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WEEKLY UPDATE ON WESTERN CAUCUS MEMBERS TAKING ACTION FOR RURAL AMERICA
Chairman’s Chat: MIKE SIMPSON (ID-02) ON UNDERSTANDING THE AMERICAN WEST AND OVERSIGHT OF DOI
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02) joined Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) for the latest Western Caucus Chairman’s Chat titled “Understanding the American West & Oversight of [the Department of the Interior].”
Watch the full Chairman’s Chat below.
CODIFYING THE BALD EAGLE AS
THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL BIRD
You likely grew up thinking that the Bald Eagle was America’s national bird. In reality, this has not been written into law. Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and member Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) have introduced legislation to codify the Bald Eagle as our National Bird.
“These majestic creatures have long been viewed as the official bird of this country and it is past time we made it official without costing taxpayers a single cent.”
– Senator Lummis
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“The bald eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and patriotism for our nation,” said Mullin. “It’s only fitting we officially designate the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. I am glad to join my colleagues on this introduction.”
– Senator Mullin
WESTERN CAUCUS UPDATES
![MANDATED EID EARTAGS (2)](https://www.westerncaucusfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MANDATED-EID-EARTAGS-2.png)
Congressional Western Caucus Vice Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) introduced the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act. This legislation aims to streamline the permitting process by using a “permit by rule” approach, reducing bureaucratic obstacles and speeding up project approvals and implementation.
“The FREE Act offers some long overdue relief, streamlining permits to make them more manageable and predictable.” – Rep. Maloy
![MANDATED EID EARTAGS](https://www.westerncaucusfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MANDATED-EID-EARTAGS-1.png)
Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) issued a statement in response to the Biden Administration’s announcement of a Columbia River Taskforce, which is assigned to explore options for breaching the four Lower Snake River dams.
“This is what happens when a president bends to the will of unelected bureaucratic environmentalists that have no knowledge of how the world works outside of their D.C. bubble…”
Read the full statement below.