Two possible candidates to lead Republicans on the House Commerce...
Two possible candidates to lead Republicans on the House Commerce Committee next year distanced themselves from Ranking Member Joe Barton, R-Texas, after Barton came under fire for remarks on the BP oil spill Thursday. Barton was “out of line,” said…
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Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., one of three House Communications Subcommittee members thought to be eying the top Republican job on the Commerce Committee (CD May 27 p2). Another contender, Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, said most Republicans were “on a different page” than Barton on BP putting aside $20 billion for oil spill damages, Roll Call reported Thursday. Barton needs to secure a waiver from the House Steering Committee to keep his post, due to a House GOP caucus rule limiting Republicans to three two-year terms at the top of committees, whether the party is in the majority or minority. Boehner and other House Republicans slammed Barton late Thursday after Barton apologized to BP for a White House “shakedown” of BP. Barton later apologized for the apology. “Congressman Barton’s statements this morning were wrong,” said Boehner, Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., in a joint statement. Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., who has stated he wants the Commerce Committee job, didn’t comment.