Oregon Public Broadcasting

Congressman Greg Walden is now the top Republican member of an important Congressional panel.

Walden, who represents Southern, Central, and Eastern Oregon, will sit on a Subcommittee for Oversight and Investigation.

Its work spans a broad range of issues, from food safety to health care markets. It will also probably have a role in checking on new projects and programs included in bills like the economic stimulus package.

Walden says if ever there were a time for oversight of government spending, this would be it.

Greg Walden: "Not only will we look at federal agency programs, but we'll look at laws that may or may not be followed by agencies and individuals. This is a broad ranging jurisdiction."

Walden's been on the Energy and Commerce committee for eight years, but reshuffling after recent elections have left him in a stronger position.