Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) informed his colleagues by letter yesterday that he will step down from his position as Ranking Member on the Ways and Means Committee in order to allow younger members to move up in rank on the tax-writing panel.
Arguing that facilitating new leadership at the committee will help Democrats unite in their efforts to oppose Republican policy changes, and that he wants to be free to focus on health care and trade in addition to tax reform, Levin endorsed fellow committee member Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) for the position. Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), who tried unsuccessfully to overtake Levin for the job six years ago, has also indicated he plans to run again this time.
Although the position is ultimately chosen by votes in the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and the Democratic Caucus, committee seniority of the candidates can be a consideration: Reps. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and Jim McDermott (D-WA), who would be second and third in line for the ranking seat, are both retiring, and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), who is next in seniority, isn’t expected to pursue the job. Neal and Becerra fall next on the list. The steering committee selection is scheduled for next week.
Sources: The Hill, BNA Daily Tax Report (subscription required)
