Government
Rep. Waxman to chair key House panel
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 8, 2008
The House Democratic Caucus elected Rep. Henry Waxman (D, Calif.) chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee over Rep. John Dingell (D, Mich.), by a vote of 137-122. Dingell had occupied the top Democratic spot on the panel since 1981.
Waxman, in seeking the committee chair for the incoming Congress, highlighted the need for more energy, climate and health system reform legislation. He has a reputation for favoring tighter environmental regulation than Dingell, whose district includes the heart of the U.S. automobile industry. Waxman, 69, is the current chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Both Dingell, 82, and Waxman favor reauthorization and expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which expires at the end of March, and agree on the need for wider health system reform.
Dingell congratulated Waxman on his success. "I will work closely with him on the issues facing the Energy and Commerce Committee and for a smooth transition," Dingell said.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/12/08/gvbf1208.htm.