With control of Congress now determined, all eyes have shifted to congressional committee leadership for the next Congress. So, who will be in charge of committees relevant to construction? Let’s break it down for you:
House Transportation Committee. Current Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) is currently seeking a waiver to lead the committee again because House GOP rules only allow someone to lead a committee for three consecutive terms. If that waiver is not granted, then it appears to be a race between Congressman Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) and Congressman David Rouzer (R- N.C.). The democrats on the committee will once again be led by Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.). This is the committee in the House of Representatives that has broad jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is poised to chair the committee at the start of the new Congress. On the democratic side of the aisle, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) appears to be next in line to become ranking member of the committee. This is the Senate committee that has broad jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency and the construction of the nation’s roads and bridges.
House Education and Workforce Committee. One the republican side of the aisle, it will be a race between Congressman Burgess Owens (R-Utah) and Congressman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) to become chair of the committee. On the democratic side Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.) will remain as ranking member.
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) will become chair of the committee and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) will become ranking member. This committee has broad jurisdiction over our country’s health care, education, employment and retirement policies.
House Ways and Means Committee. Congressman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) will chair the House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives. On the democratic side of the aisle, Congressman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) will remain as ranking member of the committee.
Senate Finance Committee. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will stay in charge for their respective parties but with Senator Crapo becoming chair and Senator Wyden becoming ranking member. This is the committee in the United States Senate that has jurisdiction over taxation and other revenue measures.
So when will we finally know some of these undecided leadership races? The House Steering Committee will be meeting the week after Thanksgiving to begin making these final decisions. As always, AGC will keep you updated on the latest.
For additional information, please contact Alex Etchen.