WASHINGTON – Today, House Republican Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, announced his decision to appoint Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., as the Committee on House Administration's Ranking Republican for the 111th Congress.

The eight-term lawmaker from California succeeds Representative Vern Ehlers, R-Mich., who has served on the Committee in multiple capacities since 1995. Lungren issued the following statement after Boehner's appointment:

"I am honored by the confidence Leader Boehner has placed in me to assume this new role.

"I look forward to bipartisan collaboration with Chairman Brady and my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, in tackling the important issues we will face during the 111th Congress, and promise to maintain vigorous oversight of all entities under the Committee's jurisdiction.

"As one who first visited the U.S. Capitol as a young child, I have never lost the sense of awe at approaching this magnificent structure symbolizing our still vibrant Democracy.

"To work with others to make our institution even more accessible to the people we serve, to assist my fellow members in carrying out our individual and collective responsibilities more efficiently and to help coordinate the House of Representatives with such important entities as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian is a privilege.

"Finally, I want to thank Vern Ehlers for his hard work and dedication on behalf of his colleagues and this great institution. His efforts are appreciated by all with whom he came into contact."

Prior to his appointment to the Committee's top Republican post, Lungren served as the Ranking Republican of the Committee on House Administration's Security Subcommittee. Lungren will serve on the Committee with returning GOP colleague Representative Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and the newly-elected GOP Representative Gregg Harper, R-Miss.

The House Administration Committee is charged with the oversight of federal elections and the day-to-day functions of the House of Representatives. It also has oversight responsibilities over the Architect of the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the U.S. Botanic Gardens, and the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Zoo.

For more information, please contact the Committee press office at (202) 225-8281.