AASCU Federal Highlights – June 2026

Sen. Murkowski (R-AK) Signals Interest in HELP Committee Chair

On Wednesday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski expressed interest in taking the top GOP slot on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The position will be open next Congress following the recent loss of current HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in his state's GOP primary election. Fueling speculation, yesterday, Sen. Murkowski said, "If I am most senior, I would certainly welcome the opportunity," in reference to the top GOP HELP position.

In Committee seniority, Sen. Murkowski ranks behind Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). Sen. Paul is the current Chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Sen. Collins is Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Sen. Paul has not made any public indication of wanting to switch to the GOP leadership on the HELP Committee, and Sen. Collins has publicly stated her desire to remain on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Meanwhile, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), who is behind Sen. Murkowski in seniority, has also publicly expressed interest in being the GOP leader on the HELP Committee. AASCU will continue to monitor and report on any updates.