What They’re Saying: LaMalfa Elected Chairman of Western Caucus

Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) was elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 119th Congress. This position will help bring rural America's voice to the forefront and push for policies that reflect our way of life. Leaders from across the West-spanning agriculture, forest management, energy, and conservation-are celebrating this news, underscoring the value of Rep. LaMalfa's leadership in standing up for Western priorities. Their comments, shared below, highlight the importance of this milestone for the Caucus.

"The California Farm Bureau congratulates Rep. Doug LaMalfa on his election as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. As a fourth-generation rice farmer, Rep. LaMalfa has spent more than a decade proudly representing an agriculturally diverse district and advocating for farmers and ranchers through his work on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committees. He continues to bring Western and rural issues to the forefront, and we look forward to working with him and other members of the Western Caucus to support these communities," saidShannon Douglass, President of the California Farm Bureau.

"We are thrilled to congratulate Chairman-elect LaMalfa as he continues his long history of fighting for the western way of life. He is a strong advocate for livestock producers and has been instrumental in improving grazing flexibility on public lands and bringing much-needed common sense to conversations about fighting wildfires and other multiple use issues. As a western agriculture producer with decades of on-the-ground policy experience, he is perfectly suited to take on this role leading the Congressional Western Caucus. Ranchers congratulate Chairman-elect LaMalfa on his successful leadership election and look forward to continue working with him in the 119th Congress," said Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of Public Lands Council.

"Congressman LaMalfa represents the epicenter of poor National Forest management and the people that have experienced the catastrophic consequences of wildfires. The American Loggers Council looks forward to working with him, as the Chairman of the Western Caucus, to aggressively address the threat to American forests, property, and lives through reform and active forest management," said Scott Dane, Executive Director of the American Loggers Council.

"Congratulationsto the Congressional Western Caucus's new Chairman, Doug LaMalfa, who will no doubt bring his passion and dedication to this new role in the 119th Congress. The hard-working men and women of the mining industry have long benefited from the Chairman-elect's strong support, and we look forward to working with him to ensure that made in America also means mined in America. We also thank outgoing-Chairman Dan Newhouse for his strong engagement and commitment to the American Miners," said Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association.

"UAFA congratulates Rep. LaMalfa on being elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and we are excited to continue working with him and the Western Caucus on supporting the aerial firefighting industry. Rep. LaMalfa has long been a staunch supporter and advocate for aerial firefighting and the wildland firefighting industry," said Paul Petersen, Executive Director of United Aerial Firefighters Association.

"Rep. LaMalfa has a long track record of working with DU to promote voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices on working agricultural lands. His knowledge of rural America coupled with his background as a leader on the House Agriculture and House Natural Resources Committees make him a strong choice to lead the Congressional Western Caucus. We look forward to working with him to support policies that benefit waterfowl, other wildlife, and people," said Mike McShane, Senior VP of Public Policy at Ducks Unlimited.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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