Newsroom

December 01, 2016

Moves will affect Ways and Means leadership

Recent changes for two lawmakers on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee pave the way for Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., to possibly rise to the post of ranking member during the 115th Congress.

Earlier this week, Rep. Sandy Levin, D-Mich., announced he was going to step down from the top Democratic slot in the 115th Congress to make way for new leadership. He had backed Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., as his replacement for the ranking member position. However, it was announced yesterday that Becerra is instead leaving the House to become California's next attorney general.

Neal, Becerra and Levin have all been supporters of the credit union industry.

In other recent action, House Democrats this week voted 134-63 to reelect Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to her leadership position. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., will lead Democrats in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., will continue in their positions.