[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.

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