WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement after Rep. Doc Hastings (WA-04) announced he will not seek re-election in November.

"Doc Hastings has served the people of Central Washington with distinction for three decades and earned a reputation for hard work and integrity. From 1978 to 1987, he served in the state House before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1994, defeating first-term Congressman Jay Inslee.

"One of Doc’s greatest contributions has come from his service on the House Natural Resources Committee beginning when he was first elected, rising to Ranking Member in 2009 and assuming the Chairmanship in 2011 when Republicans gained the Majority. From his roots in Eastern Washington, Doc’s knowledge of farming, forestry and river resources made him a natural leader in these areas.

"With over half of all Western land owned by the federal government, Doc pushed for the sensible and sustainable use of the nation’s natural resources, encouraging American energy independence and the wise use of water resources for hydropower and farming.

"From my first year in office until today, Doc has always been a friend and mentor who set an example of what selfless leadership can accomplish. For the past fifteen years, he never received less than 60 percent of the vote and could easily have won re-election this fall, but he has chosen to spend more time with Claire, his children and grandchildren.  Doc's integrity, wise counsel and gentle humor will be sorely missed in the nation’s capital."

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