WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Oregon Congressman Greg Walden was selected Thursday to serve as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Walden is the only Republican in Oregon's Congressional delegation. 

The new role gives him oversight over federal departments in charge of consumer protections, food and drug safety, public health, environmental quality, energy policy and others. It also means he’ll be heavily involved in the ongoing debate over the fate of the Affordable Care Act.

Walden says he’ll focus on what’s best for consumers, on creating better paying jobs and providing patient-centered health care. To read more from the Second District Congressman on his new position, click HERE.