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Walden gets Waiver to Keep Resources Seat by Staff Capital Press - January 24, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Dist 2, will be able to continue serving on two important House committees in the 108th Session of Congress following the approval of his request for a special waiver from House leaders.

Congressional rules forbid House members from receiving more than one committee assignment if they sit on one of four "exclusive" committees, which include the Appropriations Committee, Ways and Means Committee, rules Committee, and Energy and Commerce Committee, of which Walden has been a member since the start of the 107th Congress, according to a press release from Walden's office.

Members who seek additional committee assignment must submit a formal request for a waiver and argue their case before the House Steering Committee, which evaluates individual member requests.

Walden strongly urged House leaders to allow him to retain his Resources Committee position, citing its importance to the economy of Oregon's Second District.

"Remaining a member of the resources committee is extremely important to me because so many of the people of Central, Southern and eastern Oregon depend on natural resources for their livelihood and recreate on our public lands," said Walden. "The resources Committee holds jurisdiction over a wide range of issues that impact the daily lives of Oregonians, from management of our national forests and public lands to our water supply and matters relating to the Bonneville Power Administration. My seat on the committee vastly improved my ability to shepherd legislation I introduced to protect Steens Mountain and the local economy through the Congress."

Walden continued, "I also look forward to using my increase seniority on the Resources Committee to press for improvements to the endangered Species Act by incorporating independent peer review of government science."

Walden's waiver to continue serving on the resources committee follows his recent selection to sit on an influential subcommittee of the energy and commerce Committee. In the fall of 2002, Walden was appointed to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, which has jurisdiction over a number of communications issues.

Walden represents 20 counties in Southern, Central and Eastern Oregon.