WESTERMAN AND COLLEAGUES LAUNCH BIPARTISAN GULF SOUTH BUSINESS CAUCUS TO DRIVE INVESTMENT, JOBS, ENERGY, AND MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP ACROSS THE REGION

New Congressional caucus unites bipartisan Members from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to advance shared priorities on energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial growth

Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), joined by Reps. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Michael Guest (R-MS), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Mike Rogers (R-AL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and Randy Weber (R-TX), launched the Gulf South Business Caucus, a new bipartisan Congressional caucus dedicated to advancing the economic competitiveness, energy leadership, and industrial growth of the Gulf South region. Westerman will serve as Chair of the caucus, which brings together Members of Congress from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to coordinate on federal policy priorities that support the region's workers, communities, and employers. Additional members are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

In 2024, the five Gulf South states contributed more than $3.7 trillion to the U.S. GDP, accounting for approximately 13% of the total U.S. economy. The region is home to many of the nation's most important hubs for energy production, advanced manufacturing, transportation and logistics, chemicals, and rapidly expanding technology and digital infrastructure investment. The caucus will focus on strengthening grid reliability, expanding infrastructure investment, supporting workforce development, and ensuring the region's priorities are reflected in national policy, opening the door to new investment, business development, and long-term job creation across the five states.

Founding members and co-chairs of the caucus issued the following statements on today's launch:

"Playing a pivotal role in our nation's economic success, the Gulf South region is integral to America's energy production, manufacturing, and workforce demand. The Gulf South Business Caucus is committed to empowering this region's local workers, communities, and employers through bipartisan, multi-state collaboration around shared economic interests of the region. We know that when the Gulf South succeeds, America succeeds. It is an honor to serve as chairman of this caucus, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to champion pro-growth policies and regional development within the halls of Congress that achieve this goal." - Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Chair, Gulf South Business Caucus

"I'm proud to help lead this effort that reflects both the strength and the urgency of the Gulf South's economic future. Our region has long powered this nation-through energy production, advanced manufacturing, and the movement of goods that keep our economy running. But we know our best days are still ahead. From the ports of Louisiana to the manufacturing hubs across our neighboring states, we are aligned in our mission to create good-paying jobs, drive innovation, and build a more resilient and competitive regional economy." - Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA)

"The Gulf South powers American energy and manufacturing, and the businesses and workers driving that growth deserve a strong, unified voice in Washington. The Gulf South Business Caucus is an opportunity to bring stakeholders directly into federal conversations about permitting, infrastructure, workforce, and the policy conditions that will keep our region competitive for decades to come. I am glad to partner with Congressman Bruce Westerman, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., Congressman Michael Guest, Congressman Gary Palmer, Congressman Mike Rogers, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Congressman Bennie Thompson, and Congressman Randy Weber to help build a forum where we can do that work together." - Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX)

"I am honored to join the new bipartisan Congressional caucus dedicated to advancing the economic competitiveness, energy leadership, and industrial growth of the Gulf South region. The Gulf South region plays a pivotal role in our nation's economic success. As a Member of Congress from Mississippi, I look forward to the work this caucus will do to prioritize and strengthen our economic opportunities." - Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS)

"The Gulf South plays a critical role in powering our nation's economy. Alabama is a leader in energy production, advanced manufacturing, and innovation, and our workers help drive economic growth not just in our state, but across the entire Gulf South. As Co-Chair of the Gulf South Business Caucus, I'm committed to working with my colleagues to advance policies that strengthen grid reliability, cut unnecessary red tape, and support job creation across our region so we can ensure the Gulf South continues to lead in innovation, investment, and economic growth. I'm thankful for Chairman Bruce Westerman's leadership in starting this caucus, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish." - Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL)

"I am proud to join my colleagues in the founding of the Gulf South Business Caucus. The Gulf South Region's economy has been growing at an extraordinary rate. As Members of Congress from this region, it is our job to work together to ensure our communities have the resources to continue this tremendous growth. We are always stronger when we work together, and the creation of this caucus further cements the spirit of collaboration between our neighboring districts." - Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL)

"I am proud to come together with my colleagues from the Gulf South region to launch this bipartisan caucus. I look forward to expanding our joint effort to promote infrastructure investment, affordable energy, and workforce development programs in the region." - Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL)

"The launch of the Gulf South Business Caucus represents a significant step toward better coordinating the economic strengths of our region. By aligning our federal priorities, we can help ensure that the growth and innovation taking place across the Gulf South translate into stronger infrastructure and good paying jobs for working families. I am committed to this bipartisan effort to expand opportunity, support long term economic development, and make certain that communities in Mississippi and across the region share in the benefits of this progress." - Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS)

"I'm proud to be an inaugural member of the Gulf South Business Caucus. In Texas' 14th District alone, our seven ports support over 200,000 jobs, move tens of billions in economic activity, and anchor a region that drives more than $1 trillion in trade each year while producing a massive share of America's fuel supply. The Gulf Coast is the backbone that keeps America moving. This caucus is ready to set the bar and keep this country charging toward its next era of greatness." - Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX)

The Gulf South Business Caucus will serve as a platform for Members to engage with business leaders and work together to identify opportunities to transform the region.