Try gone but not gone. Henry Waxman (D-CA) may be running the show in the House Energy and Commerce Committee going forward, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) let it be known that there will still be a role there for ousted Chairman John Dingell (D-MI). "John Dingell is a giant of the Congress and his leadership over the last 28 years as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee is unsurpassed,” she said. Then cluing us in on his new role, she said, “As Chairman Emeritus, John Dingell will continue in his tradition of strong and steady leadership on behalf of all Americans.” She also mentioned the possible agenda Waxman will be pursuing as he takes over the reins of the Committee – it is perhaps good news that no communications issues made the list.
Meanwhile, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) has been mentioned as a candidate to make a move of his own, over to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, where he would help forward Waxman’s environmental agenda. The current vice-chair at Telecom/Internet is Mike Doyle (D-PA).
RBR/TVBR observation: This does not set up a brand-new interrogatory double-team that panel witnesses will now have to face. Waxman has been on the E&C Committee for some time, so witnesses have long been able to enjoy answering questions from both Waxman and Dingell.
