Pelosi Dear Colleague to Members Concerning Seniority and the Race for Ranking Member of the Energy & Commerce Committee
November 11, 2014
Dear Democratic Colleague,
Once again, I am writing to enthusiastically endorse Anna Eshoo for the position of Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Anna has been the driving force in the Congress behind our Innovation Agenda, our initiative to strengthen our global competitiveness, to create good paying jobs here at home, and to build an economy that works for everyone. I am encouraged by the broad support that Anna has across our Caucus.
I have been asked by a number of the freshmen about my views concerning how our Caucus has handled the issue of seniority over the years. My first experience with the seniority issue was when I had the privilege to vote for Ron Dellums to be the first African American to chair the House Armed Services Committee. Chairman Dellums was not the most senior Member when he ascended to the Chairmanship.
And now, it is important to note our Caucus has voted in to Chair or Ranking Member positions Members who are not the more senior on their respective committees, including Henry Waxman, Energy and Commerce; Nita Lowey, Appropriations; Adam Smith, Armed Services; Elijah Cummings, Oversight and Government Reform; and Eliot Engel, Foreign Affairs.
In each of these elections there was enormous respect for the senior Member, but our colleagues viewed seniority as a consideration not a determination.
Congratulations on your election to the 114th Congress. Thank you for your leadership and your friendship.
best regards,