Republican lawmakers vying for leadership positions on House committees in the upcoming Congress are emphasizing their loyalty to President-elect Donald Trump alongside their policy priorities as they make their cases to colleagues over the next two weeks.
With many members competing for limited positions, contenders recognize the importance of demonstrating their ability to advance Trump’s legislative agenda in areas such as finance, energy, and education.
The extent to which candidates align with Trump’s agenda will be a crucial test of his influence in Congress, especially since most races will be decided by secret ballot. Candidates will present their arguments to a select group known as the steering committee, who will then vote anonymously to select the winners at the start of next month.
Various committees, including House Foreign Affairs, Education and the Workforce, and Transportation, will need new leaders due to retirements and term limits. Representatives such as Andy Barr, French Hill, Bill Huizenga, and Frank Lucas are competing to become the top Republican on the Financial Services Committee, which oversees Wall Street, the Federal Reserve, and cryptocurrency.
Candidates like Barr and Hill are highlighting their connections to Trump and their alignment with his policies to secure support. Barr, in particular, has been actively engaging with key Trump allies and promoting a vision that aligns with the incoming administration’s agenda.
In the Foreign Affairs committee race, contenders like Ann Wagner, Darrell Issa, Joe Wilson, and Brian Mast are showcasing their ties to Trump and their stances on various issues, including the Iran nuclear deal and support for Ukraine.
The upcoming leadership decisions will not only determine the direction of key policy areas but also serve as a barometer of Trump’s influence within the Republican Party.
—This text has been revised for clarity and conciseness. Sam Graves from Missouri, the current Transportation chair, is considering a challenge from Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas. Both have a similar relationship with Trump. Graves is attempting to obtain a waiver to avoid term limits so he can compete with Crawford for the position. Crawford has expressed his good relationship with Trump and their shared priorities in infrastructure investment. If Graves doesn’t get the waiver, Rep. David Rouzer of North Carolina may enter the race. G.T. Thompson from Pennsylvania, the House Agriculture Chair, has strengthened his ties with Trump, enhancing his chances of retaining his position. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio is expected to remain as the chair of the Judiciary Committee, being a strong supporter of Trump. Reps. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and Bob Latta of Ohio are competing for the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, both having friendly relations with Trump. Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan and Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah are vying to lead the House Education and the Workforce Committee, showing their loyalty to Trump. The House Rules Committee chair is still up in the air, with potential candidates including Rep. Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania and Rep. Virginia Foxx. La mujer de Carolina del Norte no quiso decir el miércoles si aceptaría el puesto de liderazgo en Reglas si se lo ofrecieran.
“No estoy postulando para nada”, dijo entre risas.
Al igual que Burgess, Foxx es una feroz defensora del presidente electo. Después de dar discursos en mítines de Trump antes de las elecciones, su nombre ahora está entre los que se mencionan para secretaria de Educación.
— Jordain Carney y Eleanor Mueller
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