Caucus Western (R) RSS Articles

Natural Resources Committee Advances Four Western Caucus Bills

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources reported four of our Members' bills to the House:

H.R. 5694 - Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act - Executive Vice Chair Nick Begich (AK-AL)
H.R. 7250 - To reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 - Congressman Troy Downing (MT-AL)
H.R. 7831 - License to Drill Act - Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03)
H.R. 7487 - Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act - Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04)

See what they have to say about these wins below.

“Members of the Western Caucus understand the vast untapped potential of America’s natural resources across the West. Reporting these bills out of Committee today is another step towards turning our Members’ legislation into real results that will produce lasting benefits for their constituents and the American people,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“For generations, Alaska Native artisans have created world-renowned works of art from legally and sustainably harvested walrus ivory,” said Executive Vice Chair Nick Begich. “The ARTIST Act ensures that overly broad state ivory bans cannot unintentionally criminalize these lawful handicrafts. This bill protects the rights of Alaska Native artists to continue sharing their craftsmanship, traditions, and heritage with the rest of the country, while also supporting rural economies across Alaska. I’m proud to see this important legislation advance out of the House Natural Resources Committee.”

“Reliable access to clean water is critical for families, ranchers, farmers, and tribal communities across Northeast Montana. I’m proud my bill, H.R. 7250, passed through the House Natural Resources Committee to extend authorization for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System and keep this important infrastructure project moving forward. This legislation will help strengthen rural communities, support long-term water security, and invest in Montana’s future," said Congressman Troy Downing.

“We know the effects of overreliance on foreign nations for our energy; it is a risk that we must mitigate. We also know that permitting delays cost jobs and drive up energy prices for everyday Americans,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “America needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and that starts with a government that can keep up with demand. The License to Drill Act will streamline permitting so our critical energy projects stop waiting on Washington and start delivering the domestic production this country needs to remain independent and secure.”

“I'm proud that my Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act passed out of Committee today with bipartisan support,” said Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. “This is an important first step to get this vital legislation to the President’s desk. Cutting red tape and unleashing new hydropower development will create good-paying rural jobs, lower energy costs for families and businesses, and strengthen our energy independence.”

Legislative Digest

H.R. 5694, the Alaska’s Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act
Sponsor: Executive Vice Chair Nick Begich (AK-AL)
Summary: Protects the cultural traditions and economic livelihoods of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples by exempting their traditional, handcrafted items that use walrus, narwhal, and whale ivory from being blocked by marine mammal protections. To qualify for these exemptions, the handcrafts can only be made using traditional Indigenous Alaskan methods, without mass copying devices, and the use of edible portions of marine mammals must not be wasteful. This bill allows the sale of these Indigenous Alaskan handcrafts across state lines and would prohibit any state bans on the sale and trade of these products.

H.R. 7250, to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000.
Sponsor: Representative Troy Downing (MT-02)
Summary: Extends the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System authorization from 2026 to 2028, allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to continue constructing and maintaining vital infrastructure on the Fort Peck Reservation, connected to the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Water System.

H.R. 7487, the Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act
Sponsor: Representative Lauren Boebert (CO-04)
Co-sponsors: Gray (CA-13)
Summary: The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act amends the Bureau of Reclamation Project Act of 1939 to give the Bureau of Reclamation exclusive authority to develop hydropower on all Reclamation projects. Under current law, non-Federal hydropower developments often require sponsors to receive permits from both Reclamation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Additionally, the bill encourages irrigation districts, electric utilities, and other state and local entities to develop and utilize hydropower to strengthen American energy independence and create rural jobs.

H.R. 7831, the License to Drill Act
Sponsor: Representative Mike Kennedy (UT-03)
Co-sponsors: Chair Maloy (UT-02), Vice Chair Hageman (WY-AL), Bice (OK-05)
Summary: Extends the Mineral Leasing Act fee collection period, for an Application for Permit to Drill (APF) fee program, from 2026 to 2037. The collected fees will be transferred to the BLM Permit Processing Improvement Fund (PPIF), a fund set up in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to shorten permit processing timelines by providing additional money for labor costs.

Western Caucus Members Celebrate: Public Lands Back to the People

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the full rescinding of the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. Following BLM's announcement, Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and other Members released these statements:

“Unlocking our public lands and using them for conservation is not a zero-sum game. The multiple-use doctrine restored by the Trump Administration today will allow grazing, energy and mineral development, forestry management, and public recreation while also protecting these lands for future generations,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“Rescinding this Biden-era Public Lands Rule is a major victory for Western states, restoring balance to the multiple-use mandate that has guided public land management across the West for several generations. The Western Caucus has long fought against one-size-fits-all policies that lock up our lands and weaken rural economies, and we applaud this action to return BLM management to the principles of multiple use and sustained yield established under federal law,” said Executive Vice Chair Nick Begich.

“Nobody makes better beef than Montana ranchers. This decision is a return to the original mission the BLM was created for. The Taylor Grazing Act made clear these lands play a critical role in feeding our nation and sustaining rural communities, they are not meant to be locked up to satisfy the latest Washington political agenda. In Montana, working lands support ranching families who help put food on America’s tables. I support the BLM’s decision to put people who have been stewards of the land for generations back at the center of public land management,” said Vice Chair Ryan Zinke.

“The previous administration’s aggressive land grabs were implemented with zero consideration of the families, farmers, ranchers, tribes, and others who understand our lands better than anyone in Washington D.C.,” said Vice Chair Harriet Hageman. “President Trump is restoring integrity to our environmental agencies and standing up for our western way of life by making lands manageable again.”

"I'm pleased to see the Bureau of Land Management rescind the Biden-era Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. This out-of-touch rule would have seriously impacted how Idahoans enjoy the 12 million acres of BLM-managed land across our great state. I am grateful to see the Trump administration respond to responsible stewards, like those throughout Idaho, and restore the principle of multiple uses on public lands," said Representative Mike Simpson.

"Yesterday’s action by the Department of the Interior to repeal the harmful Biden administration’s Conservation and Landscape Health rule is a major victory for the American West," said Representative Russ Fulcher. "This move preserves traditional multiple-use practices on federal lands—such as grazing, ranching, and recreation—that communities in my home state of Idaho have relied on for generations. For the past year, I have fought in the House to stop this overreaching rule as a co-lead on the WEST Act, and yesterday, we prevailed."

“The Biden Administration’s Public Lands Rule was both a reckless overreach and an underdelivered promise that at once blocked hard working Americans from accessing hundreds of thousands of acres ideal for grazing, recreation, and mining,” said Representative Darrell Issa. “That’s why I’m proud to support the decision by this Administration and the Department of Interior to rescind this failed policy and allow our people to utilize our country’s lands for generations to come.”

“The Biden Administration used the Public Lands Rule to turn BLM into a ‘no-use’ agency. This regulatory overreach hampered access for multiple user groups to the detriment of our public lands. The Trump Administration has rightly rescinded this rule and restored BLM’s multi-use mandate as required by law. Responsible grazing, energy production, timber harvest, and outdoor recreation can coexist with environmental stewardship and support the communities that rely on these lands,” said Representative Jeff Crank.

“Montanans care deeply about protecting our public lands and ensuring they remain accessible, healthy, and productive for future generations. As the Bureau of Land Management moves forward, it’s important that land management decisions continue to balance conservation, responsible use, local input, and long-term stewardship. We can protect our natural resources while also supporting the communities, jobs, and traditions that depend on them,” said Representative Troy Downing.

“The Bureau of Land Management’s decision to overturn the Biden-era Conservation and Landscape Health Rule is a huge win for Arizona and the entire West. This disastrous rule was a blatant federal land grab that threatened grazing, mining, energy production, recreation, and rural livelihoods by placing radical preservation policies above the multiple-use mandate required by law. By rescinding this reckless regulation, the BLM is restoring common sense, protecting access to public lands, reducing burdensome red tape, and reaffirming that federal lands should be managed for the benefit of the American people — not extremist environmental agendas,” said Representative Paul Gosar.

“I applaud the Trump administration for overturning the disastrous Conservation and Landscape Health Rule made during the Biden Administration,” said Representative Abe Hamadeh. “The federal government’s tight grip on our western lands has, over the years, robbed our rural communities, ranchers, hunters, and energy producers of many opportunities to grow our economy. That ends now.”

Policy Overview

The Conservation Landscape Health Rule, also known as the “public lands rule” was implemented by the Biden Administration’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 2024. It allowed BLM to set aside public lands for non-use under the guise of public land health and conservation, and applied land health standards to all BLM-managed lands, including those utilized for mining, grazing, and recreation. The public lands rule undermined the multiple-use standard for public lands, created by the Federal Lands Policy Management Act (FLPMA), and the needs of local communities, ranchers, and economies across rural America, especially in the West.

Without any limit placed upon this conservation authority, BLM had the power to convert millions of acres of multiple-use grazing land into unmanaged, unusable conservation land. To prevent the widespread misuse of this power, local communities and officials across the West contested BLM’s authority to utilize the Conservation Landscape Health Rule and advocated for the restoration of the multiple-use doctrine, as originally intended by Congress through the passage of FLPMA.

Yesterday, the Trump Administration’s Final Rule revoked the Conservation Landscape Health Rule to reign in the powers of federal bureaucrats to reserve public lands for non-use. This decision takes into consideration and serves the needs of local communities, America’s energy infrastructure, and thousands of ranchers who graze their livestock on public lands.

The Federal Register document for this rule can be found here.

Caucus Chair Maloy Statement on Bipartisan Farm Bill Reauthorization

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 with a bipartisan vote of 224-200. Earlier this year, the Congressional Western Caucus became the first major Caucus in the House to unanimously endorse H.R. 7567, and support the 5-year reauthorization of America's farm and rural programs.

Following passage, Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy issued this statement:

"The Farm Bill is more than legislation; it is a promise to rural America. It reflects our long-standing commitment to support farmers, strengthen communities, and make sure farm to table isn't just a catchy slogan but a reality,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

Legislative Digest

H.R.7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
Sponsor: Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15)
Summary: The Farm Bill is a multi-year omnibus bill designed to be renewed every five years. It contains almost every agricultural and nutrition related bill that will be considered for authorization by Congress at any time. Without the passage of an updated farm bill, federal food and farm programs become outdated and out-of-touch with the needs of modern farmers, ranchers, and families who depend upon government nutrition programs, like SNAP, for reliable access to food. The Farm Bill is the key authorizing legislation for any program run out of the USDA, including programs which impact rural development, environmental conservation, forest management, and energy production. Some of the key programs that are authorized within the Farm Bill are the Federal Crop Insurance Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), SNAP, and much more.

The Congressional Western Caucus prepared an overview of each title of the Farm Bill, which you can find here. The House Committee on Agriculture has also prepared a number of resources and supporting documents about H.R. 7567, which you can view here.

LaMalfa-Steube Bill Protecting Wildfire and Disaster Victims from Unfair Taxation Passes House

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the House of Representatives considered H.R. 5366, the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act. After the House unanimously passed the legislation, Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Representative Greg Steube (FL-17) released the following statements:

"When wildfire survivors were stuck with an immoral tax bill on their recovery assistance, Chairman LaMalfa built a coalition and fought for them. Tonight, we finished what he started, honoring his legacy and the countless people this tragedy affected,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“Floridians are far too familiar with the devastation and costly aftermath that natural disasters bring to their homes and communities," said Representative Greg Steube. "They should not be forced to face additional hardship and uncertainty by navigating a confusing and burdensome tax code after surviving such events. This bill ensures that disaster victims across the country can focus on rebuilding their lives while receiving the relief they deserve. Congressman LaMalfa spent years leading on this issue, and naming this legislation in his honor is a meaningful way to carry that important work forward.”

Legislative Digest

H.R. 5366, the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act
Sponsor: Representative Greg Steube (FL-17)
Co-sponsors: Thompson (CA-04), Panetta (CA-19), Vindman (VA-07), Neguse (CO-02), Min (CA-47), Crow (CO-06), Tokuda (HI-02), Donalds (FL-19), Bilirakis (FL-12), Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Moore (WI-04), Bergman (MI-01), Wilson (SC-02)
Summary: This legislation extends two different federal tax deductions, both of which are designed to help victims of natural disasters recover and rebuild, through 2026. The first deduction allows disaster-related losses to reduce an individual's tax liability. The second deduction excludes any payments from being counted as income, if such payments are being made as compensation for losses from a wildfire.

Legislation to Streamline Geothermal Energy Passes House of Representatives

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed H.R 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act on a vote of 231-186. Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and the bill's sponsor, Representative Young Kim (CA-40), released the following statements after passage:

"Another step toward unlocking America's geothermal potential. Cutting red tape and unlocking geothermal energy right here at home. Cheaper, cleaner, American-made power," said Chair Celeste Maloy.

"Energy independence has always made America great. Geothermal development will help unleash America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and power America’s future,” said Representative Young Kim. “The HEATS Act cuts unnecessary red tape, strengthens our energy security and supply chains, and brings more affordable, reliable power online. I’m proud to see this vital legislation pass the House. For Californians facing some of the highest energy costs in the country, this relief can’t come soon enough.”

Legislative Digest

H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act
Sponsor: Representative Young Kim (CA-40)
Co-sponsors: Executive Vice Chair Nick Begich (AK-AL), Gray (CA-13)
Summary: Eliminates the requirement for companies to acquire a Federal drilling permit when conducting geothermal exploration and production on non-Federal lands, if the Federal government owns less than 50% of the subsurface area. These activities will also be exempted from National Environmental Policy Act environmental reviews, and consultation requirements in the Endangered Species Act.

Resolution Supporting Rural America Passes House of Representatives

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the adoption of H. Res. 1182, Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) made this statement:

“The Western Caucus represents more than a region; it represents a way of life. This is just one example of what this Congress is doing to champion the communities that feed, fuel, and power our nation. We work tirelessly for rural America, and we’re not slowing down anytime soon,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

Legislative Digest

H.Res. 1182, the Supporting Rural America Resolution
Sponsor: Representative Clay Fuller (GA-14)
Summary: This resolution reasserts the importance of rural America to the economic success of the United States, and notes the Republican Majority's focus on supporting rural Americans throughout the 119th Congress.

Western Caucus Unanimously Supports Legislation to Encourage Prescribed Burns

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act by a vote of 220-198. After the legislation earned the votes of every Member of the Congressional Western Caucus, Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and the bill's sponsor, Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08) released these statements:

“Wildfire prevention should be encouraged, not penalized. This bill modernizes the Clean Air Act so air quality standards reflect reality, not accounting errors. The results are clearer rules, smarter wildfire prevention, and fewer unfair regulatory hits on states and counties,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“For years, Colorado's economy has been burdened by costly, poorly designed regulations that punish small businesses, employers, and families for emissions they can't control — raising costs, stifling job growth, and making it harder for communities to thrive. The FIRE Act is a commonsense solution that lowers costs, slashes red tape, restores fairness, incentivizes wildfire mitigation, and prioritizes practical preventative steps that protect public health while improving air quality,” said Representative Gabe Evans.

Legislative Digest

H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act
Sponsor: Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08)
Co-sponsors: Gray (CA-13), Gosar (AZ-09), Crank (CO-05)
Summary: Expands the Clean Air Act's Exceptional Events Rule (EER) to allow for States to facilitate prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk, without having to worry that the smoke from those burns will cause them to violate National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Natural Resources Committee Advances Three Western Caucus Bills

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources reported three of our Members' bills to the House:

H.R. 5911 – Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act – Vice Chair Jeff Hurd (CO-03)
H.R. 1687 – Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act – Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01)
H.R. 3756 – Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025 – Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02)

See what they have to say about these wins below.

“Momentum matters when fighting for American resources. Today ‘s progress moves us toward stronger infrastructure, dependable energy, and fair protections for American industries,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

"In Western Colorado, reliable water is essential to our communities, our agriculture, and our way of life. This legislation will allow the City of Ouray to take ownership of Crystal Reservoir, make needed repairs to the dam, and restore a critical water source that supports local needs, wildfire response, and recreation," said Vice Chair Jeff Hurd. “It is a practical, commonsense solution that puts this resource back in the hands of the people who rely on it every day. I appreciate Chairman Bruce Westerman’s support in advancing H.R. 5911 through markup, and I look forward to continuing to move this legislation forward to deliver real results for Western Colorado.”

"Geothermal has the potential to be a powerhouse for America. This clean, abundant resource can provide families with affordable, reliable electricity while diversifying our nation’s power portfolio and strengthening American energy independence. I am very pleased to see my bipartisan legislation, the CLEAN Act, H.R. 1687, clear committee, and I look forward to getting it on the House floor for passage," said Congressman Russ Fulcher.

Legislative Digest

H.R. 5911, the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act
Sponsor: Vice Chair Jeff Hurd (CO-03)
Summary: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Crystal Reservoir to the city of Ouray, Colorado. The conveyance will include the Full Moon Dam, Full Moon Ditch, a related lake, all infrastructure associated with the reservoir, 45 acres of U.S. Forest Service land considered necessary for the management of the Crystal Reservoir, and all of the federal water rights associated with it. After completion of the conveyance, the city of Ouray would become responsible for management of the land and infrastructure, and would be required to maintain the Federal Land in perpetuity for public access and recreation.

H.R. 1687, the Committing Leases for Energy Action Now (CLEAN) Act
Sponsor: Representative Russ Fulcher (ID-01)
Co-sponsors: Chair Maloy (UT-02), Executive Vice Chair Begich (AK-AL), Boebert (CO-04), Lee (NV-03)
Summary: Requires the Secretary of the Interior to hold annual lease sales for geothermal energy, including annual replacement sales for any geothermal lease that is canceled or delayed. Geothermal drilling permit applications must be responded to within 30 days of receipt, and any deferral must be accompanied by a list with specific reasons and steps to be taken by either the applicant or the agency before a final decision can be made.

H.R. 3756, the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025
Sponsor: Representative Dan Crenshaw (TX-02)
Co-sponsors: Executive Vice Chair Begich (AK-AL), Mace (SC-01), Magaziner (RI-02), Vindman (VA-07)
Summary: Establishes a blacklist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for foreign vessels that have been involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This list would be made public and used to impose sanctions on listed vessels and entities that support them, thereby barring them from using American ports and imposing financial penalties.

Second Day in a Row: Three Western Caucus Bills Pass through Suspension

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed three pieces of legislation sponsored by Members of the Congressional Western Caucus. Following passage, Chair Celeste Maloy and the bill sponsors issued the following statements.

H.R. 2493 – Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 – Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01)
H.R. 3419 – Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act – Representative David Valadao (CA-22)
S.1020/H.R. 2072 – Build More Hydro Act – Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

“A strong win for access, innovation, and communities that deserve more, not less. Expanding telehealth and supporting critical energy projects help bridge longstanding gaps in rural America, and bring high-quality resources closer to home,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

"Our Nation desperately needs more energy, and I am delighted to see the House advance legislation to the President’s desk that will build more hydroelectric dams. Once signed into law, this legislation will allow for the construction of nearly 40 projects totaling over 2.5 gigawatts of baseload power, improving grid reliability and lowering energy prices. I want to thank Senator Daines for his tireless work in moving this legislation unanimously through the Senate and for his continued efforts to build more hydropower," said Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse.

“In the Central Valley, access to telehealth can mean the difference between early treatment and a serious medical emergency,” said Representative David G. Valadao. “With a shortage of doctors, long wait times, and clinics often miles away, too many families are struggling to get the care they need. This bipartisan bill ensures continued funding to expand telehealth services and is a practical way to improve access, reduce delays, and bring care closer to home. I’m thankful to Chairman Guthrie for helping move this bill through the House and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it signed into law.”

Legislative Digest

H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025
Sponsor: Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Co-sponsors: Rulli (OH-06), Figures (AL-02), Shrier (WA-08), Tokuda (HI-02), Vindman (CA-07)
Summary: Reauthorizes the Rural Health Services Outreach programs through Fiscal Year (FY) 2030. This program awards funds to consortiums of at least three health care providers to improve or expand health care services in rural areas.

H.R. 3419, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act
Sponsor: Representative David G. Valadao (CA-22)
Co-sponsors: Gray (CA-13)
Summary: Reauthorizes grants for telehealth network and telehealth resource centers, in rural areas, through FY2030. These programs continue investment and recruitment of healthcare professionals in rural communities where access to health care is often limited - closing the geographic gaps that keep rural Americans from seeking preventative and life-saving care.

S. 1020, the Build More Hydro Act
Sponsor: Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
Co-sponsors: Fetterman (D-PA), Cassidy (R-LA), Kennedy (R-LA), Murkowski (R-AK), Sheehy (R-MT), Sullivan (R-AK), McCormick (R-PA)
Summary: Allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction licenses for key hydroelectric dam repair projects delayed due to supply chain shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Repair project licenses issued before the pandemic would be authorized to extend up to six years beyond their initial timelines.

The House companion for this legislation is H.R.2072, sponsored by Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

Three Western Caucus Bills Pass through Suspension Today

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed three pieces of legislation tracked by the Congressional Western Caucus and its Members. See below for statements from Chair Celeste Maloy and the bill sponsors about these wins.

H.R. 1681 – Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act - Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08)
H.R. 1343 – Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act - Representative August Pfluger (TX-11)
S. 98/H.R. 2399 – Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 - Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representative Erin Houchin (IN-09)

“Real progress on closing the digital divide and bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the country. With faster approvals, greater transparency, and a strong commitment to rural America, we’re working to make sure no community is left behind in the digital age,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“It is time to close the digital divide and create a more connected future for all Americans, and the passage of my legislation today is a critical step to accomplishing this goal,” said Congressman August Pfluger. “By enhancing government accountability and accelerating broadband deployment, we're not just improving a process – we're investing in the future of our nation. The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act will help ensure that investments in broadband expansion reach Americans more quickly and effectively.”

"Far too often, overburdensome federal regulations delay critical infrastructure projects—leaving rural communities behind. The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act cuts through that red tape, speeds up approvals on federal lands, and helps ensure families and small businesses can access reliable, high-speed internet. I am proud to lead on this commonsense, bipartisan permitting reform legislation, and am thrilled to deliver this win for rural communities across Colorado and the country," said Congressman Gabe Evans.

Legislative Digest

H.R. 1681, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act
Sponsor: Rep. Gabe Evans (CO-08)
Co-sponsors: Craig (MN-02), Vindman (VA-07)
Summary: Establishes an interagency strike force to assist in processing reviews for communication facilities projects on public lands by prioritizing such those reviews, and monitoring their progress when multiple agencies are involved. This strike force will be comprised of the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the head of each Federal land management agency, and two additional individuals from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior.

H.R. 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act
Sponsor: Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)
Co-sponsors: Soto (FL-09), Landsman (OH-01)
Summary: Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to submit to Congress a plan for the creation of a system to track applications for communication facility projects as they are worked through the review process.

S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
Sponsor: Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Co-sponsors: Klobuchar (D-MN), Curtis (R-UT), Peters (D-MI), Warnock (D-GA)
Summary: The FCC will be required to establish a vetting process for entities seeking to deploy and provide broadband services under the high-cost universal service program. This process must require the FCC to take into account an applicant's capabilities for deployment and broadband service, including their history of compliance with other government broadband funding programs.

The House companion for this legislation is H.R. 2399, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09). H.R. 2399 was unanimously passed out of the House of Representatives on April 28, 2025.