Committee Leadership in the 117th Congress: What We’re Watching

By: John Lee & Anna Burhop

Less than a month from Election Day, eyes are turning to the 117^th Congress which will convene next January. While Committee leadership changes will be minimal, with most shifts driven by the Republican Party’s self-imposed term limits, there are some important transitions we’re watching.  Here, we spotlight a few which could have significant impacts on energy and environment issues.

(Former) Chairman Murkowski:

In the Senate, Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) will hit her term limit of three terms with the Chair’s gavel, prompting her to step down and likely focus on her leadership of the Subcommittee on Interior and Environment on the Appropriations Committee. Murkowski is currently third in line to be top Republican on the Appropriations full committee, but if Susan Collins (R-ME) is defeated in her re-election battle, Murkowski would become second most senior Republican for the 117^th Congress.

Also of note, current Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) is retiring at the end of this Congress, which could potentially lead Murkowski to exchange her Interior and Environment gavel for Energy and Water. Collins also holds seniority should she want to move to Energy and Water from Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. Either way, we anticipate that Senator Murkowski sees a more involved role on the Appropriations Committee in her future.

Republican Musical Chairs Ensues for ENR and EPW:

With Murkowski’s departure from the top spot at ENR, John Barrasso (R-WY) is expected to exchange the Republican gavel at the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee for the ENR gavel. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) will step up to become the first female Republican to lead EPW, and, if Republicans remain in control of the Senate, the second female Chair of the Committee – in 2007, Barbara Boxer (D-CA) was the first female to achieve the status of either Chair or Ranking Member of Environment and Public Works. Capito has chaired two of the biggest subcommittees at EPW, Clean Air & Nuclear Safety and Transportation & Infrastructure, in her first Senate term.

Senate Democrats do not impose term limits on Committee leaders. Therefore, should the Democrats win control of the Senate next month, the 117^th Congress will see current EPW Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE) and current ENR Ranking member Joe Manchin (D-WV) assume Chairmanship roles.

On to the House:

As the Democrats look to expand their majority in the 117^th, all eyes are on the House Appropriations Committee as Nita Lowey (D-NY) is retiring. Three committee members - all women - declared their candidacy to succeed Chairman Lowey. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) holds seniority, and is current Chair of the Energy and Water Subcommittee. Following behind her is Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), long-time Democratic lead of the Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee. Congresswoman DeLauro enjoys the support of many of the health and education groups in Washington. Last but not least, and perhaps the dark horse in the race, is Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). The Congresswoman does not come close to the seniority of the other two candidates, but secured the support of many top Congressional Black Caucus members due to her commitment to incorporate social justice reforms as part of the appropriation process. A winner will not be announced until the Steering Committee is convened following the swearing in of members in January.

Numerous Republicans will be termed out of Committee leadership in the 117^th, and PRG is closely monitoring the race for House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member due to the retirement of Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR). Three candidates have emerged: Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), current Ranking Member of the Consumer Protection Subcommittee, Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), current Health Subcommittee Ranking Member, and Bob Latta (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. Although Mr. Burgess holds seniority, many in the caucus are pushing for Cathy McMorris Rodgers to secure the spot in order to increase the number of women in Republican leadership. Whoever the choice is will likely start a subcommittee leadership shuffle, meaning we may see different Republican leadership on the Energy and Environment and Climate Change subcommittees as well.

Questions? Other committees of interest? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our PRG team as we continue to forecast how the 117^th Congress will get underway.