January 28, 2004

Majority Leader Tom DeLay introduced the resolution naming Hall to the committees and stating that Hall would rank after Energy and Commerce Chairman Billy Tauzin and after Science Chairman Sherwood Boehlert.

            Hall had resigned his seat as a Democrat on those committees following his filing on January 2 as a Republican candidate in the March 9 primary in Texas.  Speaker Dennis Hastert and members of the Republican Steering Committee met today to fill vacant slots on the Energy and Commerce, Science and International Relations Committees.

“Mr. Hall has been an outstanding Member of these committees and will continue to serve his constituents and Congress well in his new capacity,” stated Speaker Hastert in announcing the appointment.

            “I’m pleased to be back on these great committees and to retain my seniority,” Hall said.  “When I decided to switch parties, I didn’t extract any promises from anyone, but when I reported my switch to the Speaker and asked that my seniority be honored, he responded that it would be.  Today he and all those with whom he works in leadership kept their word.”

            “I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Tauzin, Chairman Boehlert, and other members on the important issues that come before these committees,” Hall said.  Subcommittee assignments will be determined later.