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.”
Congressman Pete Stauber explains why the repeal of a Biden-era mining ban is good not only for his home state of Minnesota – it’s good for America.
February 06, 2026 03:56 PM
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
February 06, 2026 12:36 PM
·
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.
February 06, 2026 12:07 PM
·
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
February 06, 2026 11:48 AM
·
The U.S. trade deal with Argentina creates new export opportunities for U.S. livestock and crop producers but also raises competitive concerns.
February 06, 2026 10:15 AM
·
Policies aimed at ground beef prices may primarily reshape dairy incentives rather than deliver lasting consumer savings.
February 06, 2026 08:00 AM
·
More flexible export financing could strengthen demand in emerging markets and support higher U.S. agricultural exports.
February 06, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Incremental trade clarity with India could support select U.S. ag exports, but major gains hinge on future market-access talks.
February 06, 2026 06:00 AM
·
The House Agriculture Committee is set to debate a new, “skinny” Farm Bill at the end of February, according to a release from Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson.
February 05, 2026 12:35 PM
·
