Waxman to Chair Energy & Commerce Committee

 by Deb Cupples  |   Congratulations to Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), whose colleagues voted him in as the new  chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  Currently, Waxman is chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Waxman first won my heart (so to speak) back when the Republicans controlled the Oversight Committee and Waxman doggedly investigated government-contractor fraud -- which is rampant and is costing us cash-strapped taxpayers warehouses full of cash every year.  Waxman did this impressive work despite unfriendly reactions from Republicans who controlled the Committee and who refused to give much publicity to Waxman's investigations.

To be sure, Mr. Waxman is among my favorite living public servants (the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Brennan being my all-time favorite). 

Yeah, I know: it's kind of sad that I have a mental list of favorite public servants.  Such is the nature of wonkhood.

I wish that Mr. Waxman were not leaving the Oversight Committee because he'll be so hard to replace.  On the other hand, I suppose Mr. Waxman deserves a reward for all the work he's done for us taxpayers.

The Energy and Commerce Committee has broad jurisdiction, over various facets affecting our nation's economy including oil companies, power companies, Telecoms, drug companies, health care, consumer protection....

I suspect that Mr. Waxman's investigative skills and distaste for corruption will be well used on his  new committee.  I just hope that our representatives in Congress choose a worthy replacement for Mr. Waxman on the Oversight Committee.

Other buck Naked Politics Posts:

* Waxman Looking into AIG, Lehman, Interior Dept....

* Waxman Wants Executive Pay Data From Banks Getting Bailout Funds
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Comments

[Stephen Rose]

Thanks. A sign of lope. Linked here: http://stephencrosehome.blogspot.com/2008/11/will-arnold-schwartzenegger-be-baracks.html

[WMD]

I've had a "political crush" on Rep. Waxman for a long time. Sure wish we had several dozen more like him in government. He is sorely needed on Energy & Commerce Comm. and is sure to keep the Obama Administration honest.
I, too, am hopeful his replacement on the Oversight Committee will be as tenacious as he had been for so many years.

[Deb Cupples (Buck Naked Politics)]

HI WMD,

How are you?