Heller named vice chairman of GOP Western Caucus

Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev., today was named vice chairman of the Western Caucus, a group of 36 U.S. House Republicans who promote regional interests from a small government perspective.

The caucus reorganized for the new Congress, with Rep. Steve Pearce of New Mexico succeeding Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah as chairman. Bishop stepped aside to become chairman of the House national parks, forests and public lands subcommittee.

“With nearly 85 percent of Nevada federally controlled, federal public land policies and management have a direct impact on my constituents,” Heller said in a statement. “Whether we are fighting for public land access or responsible resource development for job creation, it is essential that western Members of Congress to stand together and work for our common interests.”
 
The caucus generally advocates for policies that emphasize multiple use of federal lands, private property rights, local decision-making and a smaller government footprint on most issues.