Jim Gersbach, ODF Public Affairs Specialist, emphasized that this recognition acknowledges loggers who prioritize environmental care and adhere to practices that safeguard forest resources.

Congressman Joe Courtney Urges Passage of Major Richard Star Act to Restore Veteran Benefits

Congressman Joe Courtney Urges Passage of Major Richard Star Act to Restore Veteran Benefits

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) delivered a speech on the House floor, advocating for the passage of the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102). This bipartisan bill aims to rectify an existing injustice that reduces earned retirement benefits for veteran retirees who also receive service-connected disability benefits. Currently, combat-injured veterans forced into medical retirement can only receive either U.S. Department of Defense retirement benefits or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation, but not both concurrently. Congressman Courtney is one of 341 cosponsors of the bill and previously signed a discharge petition to compel a House vote. With the signature threshold met, a vote on the Major Richard Star Act is anticipated on Veterans Day. He emphasized that veterans service organizations consistently highlight the unfairness of denying full retirement and disability benefits to those who suffered combat-related injuries.

Third Act Oregon Launches Action Resource Hub to Bolster Democracy and Climate Initiatives

Third Act Oregon Launches Action Resource Hub to Bolster Democracy and Climate Initiatives

Third Act Oregon has established an Action Resource Hub, providing a centralized platform for individuals to engage in efforts aimed at defending democracy and protecting the climate. The hub offers various resources, including information on upcoming peaceful events, a network for promoting and listing events, and tools for U.S. constituents to make an impact. It also features guides for moving money from 'climate criminal banks' to climate-friendly financial institutions and alternative news sources. The initiative emphasizes the interconnectedness of defending democracy and addressing climate concerns, encouraging continuous engagement and action. The hub highlights the importance of citizen advocacy and provides contact information for those interested in joining related action teams.

Democratic US senators push for energy permitting bill ahead of key Senate vote

Democratic US senators push for energy permitting bill ahead of key Senate vote

By Nichola Groom Nov 9 (Reuters) - Democratic US Senators Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island rallied on Monday for a bipartisan energy permitting bill ahead of a preliminary vote, arguing recent changes to the legislation and assurances from the Trump administration