Key Representatives Who Will Not be Returning

When the 105th Congress convenes on January 7, a number of key representatives who have played significant roles in the formulation of science policy and funding will not be returning. Five will be retiring; others lost their re-election bid. Here is what we know, and do not yet know:

APPROPRIATIONS

Energy and Water Development:

Retiring - Chairman John Myers (R-IN), Ranking Member Tom Bevill (D-AL), Jim Chapman (D-TX; defeated in Senate primary race)

Defeated - ?

Uncertain - Jim Bunn (R-OR) is losing by 8,000 votes; absentee votes are being counted.

VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies:

Retiring - Jim Chapman (D-TX; defeated in Senate primary race), Barbara Vucanovich (R-NV)

Defeated - (none)

Commerce, Justice, State and the Judiciary:

Retiring - (none)

Defeated - (none)

AUTHORIZATION

Science Committee:

Retiring - Chairman Bob Walker (R-PA)

Defeated - Bill Baker (R-CA), Andrea Seastrand (R-CA), Harold Volkmer (D-MO), Mike Ward (D-KY)

Uncertain - Ranking Minority Member George Brown (D-CA) is ahead by 1,150 votes, with absentee and provincial votes to be counted by next Tuesday. Also, Steve Stockman (R-TX), awaiting a December 10 run-off election.

These committees will be reorganized this month. While most representatives will retain their current committee memberships in the new 105th Congress, some changes will be made. House Republicans will retain control of committee leadership.