WEEKLY UPDATE ON WESTERN CAUCUS MEMBERS TAKING ACTION FOR RURAL AMERICA

RODEOS ARE UNDER ATTACK

The Western way of life is under a direct attack.

Radical animal right activists in the city of Los Angeles want to ban rodeos, and they’re making significant headway. If they get their way, other counties will follow and pose a serious threat to the western way of life.

This incident is not isolated. In fact, rodeos are already limited or prohibited in many states across the country.

There are some common-sense laws to keep animals safe such as a requirement to have an on-site veterinarian, banning sharpened spurs and electric prods in the cute, or reporting animal athlete injuries that occur during rodeos. However, it becomes dangerous when certain events and banned and rodeos are prohibited all-together.

Local Jurisdictions that have banned rodeos:

– Pasadena, California

– Napa County, California

– San Francisco, California

– Fort Wayne, Indiana

– St. Petersburg, Florida

– Greenburgh, New York (on town property)

Most people in the rodeo industry are hands, wranglers, and farmers themselves. Animal athletes are seen as part of a family, and all is done to ensure their safety and well-being. Rodeos are thought of as a way to show off skills needed to maintain livestock. Think of steer roping. Most cattle farmers have to rope cattle in their everyday work to trailer, tag, or move them. Rodeo culture is a reflection of the hard work it takes to effectively manage a farm.

If events such as steer roping are banned in rodeos, who’s to say that radical animal rights activists won’t try to limit how farmers and ranchers choose to care for their animals outside of the arena?

The attacks on the western industry will set a precedent that will undoubtedly impact our farmers, ranchers, and beloved way of life.

WESTERN CAUCUS UPDATES

Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY) and members Jim Risch (ID) and Mike Crapo (ID) sent a letter to Senate leadership in hopes of keeping the Greater Sage-Grouse off of the Endangered Species list.

Allowing the 11 states that are home to the bird to manage its population will be the most effective means of conservation.

The letter was also signed by members John Barrasso (WY), John Hoeven (ND), Kevin Cramer (ND), Steve Daines (MT), Mitt Romney (UT) and Mike Lee (UT).

The University of Idaho just completed a 10-year study confirming that cattle grazing does not impact the survival of the Greater Sage-Grouse.

The current energy crisis is impacting our nation like never before. 

Too many Americans have to choose between paying utility bills or buying gas because of skyrocketing energy costs.

Many Western Caucus members participated in the House Natural Resource Committee’s hearing on the Bureay of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) new program on offshore leasing.

Read some of their remarks below.