Important Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Named
One of the most important individuals in determining how much federal money will be spent on physics research has been selected. Rep. Joseph McDade, an 18-term Republican representing northeast Pennsylvania, becomes the new chairman of the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee. This subcommittee writes the bill funding most physics-related research for the Department of Energy.
While this is a choice assignment, it was not McDade’s first selection. When Republicans took control of the House two years ago, McDade was in line to be the chair of the full House Appropriations Committee. He was under indictment at the time, and House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) instead named Rep. Robert Livingston (R-LA) to this post. McDade was cleared of all charges on August 1, and hoped to become full committee chairman. The House leadership stuck with Livingston. McDade then sought the chairmanship of the National Security Appropriations Subcommittee. This he was also denied. McDade settled for the now vacated energy chairmanship of John Myers (R-IN).
McDade, born in 1931, was elected to Congress in 1962. He has an LL.B. from the University of Pennsylvania. Before coming to Congress, he was a practicing attorney and served one year as the Scranton City Solicitor. McDade has enjoyed considerable support at the polls, winning more than 59% of the votes in this month’s election. Past support has ranged from 66% to 90%. McDade has a pro-labor voting record, with unions generally supporting his election.
A not unsubstantial part of McDade’s popularity with voters is his success in steering federal dollars to his district. Scranton, the largest city in the 10th district, was once known as the “Anthracite Capital of the World.” Population in this coal and railroad town has slipped since World War II, and McDade has effectively used his seat on appropriations to bring in federal money. He has been responsible for a congressional dictate that U.S. coal be used to heat American bases in Europe, and is more recently identified with getting over $80 million for the frequently criticized Steamtown National Historic Site.
McDade has a conservative voting record. In 1995, he voted with his party 83% of the time, supporting the President 21%. He has voted for the space station and the now-terminated superconducting super collider.
Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District reaches from New Jersey to Williamsport, the district’s second largest city. The District’s largest employers include a paper products manufacturer, electronics manufacturers and an Army depot. Its three largest universities or colleges are the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Marywood College.
The Energy and Water Development Subcommittee has operated in a friendly, bipartisan manner. McDade is likely to uphold this tradition. While chairing an appropriations subcommittee, particularly one with a $20 billion budget, is a great achievement, it also has its difficulties. The budget situation continues to be very tight. The downsizing or elimination of the Department of Energy remains a goal for many Members of Congress. No less a champion of DOE than New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici (R), McDade’s counterpart, is reportedly examining proposals to end the department’s cabinet-level status.
In this year’s Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill there was over $1.92 billion in physics-related funding. McDade, who is new to this subcommittee, replaces Democratic and Republican chairmen with many years of service on this subcommittee. Within six short months, McDade will be making vital decisions affecting physics research programs that will reverberate for many years.
