Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus Vice Chair and House Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (AR-04) hosted a Special Order alongside 10 Western Caucus Members to call on the Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress to address the severe drought crisis plaguing communities throughout the West.
 
Last week, Members of the Western Caucus and Natural Resources Committee sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging for a clear plan to address the drought crisis and deliver relief to impacted communities. In April, President Biden established an Interagency Working Group to address the crisis, but they have yet to provide any plans or details developed.
 
Western Caucus Members spoke about the impacts this historic drought is placing on the constituents and communities they represent. They also highlighted the harmful inaction from Democrats in the White House and in Congress:
 
Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (AR-04): “For months now, we have sounded the alarm, only to be met with inaction from both the Administration and our Democrat colleagues. While water may not be abundant out West, it’s abundantly clear this Administration has no plan. In contrast, we do. …We have the ability to overcome and avoid droughts, but we must have the political will to act. The American people deserve nothing less.”
 
Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08): “I feel for my colleagues out West as they struggle with drought-caused water shortages. Instead, activists once again sue at every turn and lobby their Democrat party allies to shut down responsible stewardship of water in the West, and what has the Democrat majority done? Nothing.”
 
Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR-02): “This problem does not exist in a vacuum. Drought makes wildfires far more severe, and severe wildfires destroy watersheds, in turn making us even more vulnerable to drought. This horrific cycle will only continue until we find a better way to manage our forests.”
 
Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-06): “[Extreme drought] is certainly not a new problem for us in the West, and certainly not a new problem for us in California. But it is a problem that is being acutely felt. This is a problem that only governmental intervention can solve.”
 
Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04): “Drought is not a partisan issue. I urge the Administration and my Democrat colleagues from the other side of the aisle to acknowledge the West’s urgent needs and to work with us to provide actual relief – not just talk – to our communities who truly are struggling.”
 
Vice Chair Lauren Boebert (CO-03): “Ninety-three percent of the West is under severe drought, and it’s past time we pass legislation that would provide effective solutions that our constituents are calling for on a daily basis. That is exactly what I’ve been working towards.”
 
Vice Chair Doug LaMalfa (CA-01): “When we talk about the drought situation, it also effects not just people, the food supply, and the water supply. …What does that mean for wildlife – when we don’t keep track of our water supply or put it where it’s most beneficial? This isn’t just about farms, food, and money. It’s also about habitat.”
 
Rep. David Valadao (CA-21): “I am frustrated that my colleagues in the majority care so little about real people suffering from a lack of water. …This isn’t a looming crisis – we are in the middle of a crisis.”
 
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02): “The government cannot make it rain, but it can and should plan for the future. Republicans have consistently advocated for increased water storage and regulatory streamlining, which would help conserve water for the dry years. These measures have been largely opposed by our Democrat colleagues. …Not only is there no plan, but this current Administration is actively making it more difficult for Iowans to access the water they need.”
 
Rep. Blake Moore (UT-01): “The impact of this crisis cannot be overstated. The lack of water will reduce food, jobs, and increase the frequency and size of wildfires. Unfortunately, our agriculture sector are bearing much of the brunt of this. …This will increase food prices for years to come, but it will also decimate rural economies, which hurts our state and our nation.”
 
Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-04): “I want to speak on a related matter, and that’s how our Forest Service approaches fire in our densely overcrowded and drought-stricken forests. …In our National Forests, only the Forest Service can prevent small blazes from becoming forest fires, and it’s about time they did.”