Although the inner workings of the Democratic Caucus deliberations on Henry Waxman’s challenge to John Dingell for the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee were off limits to staff and the media, I can report that these discussions were powerful, pointed, and poignant.
Many members expressed passion and emotion on behalf of John Dingell and his long and distinguished career. There were also very specific concerns raised about his variance with House leadership and the Caucus, as well as the American people. The fact that the Democratic leadership had to work around the Committee last session on renewable portfolio standards and fuel efficiency was telling; everyone expects this to be a major focal point for the Obama Administration and next Congress. For me, the discussion was as noteworthy as the outcome.
I supported new Chairman Henry Waxman, who has developed his own reputation for tenacity and has done an excellent job chairing the Oversight Committee and exposing the excesses of the Bush administration’s troubled tenure. In his new position, he will be able to do even more to advance major initiatives on healthcare and global warming. While bold transformations will be difficult, change will come more quickly and more smoothly. The Committee will now be in the middle of the debate rather than be a wild card at best or an obstacle at worst.
As the results were announced for Mr. Waxman, the Speaker congratulated both people. She designated Mr. Dingell as Chair Emeritus, with continued privileges to the most coveted perk of all—retaining his spectacular office in the Capitol. That task now is moving forward.
I feel much the same as I did exactly two years ago when there was a spirited contest between Jack Murtha and Steny Hoyer, who I backed, for Majority Leader. It was clear to me at the time that the actions of Speaker Pelosi—who backed his opponent— in honoring the will of the Caucus and coming together with Steny were responsible for much of the progress last session. They formed a unified, effective leadership team where they displayed mutual respect and even affection to a degree that few would have imagined in the aftermath of that bruising contest.
I am hopeful that we will draw the appropriate lessons and emerge as a Caucus more resolved to work together, to be more productive on the awesome set of responsibilities we are facing. Given the state of our economy and a planet in peril, we owe our new President and the American people no less.