Boehner taps energy panel chief Upton for ‘supercommittee’

By Andrew Restuccia - 08/10/11 11:36 AM ET

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said Wednesday he would appoint House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) to a “supercommittee” charged with developing a $1.5 trillion deficit-reduction package.

Boehner’s choice is the latest indication that any effort by Democrats to repeal oil industry tax breaks as part of the package would face major roadblocks. Upton and many other Republicans have consistently opposed efforts to overturn the tax breaks.

Boehner also said he would appoint House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (Texas) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) to the panel.

In addition, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday he would appoint GOP Sens. Jon Kyl (Ariz.), Pat Toomey (Pa.) and Rob Portman (Ohio) to the panel.

Read more about the GOP’s supercommittee picks here.

The announcement comes a day after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he would appoint Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to the supercommittee.

The Democrats are likely to push for repealing the tax breaks, an issue that has emerged as a key objective in recent months.

You can read more about Democrats’ plans to revive the push to repeal the tax breaks here and here.