Barton to head Energy & Commerce
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Tex.) will succeed Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) as chairman of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, the committee confirms Feb. 26. Barton was named as a potential replacement by congressional staffers following Tauzin's announcement to step down from the position (1"The Tan Sheet" Feb. 9. 2004, In Brief). Tauzin left the position while negotiating a move to become CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America. Tauzin's discussions with the trade group have since ended, his office reports on Feb. 26; the former committee chairman is not seeking re-election and does not intend to make decisions about future opportunities until after he leaves Congress, according to his staff...