NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

4/29/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- Congressman Billy Tauzin will be the commencement speaker at Northwestern State University's Spring Commencement Exercises Friday. May 7 in Prather Coliseum. He will speak to graduates from the Colleges of Education, Nursing, Liberal Arts and the Graduate School at 10 a.m. and graduates of the College of Business, the College of Science and Technology, Louisiana Scholars' College and University College at 3 p.m.

Tauzin is in his 12th and final term in office. He announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election. Tauzin represents Louisiana's diverse Third Congressional District ­ stretching from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the outskirts of New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. He has served the Third District longer than any of his predecessors.

Tauzin has won 12 consecutive elections, receiving an overwhelming popular vote on each occasion on his way to becoming the dean of the Louisiana congressional delegation.

On January 4, 2001, Tauzin became the first Louisianian to be named chairman of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over all interstate and foreign commerce, including energy, telecommunications, health care, biomedical research, consumer protection, the environment and travel and tourism. Tauzin also serves as Deputy Majority Whip, making him the only person in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives to serve in the leadership of both major political parties.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Tauzin served in the Louisiana Legislature. He was chosen one of Louisiana's "Ten Best Legislators" twice.

Tauzin is a graduate of Nicholls State University and LSU Law School.

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