Washington, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement on being named Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

“Trust and confidence in representative government is broken. Accountability in federal agencies is nonexistent, so the Biden administration is pushing radical policies to please its political allies. And the American people are paying the price for it – at the pump, at the grocery store, and at the doctor’s office.

“The Energy and Commerce Committee is at the center of solving the most important issues facing hardworking Americans – lowering costs, promoting free speech, and preserving free markets.

“Accountability and oversight are also essential to getting answers from an administration gone woke and are foundational to our Constitutional responsibility. Our efforts will strengthen our policymaking and lead to lasting reforms.

“My commitment to finding areas of common ground whenever possible will not change. Energy and Commerce has a rich history of building consensus to plow the hard ground necessary to legislate. That legacy will continue under my leadership.

“Serving as chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee is a great honor with great responsibility. I am grateful to my colleagues for placing their trust in me to lead on behalf of Eastern Washington and the entire country. Let’s get to work.”

NOTE: The Energy and Commerce Committee was first created in 1795 and is the oldest in the House of Representatives. It is at the center of policymaking for some of the issues most critical to Eastern Washington, such as unleashing hydropower, bridging the digital divide, and bringing more doctors to rural communities. The committee also has broad jurisdiction over health care, energy, environment, technology, data privacy and security, broadband, and much more.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Energy and Commerce Committee. 

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