WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. Representative Nick Begich (R-AK) was unanimously elected in January to serve as Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. He joins us on today’s Champions of Rural America to discuss what makes the Western Caucus unique and his priorities in his new role.
In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Begich discussed the important functions of the Congressional Western Caucus, pointing to the shared interests and challenges across Western states. He said he looks forward to hearing from constituents and stakeholders about how best to advocate for the region’s needs.
An Anchorage native, Begich says he is eager to help advance the priorities of Western states during the 119th Congress in his new leadership role.
Begich also emphasized the emerging opportunities in the broader economy, particularly in energy. He noted the significant role Western states play in providing key energy resources, including hydro and geothermal power, which he says are critical to supporting the nation’s future growth and development.
“As a new Executive Vice Chair, I’m so excited to work on a lot of the opportunities that we’ve been seeing emerge in the broader economy,” Rep. Begich said. “You know, you talk about energy and the energy promise of the Western states — that means hydro, that means geothermal. It means all these things. And the Western states play an incredible role in providing those base resources and energy that are necessary for the American resurgence that we have been talking so much about and working so hard to produce.”
Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.
December 22, 2025 01:31 PM
·
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
December 22, 2025 01:23 PM
·
In Minnesota, a legal and legislative battle has reached a tipping point. For over a decade, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the private deer-farming industry have been locked in a dispute over the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
December 22, 2025 12:30 PM
·
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
December 19, 2025 01:14 PM
·
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg outlines the Farm Bridge Assistance Program and responds to calls from lawmakers and ag leaders for more assistance and expanded trade opportunities for farmers.
December 19, 2025 12:46 PM
·
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.
December 19, 2025 11:53 AM
·
The Pet and Livestock Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.
December 19, 2025 11:49 AM
·
Record ethanol production, coupled with stronger demand, supports corn use despite tighter margins elsewhere.
December 18, 2025 02:32 PM
·
December 18, 2025 01:24 PM
