Senate confirms Tapella as public printer

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Robert Tapella for the position of the Government Printing Office’s (GPO) public printer Thursday night.

{mosads}Tapella, the nation’s 25th public printer, has worked as GPO’s chief of staff since 2004. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the executive offices of the GPO.

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 briefly worked in the private sector as a strategic communications consultant before starting with 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.).

GPO spokesman Gary Somerset said Tapella will not be available for comment until his confirmation process is complete.