Upton lays out 'conservative agenda' in launching bid to head energy panel

Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) has officially launched his bid to take hold of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the next Congress, laying out a conservative agenda that includes spending cuts and blocking federal funds for abortions.
 
Upton — who is trying to defy conservative critics who argue he is too moderate to head the panel — said in a letter to House Republican colleagues Monday that his “vision” for the committee “is a conservative agenda.”
 
This includes a pledge to “aggressively cut spending by adopting new Committee rules to foster spending cuts and eliminate government programs,” he wrote. He is also pledging to “protect the sanctity of human life by rigorous oversight and passing legislation to permanently ensure that no federal funds go toward abortion.” He specifically cited abortion funding bills offered by Reps. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.).

“There are powerful forces working against us, pushing a liberal agenda that will do further damage to our economy,” he added.
 
Also part of Upton’s five-point pledge is repealing President Obama’s healthcare reform law, “rigorous oversight of every program, budget, regulation and agency within our jurisdiction,” and working as a team with all members of the Republican conference.
 
While Upton opened his letter charging that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) “never listened to the American people and she never lived up to her promises,” he also seemed to have taken some subtle digs at his competition: current ranking Republican on the panel, Rep. Joe Barton (Texas).
 
“In the past, we have seen jurisdictional infighting between Committees, and a lack of communication from Chairmen to their Members, to the Conference, and with the leadership,” Upton wrote. “Those days are over. I have a well-earned reputation as a team player.”
 
House GOP leadership aides have criticized Barton for not ensuring better communication between his committee staff and those in the leadership ranks during this past Congress.
 
In an interview with E2 last week, Barton acknowledged that the communication from his staff is a problem that needs to be resolved.
 
Barton is seeking a term-limit waiver that would allow him to serve another Congress as head of the panel. He argues that the House Republican rules are ambiguous and can be interpreted in a way that negates the need for a waiver.
 
House Republican leadership aides think otherwise and have repeatedly said that Barton is not going to receive the exemption.

Upton — who does not mention Barton in the letter — nevertheless notes that the lead Republican role on the panel is for the taking.
 
“The change will be evident from day one at the Energy and Commerce Committee, where as a result of House Republican reforms that instituted term limits, there is a vacancy for Chairman,” Upton wrote.
 
Upton is the favorite in a field of senior Republican candidates on the panel that also includes Reps. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.).

The race between Barton and Upton has been ugly at times. There have been accusations that Barton's staff orchestrated the distribution of summaries of past Upton votes to highlight his moderate tendencies. Barton has denied he has been involved in any opposition research.

If Upton's bid falters, Shimkus is a reliable conservative dark horse candidate that could swoop in and take the mantle. He laid out his message to the caucus in a letter last week that reminded his colleagues of the fundraising and mentoring help he has given them.