WEEKLY UPDATE ON WESTERN CAUCUS MEMBERS TAKING ACTION FOR RURAL AMERICA
ICYMI: WESTERN CAUCUS AGENDA PRESENTATION
Yesterday, the Western Caucus Foundation hosted the official presentation of the Senate and Congressional Western Caucus agenda and legislative priorities for the 119th Congress.
Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY), Congressional Western Caucus Chair Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), and Vice Chair Tom Tiffany (WI-07) outlined policy priorities aimed at strengthening Western and rural America throughout the 119th Congress.
The full recording can be found below.
WESTERN CAUCUS POLICY PRIORITIES
The Congressional and Senate Western Caucuses have released their priorities for the 119th Congress. View the respective documents below.
WCF SUMMARY OF TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS
As the new administration enters its third week, President Trump continues to issue Executive Orders on a broad range of policy areas, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), immigration, and energy. Each of these Executive Orders holds significant implications for the future of our nation. In order to help our Members, Member Staff, and Stakeholders to remain informed about their impact on the Western Caucus agenda, we are sharing a draft summary of actions related to Western Caucus priorities prepared by the WCF team.
The document below provides a brief summary of Executive Order 14154 and Executive Order 14156, along with a timeline outlining the Agency Actions to be taken within 30, 60, and 90 days in response to these orders.
Additionally, Appendix A included at the end of the summaries provides a flowchart of the actions to be taken by each agency for easy review.
For additional information, please reach out to info@westerncaucusfoundation.org.
CHAIR LaMALFA CONGRATULATES SENATE-CONFIRMED OFFICIALS
Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) congratulated Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the EPA, and Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy.
The Chairman expressed confidence in their leadership, emphasizing their commitment to policies that support American energy independence, responsible land management, and regulatory reform. He highlighted their experience and dedication to reversing burdensome regulations and fostering economic growth in rural and energy-producing communities.
PRESENTATION OF WESTERN CAUCUS COLLEGE CERTIFICATES FOR SECOND COHORT
At this morning’s Bicam Breakfast, WCF presented certificates to the six graduates of the second cohort of the Western Caucus College.
The Western Caucus College is a four-day program that covers key western issues including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Federal Land Management, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and more.
FEBRUARY BICAMERAL STAFF POLICY BRIEFING
This morning, WCF hosted its Bicameral Staff Policy Briefing (Bicam Breakfast).
We thank Justin Prosser of the National Mining Association for sharing the mining industry’s policy priorities for the 119th Congress.
VICE CHAIR MALOY EXPLAINS BUDGET RECONCILIATION
All of you have likely been overwhelmed with keeping up with the current budget reconciliation process – especially those who have not been in DC during a party trifecta.
Congressional Western Caucus Executive Vice Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) released a video explaining the budget reconciliation process in simple, easy-to-understand terms. This explanation is great introduction to the process and why its happening in 2025.
WESTERN CAUCUS UPDATES
Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and member August Pfluger (TX-11) praised the passage of the Protecting American Energy Production Act, which passed with bipartisan support (226-188). Sponsored by Pfluger, the bill prevents any president from unilaterally banning hydraulic fracturing and affirms state authority over fracking regulations. LaMalfa criticized past Democratic efforts to ban fracking, while Pfluger framed the bill as essential to restoring U.S. energy independence under Republican leadership.
Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY) introduced the Grizzly Bear State Management Act to remove the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly from the Endangered Species List and return management to the states. The bill maintains federal oversight for population monitoring while encouraging state-led conservation efforts. Co-sponsors include Chairmen Emeriti Senators John Barrasso (WY) and Steve Daines (MT) and members Tim Sheehy (MT), Mike Crapo (ID), and Jim Risch (ID).
Senate Western Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (SD) urging him to prioritize Western energy, rural economies, and land management in upcoming budget discussions as the Senate is working on its Reconciliation package.
“We stand ready to work alongside leadership to develop strong policy solutions that will benefit both our Western states and the nation as a whole.” – Senator Lummis
Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY), member John Hoeven (ND), and Congressional Western Caucus member August Pfluger (TX-11) in reintroducing a CRA resolution to block the Biden administration’s Natural Gas Tax, a provision of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Lummis called the tax an attack on western energy, while Hoeven and Pfluger warned it raises costs and harms energy security. Over 20 Senate Republicans support the bill.