House and Senate Democrats Set Key Committee Assignments for the 113^th Congress

On December 12, 2012, the Senate Democratic Steering Committee released committee assignments for the key health care-related committees—Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).  In the House of Representatives, the Democratic Caucus released many of their committee assignments including assignments for the key health care-related committees -- Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means.  The House Democrats have not released committee assignments for the newly-elected freshmen members of the 113^th Congress.  At the time of publication, Senate Republicans have not released committee assignments. 

The Senate and House for the 113^th Congress formally begin on January 3, 2013.  The Senate will be comprised of 53 Democrats, 45 Republicans and 2 Independents.  The House will be composed of 234 Republicans and 201 Democrats.  

Previously, both parties in the House determined their leadership for the 113^th Congress.  

Senate:

Finance Committee
Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) continues as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.  The committee is tasked with handling all revenue-related bills and also has oversight of major entitlement programs including Medicare.

In addition to its existing members, the committee added two new members:
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)

Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) continues as Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The committee has jurisdiction over health issues and health agencies as well as over education, labor, pensions and other related issues.

In addition to its existing members, the committee added three new members:
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Sen. Christopher Murphy (D-CT)
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)

House:

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) remains Ranking Member for the Energy and Commerce Committee.  The Energy and Commerce Committee is tasked with legislative oversight for commercial interests including health related items such as public health and the Food and Drug Administration.

In addition to its existing members returning to Congress for the 113^th Session, the committee added three new members:
Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA)
Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA)
Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT)

Committee on Ways and Means
Representative Sander Levin (D-MI) remains Ranking member on the House Ways and Means Committee.  The committee is tasked with handling all revenue-related bills in Congress.  The committee also has oversight of major entitlement programs including Medicare.

In addition to its existing members returning to Congress for the 113^th Session, the committee added three new members:
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA)
Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL)
Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA)