Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7618, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Kiggans. America's battlefields are more than just parks. They are hallowed grounds that tell a story of our Nation's struggles, triumphs, and defining moments. They are the places where ordinary people made extraordinary sacrifices in defense of liberty, self-government, and the ideals that continue to define us today.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+46Stable$1.8M raised
Bruce Westerman
Representative · Arkansas · Republican
Bruce Westerman
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5911, the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act, which is sponsored by my colleague on the Natural Resources Committee, Representative Hurd. This is a commonsense bill that conveys the Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam and Ditch, and surrounding 45 acres of land from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray, Colorado. This legislation reflects a simple but important idea: When a local community depends on reliable access to a resource, they should be empowered to take responsibility for it.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7831, the License to Drill Act, sponsored by Representative Kennedy of Utah. Since its creation under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Permit Processing Improvement Fund, or PPIF, has been a critical tool for the Bureau of Land Management. Congress created this program to provide BLM with the resources necessary to process Applications for Permits to Drill, or APDs, in a timely manner. To support that effort, Congress authorized an APD application fee to help fund the PPIF and reduce permitting delays.
Biography
Bruce Westerman, a former forester and engineer, was elected as the U.S. Representative for Arkansas’s 4th congressional district in 2014. He prioritizes sustainable forestry, rural economic development, and responsible government spending. Westerman authored the Resilient Federal Forests Act, aimed at improving forest management and wildfire prevention, and serves as Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources. He is recognized for applying practical, science-based solutions to legislation, working to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of Arkansas’s communities.
Education
- M.F.A., Yale University, New Haven, CT2001
- B.S. in Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR1990
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2015-PresentRepresenting Arkansas's 4th district
Member, Arkansas House of Representatives
2011–15(Minority Leader, 2012–13 / Majority Leader, 2013–14)
Member, Fountain Lake School Board
2006–10(President, 2009–10)
Engineer
Forester
Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural Resources17%
Education15%
Environmental Protection10%
Health8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Bruce Westerman's record in Congress.
FOREST Act Leadership
Authored the Resilient Federal Forests Act to promote active forest management and reduce wildfire risks.
Water Infrastructure Funding
Secured funding for rural water infrastructure improvements in Arkansas through federal appropriations.
Natural Resources Committee Chair
Served as Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, advancing legislation on energy and public lands.
STEM Education Advocacy
Supported initiatives to expand STEM education and workforce development opportunities in Arkansas.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Natural ResourcesChair
- House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Rep. Bruce Westerman FAQ
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Representative Westerman focuses on Public Lands and Natural Resources, Education and Environmental Protection. Deliver personalized constituent letters to Arkansas's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
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