The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee in the House released yesterday its slate of recommendations for most committee chair positions for next Congress. As expected, the committee has recommended that Rep. Adam Smith, representing the Ninth Congressional District of Washington and the current top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, take over the position of Chairman when the Democrats assume control of the chamber in January.
The Senate Democrats also released yesterday their committee leadership roster for next Congress. Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, currently the top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, will give up that post to assume the top Democratic slot on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Sen. Patty Murray will remain as the Ranking Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.