The House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries convened in Redmond, Oregon, for an oversight field hearing titled \"It All Depends on Water: Examining Efforts to Improve and Protect Central Oregon's Water Supply.\" Chairman Cliff Bence opened the session, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to hold the hearing in his home state and highlighting the significance of water supply issues in the region.

Congresswoman Lori Chavez-Dremer, representing Oregon's 5th congressional district, welcomed attendees and acknowledged key local officials, including Commissioners Tony DeBone, Patty Adair, and Phil Chang, who were present to provide testimony. She emphasized the importance of the hearing in addressing water-related challenges faced by Central Oregon, a topic of critical concern for the community.

The hearing marked a notable occasion as it was the first field hearing held by a congressional subcommittee in the area in nearly two decades. Bence noted the bipartisan nature of the event, with Congresswoman Val Hoyle from Oregon's 4th district also participating, underscoring the collaborative effort to tackle water issues that affect both Oregon and neighboring Washington.

Chavez-Dremer reminded the audience that while public comments were welcome in writing, the hearing was structured for formal testimony from members of Congress and invited witnesses only. She encouraged attendees to engage with the process by submitting their thoughts on the discussions.

The meeting aimed to gather insights and information on the current state of Central Oregon's water supply, with a focus on improving and protecting this vital resource for the region's residents and ecosystems.