Newsroom

House committee leaders for the 115th Congress were announced last week, including new chairmen for the Energy and Commerce and Appropriations committees.

Chairing the House Energy and Commerce Committee beginning in January is Greg Walden, R-Ore. Walden, current chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, beat a more senior lawmaker, Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., for the position. Walden is also the outgoing National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman. This committee plays a central role in data security measures and actions regarding the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., will chair the House Appropriations Committee for the 115th Congress. He is the current chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., will take over the House Veterans' Affairs Committee in January. He will replace Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., who is retiring.

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, will retain his chairmanship, as will House Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot, R-Ohio. House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters, D-Calif., was also reelected to her post.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, will also carry his chairmanship into the new Congress, and Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., will serve as the ranking member – replacing current Ranking Member Sandy Levin, D-Mich.