As they work to advance a partisan bill expected to be full of energy priorities, House Republicans have tapped Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman to bring lawmakers up to speed on the issue — even matters beyond his committee jurisdiction.
The Arkansas Republican said Tuesday that leaders had set up working groups for the budget reconciliation process, which allows Congress to fast-track legislation with a clear budget nexus.
“I’ve been asked to do some stuff outside of Natural Resources to help educate other members,” Westerman said, adding that he’s been working with Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), an oil and gas booster who leads the influential Republican Study Committee.
Asked about Westerman’s elevated role, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office pointed to Tuesday remarks about having “very deliberate, lengthy whiteboard sessions with all our members.” The Louisiana Republican said he was looking forward to the “process of churning it out amongst our colleagues.”
