As a lifelong resident of Northern California and a fourth-generation rice farmer, I understand the challenges facing rural America and the West. Western priorities have been my priorities throughout my time in Congress, whether fighting against federal overreach or for the rights of private landowners.
For over 30 years, the Congressional Western Caucus has worked on behalf of rural and western Americans, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead this group. With over 90 members dedicated to restoring prosperity to rural economies and upholding the Western way of life, we can make a difference in the halls of Congress.
In the 119th Congress, the Caucus will be dedicated to advocating on behalf of five important issues areas to accomplish our mission.
We will be steadfast in achieving American energy dominance and ending reliance on foreign countries. We will promote the production of affordable and reliable domestic energy sources such as hydro- and nuclear power, reinforce efforts to modernize the cumbersome permitting process, and eliminate regulations that stifle development. As a result, citizens and businesses alike will pay less for energy.
Our members are dedicated to defending the multiple-use doctrine against attacks from activists intent on locking up our public lands. We will work to increase access to public lands for recreational activities, like hiking, hunting, fishing, and OHV use, without limiting responsible energy production, mining, forestry, or grazing.
For many rural and remote areas across the West, public and private forests are critical engines of job creation. Maintaining healthy forests through active management is a top priority for the Caucus that will drive help rural America’s prosperity while simultaneously reducing the risk and severity of wildfires.
Water rights, like property rights, are sacrosanct in the American West. Caucus members are dedicated to fighting against federal and state attempts to curb water rights and impose ruinous environmental requirements. The West relies on a predictable water supply for crops, cities, recreation, and industry. Without this, our local economies and America’s food supply are threatened.
Caucus members know that America’s greatness is fueled by the yields of its farmers and ranchers. Supporting U.S.-based agricultural production and shielding American farms from unacceptable foreign trade practices are both central tenets of the Caucus’ mission.
The Western Caucus is a strong voice in Washington, and I look forward to working with the Trump Administration and our members to deliver results for the folks who call rural America home.
Sincerely,
Doug LaMalfa
Chairman
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