Government

Upton Wins House Energy & Commerce Gavel

Despite objections from a number of conservative- and tea party-oriented interest groups, soon-to-be House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and the Republican Steering Committee signed off on Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., to lead the influential House Energy & Commerce Committee for the upcoming 112th Congress.

The full GOP House Caucus will now have to ratify Upton’s appointment and former Energy & Commerce Chairman Joe Barton, R-Texas, has told Politico he will not challenge the steering committee’s decision.

Upton is poised to run a panel with broad authority over the economy, from health care to energy and telecommunications. While campaigning for the job, the 12-term lawmaker appealed to conservatives nervous about his credentials by pledging to pursue repeal of key pieces of the new health care law and also closely scrutinize the Obama administration’s climate change and energy policies.

“I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with Speaker Boehner, Leader Cantor, Whip McCarthy and the entire republican conference as we repeal Obamacare, fight rampant job killing regulations, cut spending and help put folks back to work,” Upton said in a statement.

Upton pledged to adopt new committee rules to “cut spending and restore fiscal responsibility.”

“The Obama administration is on notice – they will not be allowed to regulate what they have been unable to legislate,” he said.

Upton has already made his first major choice – picking Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) as chairman of the Health Subcommittee. “Together, we will protect the sanctity of life, ensuring early next Congress that no federal funds are used for abortion,” Upton said in a statement. … Upton is expecting to begin meetings this week with committee members before making final choices on subcommittee leadership spots.

Other notable committee appointments Tuesday included Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., who will lead the House Financial Services Committee; Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Texas, who will lead the Science Committee; and Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., has been picked to head the powerful Appropriations Committee.

Comments (36)

  • TulsaYeeHaw
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 9:53pm

    What part of NO do you short sighted, progressive, sorry stupid A-hole republicans NOT UNDERSTAND?

    My apologies to A-holes for comparing them to politicians.

    Report Post »  
  • AFVET
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 2:49pm

    Boehner just indicated to me that he, by appointing Upton to that position is the same old same old crap we have seen for years.
    Why not give one of the Cavalry coming into the House a chance at that position ?
    The damn cronies have got to go !
    If Boehner continues this crap, he should be dismissed as speaker quickly, along with being voted out in two years.
    I would submit Michele Bachmann as a potential candidate to replace him.

    Report Post »  
  • rienheart
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 2:09pm

    Just been fooled again. Republican Party playing us for Fools. RINOS Got to go. From the Top down to the Bottom. including Tea Party Candidates who betray our trust. Take note.

    Report Post »  
  • kcoplen
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 1:23pm

    I just sent the following message to my congressman. If you have a Republican congressman, please send them a message or call.

    Congressman Culberson,

    I understand that the House Republican Steering Committee has signed off on its support for Congressman Fred Upton, R-MI, to head the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. It is my understanding that the next step is for the House Republican Caucus to ratify this appointment. Typically votes like this are but a formality, but as the American have people have shown on November 2nd, business as usual in Washington is no excuse for spineless inaction.

    Congressman Upton led the charge to ban incandescent light bulbs, cosponsoring language in a 2007 energy bill which will soon lead to a complete ban on these affordable and time tested light bulbs. We are now told that in the future, we must use light bulbs that are filled with mercury and do not perform at anywhere near the level that was promised. Additionally, these bulbs cost several times the amount of standard incandescent bulbs.

    My biggest concern about these bulbs is not even related to their performance, or cost, but to the cost of freedom that is paid when Washington believes that the American People are too stupid to make the correct decision. President Reagan said it best when speaking about the 1964 Presidential Election, “This is the issue of this election: Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves.” I believe that the mid-term elections of 2010 reflected this sentiment. Congressman Upton has stated that he will revisit his decision, but we all know that he is simply playing politics.

    The American People and I will be watching your actions very closely, and will not tolerate a yes vote on the appointment of Upton. We can disagree on matters of policy, but a yes vote on ratifying a chair of a committee, who has so blatantly overstepped his bounds, is grounds for a permanent loss of my support. We live in a new era, where the American People do not have to accept the shady deals or the political votes. The American People will no longer forget these decisions by the time the next election comes around. I implore you to vote no, on the ratification of Congressman Upton. A yes vote for Upton is a vote for big government, and guarantee that I will personally do everything in my power to primary you, come the next election season.

    Thank You,

    Kyle Coplen
    Houston, TX

    Report Post » kcoplen  
  • zacharytcuster
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 11:58am

    Hey Boehner, your not listening!!! Your time is up.

    Report Post »  
  • EP46
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 10:57am

    Email Boehner…… http://www.gopleader.gov or Call 202-225-6204

    Report Post »  
  • S.A
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 10:22am

    OK,PEOPLE its TIME to FLOOD JOHN BOEHNER”S office with calls of Pro-Test.His Number is…..202-225-4000.

    Having FRED UPTON in Charge is like having the FOX watch the HEN HOUSE.

    Report Post » S.A  
  • MUDFLAPS
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 9:54am

    Hey Bohner, do you have a brain? Dont think so. Enjoy this term. Its your last.

    Report Post »  
  • JesusFreak95
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 9:36am

    How the heck can the GOP leadership recommend this guy with a clean conscience? He must have some dirt on someone high up the food chain. Shame on Bohner and friends, I’m very disappointed.

    Report Post » JesusFreak95  
  • Ghostrider
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 9:27am

    First, Johnny boy, your gone next election. Next, I will never buy those new light bulbs that contain mercury and made in China of all places. I have stocked up on the good old reliable USA made incondescent light bulbs. Won’t need any for years. Hey Congress, KISS MY ARSENEL.

    Report Post »  
  • P---Revere
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 8:29am

    I wish I could see the day where the Republicans get the message. As the saying goes, wish in one hand and sh*# it the other, and see what you get the most of. We are seeing what we get the most of, in the way of representation. Bottom line, the healthcare bill was moved forward thanks to Olympia Snowe wanting to make history. Woo Hoo. We have 8 Republican co sponsors to the food safety bill less than a month after the election. Scott Brown campaigned as a fiscal conservative, and votes with the Democrats on more stimulus spending. Christine Odonnell runs as a conservative and says she would vote for Hillary if Hillary ran for pres. One of the most dedicated progressives in our country. WTF ? When the lightbulb crap comes up, Upton starts retracting his previous views. Mean what you say, and say what you mean. If these liars don’t have the conviction to stand by there views, they sure as hel% don’t have any business chairing a committee. Lord help us all!!

    Report Post »  
  • betterthantv
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 8:22am

    It just doesn’t matter what we do! We can call, email, campaign, or scream from our rooftops, nobody listens. The system is broken!

    Report Post » betterthantv  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 8:20am

    This is a press release from yesterday from his campaign website: http://upton.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=216880

    Report Post »  
  • wtune
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 8:15am

    This leopard will never change his spots. He took away the incandescent light bulb and replaced it with a mercury-filled squiggly light that requires a hazmat team to clean up a broken bulb. He is opposed to most of the things that might cause our economy to grow. Congressman Boehner, I was looking forward to your tenure as Speaker, the leader of the House. Apparently I thought you might be a leader instead of a follower. You will follow the RINOs to the death of the Republican Party. So much promise, and all of it wasted, as the Good Old Boys continue to ignore the PEOPLE.

    Report Post »  
  • DAJ
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 8:00am

    Ummm… he is a 12 term lawmaker. Exactly what is he going to do to make America better? He jumps on the newest bandwagon and runs with the newest message.

    Whats wrong with the voters in these districts where these morons come from, it is plain as day that he is part of the establishment. His ass needs to go too!

    Report Post »  
  • waynef2000
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 6:40am

    I have bit$%ed about government for years. And, like Tim Cox, have tried to take action against the entrenched base of career politicians. I for one, have joined the ranks of GOOOH or Get Out Of Our House (vox populi if you will). Please go to http://www.goooh.com and read it, act on it, and send it to whomever you know that wants to save our country and return it to the way it was, and the way the founders intended it. Please.

    Report Post » waynef2000  
  • phil1765
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 4:44am

    Sorry but this moron was a wrong choice from the get-go.

    Report Post »  
  • justice
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 3:17am

    See what they do first. They know they are on hollow ground. But they haven’t even taken the House yet! Just keep your eyes and ears wide open.

    Report Post »  
  • Vox Populi
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 2:22am

    Why are we allowing this freaking RINO to comandeer YET ANOTHER revolution?

    How many times must they hear from us?

    WHAT ARE YOU THINKING OHIO?!

    I am TIRED of waiting to see what people will do – we are out of work, our house payments are due, our food costs are increasing, our energy costs are necessarily SKYROCKETING!

    THERE IS NO LONGER ANY TIME FOR REACHING OUT TO MASSIVE SPENDERS WHO HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING BUT SPEND MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY!!!

    I wan to recall John Boehner – he has already broken faith with the AMerican people – Hey numbskull – I don‘t care how many tears you’ve cried over YOU finally attaining YOUR dreams of government power – WE PUT YOU THERE TO HELP US REALIZE OUR DREAMS!

    ..oh, and by the way – I don’t JUST want you to ensure I keep my CURRENT TAX RATES – I want you idiots to SPEND LESS! Yes that’s right you little RINO – STOP SPENDING< CUT TAXES AAAANNNDDD CUT PROGRAMS.

    If this idiot ivites another vampire to sit in judgement over ANY part of the people's house – I want him impeached.

    We don't OWE you ANYTHING – YOU OWE US A GOVERNMENT THAT IS FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE!

    You are ONLY there to make sure the government does NOT get in the way of the PEOPLE – so PLEASE tell me – HOW it is that a man committed to helping the current resident of the White House JACK-UP utility rates is going to HELP AMERICANS?

    The time for compromise is OVER! Now is the time to understand that the opponent does not want a free and prosperous AMerica – the opponent is committed to helping our enemies HANDCUFF Americans and the businesses they own.

    THIS and unbelieveably high LABOR COSTS are why America is uncompetitive in the global market.

    We MUST rid ourselves of these shapeshifting, non-conservatives! WHY do we allow them to co-opt our victories?

    Sic Semper Tyrannus

    Vox

    Report Post » Vox Populi  
    • LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 3:03am

      My sentiments exactly! It makes me sick that I cannot trust anyone in our government anymore.

      Report Post » LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA  
    • mpefster50
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 3:19am

      Well said….I agree, we keep waiting while Rome continues to burn!!

      Report Post » mpefster50  
    • waynef2000
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 6:37am

      He pledges? He pledges? What are the negative consequences of pledging? NOTHING. If Charlie can get a slap on the wrist for tax evasion, what do pledges mean.

      I am now disgusted with Boehner. He gives no reason for his selection. Who did he remove from the “running”?

      Report Post » waynef2000  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 10:39am

      RIGHT ON!!!! We are freezing in our own homes because of the high energy costs.

      Report Post »  
  • michaelhandley
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 1:47am

    Hey folks. Let’s wait until we see what these people do before we start heating the tar and feathers. We owe them that much. If they don’t live up to our expectations, then we let them have it…

    Report Post »  
    • Air~Biscuit
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 8:51am

      I OWE them noyhing!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » Shamokin_CoalCrackers  
    • Air~Biscuit
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 8:56am

      Sorry Hard to see wrong lightbulb maybe???? I OWE them NOTHING!!!!!

      Report Post » Shamokin_CoalCrackers  
    • RoBoTech
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 12:00pm

      Uh, I don’t owe Upton anything. He owes ME my liberty by destroying the incandescent bulb industry in America, and MANDATING usage of the poisonous CFFLs.
      He believes ion Global Warming and believes Government can dictate what Americans can purchase or use!
      Nov 2 was to STOP the Socialist Agenda, NOT give these Socialist, Big Government RINOS even more power.
      Boehner supported Upton, and it will be Boehner who pays the piper in 2012.
      Boehner himself said the Dems didn’t get Nov 2. I say, neither did Boehner!

      Report Post »  
  • BLAZING SADDLE
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 12:55am

    John Boehner, YOUR TOAST NEXT ELECTION!

    Report Post »  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 10:36am

      True, I dont like Boehner, the are a bunch of wimps. We need some strong leadership. Do the republicans really think they won this many seats because we were in love with the republicans??? They are all fooling themselves. We have a lot of work to do.

      Report Post »  
    • ozz
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 9:33pm

      BONEHEAD is so out next election. Repubs are already screwing the pooch.

      Report Post » ozz  
  • charliego
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 12:51am

    GET it on, boys and girls!! Time is fleeting. The Republic is on truncated life support and needs a lot holistic care to get back up on her feet.

    Report Post » charliego  
  • Vintner
    Posted on December 8, 2010 at 12:44am

    This is the same bast*** that wanted to remove our original lightbulbs. Now here he is again. I smell a RINO. Keep you eyes on this one.

    Report Post »  
    • YaDarnTootin
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 7:37am

      I will not buy those dangerous mercury-laden light bulbs FRED! Man UP!

      Report Post » YaDarnTootin  

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