Record Numbers of Members Announce Retirements, Including House Energy and Commerce Chair

Earlier this month, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced she will not seek reelection. The news of Chair Rodgers’ retirement was a surprise for many, although she joins the ranks of many members of Congress who have decided they no longer wish to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate. In fact, she joins three other powerful House Republican committee chairs who have also announced their retirement: Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Chair of the House Financial Services, and Kay Granger (R-TX), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. 

The Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over legislation related to Medicaid. Chair Rodgers has historically been a strong supporter of disability services, so her retirement could mark a shift in the committee’s focus on disability issues. However, it is likely her successor will be Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), the current chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee. Like Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Rep. Guthrie has been supportive of ANCOR and I/DD services. More information about committee assignments and leadership decisions will be made following the November elections.