NCTA lauds appointment of Walden as Energy & Commerce chief

NCTA President and CEO Michael Powell offered his effusive backing to Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., who was just appointed chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“Chairman Walden is a thoughtful policymaker with extensive experience and deep knowledge of issues surrounding telecommunications, technology and other important sectors of the U.S. economy,” Powell said in a statement.  

“We look forward to working Chairman Walden and the full Committee on a productive agenda that encourages private capital investment, supports ongoing innovation and promotes the growth of our national economy,” he added. 

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Walden’s appointment is but one present under what promises to be a veritable Christmas tree of regulatory rampdowns for the cable and broader telecom industries, with government intervention-adverse Republicans ready to control the White House and both branches of Congress.

Walden will be replacing Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., as committee chair. He beat out fellow Republicans John Shimkus, R-Ill., and Joe Barton, R-Texas, for the seat. 

"Look, this was tough," Walden told The Hill after the vote. "John Shimkus and Joe Barton are both good friends and they are excellent legislators. They both have roles where they will continue to be leaders.”

Walden previously owned radio stations in Oregon and has chaired the Energy and Commerce Committee’s technology and telecom subcommittee.