All House and Senate election results have been finalized and it is clear that Republicans will control the Senate and also lead with a slim majority in the House of Representatives. Party leaders have begun to finalize which lawmakers will lead key committees with jurisdiction over health and related workforce issues. Retirements, limits on length of service in leadership roles, and preference of party leaders will all result in changes to committee chairs and ranking members. The work of our policy team and our network with these committees will be crucial to advancing our advocacy priorities for the coming year during the 119th Congress.
Several committees in each chamber have jurisdiction over various elements of health care. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee plays a crucial role in shaping national policies related to healthcare and the workforce, while the Senate Finance Committee oversees health programs under the Social Security Act, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), along with their role in shaping tax policy, which will be key in 2025 with the expiring Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) is poised to lead the HELP Committee, with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) expected as lead Democratic caucus member. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) is in line to lead the Finance Committee.
In the House, the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee has broad jurisdiction over healthcare and the regulations and laws that govern the sector, while the Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over revenue-related aspects of the Social Security system, Medicare, and social services programs, including foster care and adoption programs—and like Senate Finance, also has a key role in shaping tax policy, including an expected 2025 tax bill. Finally, the House Education and Workforce Committee has jurisdiction over education, workforce development, and workforce policy.
Leadership roles are still being finalized. Here is where things stand with key House committees:
- Energy & Commerce: Vying for Republican chair are Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY), while Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) will serve as ranking minority member for Democrats.
- Ways & Means: Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) will hold the top spot at Ways & Means (W&M). Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA) will remain in his role as the committee’s top Democrat.
- Education and Workforce Committee: Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) will be the new Republican chair.
We look forward to leveraging the power of our network to strengthen relationships with these key members of Congress.
Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.
