Kevin Freking, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are contemplating a new agenda for the House next year if they gain the majority, but they may do so with many familiar faces who have led their party's legislative efforts for over a decade.
Potential committee chairs in the next Congress include Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who has been the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security panel since 2005; Adam Smith of Washington, who has served as the top Democrat on Armed Services since 2011; and Rep. Maxine Waters of California, who became the lead Democrat on Financial Services in 2013.
Other long-serving committee leaders include Reps. Frank Pallone at Energy and Commerce and Bobby Scott at Education and Workforce, both of whom assumed their leadership roles in 2015, and Rep. Richie Neal, who became the top Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee in 2017.
Under the rules established by House Republicans, these leaders would not be able to continue in their positions, as the rules generally limit lawmakers to three terms as chairman or ranking member.
Democrats are debating whether to maintain their current system, which emphasizes seniority, or to adopt a structure similar to that of the Republicans. Some Democrats have indicated that this discussion is taking place behind the scenes.
Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Va., stated, "I think that the idea of term limits could be appealing to the American people, to the Democratic base. It sounds Democratic. I'm open to the idea. I've spoken to a number of folks who are open to the idea."
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., expressed her belief that term limits could lead to a more dynamic Congress, although she acknowledged that her view is not widely shared among her colleagues.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries remarked that while seniority has always played a role in committee leadership, it is not the sole factor. "The caucus is going to work its will as we move forward," Jeffries told reporters, emphasizing the need to focus on winning the upcoming elections.
The topic of term limits is not new for Democrats. In 2018, during discussions about Nancy Pelosi's return as speaker, some opponents sought her commitment to limit the tenure of House party leaders or committee chairs. Ultimately, she agreed to serve no more than four additional years in the role, but no restrictions were placed on committee chairs. In 2022, Democrats voted against a proposal for a six-year term limit for committee leaders.
Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., who has been the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee since 2018, criticized term limits as an "artificial, random mechanism that doesn't always serve the best interest of the institution."
Pallone expressed his intention to continue as the Energy and Commerce chairman or ranking member, calling term limits for chairs "very undemocratic." He argued that voters should have the right to choose their representatives without imposed limits.
Thompson also expressed his desire to serve again as the top Democrat on Homeland Security if he wins reelection and dismissed the Republican term limit policy, stating, "I don't want to be like Republicans. I'm a Democrat."
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., defended the Republican approach, stating that term limits have benefited younger members by providing them with leadership opportunities.
Democrats have occasionally deviated from seniority rules, as seen in the recent selection of Rep. Jamie Raskin as the lead Democrat on the Judiciary Committee after he challenged Rep. Jerry Nadler for the position. Similarly, Rep. Angie Craig was elected as the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee after challenging the late Rep. David Scott.
Rep. Robert Garcia was elected last year to succeed Rep. Gerry Connolly on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee after Connolly's passing.
Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, noted that the next steps regarding committee chairs are an "internal conversation" among Democrats, suggesting a system that prioritizes the right candidates while also considering the introduction of new members.
Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., mentioned that discussions about term limits have diminished compared to previous years, attributing this to changes already made within the party.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington expressed her support for term limits, emphasizing the importance of developing new leadership within the party. She acknowledged the concerns of the Congressional Black Caucus regarding the impact of term limits on newly appointed chairs but believes progress has been made in diversifying the caucus.
Some Democrats have proposed a hybrid approach to term limits, suggesting limits that are less stringent than the three-term threshold established by Republicans. Houlahan remarked, "I don't know what the magic number is, but endless is not the magic number."