(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) today praised Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman’s statement before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that he would discuss a proposed rule change in the President’s FY2007 budget with the Northwest delegation and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) before taking any action.

“It is crucial that the administration fully understands the details of our energy infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest before they make permanent changes that will stick our rate payers with a ten percent rate increase,” said McMorris. “The economy of Eastern Washington depends on having low energy rates and I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure these proposed changes do not happen. I applaud Senator Craig (R-ID) and Smith (R-OR) for bringing this issue to the attention of Secretary Bodman at today’s hearing.”

McMorris will be speaking in front of the House Budget Committee on Tuesday about the impact of BPA rate increases.