Tech nerds had to appreciate the irony of Rep. Greg Walden’s announcement Thursday that he would lead the House’s top telecom panel.

The Oregon Republican took to Twitter to announce in near-140 character Morse code he will chair the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee.

Walden had long been considered a top candidate to lead CTI, given his broadcasting background – his tweet even included the combination W7EQI, which references his amateur radio call sign. Moreover, he has significant favor among GOP brass: Walden departed the Energy and Commerce subpanel earlier this year so that Democrat-turned Republican Rep. Parker Griffith (Ala.) could have a committee assignment.

He will take over at a time when a number of tech issues are on the immediate political horizon – including Net neutrality, or rules that would require Web providers treat all traffic equally. Walden previously voted against a Net neutrality amendment in 2006.

Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) was named the telecom panel’s vice chairman.