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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) released the following statement following Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ announcement to retire at the conclusion of the 118^th Congress:

“For two decades, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers has honorably served the people of Eastern Washington in the U.S. House of Representatives. A trailblazer in her own right, Chair Rodgers served as the Republican Conference Chair and as the first woman to Chair the best committee in Congress – the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

“For years, I have been blessed to call Chair Rodgers a friend and colleague. Under her guidance and steady, principled leadership at Energy and Commerce, we have advanced landmark legislation to tackle the opioid crisis, expand rural broadband Internet access, and secure United States energy independence through an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Most recently, our work on Energy and Commerce produced some of the most innovative energy legislation – including my Nuclear Fuel Security Act – which could not have been signed into law if it had not been for Chair Rodgers’ leadership. It would be an understatement to say her work within the Energy and Commerce Committee has had a profound and positive impact on people and communities across the country. 

“While I am saddened my friend and leader of our committee is leaving Congress, I know this decision was not made lightly. Family will and should always come first, and Chair Rogers will now have much more time to spend with her husband, Brian, and children, Cole, Grace, and Brynn.

“I want to thank Chair Rodgers for her many years of service to our country and to the U.S. House of Representatives. Her leadership and wisdom will be sorely missed here in the halls of Congress.” 

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