Eugene, OR - Today, Oregon’s 4th Congressional District candidate, retired Air Force Colonel Monique DeSpain, expressed strong support for legislation introduced by Congressman Cliff Bentz to restore timber production as the primary purpose of Oregon and California Railroad grant lands.
The O&C Renewal Act of 2026, H.R. 7603, amends the original 1937 O&C Act to affirm that the primary purpose of O&C lands is permanent timber production carried out under sustained yield principles to generate revenue supporting county government services.
“Congressman Bentz’s bill recognizes what rural Oregonians have known for generations – our forests were intended to be actively managed to provide jobs, generate revenue for counties, and strengthen local communities,” said DeSpain. “This legislation restores much-needed clarity and direction back to O&C land management and provides desperately needed funding to our district’s law enforcement, public safety, and schools.”
In addition to reaffirming timber production as the primary purpose, the bill requires that fire protection standards for O&C timberlands meet or exceed those applied to adjacent state lands and directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative fire protection agreements with the State of Oregon. The legislation also establishes a clear definition of “timberlands” and requires updated resource management plans within two years of enactment.
DeSpain emphasized that responsible forest management is not only an economic issue, but a public health and safety and environmental necessity.
“Active forest management reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires, protects watersheds, and ensures our district’s counties have the stable revenue they need to fund schools, public safety, and essential services,” DeSpain said. “I commend Congressman Bentz for putting forward serious, solutions-oriented legislation that puts Oregon communities first and ends our annual smoke season.”
DeSpain said as the fourth district’s representative, she would work alongside Oregon’s congressional delegation to advance policies that promote sustainable timber production, rural economic growth, and improved forest health across the state.
“In Congress, I will fight to ensure our forests are managed responsibly, our counties are funded fairly, and our natural resources are used in a way that strengthens both our economy and our environment,” DeSpain added.
-———–
DeSpain launched her campaign for Congress in OR-04 on October 1st, setting up a rematch with scandal-plagued incumbent Val Hoyle in November 2026. Her launch announcement featured the following video: https://tinyurl.com/MoniqueCongressLaunchVideo2025
Monique DeSpain is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, mother of twin boys, and public policy advocate who resides in Eugene, Oregon. She was the 2024 Republican nominee for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, running to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle to bring about a safer, more prosperous Oregon. Her campaign website is www.MoniqueForCongress.com, or follow her on Facebook @MoniqueforCongress, X @MoniqueforOR, Instagram @monique4congress, Truth Social @moniqueforcongress, or YouTube @MoniqueDeSpain.
To arrange a candidate interview or obtain additional information about her campaign, please contact the Communications Director, Ryan Saylor, at press@moniqueforcongress.com or call 202-642-5366.