Republicans pick new Minority leader on House Energy and Commerce

  • December 2, 2020

Republicans on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, including Oklahoma 2nd District Rep. Markwayne Mullin have a new minority leader following Wednesday’s selection by the Republican Steering Committee.

Eastern Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers was picked to be the Republican leader of the Committee.

“This committee is critical to addressing the issues that matter to people in Eastern Washington, like bridging the digital divide, bringing doctors to rural communities, keeping energy rates low, and protecting free speech online,” said McMorris Rodgers.
In comments released by her office, the congresswoman said a battle is underway for the heart and soul of America from blatant assaults on free speech to Medicare-for-All to the Green New Deal.
“My goal is to maximize Energy and Commerce to secure America’s and Eastern Washington’s future as the best place in the world to innovate, save lives, and raise people’s standard of living,” she added.
McMorris-Rodgers was the favorite in a three way race in which Texas Congressman Michael Burgess had openly sought the position.

As the Texas Tribune reported this week, Burgess spent much of 2019 attempting to wrangle support from other Republicans on the committee for the top job when Minority leader Greg Walden of Oregon announced plans to leave the House in 2021.

Walden spent eleven terms in the House and before Democrats took control, was chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

After Wednesday’s selection, Rep. Walden praised the choice.

“I am thrilled Cathy will become Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the 117th Congress. This is a historic moment for the Energy and Commerce Committee, but most importantly, Cathy is a battle-tested leader who has proven her ability to message some of the most challenging issues of our time in a way that resonates with Americans all across the country.”

Jerry Bohnen