House Republicans Make Their Pitch for Top Commerce Committee Spot

Republican lawmakers vying for the prized ranking member role on the House Commerce Committee will make their case to the Republican Steering Committee, with a decision expected Dec 2. The winner of the contest will play a major role in shaping the House GOP’s agenda on key tech policy issues like data privacy, emerging technology, 5G, broadband access, and online speech. The contenders: Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, the top Republican on the consumer protection subcommittee; Bob Latta of Ohio, the ranking member on the communications and technology subcommittee; and Michael Burgess of Texas, the top Republican on the health subcommittee. They will all make their pitches for the coveted spot to succeed retiring Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon. The full House GOP Conference must still approve recommendations made by the Steering Committee.