The House Republican Steering Committee reconvened today to make recommendations for the remaining contested chairmanships for the 119th Congress. And much like Monday’s session, it was another day of surprises, with presumed favorites once again falling short in marquee matchups.
First, Representative French Hill (AR) emerged in the four-way race to succeed Chairman Patrick McHenry (NC) atop the Financial Services Committee, winning a majority of votes on the second ballot over Representatives Andy Barr (KY), Bill Huizenga (MI), and Frank Lucas (OK). Hill, a former banking executive and White House and Treasury aide, is said to have sealed the deal with his performance during the all-important Q&A session—continuing the theme of this year’s Steering Committee being more heavily swayed by presentations. Currently serving as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Hill is expected to continue Chairman McHenry’s push for market structure legislation for cryptocurrency and other FinTech products, while more broadly working to roll back Biden-era regulations in the sector.
Next, Representative Tim Walberg (MI) prevailed in his repeat bid to lead the Committee on Education and the Workforce, defeating rising star and former NFL standout Representative Burgess Owens (UT). A former steelworker, pastor, and administrator in higher education, Walberg articulated a committee agenda centered on fighting for educational freedom, supporting multiple pathways to success, safeguarding the rights of students and parents, and ensuring fair labor practices. The committee is also expected to be closely involved in Republican reconciliation efforts, particularly as it pertains to unwinding Biden’s various student loan forgiveness programs. Walberg takes over for longtime Chair Virigina Foxx (NC), who is now rumored to be a leading contender to helm the House Rules Committee.
Finally, after successfully securing a waiver last week to serve a fourth term atop the Transportation and Infrastructure, Representative Sam Graves (MO) was re-elected to the post by voice vote, with Representative Rick Crawford (AR) formally dropping his bid to challenge Graves prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Tomorrow, the Steering Committee will meet to begin populating “A committees,” including Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Appropriations, and Financial Services—and our preview memo is once again attached to this email for your reference.
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