Intel chairman opts out of bid for Ways and Means gavel

Devin Nunes decided against a bid to lead the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and will instead stay on as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, he said on Thursday, following a request from new Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).

The California Republican had been one of three lawmakers considering trying to replace Ryan at the powerful Ways and Means gavel, after Ryan was sworn in Thursday.

{mosads}His decision not to launch a run makes it a two-man race for the Ways and Means gavel: Reps. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio).

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Nunes said that Ryan asked him to stay on as the head of the Intelligence Committee, a position he assumed just 11 months ago.

“After careful reflection and in light of the Speaker’s wish for me to continue this important role, I have decided to remain chairman of the House Intelligence Committee,” Nunes saud. “As we move forward under the leadership of Speaker Ryan, it will be important to complete the good work we have done on an intelligence authorization bill and to get cybersecurity legislation passed to the president’s desk.”   

Ryan acknowledged that he asked Nunes to stay on in the post.

“The world has gotten only more dangerous, and serious times call for serious leaders,” he said in a statement.

“Though Congressman Nunes has been a terrific ally and staunch defender of conservative principles on the Ways and Means Committee, I am grateful for his continued leadership of the Intelligence Committee.”

The Intelligence Committee has notched a handful of key accomplishments under Nunes’s stewardship this year. Among other measures, the panel shepherded a major cybersecurity bill through the House earlier this year, which now must be reconciled with legislation passed by the Senate this week.

Until a new chairman is chosen for the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Sam Johnson (Texas) — its senior Republican— will temporarily lead the panel.

The Republican Steering Committee is expected to meet soon to determine the next chairman of the committee.

No vote has been set to name a full-time leader of the panel.  

 — Vicki Needham contributed.