On the Hill: New Leadership for House Health Panels

Both the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, key players in shaping federal health care policy, will see leadership turnover this November as long-serving lawmakers depart at the end of this Congress.

While the Democratic succession appears largely settled, the race for the top Republican position on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee remains wide open.

Energy and Commerce Committee

Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), the current ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, lost her June primary to a progressive challenger, setting the stage for a significant leadership transition on the panel. DeGette's departure marks the end of a long tenure during which she played a central role in advancing bipartisan health care legislation, including the 21st Century Cures Act, the landmark 2016 law aimed at accelerating the development and approval of medical products.

Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), the next most senior Democrat on the health subcommittee, signaled in late July that he is interested in succeeding DeGette as the panel's top Democrat. Ruiz is an emergency room physician, and a member of the Democratic Doctors Caucus. Five other Democrats have more seniority than Ruiz on the full Energy and Commerce committee, but one is retiring.

Ways and Means Committee

The Ways and Means Health Subcommittee is also preparing for a leadership transition as Chair Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) retires at the close of this Congress. Should Democrats take control of the House, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) has made clear he intends to seek the subcommittee gavel, which will be vacated by the retiring Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas). If Republicans maintain their majority, however, the contest appears more open.

The committee's three most senior GOP members have expressed interest in succeeding Buchanan. Among them is Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), the panel's next most senior Republican, who said before the recess that he was considering a run for the chairmanship. While describing the subcommittee's portfolio as important and far-reaching, Smith said it was still "too soon to decide" whether he would seek the post. Another potential contender is Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), a practicing urologist and co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus, who did not shy away from expressing interest in the role. When asked if he would like to chair the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, Murphy replied, "Absolutely. I think I have the credentials for it." The third contender is Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.).

Both the House and Senate are in recess.

Join the Federal Action Network Today!

Stay connected to the latest from Washington. Join our Federal Action Network (FAN) - free for members - and gain exclusive access to advocacy expertise and updates.