Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) congratulated Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) after being selected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve as the next E&C Republican Leader, beginning in the 117th Congress.
“I am thrilled Cathy will become Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the 117th Congress. This is a historic moment for the Energy and Commerce Committee, but most importantly, Cathy is a battle-tested leader who has proven her ability to message some of the most challenging issues of our time in a way that resonates with Americans all across the country. As Republicans fight to take back the Majority in the House of Representatives next Congress, I believe Cathy is uniquely qualified to take on this leadership role. I congratulate Cathy and her team, and I know this will be a seamless transition," said Walden.
Rodgers released the following statement on being chosen by her colleagues to lead the committee for Republicans.
“I’m honored to have earned the support of my colleagues to serve as the Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. We are in a battle for the heart and soul of America. From blatant assaults on free speech, to Medicare-for-All, to the Green New Deal, Energy and Commerce is at the very center of the battles for freedom to beat socialism and hope to beat fear. My goal is to maximize Energy and Commerce so House Republicans win the majority and secure America’s future global leadership as the best place in the world to usher in a new era of innovation, cure diseases, and raise people’s standard of living.
“Over the next two years, we will do the hard work of countering the Left’s lurch toward socialism and we’ll set our whole conference up for success to lead on healthcare, technology, closing the digital divide, and all-the-above energy solutions. At the top of the list is building on the Trump Administration’s work on Operation Warp Speed for the coronavirus vaccine so we end this pandemic and reopen our economy. On all fronts, our mission will be to rebuild, restore, and renew hope in the American Dream.
“I want to recognize former Chairmen Greg Walden and Fred Upton for their leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee. They laid a strong foundation, and it’s my goal to build on that. I also applaud both Congressman Bob Latta and Congressman Michael Burgess. I value the expertise and leadership they bring to this committee. I look forward to working with them in the next Congress," said Rodgers.