WASHINGTON, DC . . .  Today Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX/4^th) joined colleagues in the House of Representatives in taking the Oath of Office for the 110^th session of Congress.   Hall will serve as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Science and Technology and also received a waiver from the Republican Steering Committee to remain a member of the select Energy and Commerce Committee.

            “I look forward to advancing those issues that are important to my constituents in the Fourth District and working with my colleagues in Congress to help keep America safe and strong,” Hall said.  “The Congress has new leadership this year, but our priorities remain the same – to protect our citizens and to promote policies that will promote their health and well-being.  I will work on both sides of the aisle to that end.”

            “As the first woman Speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi takes the gavel today and I congratulate her on this historic accomplishment,” Hall said.  “I was pleased that she first and foremost honored our men and women in uniform – our prayers are with them and they remain our Nation’s top priority.”

            As Ranking Member of the Science and Technology Committee, Hall will promote a Vision for Science for the 21^st Century that will keep America strong and secure and ensure America’s technological leadership for future generations. 

            “America’s technological edge relies in large part on our space exploration and research and development programs,” Hall said.  “Investments in science, space and technology account for half of our nation’s productivity growth and bring returns far exceeding the original public investment.”

            Another top priority will be to increase America’s energy independence by promoting research and development in alternative energy sources and new technologies.  “We need to develop clean and reliable sources of energy for the short and long term,” Hall said.  “As global competition for resources accelerates, our economy will be faced with higher energy costs.  We need new technologies to maximize current sources in the short term and innovative technologies to discover sources for the long term.”

            Hall also will promote safety from natural disasters through better prediction and communication systems, security and information technology integration, and a competitiveness agenda that will help equip students and workers with the knowledge and skills necessary for 21^st century jobs. 

            Hall will continue to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, where energy and health legislation are top priorities for him.  “We need to build on efforts to provide affordable energy and affordable healthcare,” Hall stressed.