Rep Upton Announces Bid For House Commerce Chair

In a letter to House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), who is expected to be the next speaker of the House, Rep Fred Upton (R-MI) formally announced his bid to chair the House Commerce Committee when Republicans take control of the House in the 112th Congress.

Rep Upton touted his work as both chairman and ranking member on three Commerce Committee subcommittees: Oversight, Communications and Energy, where he currently serves as the top Republican. He noted his work in passing legislation to curb indecency on television and targeting online predators. "My vision for the Energy and Commerce Committee is a conservative agenda that focuses on cutting spending, removing the regulatory burden, restoring freedom, keeping government accountable through rigorous oversight, and jobs," Rep Upton wrote. "We are going to take a coordinated approach that involves other committees and our conference, and focuses on an aggressive communications strategy that effectively articulates our message to the American people."