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Newhouse Elected Chairman of Congressional Western Caucus for 117th Congress

November 19, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Executive Committee of the Congressional Western Caucus voted unanimously to elect Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) as Chairman of the Western Caucus for the 117th Congress. The Western Caucus, currently led by Chairman Paul Gosar (R-AZ), is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 Members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western, and resource-based communities.

"The Congressional Western Caucus is the premiere organization advocating for rural policy issues throughout the West and beyond," said Chairman-elect Newhouse. "Chairman Gosar brought our Caucus to new heights, and I want to thank him for his strong leadership over these past four years. I intend to build upon this robust foundation, expand our influence, and help achieve new victories for our Members in the 117th Congress. Based on feedback and conversations with fellow Members, I have developed a strong vision for a Member-driven, solutions-oriented future of our Caucus. I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and serve as your next Chairman."

"I congratulate my friend, Dan Newhouse, on becoming the new Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. Over my 4 years as Chairman, Dan has been a constant by my side. From the Arizona desert to the North Slope of Alaska, I could always count on Dan to be there working for rural and western constituents. I know him to be an outstanding advocate for the priorities of the Caucus and a leader for Western and Rural America. He will lead the Caucus and its membership into a bright future and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the years to come," said Chairman Gosar.

"Rep. Newhouse has been a valued leader and advocate for the West. Having truly worked the land as a farmer, he knows firsthand the detriment of federal overreach on the people who live, work, and recreate in rural America. The Foundation is excited to work closely with him as the new Chairman of the Caucus," said Darrell Henry, Executive Director of the Western Caucus Foundation.

Background:

The Congressional Western Caucus serves as a unified voice for Members of Congress representing western, rural, and resource-based communities and fighting for the priorities of the American people in the process. Click here to learn more about the Western Caucus.

Initially, the Caucus was born in the West out of concerns of undue federal interference with rural, agricultural, timber, water, energy and hunting values that had been a part of American society for centuries. The Caucus was founded to fight this federal overreach, promote rural values and preserve our uniquely American way of life. Over time, the Caucus has grown beyond the geographic West, allying with Members of Congress throughout the country that share our values, issues, and vision of a stronger America.

The Caucus focuses on hands-on Member education and experiences of rural, resource, and western life has been a hallmark of the Caucus for the last two decades. Currently employing four professional staff, the Caucus brings policy, press, educational opportunities, and advocacy for its entire bipartisan membership through the official Eligible Congressional Member Organization (ECMO) status.