(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) announced today the selection of Ryan Work to serve as her Legislative Director in Washington, DC. Work is currently the Legislative Director for Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R-FL) and previously worked on the staff of the Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Human Resources.

“In hiring staff and serving Eastern Washington in Congress, I want to attract the best and the brightest to help work on behalf of our region – Ryan fits that goal,” said McMorris. “His legislative experience in the private and public sector will help ensure that we continue our focus of growing the economy in Eastern Washington and making sure we are working to provide access to quality, affordable health care and keeping our nation and communities safe.”

Prior to working for Congresswoman Harris, Work spent three years in the private sector working on education, international relations, health care and related issues. He has also worked for the House Ways and Means Committee working on welfare reform. Work is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and is originally from Illinois. During college he served as an intern for Speaker Dennis Hastert. He is fluent in Spanish.

“While we are pleased with Ryan’s legislative experience, we are concerned that his Big Ten affiliation might hinder his ability to support the Pac Ten,” continued McMorris.

“As Legislative Director, I hope to continue and build upon Congresswoman McMorris’ successful first year in Congress,” said Ryan Work. “I look forward to helping her and her staff advance policies that will benefit Eastern Washington.”

Work’s first day on McMorris’ staff will be January 1, 2006. He will be based in Washington, DC.