Washington Fourth District Congressman Dan Newhouse and Oregon Second District Congressman Cliff Bentz have been joined by a handful of other Northwest Republican representatives to introduce a package of nine bills to protect the four Lower Snake River Dams following the release of the final package of actions and commitments in the Columbia River System Operations mediation they believe would undermine dam operations. In a statement, Newhouse says the package is a reinforcement of their belief authority over the dams remains in the hands of Congress, and is a testament to their commitment to protect what he called “these critical pieces of infrastructure.” The package contains nine bills aimed at reversing specific provisions in the final package of actions and commitments in the systems operations’ mediation. A variety of organizations with stakes in the Columbia River System are supporting the bills.