U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) is positioning himself to run for the leadership of one of the most powerful congressional committees.
Waxman, the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee, plans to challenge U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) for chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee, sources confirmed to JTA on Wednesday after the story appeared in the Roll Call daily.
The committee, the first stop for health-care reform and energy matters, is poised to be critical in an Obama administration. The president-elect plans far-reaching reforms in each area.
Dingell, the longest serving member of Congress, has a cool relationship with pro-Israel groups. Energy reform will likely include plans to cooperate with Israel on alternative energy plans.
Waxman, the dean of the unofficial Jewish caucus in Congress, is close to the pro-Israel community.
