The House Republican Steering Committee selected Michigan Rep. John James of to fill a vacant seat on the coveted Energy and Commerce Committee.
Six freshmen were vying for a spot that opened up after Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) left Congress in January to run a university.
Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), who is retiring, told E&E News that James, who has worked for a global supply chain management service company, would be a great addition to the panel.
“I think he’s going to be a strong member of the Energy and Commerce Committee,” she said. “From a district perspective, one of his priorities is American manufacturing, American energy independence. He’s wanted to be on Energy and Commerce since day one and he brings a lot of experience and passion to the issues.”
