Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Let's take a quick look at what to expect on some important Senate committees next year.
Why it matters: Committee leadership will look very different, and these are the folks who will vet President-elect Trump's nominees and write a possible reconciliation bill.
Energy and Natural Resources
Mike Lee is the favorite right now to take over the committee — if he isn't tapped for attorney general or another job.
- He's a conservative who's long opposed federal ownership of public lands, which could lead to some conflicts with expected Ranking Member Martin Heinrich, who just won reelection in New Mexico.
Environment and Public Works
Shelley Moore Capito is set to take over. If there's a reconciliation bill, she'll lead the effort to peel back IRA EPA spending and the methane fee.
- But Capito is well known as a bipartisan operator who will be interested in striking a deal on permitting and other issues.
- We'd expect her to have a good working relationship with the ranking member, particularly if it's Sheldon Whitehouse.
Agriculture
John Boozman is likely to get the gavel and possibly a chance to shape the farm bill if Congress can't get it done in lame duck.
- He's been pushing to lift the "climate guardrails" that restrict certain farm bill funding.
Appropriations' Energy and Water Development Subcommittee
John Kennedy could get the chair, but there could be some musical chairs on Appropriations.
- Outgoing GOP leader Mitch McConnell could nab this gavel, or cause it to shuffle by taking over another subcommittee.
