WASHINGTON - Today, the Ranking Republican on the Committee on House Administration, Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., issued the following statement about the decision by Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Mich., to retire from the U.S. House of Representatives:

 "Throughout his tenure, Vern  has not only worked tirelessly to represent the great people of Michigan's Third District, but has also worked fervently  to preserve the integrity and accountability of this great institution. 

 "On House Administration, where he served as both Chairman and Ranking Republican, Vern worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass meaningful election reform and conducted vigorous oversight of all House administrative functions.  Under his responsible leadership, this Committee was able to ensure that  the limited resources provided by the American people were properly utilized to operate this Chamber in the most professional, accountable and transparent manner.

 "It has been a privilege to serve with Vern, and I wish him and his wife a long and happy, healthy retirement."

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