WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today announced that Mike Bloomquist has been named General Counsel for the committee. Bloomquist succeeds Jim Barnette, who has served as General Counsel under four GOP chairmen during his time on the Energy and Commerce Committee staff. Currently the committee’s Deputy General Counsel, Bloomquist also served as General Counsel to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction.
“Mike Bloomquist is a seasoned professional with the knowledge and skill to assume the job of General Counsel without skipping a beat. I have relied on his counsel from day one of the 112th Congress, and I was grateful to have his steady hand on the staff of the Joint Select Committee last year," said Upton. “Mike’s quick wit and even demeanor have earned the trust of our committee’s members, and having him by our side as an advocate and advisor will continue to benefit the entire Energy and Commerce Committee."
Upton continued, “The Energy and Commerce Committee has a record to be proud of over the last year, and we couldn’t have done it without Jim Barnette. We fought to create jobs, shrink the size and scope of the federal government, and protect individual liberty, and at every step of the way, Jim was there as a trusted counselor and fierce advocate for the principles that make this nation great. I’m sorry to see Jim leave the committee, but grateful that over his many years of service he left an indelible imprint of professionalism and good humor that continue to characterize our team. Jim is a true friend, and I wish him all the best."
