Key House and Senate committee chairmanships will change
There are a number of committees that are very important to recreation at the national level because of their authority over budgets, programs, policy, and legislation. Among the most important are:
The Leadership of both houses will change when the 110th Congress convenes
Unless there are significant surprises, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will become the Speaker of the House, a powerful position that controls what legislative proposals are advanced and what legislation is not. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is positioned to become Majority Whip. Other leadership posts are not certain yet, but some will be likely to be filled by those who were seen as architects of the election victory.
It appears Harry Reid (D-NV) will become the Majority Leader of the Senate, the position that controls what legislative proposals are advanced in the Senate. Others, such as Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are poised to fill key leadership roles because of their involvement in the election which resulted in the shift of power.
What does it mean for recreation?
New priorities will be set by the incoming leadership team, which means new timetables for legislation. New procedures may mean that there is a better chance for certain legislation that was stalled or ignored under Republican leadership. Under the departing Republican leadership, for example, the "Hastert Rule" was observed meaning that no legislation went forward unless it was supported by a majority of the majority. Under these procedures, little legislation proposed by the Democrats ever saw the light of day. How will the Democrats operate? Will they set similar "Rules"?
Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team will soon decide the "Rules" by which the House will operate. The new "Rules" will determine the pace of legislation, what gets floor time, how and when a legislator can influence specific legislation, and what stands a chance for passage and what does not.
Key Members of the House and Senate were Defeated
A fairly large number of House and Senate members were defeated, some were staunch and reliable friends of recreation. Senator Conrad Burns, a faithful friend for many years of recreation and snowmobiling nationwide was defeated in Montana. Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) known for his support of recreation and funding went down to a resounding defeat. Senator Lincoln Chaffee (R-RI), appreciated for his support for parks and recreation was also defeated.
House members always considered to be true friends of recreation that were defeated include Reps. Charlie Bass of NH, Jeb Bradley of NH, Mike Fitzpatrick of PA, and others. Richard Pombo, Chairman of the House Resource Committee, from California was also defeated.
We also lost friends that unsuccessfully sought other seats. Mark Green from Wisconsin and Bob Beauprez from Colorado were both defeated in their pursuit of the Governor's office and Mark Kennedy was defeated in his attempt to become Minnesota's junior Senator.
We lost a true friend in DC because of his successful bid as Governor in Idaho, Butch Otter.
What does it mean for recreation?
Many of the newly elected officials ran as conservative Democrats. We have hopes that the new Representatives and Senators will support a solid national agenda for recreation, rural communities, and a transportation policy, it is yet unknown what their priorities are, and how firmly they will support our priorities.
Key position for recreation may be held by Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) who is likely to assume the chairmanship of the House Resource Committee. Jeff Bingamin (D-NM) appears to be heir apparent as chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee.
The Democratic agenda is not fully formed yet. In the coming weeks and months, however, these issues and others will all come to the forefront. Advocates for recreation need to be positioned and active in educating members, advancing policies, and helping to set priorities.
State-Level Issues in Play in the 2006 Elections
The swing of the governor’s races was very large to the Democrats, and may have certain long term effects in future years, particularly as redistricting occurs. The Democrats held on to 14 states and took 6 from Republican control. The tipping of the balance will mean interesting new dynamics in local, state, and national relations.
A number of state and local land conservation bills were on ballots, as well as eminent domain and private property rights initiatives in at least 8 states.
What does it mean for recreation?
What does this mean for the Forest Service, the Park Service, and the Federal Highway Administration? The budgets for the Forest Service and the Park Service have not yet been passed. Will the budgets pass in the lame-duck session? Will new budgets be drafted when the new Congress convenes?
These as yet unresolved issues are critical for advocates of recreation, and if any message should be taken from the election results, it is that our continued advocacy is vitally important. We need to not rest on our laurels, but must start our contacts immediately to the new Representatives and Senators.
Opportunities and Challenges
If these election results tell us anything, it is that our advocacy and action are needed more than ever. We need to get to the new members of Congress as soon as possible with our messages.
Plan now to attend the American Council of Snowmobile Associations Annual Fly-In April 15-17 in Washington, DC. It will be a good opportunity to meet face-to-face with the new legislators and their staffs.