House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the appointments to several powerful committees on Thursday, notably the New York Rep. In the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Rep. On Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Kathleen Rice’s choice.
According to several media reports, New York legislators were joking about sitting on the panel, and persuading colleagues behind the scenes for weeks, Politico said.
The committee oversees a variety of issues, including consumer safety, food and drug safety, public health, health care policy, and climate issues.
Politico reported that the steering and policy committee had a controversial private meeting on Thursday, where both candidates had secret ballots to vote. The news outlet said the vote was 46-13.
A member of the Progressive Caucus of Congress and a rising star in the party is clear on many of the issues that will face the Oxio-Cortez Committee. He is currently a member of the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Reform. She also co-chaired a panel advising President-elect Joe Biden on climate policy during her campaign.
Rice is a more moderate member of the party, a former district attorney who represents parts of Long Island. He currently serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security. Rice’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Pelosi praised the appointments in a statement.
“The House Democrats are united in our mission to build a better back, and with these strong voices at the table, we promise that sacred promise to make a real difference for all Americans.”
