Waxman, Dingell Strike Accord on Health Bills

Incoming House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and the old bull he ousted from the post, Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) have reached an unusual power-sharing arrangement, the two lawmakers announced late Thursday afternoon.

Waxman will cede to Dingell the lead role in drafting health reform legislation, a major priority for congressional Democrats and the incoming Obama administration. In addition, Dingell will retain a sizable staff, remain an ex officio member of each of the panel’s subcommittees and become “chairman emeritus” of the full committee.

After Waxman bested Dingell in a contest for the chairmanship last month, Dingell reportedly was weighing a bid to chair the panel’s Health Subcommittee, a post currently held by Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.).

While Dingell won’t get that formal title, he seems to have gotten much more: He will be the lead sponsor of the committee’s share of the House’s health reform bill and a lead negotiator with other House members, the Senate and the White House.

“I intend to be an active and enthusiastic leader on the committee,” Dingell said in a statement. “I am delighted that John Dingell and I will work as full partners,” Waxman said.

Read the full press release below.

Dingell, Waxman Reach Partnership on Committee Role

WASHINGTON, DC

Tags Candidate Position Democratic Party Henry Waxman John Dingell John Dingell Person Career Politics Politics of the United States Quotation United States United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce Waxman

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