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New Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership Announced
 

For Immediate Release: January 7, 2003
Contact: Jodi Stemler, 202-543-6850

Washington, DC: The Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus announced its new, bi-partisan leadership for the 108th Congress as members of Congress returned to Washington today. The new chairmen and vice-chairmen will lead the 300 members of the Caucus in their efforts to champion sportsmen and women in the federal legislative process and to secure funding for habitat conservation and fish and wildlife research. Established in 1989, the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus works to protect the interests of America's hunters, anglers, and trappers.

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Congressman Robin Hayes (R-NC) will chair the House Caucus and will be supported by Congressman Jim Gibbons (R-NV) and Congressman Leonard Boswell (D-IA) as the vice-chairs. The Senate chairs, Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), and vice-chairs, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), serve four year terms and will remain in the same positions they held in the prior Congress.

"Sportsmen and the outdoor industry are fortunate to have such great champions for their interests in Congress," stated Melinda Gable, Executive Director of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation which provides research and educational support to the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus. "With these members chairing the Caucus and working with CSF, we will make sure that the needs of sportsmen and the outdoor industry are heard in the 108th Congress."

The following statements were issued by the Caucus leadership:
 

"Since I was first elected to Congress, one of my top priorities has been to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the hunting and fishing tradition. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation is a great resource and has an excellent record in promoting the responsible use of the outdoors. As Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I look forward to continuing to work with closely with CSF in support of sportsmen."

- Republican Caucus Chair, Congressman Robin Hayes
 

"The importance of America's sportsmen and women cannot be overstated. The future of our fish and wildlife depend on our leadership in the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and partnership with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. Revenue from hunting, fishing and wildlife watching generate over $108 billion to the country's economy and $1.7 in conservation dollars to manage our state fish and wildlife programs every year. As a lifelong hunter and angler I feel it is my duty to protect the heritage and outdoor opportunities for sportsmen and women across the country."

- Democrat Caucus Chair, Congressman Mike Thompson
 

"As a longtime supporter of hunters, fishermen and the outdoors, I am honored to have the opportunity to server as vice-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus. The Caucus has a strong tradition of supporting the outdoors and those who enjoy and respect it. I look forward to working with all those who are dedicated to enjoying and protecting our nation's great natural resources in our efforts to ensure these traditions continue for today's and future generations."

- House Democrat Caucus Vice Chair, Congressman Leonard Boswell
 

"My home state of Nevada has a long and proud tradition of outdoor sports and recreation activities that millions of Americans enjoy. Sportsmen have served as stewards of our land, leading conservation and wildlife habitat initiatives that benefit every American and all wildlife. As a Vice-Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation to protect the people's access to public lands and to ensure future generations of Americans can continue to enjoy our nation's beautiful wilderness and wildlife."

- House Republican Caucus Vice Chair, Congressman Jim Gibbons
 

"Whether they are fishing, hunting or participating in the shooting sports, millions of Americans value the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors each year. As a sportsman myself, I share the common ideas of hunters, target shooters and anglers and as the co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus I am able to help educate my colleagues about the value of those activities and the importance of conservation."

- Senate Republican Caucus Chair, Senator Mike Enzi
 

"I joined the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus because of my lifelong love of the outdoors and my commitment as a sportsman to conserve America's wildlife and natural resources. As the Co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and working with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, I am dedicated to protecting America's rich tradition of outdoor recreation."

- Senate Democrat Caucus Chair, Senator Blanche Lincoln
 

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