Friday, March 20, 2009

Rep Ellen Tauscher accepts Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security

March 20, 2009

California Rep Ellen Tauscher, present member of the House Armed Services Committee, accepted the position of undersecretary of state for arms control and international security offered her by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher’s message to California’s 10th Congressional District:

For the past 13 years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving you in Congress. Representing California’s 10th Congressional District always has been and remains – especially in these trying times – my first priority.

Last week, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton asked me to serve as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

While her offer is both generous and flattering, I did not take the decision lightly. I accepted it after much soul searching and long discussions with my family and friends.

In my seven terms in Congress, I have worked hard to make sure that families can get to work and travel safely on our roads, bridges, airports and waterways. I also have worked on national security issues, including working closely with officials at the Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories.

Keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, making sure other countries do not obtain them and, one day, I hope, ridding the world of these terrible weapons, has become my passion and, I hope, my life’s work.

The confirmation process for senior posts in government is fraught with uncertainty and can take weeks, if not months. My staff and I will continue to work on the issues and challenges facing the 10th District and our nation, including growing the economy, making health care more affordable, developing a green energy policy, repairing our infrastructure, easing congestion and improving the quality of life for families. We will do that with the same level of energy and commitment as when I was first elected in 1996.

No matter where I am serving in government, I always will remember those who sent me to Washington and I always will be grateful for your support and the trust you placed in me.

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