CQ TODAY PRINT EDITION
Nov. 19, 2008 – 9:31 p.m.
Seniority, Loyalty Loom Large in Committee Fight
By Coral Davenport, CQ Staff
House Democrats are scheduled Thursday to select the next chairman of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, a vote that is viewed as a referendum not only on energy issues but also on the House’s seniority system.
Chairman John D. Dingell of Michigan, the 82-year-old dean of the House, faces a challenge from Henry A. Waxman , 69, of California, an ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. The House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee sided Wednesday with Waxman, 25-22, throwing the decision to the full caucus.
But during the closed-door meeting of the steering committee, Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland spoke up for Dingell, stressing the importance of seniority, according to participants. George Miller of California, who is closely tied to Pelosi, argued on Waxman’s behalf.
In choosing between the long time rivals, lawmakers must weigh deeply held personal, political and regional loyalties, philosophical affiliations, positions on the galvanizing issues of energy and climate policy, and respect for seniority.
At stake is the power to shape some of the most sweeping legislation in a generation, including new laws on energy, climate change and health care. The committee is one of the most powerful in Congress, with jurisdiction that touches almost every corner of domestic policy.
The choice may determine the pace and boldness of legislation to address global warming, a priority of President-elect Barack Obama .
Waxman, a favorite of environmentalists, and Dingell, a protector of his state’s struggling auto industry, have clashed over clean-air issues since the 1980s. Liberals complained that Dingell moved too slowly on climate change, finally releasing draft legislation just last month.
The proposal included language that would block states such as California from setting tougher auto emissions standards than the federal government set. Waxman said in 2007 that if Dingell tried to revive such a provision, “we’re going to have a fight.”
The Californian’s backers argue that advancing a global warming bill requires new leadership. “They are both people I have huge respect for,” said Washington Democrat Jay Inslee . “But it can’t be a matter of the individuals involved — it has to be who’s a transformational figure.”
Dingell supporters say enacting legislation on such a complex subject requires a skilled legislator who can reach bipartisan compromises. They say his committee methodically laid the foundation in the 110th Congress for climate legislation next year.
“You need someone at the helm who can legislate from the center, move it forward and create a bill the president will sign,” said Pennsylvania Democrat Mike Doyle , who is working to rally support for Dingell.
Outcome Uncertain
While Waxman won the initial skirmish in securing the steering committee’s endorsement, one of his supporters on the panel said the outcome in the full caucus is uncertain. The Waxman backer said neither side had enough commitments to be certain of victory and the outcome will hinge on the undecided and undeclared.
Seniority, Loyalty Loom Large in Committee Fight
“If you look at the makeup of that committee in terms of geography and political leanings, this is not the same dynamic as our whole caucus,” said Jim Matheson of Utah, a Dingell backer.
In addition, five committee chairmen who usually serve on the steering committee could not vote because the caucus has not yet ratified them. They might have tipped the balance to Dingell.
Dingell has drawn support from moderate and Midwestern Democrats, as well as members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He also can expect backing from Democrats representing coal- and oil-producing states, who worry about the impact of tough new emissions standards.
Waxman, chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is believed to have strong support from the party’s liberal wing, although he has declined to make his list of supporters public.
Rep.-elect Jim Himes, D-Conn., said the contest caught freshmen “off guard.” Himes described himself as a “meritocrat” who believes creative ideas should be rewarded. But, he said, seniority is also important.
A Waxman victory would be seen as a victory for Pelosi, who has clashed with Dingell over environmental issues. The Speaker has publicly stayed out of the contest, but it’s widely believed that Waxman would not have attempted the coup without at least her tacit blessing.
Moreover, Hoyer’s backing for Dingell at the steering committee suggests a lingering rift between the Speaker and majority leader. Pelosi backed John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania over Hoyer for majority leader at the start of the last Congress.
Lawmakers on both sides grappled with the question of seniority. “I can’t remember, since I’ve been here, that a sitting chairman has been removed,” said Gene Green of Texas, a Dingell backer.
But John M. Spratt Jr. of South Carolina said the threat to the seniority system has been exaggerated. “Seniority should count, but it’s not the final word,” he said. Even if Dingell loses, “the system will carry on.”
Dennis Cardoza of California, a steering committee member, summed up the dilemma facing Democrats. “Dingell is a legend in service and tenure,” he said. “Waxman tried to right the wrongs of the previous administration. This will be a difficult decision for the caucus.”
Michael Teitelbaum, Jonathan Allen, Avery Palmer and Edward Epstein contributed to this story.
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