WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chair of the Senate Western Caucus, and U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, held a press conference to announce their legislative priorities for the 118th Congress. Their platform will prioritize defending the western way of life by promoting local decision-making and smart public land management, reestablishing American energy dominance and fostering rural economic development in our communities.

“I am honored to chair the Senate Western Caucus in the 118th Congress. I am especially excited to join Chairman Newhouse. He has been an effective legislator and chairman, and I am thrilled to build on the successes of he and outgoing Senate Chair, Steve Daines," said Lummis. "As chair of the Senate Western Caucus, I will promote and defend the western way of life. To me, that means protecting the cowboy spirit of innovation and exploration, not restriction and regulation.”

The Congressional and Senate Western Caucuses exist to educate policymakers about cultural and policy issues unique to the American West. Lummis took over as chair of the Senate Western Caucus in January of 2023. Representative Newhouse has served as chair of the Congressional Western Caucus since 2021. Lummis previously served as chair of the Congressional Western Caucus while she was a member of the House of Representatives.