Matsui lands Energy and Commerce panel slot

House leaders have chosen Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) for the coveted House Energy and Commerce Committee slot given up by retiring Rep. Albert Wynn (D-Md.).

{mosads}The two-term congresswoman beat out Del. Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands) as well as Reps. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), John Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Zack Space (D-Ohio).

“Congresswoman Doris Matsui brings a depth of knowledge and wealth of experience to her new position on the Energy and Commerce Committee,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement.

The Congressional Black Caucus had backed Christensen, while House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) had supported Sarbanes, a fellow Marylander.