ADVOCATING FOR WESTERN AND RURAL CAUSES

On 2024-12-18, Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "ADVOCATING FOR WESTERN AND RURAL CAUSES" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, agriculture.

ADVOCATING FOR WESTERN AND RURAL CAUSES

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024)] [House] [Page H7327] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADVOCATING FOR WESTERN AND RURAL CAUSES The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fong). The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Newhouse) for 5 minutes. Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on my 4 years serving as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. It has been a tremendous 4 years, filled with memories and accomplishments that certainly will last a lifetime. The caucus' work on behalf of the issues impacting Western and rural America is invaluable, and it has been a great honor to be a part of this effort. From supporting the multiple use mandate for public lands to upholding the rights of private landowners, supporting American farmers and ranchers, and pushing for American energy and mineral dominance, the caucus advocates for a stronger and more prosperous West and America. While I could reminisce for hours about the caucus, I want to highlight some of my favorite memories and achievements over the past 4 years. For the first time in its history, the caucus reached 100, actually 110, members. What once started out as a group small enough to literally meet in a closet is now the second largest caucus on Capitol Hill. Last year, we also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the caucus, a noteworthy milestone. We have participated in numerous field tours hosted by our members over the years to connect our policymakers and staff with Westerners to learn firsthand about the issues impacting the region, bringing the voices of the people back to Washington, D.C. We have visited miners from northern Minnesota, cattle ranchers in Fort Worth, park officials in Yosemite and Yellowstone, and those who use and benefit from the Columbia River system, all to get a better understanding of policy issues in these communities. We have supported many pieces of legislation to unleash the full potential of domestic energy, support American farmers and ranchers, and end the assault on multiple use mandates for public lands. I thank my colleagues who have joined and worked hard for the caucus over the past 4 years. It has been my pleasure to serve as your chairman. I also thank the staff, who have made hard jobs easier and have accomplished much. I also want them to know that our successes on behalf of rural and Western America would not have been possible without their dedication. Lastly, I congratulate my good friend, Doug LaMalfa of California, on his election as chairman for the next Congress. I am excited for the future of the caucus and know it is in good hands. While I no longer will be serving as chairman, I will continue to be a strong advocate for Western and rural America. Thanking Amanda Bihl Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to extend one more thank-you to my chief of staff, Amanda Bihl, for her leadership and service to my office and the people of Washington's Fourth District. Rising through the ranks over the years, Amanda has been a strong leader who has delivered on our priorities and been an incredible mentor to my staff. I am fortunate to have had her by my side and will certainly miss her dearly. Joan and I wish Amanda the best as she continues her journey with her husband, Peter, and her growing family, and we remind her that she will always be a member of Team Newhouse. ____________________