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Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) delivered remarks on the House floor reflecting on his two terms leading the group. Video of Chairman Newhouse’s remarks can be found here.
 
Chairman Newhouse’s prepared remarks
 
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on my four years serving as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.
 
It’s been a tremendous four years filled with memories and accomplishments that will last a lifetime.
 
The Caucus’s work on behalf of the issues impacting Western and Rural America is invaluable and it has been a great honor being a part of this effort.
 
From supporting the multiple-use mandate for public lands, upholding the rights of private landowners, supporting American farmers and ranchers, and pushing for American energy and mineral dominance, the Caucus advocates for a stronger and more prosperous West and America.
 
While I could reminisce for hours about the Caucus, I want to highlight some of my favorite memories and achievements over the past four years.
 
For the first time in its history, the Caucus reached 100 Members.
 
What once started out as a group small enough to meet in a closet is now the second largest Caucus on Capitol Hill.
 
Last year, we also celebrated the 30^th anniversary of the Caucus, a noteworthy milestone.
 
We’ve participated in numerous field tours hosted by our Members over the years to connect our policymakers and staff with Westerners to learn firsthand about the issues impacting the region.
 
We’ve visited miners from northern Minnesota to cattle ranchers in Fort Worth to park officials in Yosemite and Yellowstone to those who use and benefit from the Columbia River System to get a better understanding of policy issues in these communities.
 
We have supported many pieces of legislation to unleash the full potential of domestic energy, support American farmers and ranchers, and end the assault on the multiple use mandate for public lands.
 
I would like to thank my colleagues who have joined the Caucus over the past four years. It has been my pleasure to serve as your chairman.
 
And I want you to know our successes on behalf of rural and Western America wouldn’t have been possible without your dedication.
 
Lastly, I would like to congratulate my good friend Doug LaMalfa on his election as Chairman for next Congress.
 
I am excited for the future of the Caucus and know it is in good hands.
 
While I will no longer be serving as Chairman, I will continue to be a strong advocate for Western America.
 
Mr. speaker, I yield back.