At age 81, U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) announced last November that she would not seek reelection later this year after a 27-year run in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the chairwoman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, she asked that the steering committee select her replacement.
In November, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) had hinted at a possible run for the position in a statement.
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"When the time comes, and our Conference gives thought to who they want to take up the mantle of House Appropriations, I will be considering, and most certainly praying, about how I could use my talents and experience to advance our party's message and goals, which is ultimately about making this nation strong again, respected again, and of course fiscally responsible again."
Aderholt, along with Granger and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), also sought the position in 2018 when then-chairman U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.) announced he was stepping aside.
On Tuesday, Cole was announced as the new chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Aderholt released a statement and a post on X congratulating his colleague.
Aderholt said he decided not to run for the position because of the razor-thin majority Republicans currently have and where the conference stands as a whole. He said he still wants to be an agent for change in how the House handles appropriations. He said he has put his ideas out there and that Cole has been receptive.
Congratulations to @TomColeOK04 for being chosen by the GOP Steering Committee to lead the House Committee on Appropriations. I know that Tom will do a great job. He is very capable, and I look forward to working with him to ensure his success. https://t.co/IyYPnEMFOt
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) April 10, 2024
Aderholt said in a statement, "Congratulations to Congressman Tom Cole for being chosen by the GOP Steering Committee to lead the House Committee on Appropriations. I know that Tom will do a great job. He is very capable, and I look forward to working with him to ensure his success."
“I know that all of the Republicans on the Appropriations Committee want to deliver for the American people and ensure that their tax dollars are being used in a responsible, non-controversial way. And we are all ready to get started on FY 25,” the congressman concluded.
Aderholt's bid back in 2018 came when then-U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) was chairing the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, which presented difficulties for Aderholt's effort at the time.
An issue that could have prevented Aderholt from securing the chairmanship this time around is that U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is the chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee. It would be extremely rare for one state to hold the gavel of what are considered the two most powerful committees in the U.S. House.
Aderholt, although not the chairman, will remain a powerful member of the House Appropriations Committee.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.cox@1819news.com or on Twitter @BradleyCoxAL
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