Congressman Paul Gosar

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of the Congressional Western Caucus released the following statements in remembrance of former U.S. Representative Jim Hansen (UT-01):

Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04): "The Western Caucus will forever be indebted to the leadership and service of Congressman Jim Hansen. His contributions as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and as a founder of the Western Caucus continues to yield significant benefits for rural communities and the West. His memory and legacy will always have a lasting impact on the important work that we do as a Caucus. Maude and I offer our condolences to the Hansen family during this difficult time. He will be sorely missed."

House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01): "I will miss my friend Jim Hansen. My condolences go out to Ann and the rest of the Hansen family. As Utah’s longest serving House member and the first to hold a full committee chairmanship, we owe Jim a great debt. He was a trailblazer. Not just for Utah, but for me personally. I followed him into the state legislature, to the Speakership, as Chairman of the Western States Caucus, into the U.S. House, and finally as Chairman of the Resources Committee. I will be forever grateful for the time he took to mentor me in each and every one of these roles. His impact on my life, and many others, cannot be overstated. Jim accomplished much without ever succumbing to arrogance. He was a good man, a fine leader, and a cherished friend. He will be missed."

Chief Defense and Interior Officer Chris Stewart (UT-02): "My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend Jim Hansen. He had an enormous influence upon me and many members of my family. He was a patriot, warrior and statesmen. There's no one in politics that I loved or respected more."

Rep. John Curtis (UT-03): "In many ways, Chairman Hansen set the tone and example for how we should conduct ourselves as members of the Utah delegation. He was firm and principled but generous. He was a statesman whose influence will be missed."

Rep. Mia Love (UT-04): "Jim Hansen leaves a strong and inspiring legacy in Utah and in Washington D.C., and I am saddened by his passing. His work in Congress and in the Utah State Legislature was that of a true statesman, who worked in a bipartisan way on issues that affect us all. He provided strong, principled leadership on natural resources and national defense issues and so much more. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Vice-Chairman for Indian Affairs and Oceans Don Young (AK-at large): "Congressman Hansen was a good Chairman and a dear friend. It was a loss to Congress when he decided not to run again but his legacy lives on. I’m grateful for the years we served together and the work we accomplished on the Natural Resources Committee."

Chairman Emeritus Steve Pearce (NM-02): "I am grateful to Mr. Hansen for establishing such a caucus that understands and values the ideals of the West, always keeping its best interest at heart. It has been a privilege to serve on the Western Caucus, and I know that the foundations laid by Mr. Hansen have set it on a successful path for the future."

Chief Infrastructure and Forestry Officer Bruce Westerman (AR-04): I am sad to hear of the passing of Congressional Western Caucus founder, Rep. Jim Hansen. He was an earnest leader and a true public servant. I am grateful for his many years of service, and his dedication to the West, its people, land, and resources. While he has passed, his legacy continues through the work of the caucus he founded. We will always remember Jim for a life well lived. I send my thoughts to his family at this difficult time.

Chief Regulatory Reform Officer Andy Biggs (AZ-05): "Jim Hansen was an exemplary statesman and westerner. Cindy and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family and the great people of Utah."

Rep. Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa-at large): "Congressman Jim Hansen’s 22-year career in Congress was built on the foundation of his initial acts of service — his two-year mission with his church and his time in the U.S. Navy. His public service was motivated by his love of freedom. The people of Utah can be very proud of his legacy of principled leadership."

Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05): "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Hansen. As a member of the Western Caucus, I’m tremendously grateful for the work he not only started but continued for western states. His wife and family are in my prayers at this difficult time."

Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-42): "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and former House colleague, Jim Hansen. Jim served his country proudly, both in the U.S. Navy and as an elected official. I came to know Jim through our years working together on the Natural Resources Committee where he was a tireless advocate for the people of Utah. Jim was a true statesman and will be greatly missed."

Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08): "Rep. Jim Hansen pioneered the Western Caucus on principles that still ring true today—to fight federal overreach and preserve Western values and traditions. I am saddened to hear of the loss of the founder of the Caucus. I pray the entire Hansen family feels God’s healing comfort during this difficult time."

Background:
Congressman Jim Hansen served the constituents of Utah's First Congressional District from 1981 until 2003. Previously he was a member of the Utah House of Representatives from 1973 to 1980. In 1993, Representatives Hansen (R-UT), Stump (R-AZ), Skeen (R-NM), and Vucanovich (R-NV) founded the Congressional Western Caucus with the goal of representing the ideals of the western United States in Congress. During his tenure in the House of Representatives he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources from 2001 to 2003. He is survived by his wife and family. He passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at the age of 86.