Congressman Cliff Bentz attended a Republican member-only briefing with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on March 4 in the Capitol building to discuss the White House’s trade policies.
The meeting focused on issues affecting Oregon farmers and other sectors impacted by international trade. Congressman Bentz raised concerns about what he described as a historically difficult year for Oregon agriculture, citing challenges faced by producers of potatoes, onions, sugar, wheat, beans, grapes, cherries, alfalfa, nurseries, and corn. He highlighted specific problems such as onion dumping from Mexico into the U.S. market, increased wine imports from France, sugar dumping from Brazil, Canadian retail outlets refusing to buy U.S. onions, damage to Oregon’s cherry industry, and opportunities for potato exports to Japan. Bentz also mentioned uncertainty caused by frequent tariff changes affecting the utility sector and apparel business.
Ambassador Greer responded that he would do his best to assist and noted that actions had already been taken to support sugar cane and sugar beet producers. He said there was potential to help with fresh potato exports to Pacific Rim countries but requested more detailed information regarding losses in other sectors mentioned by Bentz.
Bentz said: “I appreciate the time, effort, and experience that Ambassador Greer brings to the job of U.S. Trade Representative. It is apparent that he is working closely with the President to create the bargaining leverage needed to open up markets for our commodities and products. Consistent with his direction, I ask that my constituents contact my office about the impact of tariffs and trade policy on their businesses. We will relay that information to Ambassador Greer.”
Cliff Bentz is currently serving in Congress representing Oregon’s 2nd district after replacing Greg Walden in 2021 according to public records. He has served in Congress since 2021 following previous roles in both chambers of Oregon’s legislature as reported by legislative sources. Bentz was born in Salem in 1952 and now lives in Ontario according to biographical data. He graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned a Juris Doctor from Lewis and Clark College in 1977 according to educational records.
