Press Releases

Today, Chairman Paul A. Gosar D.D.S. (AZ-04) and the members of the Western Caucus Executive Committee released the following statements after the first meeting of the Executive Committee under Chairman Gosar’s leadership:

Chairman Gosar said, “The 115^th Congress is already shaping up to be one for the record-books. Not only has the Western Caucus been instrumental in crafting and passing legislation to ease burdensome regulations, but we have also expanded our membership and influence in Congress exponentially. With this stellar group of members on our Executive Committee, the victories that lie ahead will be numerous and swift.”

“It is an honor to serve on the Executive Committee of the Congressional Western Caucus in the 115^th Congress. The Western Caucus is a crucial voice for Coloradans in debates on the policy issues that impact many aspects of our daily lives. As Executive Vice-Chair, I look forward to advancing policies that protect water and private property rights, and support responsible energy development and public land management,” said Executive Vice-Chairman Scott Tipton (CO-03).

Vice-Chairman for Indian Affairs and Oceans Don Young (AK-At Large) remarked, “Throughout my time in Congress, I have always worked to advance critical priorities and initiatives of Western and rural states, including resource development, federal land management, our nation’s trust responsibility, and American fisheries. As we move forward with a bold agenda to unleash our nation’s energy potential, empower American Indians and Alaska Natives, and streamline a growing patchwork of cumbersome regulations, I look forward to my new role as Western Caucus Vice Chairman for Indians and Oceans.”

Chairman Emeritus Rob Bishop (UT-01) said, “Western Caucus members will continue to fight for greater access to federal lands, greater deference to state and local entities in management decisions and the responsible development of our energy resources to support job creation across the West. With a new administration that’s actually willing to work with Congress, we have an opportunity to pursue creative solutions, lower or remove the federal regulatory burden and empower western communities.”

“As a forester, engineer, and the Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Lands, I understand the challenges that our western states face from poor land management decisions and the top-down Washington approach to rulemaking. I am excited to join my colleagues as we advocate for solutions to these unique problems. Our goal is to make sure the voices and priorities of our constituents are fairly represented. I look forward to working with the Western Caucus in the 115th Congress,” said Chief Infrastructure and Forestry Officer Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Chief Rules Officer Dan Newhouse (WA-04) remarked, “As a third-generation farmer, I look forward to bringing a unique perspective to issues that are critical not just to Central Washington, but to the West. With my caucus colleagues, we can collaborate on fostering water resource development, managing federal forests effectively, safeguarding public access to public lands, and ensuring that local voices are heard in land decisions.”

“The 115^th Congress presents an extremely unique opportunity for the Western Caucus to effect real and innovative change for westerners in a myriad of capacities. I look forward to working with Chairman Gosar, am honored to serve as the Chief Budget Officer and anticipate a red letter congress ahead of us,” said Chief Budget Officer David Schweikert (AZ-06).

“I look forward to serving on the Western Caucus Executive Committee as the Chief Defense and Interior Officer. In conjunction with my work on the Western Caucus, I will use my position on the House Appropriations Committee to make sure western priorities rise to the top,” said Chief Defense and Interior Officer Chris Stewart (UT-02).

Chairman Emeritus Steve Pearce (NM-02) commented, “We have a lot of opportunity this Congress to pass initiatives that promote our Western values and traditions. I look forward to working with all members of the Western Caucus as we continue towards our common goal of finding sensible solutions that preserve the unique lands and resources we represent while creating jobs and fostering economic growth.”

Background:

Founded over two decades ago, the Western Caucus is committed to protecting private property rights, strengthening local control, fostering economic growth, preserving multiple-use of public land and increasing energy independence.

At the meeting this week, Chairman Gosar announced the following Executive Team for the Congressional Western Caucus for the 115^th Congress: Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Executive Vice-Chairman Scott Tipton (CO-03), Vice-Chairman for Policy and Appropriations Mark Amodei (NV-02); Vice-Chairman for Indian Affairs and Oceans Don Young (AK-AL), Chairman Emeritus Steve Pearce (NM-02), Chairman Emeritus Rob Bishop (UT-01), Chief Rules Officer Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Chief Budget Officer David Schweikert (AZ-06), Chief Defense and Interior Officer Chris Stewart (UT-02), Chief Infrastructure and Forestry Officer Bruce Westerman (AR-04).

The 115^th Congress has seen a significant increase in Caucus membership with 19 new members already joining the Caucus including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01). Click HERE to view the current membership.

With over 60 Members of Congress representing more than 25 states, the Western Caucus is leading the charge on a barrage of Congressional Review Act bills aimed at repealing the most notorious and onerous of the Obama Administration’s rules and regulations. The Caucus anticipates being very active on legislation this Congress.

More information can be found on the Caucus website: https://westerncaucus.house.gov