WASHINGTON — Following the GOP sweep in the Lone Star State on Election Day, Texans in Congress are trying to climb the ranks of the U.S. House — either to help usher in President-elect Trump’s policy priorities or to thwart them.
With Republicans set to take control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, a Texas lawmaker could influence the legislative process on Capitol Hill. The conference selected Rep. August Pfluger, R-San Angelo, as chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the U.S. House.
“We need to come together, as a House of Representatives, and unify and work together to get the agenda done. This is a great organization to do that, and it’s the largest organization. We have debate, we have dialogue, we talk about policy, we work with the chairman, we work with the administration. So it’s going to be a unique time,” Pfluger told Spectrum News.
Pfluger said he believes the GOP set to lead the different branches of government in Washington means voters want Republicans to deliver on boosting American energy and bolstering border security.
“You have the policy part, you have the communications piece, and you have a political aspect of it, and RSC is going to take part in all those things to help get the agenda done. I suspect that we will start off very quickly,” he said.
Analysts say The Republican Study Committee advocates for conservative views to be reflected in legislation.
“The RSC is responsible for the whole party’s platform and trying to navigate what’s possible, talking with members and stakeholders. It is seen as the, ‘what are we going to do next?’ type of committee, and that’s why several members want to serve on it, because they want to be known as the policy movers within the capital,” said Casey Burgat the director of the legislative affairs program at the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University.
Although House Democrats did not take back control from Republicans, leadership largely remains the same. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, lost her bid to lead the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. She wanted to help update the caucus’s messaging. Instead, Debbie Dingell of Michigan will continue to be chair.
“That more than anything, it’s just a recognition that the policy committee relies on experience,” Burgat said.
But another Texas Democrat may be at the center of pushing for progressive policies on the hill. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, is running for chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and some of his colleagues from the Lone Star State have his full support.
“We’re going to be on offense over the next two years in this upcoming Congress. Those of us who have lived through a Trump administration know how dangerous the administration is, especially for vulnerable communities,” said Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso. “We’ve got to have a plan for how we’re going to deal with that as a progressive caucus, and I have no doubt that Greg will be able to lead us to the best plan forward.”
One thing to watch out for in the new Congress is how much progressive Democrats will be able to shape messaging. There is much debate among the moderate and progressive wings about where the party should go from here.