"The Alaska Republican could elevate energy and environment measures as a leader on the powerful committee."
"Senator Lisa Murkowski plans to become the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the next Congress, an aide said Monday.
The Alaska Republican will seek to replace current Chair Sen. Susan Collins of Maine as the top Republican on the powerful panel after Collins lost her bid for reelection, Joseph Plesha, a spokesperson for Murkowski, told POLITICO.
Murkowski’s ascent could elevate the veteran senator’s biggest legislative priorities — including on energy, the environment and defense — toward the forefront of committee business, though she would not hold the gavel. It would also give a key Trump administration antagonist a new perch from which to scrutinize White House spending moves and potentially restrict its agenda.
Senate Republicans are expected to make final decisions about committee leadership early next year. Murkowski, who is expected to get the ranking member slot as the most senior member of the committee next year, is reportedly facing a potential challenge from Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)."
