Our Mission

The mission of the Western Caucus is to enhance, sustain, and preserve the West’s dynamic and unique culture, and to find innovative solutions that address the distinctive concerns facing western and rural communities. We believe economic growth and conservation are not mutually exclusive goals and can be accomplished by promoting balanced, common-sense reforms.

To accomplish this mission, the Western Caucus is committed to advancing the following key principles: protecting private property, strengthening local control, promoting economic growth, and increasing energy independence. As part of our advocacy of these principles we will focus on an agenda which will increase energy independence and security, protect and promote multiple use access to federal lands, help educate the public and eventually bring about common-sense reforms to outdated environmental statutes such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, and to reevaluate and reorient current views and policies on federal land ownership.

The Western Caucus will build on the proud legacy and tradition of this Caucus by producing real results for our constituents during the 114th Congress.

Latest News

Sep 1, 2016 Press Release
Washington, D.C. (September 1st, 2016) –The gray wolf is clearly recovered, but remains listed as endangered in the majority of Washington State and across the U.S. For the latest Congressional Western Caucus video highlighting the recovery of the gray wolf in Washington’s 4th congressional district, represented by Congressman Dan Newhouse.
Aug 26, 2016 Press Release

Washington, D.C. (August 26th, 2016) – Today President Obama unilaterally enlarged the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument off the coast of Hawaii by 442,781 square miles.  

Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Cynthia Lummis (WY-At large) issued the following statement in response:

Aug 24, 2016 Press Release

Washington, D.C. (August 24th, 2016)The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is approaching the end of a five year, 757 species work plan dictated by a court order drafted behind closed doors because of lawsuits brought by litigation happy groups like the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD).

Aug 24, 2016 Press Release
Washington, D.C. (August 24th, 2016)–Today, President Barack Obama ignored local and state input by using the Antiquities Act to unilaterally designate 87,500 acres of lands in Maine as the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. President Obama and Secretary Jewell have backpedaled on their own promise to conduct a robust public process prior to making any decision.
Aug 2, 2016 Press Release

Washington, D.C. (August 2nd, 2016) – Yesterday, President Obama’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) finalized guidance directing all federal agencies to incorporate climate change into their decision-making processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).