Michigan clout will be on display in 112th Congress

As the 112th Congress gets to work, Michigan lawmakers will have considerable clout.

In the Republican led House, Congressman Dave Camp (Midland) has been named chair of the important Ways and Means Committee, a spot formerly held by Michigan Congressman Sander Levin (Royal Oak). Levin will not be leaving the committee, as he will become the ranking Democratic member. That gives Michigan the two top spots on this important committee. The Ways and Means Committee has often been cited as one of the, if not the most powerful committees in the House as it exercises jurisdiction over all tax and revenue related legislation.

Congressman Fred Upton (St. Joseph), will chair the Energy and Commerce Committee, a post held for years by Congressman John Dingell.  The Energy and Commerce committee has jurisdiction over issues such as energy, telecommunications, and health care. Also in the House, Congresman Mike Rogers (Howell) will chair the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

In the Senate, where Democrats still control, Debbie Stabenow has been named to lead the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and Carl Levin will retain his chairmanship of the Senate Armed Services panel.

So in spite of the upcoming loss of a congressional seat due to the census and, while a third of Michigan's congressional delegation is new, it is certain that Michigan's congressional members will be playing key roles no matter what issues are discussed and debated over the next two years in Washington.

Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail