Fred Upton Picked To Chair House Energy And Commerce Committee

Upton

Rep. FRED UPTON (R-MI) has been selected by House Republican leaders as the new Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. HAROLD ROGERS (R-KY) will chair the Appropriations Committee when the new Congress, with a Republican majority, begins in JANUARY.

UPTON was picked over Rep. JOE BARTON (D-TX), the former Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, to replace Democrat HENRY WAXMAN (D-CA) at the helm, while ROGERS beat out Reps. JERRY LEWIS (R-CA) and Rep. JACK KINGSTON (R-GA) for the Appropriations post.

The Energy and Commerce Committee has oversight of communications issues, and includes the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.

The NAB's President and CEO GORDON SMITH said, "NAB looks forward to working with Congressman UPTON in his new role as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Over the years, FRED UPTON has served Congress with class and integrity, and has shown a willingness to find meaningful solutions to real problems that confront the American people. We welcome his chairmanship and the opportunity to make the case in his committee for preserving and enhancing free and local broadcasting."

FCC Commissioner ROBERT MCDOWELL also offered his support for UPTON's appointment, issuing a statement saying, "I congratulate my longtime friend, Congressman FRED UPTON, on his election as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. FRED brings his deep understanding of communications policy and strong commitment to free market principles to the chairmanship. I look forward to continuing to work with him, and all of his colleagues, on the important communications matters facing our nation."

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