Mullin Named To Energy & Commerce Panel

mullin

Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) today announced that Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) has been selected to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee during the 114th Congress.

“I am excited to welcome Congressman Mullin to the Energy and Commerce Committee,” said Upton. “He’s a got a great bipartisan record of success, especially with his work on WRRDA during his time on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Further, his business experiences in Oklahoma will undoubtedly prove beneficial as we continue our efforts to create jobs, promote life-saving cures, unleash America’s energy abundance, protect families, and foster growth in this new era of innovation.”

The Energy and Commerce Committee is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Committee has a very broad jurisdiction over issues deeply important to Oklahoma and the Second Congressional District. The Committee deals with issues such as health care, energy, telecommunications, and commerce. It oversees numerous federal entities, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Communications Commission.

“It’s an honor to be selected to serve on such an influential committee, especially during this critical time in our country’s history,” said Mullin “I’m looking forward to providing an Oklahoma business owner perspective as the committee works to address issues like regulatory reform and continuing health care problems.  Additionally, I will be able to make sure that the challenges we face with rural health care is part of the discussion.

“With Oklahoma’s top two employers being the energy and health sectors, our state has a vested interest in any actions affecting those industries.  So when burdensome regulations come down from Washington, we truly feel the impact.

“As a business owner, I have had to comply with these regulations and I know how they can impede business growth.  I’m excited to bring that perspective to the committee as we fight to reform our regulatory system.”

Oklahoma is home to four energy companies on the Fortune 500 list. The state’s largest employer is the energy sector, with one in five jobs supported by oil and gas. Second to the energy industry in employment of Oklahomans is the health care industry.

Other state and private sector officials commented on Mullin being added to the committee:

“Congressman Mullin’s appointment to the Energy and Commerce Committee could not have occurred at a more critical time,” said Dr. Steve Turner, President of Northeastern State University. “His personal commitment to improving and protecting the quality of life for all the good folks in the district is widely known and greatly appreciated.  I have every confidence that he will work with a sense of urgency through its sub committees like Health and Environment/Economy. His work ethic coupled with his understanding and appreciation of Northeastern State University’s role in optometric medicine, allied health, environmental health and safety management will serve NE Oklahoma well.”

“Congressman Markwayne Mullin’s appointment to the Energy and Commerce Committee signifies Oklahoma’s growing role in the American Energy Renaissance,” said Harold Hamm, Chairman and CEO of Continental Resources. “Poised to surpass Alaska and California as the nation’s third largest oil producer, our state is leading an industry that is fueling America’s economic and geopolitical comeback. Congressman Mullin’s commitment to free enterprise, a balanced regulatory environment and U.S. energy independence will help ensure this oil and gas revolution reaches its full potential – creating millions of jobs, billions in GDP and increased national security.”

“This is fantastic news for Oklahoma’s Oil and Natural Gas Producers,” said Chad Warmington, President of the Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association. “As the only Oklahoman on this extremely important committee Congressman Mullin will be uniquely positioned to carry the message to Washington DC of the incredible innovation and importance of Oklahoma-based producers in the continuing development of our national energy security. We are very excited to have Congressman Mullin on the Energy & Commerce committee where he can continue his great work on behalf of all Oklahomans.”

“The state of Oklahoma has a proud tradition of service on the House Energy & Commerce Committee, and Congressman Mullin is an excellent choice to continue that representation,” said John Richels, President and CEO of Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy and Chairman of the American Exploration and Production Council. “He understands our industry and has been a strong advocate for sound policies that promote jobs, economic growth and responsible energy development. His role on this important committee will undoubtedly bolster those efforts.”

“I am ecstatic to learn of Congressman Markwayne Mullin’s appointment to the House Energy and Commerce Committee,” said Eric K. Miller, Director of Business & Economic Development for the Muskogee City-County Port Authority. “During his first term, Congressman Mullin was in the vanguard of redressing issues that adversely affected the economic efficacy and vitality of two of the most important economic drivers in the State of Oklahoma-the Port of Muskogee and the Port of Catoosa. Congressman Mullin’s vision, pragmatism, ability to form working relationships and indefatigable leadership, are traits that have served Oklahoma well. Those same traits will continue to serve our state, particularly in rural Oklahoma, as he transitions to his new role with the House Energy and Commerce Committee.”


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