Big changes coming to House Commerce Committee in 2023

Change is coming to the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the next Congress, a pattern of turnover that has become a staple of the powerful panel over the past 15 years. The list of those leaving is already significant. Five Democrats on the committee won’t be back for the 118th Congress. Among Republicans, Rep Billy Long (R-MO) is making his own Senate run. Other committee members are in real danger of losing their seats, including Reps David McKinley (R-WV) and Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), both of whom are locked in tough reelection fights after redistricting. Already, behind-the-scenes jockeying has begun, as members are now eyeing potential vacancies in senior slots on one of the most sought-after panels in the House. One member looking to move up, Rep Kathy Castor (D-FL), said she’s interested in a top spot on a subcommittee. Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA) has her eyes on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. There’s good reason for such maneuvering. The panel, the oldest continuous standing committee in the House, has oversight of the Energy Department and EPA. It has also been a key legislative player in the past few years.