Subject: Surprise Move: Leahy to Judiciary, Mikulski to Appropriations
From: "Liz.Schrayer" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:48:57 -0500

Dear Hunter,

Just in - Leahy to stay at Judiciary and Mikulski will take the lead of the Appropriations Committee.

In an unexpected move, Senator Pat Leahy (D-VT) announced late today he has decided to retain his chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee rather than take over powerful Appropriations Committee.  Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), next in line in seniority, will retain his helm on the HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) Committee leaving Senator Barbara Mikulksi (D-MD) to become the new chair of the Appropriations Committee - the first woman ever to chair this exclusive committee.

Leahy is expected to retain his chairmanship of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee, although he could alternatively take the chairmanship of the Defense Subcommittee panel.  Senator Mikulski is a long-time supporter of the International Affairs Budget and currently serves on the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee.

The difference for us is that Leahy has been a champion and Mikulski has been a long-time supporter.  We will want to engage her early next year so please let me know if you know her well.

Many thanks,

Liz