The Western Caucus Foundation (WCF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to educating public policy makers and communicating with the public in an effort to enhance, sustain, and preserve the principles and culture of the American West and rural America. The Foundation is a non-partisan and non-political organization.

The Foundation provides a much-needed cultural exchange to bring people together to gain a mutual understanding of and appreciation for the challenges facing the western states and rural America.

While a separate organization from the Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses, the Foundation works to inform and educate policymakers and the public on ‘Western’ ideals the Western Caucus Community supports. This includes individual and private property rights, a strong state and local government influence instead of federal bureaucrats, optimistic self-reliance, utilization of our abundant natural resources, and boundless economic growth and opportunities.

The Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses know first-hand that policy decisions made by politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, DC disproportionately affect the West and rural America, and that the people who live on these lands are the best stewards.

The Foundation provides support, education, outreach, and networking opportunities to advance the public policies critical Western and rural communities through a robust agenda of meetings, conferences, education programs, and communications.

SENATOR CYNTHIA LUMMIS (WY)

CHAIR, SENATE WESTERN CAUCUS

Born on a cattle ranch near Cheyenne, Cynthia Lummis has spent her career fighting for Wyoming’s families, communities, and values. She has always focused on securing a strong future for her state.

SENATE WESTERN CAUCUS

The Senate Western Caucus (SWC), Chaired by Senator Cynthia Lummis, is made up of Senators from Western and rural states who are committed to upholding the fundamental principles of the West.

CAPITOL HILL EVENTS & RECEPTIONS

The Foundation hosts widely attended events and receptions throughout the year on Capitol Hill and nationwide with Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses leaders, members, and staff.

These events are a chance to informally interact with Western Caucus members and staff on topical issues or a ‘Meet and Greet’ to know them with opportunities to hear Congressional leaders discuss Western, rural, and national issues.

CHAMPIONS OF RURAL AMERICA®

Champions of Rural America® is our award-winning TV show featuring leaders from the Western Caucuses and policy influencers discussing the vital role that rural communities play in the fabric of the nation. The show broadcasts on digital media channels and is also available for free on YouTube.

SENATE WESTERN CAUCUS STAFF &

STAKEHOLDER BRIEFINGS

The Foundation hosts briefings with Senate Western Caucus Staff, Senate Committee staff, and policy experts to discuss current Congressional agenda and policy issues.

WESTERN CAUCUS COLLEGE

The Western Caucus College is a 4-day in-person staff training program that provides staff of Western Caucus members an in-depth, professional training and bespoke curriculum on the landmark land and environmental laws undergoing modern policy discussion.

2024 FIELD TOURS

ACROSS 6 FIELD TOURS,

the Western Caucus Foundation welcomed:

Nearly 50 members of Congress | Over 200 Congressional Staffers

2023 DC Events

DIGITAL CONNECT POLICY EVENTS

• – Critical & Strategic Minerals

• – Nuclear Energy in America

POLICY

• – Senate Staff Briefings and Meet & Greets

• – ESA at 50 Report, Staff Briefing, & Updates

• – Bicameral Staff Briefings

The premier caucus in Congress representing Western and Rural America celebrated its 30-year anniversary in September 2023.

The Western Caucus was founded in 1993 by four Representatives from Western states dominated by federally owned and managed lands – Rep. Jim Hansen of Utah; Rep. Joe Skeen of New Mexico; Rep. Barbara Vucanovich of Nevada, and Rep. Bob Stump of Arizona. The Senate Western Caucus was founded by Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming.

2024 DC Events

POLICY

• – 2 Western Caucus College sessions

• – 10 Bicameral Staff Briefings

DIGITAL CONNECT POLICY EVENTS

• – Critical and Strategic Minerals

• – The Benefits of Natural Gas Energy and LNG Exports

• – Affordable, Reliable American Energy

The first two classes of the Western Caucus College completed their program, successfully gaining the knowledge needed to enhance policies impacting Western and rural America.

The Western Caucus College is a 4-day in-person staff training program that provides staff of Western Caucus members an in-depth, professional training and bespoke curriculum on the landmark land and environmental laws undergoing modern policy discussion.

From Waters of the US (WOTUS), to the Endangered Species Act, to the Bureau of Land Management’s controversial conservation rule – see what the Western Caucus Foundation is doing inside “the Beltway” and beyond to protect our families and ranchers in this award-winning T.V. series.

The Western Caucus Foundation released 6 episodes of CoRA throughout the 118th Congress, airing on RFD-TV.

 On May 21, 2024, the fifth episode of the T.V. show “Champions of Rural America” co-produced by RFD-TV and the Western Caucus Foundation won two Telly Awards. The episode won Gold in the Political & Commentary category for general television and Silver in the Government Relations category for general television.

This episode, “U.S. Immigration Policies,” features the recent Western Caucus Field Tour to the U.S./ Mexican Border near Sierra Valley, Arizona with 11 members of the House of Representatives. Topics include the environmental implications of the current immigration crisis and the impacts on farmers and ranchers on the U.S. border. It is the second episode of Season 2.