(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) made the following statement today regarding Governor Dirk Kempthorne's nomination to be secretary of the Interior:

"I commend President Bush for his nomination of Governor Kempthorne and believe he will be a strong advocate for our natural resources community here in Eastern Washington. Kempthorne has first-hand knowledge of our resource issues here in the West and has proven that he can work effectively in bipartisan manner to get results. He will bring common-sense solutions to our resource issues and continue with the nation's goal of conserving our land, water and air resources."