WEEKLY UPDATE ON WESTERN CAUCUS MEMBERS TAKING ACTION FOR RURAL AMERICA
VIVA WESTERN CAUCUS – VEGAS FIELD TOUR
The Western Caucus Foundation was proud to host our annual Winter Field Tour and Policy Roundtable from December 5-7.
As part of the trip, we held a panel on Tribal Policy Forum on Friday. On Saturday morning we hosted a Roundtable Discussion titled America’s Vulnerable Supply Chain of Natural Resources.
Tribal Panel speakers:
- Samantha Stilwell, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
- Marc Luker and Aurene Martin, Pechanga Band of Indians
- John Tahsuda, partner at Navigators Global and former Department of the Interior Counselor to the Secretary
- Councilmember Billy Beeson, Colorado River Indian Tribes
- Councilmember Brian Lugo, Morongo Band of Mission Indians (invited)
- Mike Andrews, Moapa Band of Paiutes (Consultant)
- Chairwomen Vikki Simmons, Moapa Band of Paiutes
Natural Resources speakers:
- Justin Prosser, National Mining Association (producer)
- Joseph Cavatoni, World Gold Council (producer / global commodity)
- Jessica Carter, Ford Motor Company (consumer/manufacturer)
- Christopher Guith, SVP, Global Energy Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Moderated by Andrew Williams, Senate Western Caucus Executive Director
We also received Committee updates from Western Caucus members:
- Rep. James Comer – House Oversight
- Rep. Austin Scott – House Agriculture
- Rep. Sam Graves – House Transportation and Infrastructure
- Rep. Jason Smith – Ways and Means
with featured speakers:
- Senator Cynthia Lummis – Senate Western Caucus Chair
- Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony
A special “thank you” to our Headline Sponsor: Perimeter Solutions, and other sponsors: Allegiant Air, GATX, LIBRE Initiative, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, RBW Group, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Resort Casino, and TKO (owner of UFC and new owner of PBR).
WCF HOLIDAY RECEPTION
Our Holiday Reception served as a time of end-of-year fellowship to come together in the spirit of the season. We greatly enjoyed hosting Western Caucus members, staff, and Foundation stakeholders to enjoy festivities and gather to celebrate all the Western Caucus has accomplished in 2024.
A special thanks to Headline Sponsor: LIBRE Initiative
DECEMBER BICAMERAL STAFF POLICY BRIEFING
We held the last Bicameral Staff Policy Breakfast of the 118th Congress this morning. Thank you to Andrew Vecera from Ryan LLC for speaking to Western Caucus staffers about tax policy reconciliation.
FAREWELL TO WCF’S PEDRO FERNANDEZ
As most know, today is Pedro’s last in Washington DC for now. He is moving home to El Paso, TX to be closer to his family. Thankfully, Pedro will continue his work remotely with the Foundation.
While he’s not leaving us completely, we honored him by creating a book of farewell messages presented to him by Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY) at our Holiday Party on Wednesday. Thank you to all who participated. Pedro was very touched by the stories and well wishes shared.
There is no doubt that all of you recognize the profound impact that Pedro has made on the Foundation. He truly is irreplaceable. Pedro has implemented countless ideas and innovations to make our Field Tours and events a valuable experience for all of you. His behind-the-scenes work to ensure WCF events run smoothly is unmatched – handling all matters with confidence and efficiency. We greatly enjoy working alongside him and will miss having him in the office. We wish him the best in Texas!
WESTERN CACUS UPDATES
Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY) urged Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning to halt the Greater Sage-Grouse Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Newhouse and Lummis demanded an immediate pause on the RMPA to prevent further damage from current policies.
Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY), and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) criticized the proposed ESA listing of the monarch butterfly, citing concerns over its impact.
“…The proposed listing of the monarch butterfly is more evidence of the desperate need for ESA reform. We must prioritize solutions that empower states and local landowners while maintaining healthy ecosystems across the country…”
– HNR Chairman Bruce Westerman