Assistant Leader Neguse Elected Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, Continues Legacy of Advancing Colorado Priorities in Congress

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse was elected by his colleagues in the Natural Resources Committee to continue serving as Ranking Member of the United States House Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Neguse has served as the top Democrat on this subcommittee since 2021, using his platform to advance critical protections for America’s treasured outdoor spaces. 

Since first being elected to Congress, Neguse has received national accolades for being the most effective lawmaker on public lands policy in the U.S. House. Of the twelve bills he successfully enacted into law in the 118th Congress, a majority were focused on expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, addressing the needs of rural and mountain communities, and preserving precious natural resources and public lands. 

“For the people of Colorado, and for communities across our country, I am deeply honored to continue serving as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Over the course of the past four years, we’ve seen what can be accomplished when Members of Congress work together to advance common sense policy proposals—scoring major wins like the enactment of the EXPLORE Act,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “Democrats on the Natural Resource Committee will continue to work in good faith with our colleagues across the aisle to advance legislation that preserves our public lands, strengthens our forest health, and protects our communities from record-breaking wildfires and drought. We will do this while remaining true to our shared values and the priorities of the people who we represent, which means standing firm against the Trump administration’s proposed rollbacks to protections for federal lands and resources and attempts to turn back the clock to a time before climate action.”

“I am excited to have Assistant Leader Joe Neguse continue his tenure leading the Federal Lands Subcommittee on the House Natural Resources Committee,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “He is a proven and effective leader, shaping policies and initiatives to preserve public lands, strengthen forest health, and protect communities from record-breaking wildfires and drought. He will be a tremendous asset to our work on the Committee as we tackle the urgent challenges of protecting our natural resources.”  

Assistant Leader Neguse, whose congressional district is nearly 60% public lands, made history in the 117th Congress when he became the first Coloradan and the first African American to lead the Subcommittee on Federal Lands since its formation over 200 years ago. 

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