Senate panel clears GPO nomination

The Senate Rules Committee voted on Wednesday to move the nomination of the Government Printing Office’s (GPO) public printer to the floor.

The nominee, Robert Tapella, has worked as GPO’s chief of staff since 2004, overseeing the day-to-day operations of its executive offices.

President Bush nominated Tapella for the public printer position in May.

The GPO has been without a confirmed head since public printer Bruce James retired in January. Since then, Tapella has worked with acting public printer William Turri to oversee GPO’s printing and document accessibility duties.

Tapella worked briefly in the private sector as a strategic communications consultant before landing at the GPO in 2002. He’s also worked on the Hill, in the House and as a district representative for former Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.).

A GPO spokesman said Tapella will not be available for comment until he is confirmed.