This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) embarked on a tour of western states that included stops in California, Oregon, and Alaska. He was joined by Reps. David Valadao (R-Calif.), Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), and Don Young (R-Alaska) on the tour. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to join my colleagues in their home districts this week to hear first-hand from farmers, local governments, business owners, and tribal communities about the impacts our decisions in Washington have on them every day," Ranking Member Westerman said. "From the economic opportunity natural resource jobs provide for rural communities, to affordable and reliable water and power supplies for families, farms, and small businesses, federal policies have the ability to create abundance or scarcity in our communities. I’m proud to fight alongside members of Congress like Don Young, Cliff Bentz, Devin Nunes, and David Valadao, to advance common-sense federal policies that give Americans access to the resources they need to thrive. "

"With our vast geography, rich Alaska Native culture, diverse energy sector, and unique climate, Alaska is truly unlike any other state in the Union. Because of this, I always enjoy showing colleagues from the Lower 48 everything our state has to offer. It was my great honor to host my friend, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman in Alaska this week as we met with Indigenous leaders, fishermen, representatives from our energy and forestry sectors, and countless others. As former Chairman of the Resources Committee, I know how vital having a broad perspective is to sound public policy. Ranking Member Westerman has been a strong leader for our committee, and I am glad he prioritized a visit to our great state. After hearing directly from Alaskans, I am confident that he will continue being highly effective in his advocacy on behalf of responsible resource management. I want to thank everyone who helped make the Ranking Member's trip to Alaska productive. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue collaborating with Ranking Member Westerman on behalf of Alaska and the rest of our nation," said Congressman Don Young. 

“It was a pleasure to welcome Ranking Member Westerman to the San Joaquin Valley. We had productive discussions on solving California’s man-made water crisis, which stems from government regulations that cut off the flow of water to families and farmers who need it. This is a top priority of both of us, and we’ll be closely cooperating to bring relief to the Valley," said Congressman Devin Nunes.

“The worsening drought in western states is growing more and more troubling by the day,” said Congressman Valadao. “It is incredibly important that our leaders in Washington pay attention and help alleviate the situation when and where they can, which is why I’m thankful that Ranking Member Westerman came out to the Central Valley today to learn more about the crisis in our backyard. 

“Since I returned to Congress, I’ve worked closely with Ranking Member Westerman to relentlessly draw attention to the worsening drought. Unfortunately, our colleagues in the Majority have chosen to turn their backs, refusing to work with us to alleviate the drought and prevent future droughts from devastating western states. My hope is to continue the conversation we had here in Five Points back in Washington, putting pressure on the Majority to help our constituents in need.” 

"I was honored to have Ranking Member Westerman visit Oregon’s Second District. In meeting with local leaders from across Oregon, we discussed the importance of managing our forests, the ongoing catastrophic drought, and massive wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of land this year alone. I thank Congressman Westerman for his thoughtful leadership on these issues. His visit follows through on the actions he has already taken, such as the forum on the western water crisis as well as the introduction of the Trillion Trees Act and the Resilient Federal Forests Act." said Congressman Cliff Bentz.

Background

Stops on the tour included Bonneville Dam and meetings with county commissioners in Oregon, a tour of the Friant Dam and a farm in the Westlands Water District in California, and meetings with natural resources stakeholders in Alaska.