081210 Waxman & Dingell Fight Over Committee Assignments

(The Crypt) -- California Rep. Henry A. Waxman has cut a deal with the man he dethroned last month as chairman of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, in a bid to diffuse leftover tension from that bitter contest.

Under terms announced Thursday, Michigan Rep. John D. Dingell will take the lead on all major health care initiatives before the committee in the next Congress and have a say in personnel matters as part of an agreement worked out with his successor.

In addition, as chairman emeritus, Dingell will have "a suitable staff to assist with his work" on the panel, according to a joint release from the two lawmakers issued Thursday night.

Waxman beat Dingell right after the election in a quick-but-rancorous contest for the chairman's gavel, but the ousted chairman maintains significant influence on the committee, earning support from a clear majority of the panel during that secret-ballot selection process.

By granting Dingell a role as "the lead sponsor" of whatever national health care legislation the committee considers, Waxman is giving the Dean of the House the chance to cap his historic career by realizing his father's goal of universal health care coverage - Dingell's father, a former House member, first introduced legislation creating national health insurance in 1943.

"I intend to be an active and enthusiastic leader on the Committee and I appreciate the efforts of Chairman Waxman to partner with me as we move into the 111th Congress," Dingell said in the release. "Henry and I have been able to work together in the past and agreed on most issues, and even in areas where we have disagreed, together we have passed important legislation."

Waxman said he was "delighted" to work "as full partners" with Dingell.

"His great talent, experience, and political skill will be a tremendous help to me and an asset to the Committee as we move forward on important legislation," Waxman said. "Working together I expect that we will embrace the new opportunities facing us and work with the Obama Administration to deliver the change that our country needs."

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