Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
The GOP trifecta is official. Let's look at the House staff who might be steering next year's agenda.
Why it matters: These are the folks who will be behind the scenes writing a reconciliation bill, proposals to peel back the IRA, permitting legislation and, most likely, the farm bill.
William Ball, senior policy adviser to Speaker Mike Johnson
Ball handles energy issues for Johnson and could be a top voice in guiding the GOP conference on permitting and IRA repeal.
- He previously worked for House Natural Resources, including as staff director for the water, power and oceans subcommittee and eventually deputy staff director for the full committee under then-Ranking Member Rob Bishop.
- He came to Johnson's office late last year after a stint working off the Hill as director of public affairs for Foley & Lardner, per his LinkedIn.
Francis Brooke, policy director for Majority Leader Steve Scalise
Brooke worked for Mitch McConnell and later as an energy adviser in the first Trump White House.
- He's well known in energy policy circles and was also involved with the House Oversight Committee's special COVID panel.
Emily Hebein, legislative director, Rep. Bob Latta
Hebein has held various roles since 2018 for Latta, who is a top contender for the Energy and Commerce gavel.
- Her portfolio includes trade, science and technology, telecommunications and taxes.
Brian Fahey, legislative director, Rep. Brett Guthrie
Fahey has held this role for about three years under Guthrie, who is also in the running to be the next E&C chair.
- Previously, Fahey worked on legislation for Rep. John Curtis — who was just elected as Utah's newest senator — and Sen. Joni Ernst.
Rob MacGregor, staff director, Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee
MacGregor has served since 2021 on the panel chaired by Rep. Pete Stauber, covering onshore energy issues before taking over as staff director.
- He has a background on Western and rural issues, previously working at USDA and as a legislative director for Rep. Steve Pearce of southwest New Mexico.
Josh Maxwell, policy director, House Agriculture Committee
Maxwell has served the committee for nearly two decades and is working to shepherd his fourth consecutive farm bill to completion.
- The current farm bill (from 2018) could be headed for a second yearlong extension as the parties debate how to pay for it and guardrails on the IRA's climate-smart ag funds.
