WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-09) today issued the following statement announcing his intention to seek the position of Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources in the 120th Congress:
“I have spent years working my way up through this Committee, building relationships, advancing meaningful legislation, and fighting for the people and communities whose livelihoods depend on America’s natural resources.
I believe my experience, seniority, and record of results have prepared me to help lead this Committee during an important time for our country.
With Republicans now in the minority, we have an equally important responsibility to stand our ground and fight back against the majority’s radical agenda. I will use every tool at our disposal to block, challenge, and expose policies that threaten American energy independence, domestic mining, responsible land use, and the livelihoods of hardworking Americans. The left's Green New Deal and their radical environmental agenda have no place in responsible natural resource policy, and I intend to make sure the Committee serves as a strong line of defense.
Being an effective Ranking Member requires more than attending hearings and sending strongly worded letters. It requires identifying problems, developing solutions, working with colleagues, and holding the federal government accountable. I intend to bring that results-driven approach to this position and help our Conference advance an America First natural resources agenda,” stated Congressman Paul Gosar.
Background:
Gosar is a senior member of the Committee and currently serves as Chairman of its Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. He also serves on the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee. With years of legislative and oversight experience, Gosar has built a record of advancing legislation, defending Western interests, and holding federal agencies accountable.
Gosar’s priorities as Ranking Member would include defending American energy independence, strengthening domestic critical mineral production, protecting Western water rights, restoring responsible multiple-use management of federal lands, respecting state and tribal sovereignty, and aggressively overseeing federal agencies to expose waste, fraud, abuse, and government overreach.
Gosar also brings a proven record of leadership beyond the Committee. As past Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, he helped grow its membership from 49 to 79 dues-paying members, with membership eventually reaching 100. He has consistently worked to build consensus, identify practical solutions, and deliver results for Western communities and the nation.
Gosar’s letter to House Republican Leader Jim Jordan outlining his qualifications, accomplishments, and priorities is available here. Gosar also sent letters to each member of the House Republican leadership seeking their support.
