Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Executive Vice Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Vice Chair Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Vice Chair Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Congressman Nick Begich (AK-AL), and Representative Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) released the following statements after the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 4285, the Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites (STARS) Act, H.R. 655, the Dalles Watershed Development Act, H.R. 3857, the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act, H.R. 5131, the Public Lands Military Readiness Act, and H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act.

"The Western Caucus is an organization devoted to developing and championing legislation needed to improve the everyday lives of our constituents in rural America," said Chairman LaMalfa. "The bills passed this week will improve water supply for a town, provide long-term assurance for military training areas, extend and refine snow monitoring, digitize portions of the permitting system, and celebrate our great nation's 250th anniversary. I am proud of the work my colleagues put into these policy solutions and look forward to supporting them all the way to the President's desk."

"The STARS Act turns Constitution Day into a fee-free day across the National Park System so that more Americans can get out and experience our special places. Being out on the landscape or learning something at a historic park are great ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday," said Executive Vice Chair Celeste Maloy.

“This transfer will help the City of The Dalles expand its potable water resources,” said Vice Chair Cliff Bentz. “A reliable and secure water supply for the City is one of my highest priorities. When this legislation is passed by the Senate and signed by the President, The Dalles will have the ability to better manage its watershed, expand its reservoir and support the City's’ long-term growth. I am happy to see this bill advance, and I thank my colleagues in the House and local leaders in the City who helped move it forward.”

“We cannot manage what we cannot measure. Water is life in the West, and accurate data is how we manage it,” said Vice Chair Hurd. “Families, ranchers, and water managers across CO-03 make critical decisions every day based on snowpack forecasts - decisions that affect their livelihoods and our communities. This bill gives them better tools and more reliable information to plan with. I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this commonsense legislation.”

"Our training ranges in Alaska and across the country are indispensable for Arctic readiness and missile defense,” said Congressman Begich. “This legislation ensures our servicemen and women have uninterrupted access to the world-class training spaces they need to remain the strongest fighting force on earth. By extending these land withdrawals, we are carrying out the President’s mission of peace through strength and giving our military the certainty and support required to counter emerging threats. I am grateful for the broad bipartisan support behind this bill and proud to see it pass the House.”

“It has become harder and harder to get any big project done in America,” said Representative Johnson. “The same road project that can get approved in Germany in six months takes six years in America. America is full of innovators, creators, and builders. It’s time we let them build again, fueling economic growth and unlocking domestic energy production. I’m grateful the ePermit Act passed the House, and I hope the Senate acts soon so this can be the law of the land.”

Legislative Digest: 

H.R. 4285, the Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites (STARS) Act

H.R. 655, the Dalles Watershed Development Act

H.R. 3857, the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act

H.R. 5131, the Public Lands Military Readiness Act

H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act