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WASHINGTON — House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today congratulated U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) on being nominated the new chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“This is big news for the people of Texas,” DeLay said. “Joe Barton and I have been friends for 20 years, and I couldn’t be happier with his selection. He’s the best man for the job and is going to guide the Energy and Commerce Committee through some of its most important times.

“This is a major victory for Texas,” DeLay said. “Joe will be a strong leader for Texas’ diverse economy and will make sure Texas has a seat at the table when major issues come before Congress.”

Barton was nominated to the chairmanship today in a vote by the House Republican Steering Committee. The Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest legislative standing committee in the House, has jurisdiction over all matters relating to the promotion of commerce and to the public’s health and marketplace interests.