One embracing result of the Nov. 7 election is that the state’s retooled congressional delegation will be better positioned on issues that affect Colorado and the West, ranging from energy and agriculture to military affairs, and from space policy to health issues.
On key pocketbook matters, Ken Salazar is moving onto the Senate Finance Committee, particularly helpful given that Bob Beauprez’s unaccountable decision to seek the governorship has cost Colorado a position on the House Ways and Means Committee.
When the 110th Congress convenes in January, Colorado will be represented by more Democrats (five) than Republicans (four) for the first time in 26 years. At the same time, Democrats are moving into majority status, magnifying the role of House incumbents Diana DeGette, Mark Udall and John Salazar.
Republican Sen. Wayne Allard will have his hands full. Even while in the majority, he’s been rated among the nation’s least effective senators. Now that he’s in the minority, he’ll have to work even harder to make his influence felt.
While the agenda for the new Congress is very much a work in progress, lawmakers would be wise to heed voter wishes to pressure the Bush administration for a realistic strategy in Iraq, to pass ethics reform and address the federal deficit. In addition, voters are expecting action on such issues as immigration, stem-cell research and the minimum wage.
Sen. Salazar’s finance assignment will give Colorado a voice in reshaping tax policy, including incentives that encourage investment in alternative energy. He also sits on the energy and agriculture panels, where Western development and renewable-energy issues will come to the fore. He’ll have a hand in crafting a new farm bill, as will his brother, John.
Udall will be active on the Science and Resources committees, especially on policies pertaining to beetle infestation, wilderness areas and funding for healthy forests. He also sits on the Armed Services Committee, where Democrats plan to refocus attention on rebuilding the military, a move that could have an impact on military installations in Colorado and neighboring states. His highest perch could be as chair of the space and aeronautics subcommittee. (Colorado has the third-largest space industry in the United States, including major contractors such as Ball Aerospace, Lockheed and the University of Colorado.)
DeGette will become senior member of Colorado’s House delegation, and majority status will boost her effectiveness in her areas of interest, especially health issues and corporate governance. From her spot on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, DeGette has been the key force on federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research. (Supporters still lack a two-thirds majority to override a presidential veto, but we hope the changed political dynamics and some legislative tweaking might prompt President Bush to reconsider.) DeGette serves as chief deputy whip in the House, giving her responsibilities within the Democratic caucus.
Second-term Rep. Salazar expects to keep his seats on the Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure and Veterans Affairs committees as he gets his added responsibilities that go with majority rule. Newcomer Ed Perlmutter, who succeeds Beauprez, hasn’t received his assignments yet but they should be strong ones since he represents one of the nation’s most competitive districts.
Republicans have announced their leadership for the 110th Congress, but like the Democrats, they won’t make official committee assignments until next month. GOP incumbent Reps. Tom Tancredo and Marilyn Musgrave will be in the minority for the first time in their tenures, and they aren’t looking forward to their loss of influence. Allard was in the minority when he served in the House from 1991 to 1995. In the Senate, Republicans were in the minority for 18 months in 2001 and 2002. We hope Allard keeps his seats on the Appropriations and Banking and Budget committees. Newcomer Doug Lam- born is bucking for seats on the House Armed Services Committee and Veterans Affairs, which would be a plus for his 5th District in Colorado Springs.
We urge the members of the Colorado congressional delegation to keep voter wishes in mind as they embark on what we hope will be a productive and more civilized era in Congress.
