Fred Upton Beats Cliff Stearns to Lead House Committee

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan was chosen by Republicans to lead the House Energy and Commerce Committee -- beating U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns of Florida.

I thank the Republican leadership and the members of the Republican Steering Committee for considering me to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said Stearns. I believe that my background in creating jobs by building my own business, along with my conservative record and experience in chairing a subcommittee, would have made me an effective leader.We have an ambitious agenda to complete -- promoting job growth and increasing economic opportunities. I look forward to working with Chairman Upton in the new Congress in making the Energy and Commerce Committee a dynamic force for improving our economy and expanding employment.