Newhouse Applauds Confirmation of Energy Secretary Rick Perry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement on the Senate confirmation of Secretary of Energy Rick Perry:

"I congratulate Governor Perry on his confirmation as Secretary of Energy. The Mid-Columbia is home to two of the Department's most significant sites: Hanford is the nation's largest defense nuclear waste cleanup site, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is one of the nation's premier laboratories. Meeting the legal and moral obligation to continue Hanford cleanup is critical for Central Washington and our country. Supporting the research mission of PNNL is vital to continue groundbreaking innovations in the fields of science, energy, environment, and national security. With Secretary Perry at the Department's helm, I look forward to working together to ensure that Hanford and PNNL have the support to accomplish their respective missions."

Earlier this year, Rep. Newhouse sent a letter to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry inviting him to tour the Hanford site upon confirmation.