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U.S. House Committee Chair Selection

Republicans Play Musical Chairs in the 107th Congress

Paul J. Wahlbeck

George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

In 1995, House Republicans adopted a conference rule stating that seniority would no longer be the sole criterion for advancement to a full committee chair. In addition, they adopted a standing rule of the House limiting chairs to three consecutive Congresses at the helm of any given standing committee. This article examines the determinants of advancement to full committee chairs in the aftermath. The research focuses primarily on the large-scale displacement of chairs at the outset of the 107th Congress. We find that with the demise of seniority, a candidate's position relative to the party and funding prowess figure prominently in Republican steering committee decision making.

Key Words: House of Representatives • congressional rules • party leadership • seniority system

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