Press Releases

(December 13, 2012)- Members of the Congressional Western Caucus joined together Wednesday, December 12, 2012 to unanimously name Congressman Steve Pearce (R-NM) and Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) Co-Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 113^th Congress. In addition, former Western Caucus Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) was named Chairman Emeritus, and Congressman Cory Gardner, Congressman Paul Gosar, and Congresswoman Kristi Noem were named Vice Chairman for the upcoming Congress. In addition to announcing the new caucus leadership, Executive Director, Jason Heffley, announced his departure from the caucus after two successful years at the helm.  The caucus named Pete Obermueller from the office of Rep. Lummis Executive Director for the 113^th Congress.

“I thank my colleagues for the honor of leading this caucus for another term,” Congressman Steve Pearce said.“I look forward to working with Congresswoman Lummis, our Vice-Chairs and all of the Members of the Congressional Western Caucus to ensure that we continue to fight for the fundamental principles that are so important to our western way of life. For too long, the issues important to the West have been ignored.  As Chairman, I will continue to work diligently to unite Members who will focus the policy debate on common-sense policies that protect western values and get Americans back to work.”

“We have built a very capable team to both defend and advance issues of  importance to the West during the 113^thCongress,”  Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis said.  “I’m excited and eager to get to work with Co-Chairman Pearce harnessing  each caucus members’ individualized Western perspective. It’s an honor to be at this table again, and I’m flattered to be chosen as co-chairman of a caucus dedicated to educating Washington about the intricacies of the western way of life, and it’s not a minute too soon.  As  the Congressional Western Caucus enters its twentieth year, we will have our hands full facing down the ever increasing agenda-driven regulations and litigation of the last four years that have forced industries and small businesses across the West into the fight of their lives.”

“The Congressional Western Caucus gives the unique priorities of the West a united voice in Congress.  With the current Administration’s efforts to limit multiple use of our lands and resources, the combined efforts of the Caucus will play an increasingly prominent role throughout the next four years. East Coast politicians dictating policies that impact the West can be a very dangerous and detrimental thing, underscoring the vital importance of the Western Caucus. I look forward to working with Chairman Pearce, Co-Chairman Lummis, and the new and returning members of the Caucus, as we continue to educate others in Congress about the priorities and interests of the West,” said Congressman Rob Bishop.

"As westerners, we face a truly unique set of regional issues when it comes to energy, resource allocation, water, and public lands,” said Congressman Cory Gardner. “I look forward to using my leadership position within the Western Caucus to educate my colleagues in Washington on these issues and advance legislation that will allow western states greater control over their land and resources."

“I am pleased to be a part of the Western Caucus leadership team. I have always said that a national understanding of the western states, our culture and our contributions to our nation’s economy is key to a national recovery.  Our team will continue to lead the fight in Congress against the President’s regulatory “War on the West,” and for fundamental reforms to federal policies that have held back western economies for decades.”said Congressman Paul Gosar.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to serve on the Western Caucus as a vice chair," said Congresswoman Kristi Noem. "From the pine beetle epidemic to the need for certainty in our agricultural policy, this Caucus serves as a critical voice for our Western states."

The Congressional Western Caucus was established in 1993 during the 103^rd Congress to enhance, sustain, and preserve the West’s dynamic and unique culture, and to find innovative solutions that address the distinctive concerns facing western and rural communities.