WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) today released the below statement following the passing of his longtime friend and committee Staff Director Ray Baum:
“Today, the entire Energy and Commerce Committee mourns the loss of our good friend and Staff Director Ray Baum. After many years fighting cancer, Ray passed peacefully this morning surrounded by his loving family. Ray and I became fast friends nearly 30 years ago while serving in the Oregon state legislature. Ray followed me as House Majority Leader and went on to serve on the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission where, as the lone Republican, he was named Chairman. When I became chairman of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Ray came back to Washington to work for the Energy and Commerce Committee as Senior Policy Advisor.
“Most recently, Ray served as the Staff Director at the Energy and Commerce Committee, sharing his wisdom, guidance, and humor with the members and staff lucky enough to work with him every day.
“Ray dedicated his life to public service, first as an elected official and then as an advisor on Capitol Hill. Our committee, the people of Oregon, and our country are better off because of Ray’s selfless service. Ray will be deeply missed, but he will not be forgotten. The Energy and Commerce Committee will strive to honor Ray’s legacy of decency and kindness through our work, and more importantly, by following the example Ray set through the graciousness and honor he showed every day.
“My wife, Mylene, and I are deeply saddened by Ray’s passing and we keep his wife, Kristine, and the entire family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss," said Walden.
