November 12, 1996

In the aftermath of the 1996 U.S. general elections, where President Clinton prevailed and the Republican Party retained control of both Houses of Congress, much is known and much is unknown about the political power structure in the Administration and Congress.

It appears certain that Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary is leaving, but it is not clear who will replace her. Candidates most often mentioned are former congressman from New Mexico Bill Richardson, current deputy energy secretary Charles Curtis, and CIA director John Deutch. Most observors believe that DOE director of energy research Martha Krebs will stay; some even predict she will be promoted to undersecretary.

In the Senate, it is expected that Pete Domenici (NM) will continue to head the Energy Subcommitee of the Appropriations Committee and that Frank Murkowski (AK) will continue to head the energy authorizing committee. The ranking democrat on those two committees, J. Bennett Johnston, did not seek re-election. Dale Bumpers (AR) is next in line as ranking minority member on the authorizing committee and Harry Reid (NV) is next in line at Appropriations.

The situation is much more uncertain in the House. Science Committee chair Robert Walker did not seek re-election; James Sensenbrenner (WI) would appear to be next in line to chair that committee. Dana Rohrabacher (CA), chair of the subcommittee that includes fusion, was reelected but may chose to move to a different committee. In Appropriations, John Myers, chair of the Energy and Water Subcommittee, did not seek reelection. His successor would likely be Joe Knollenberg (MI). However, in recent years, the House leadership has not always adhered to the seniority system in picking committee chairs. Two other republicans on the Science Committee were defeated at the polls: Harold Volkmer (MO) and Bill Baker (CA), whose district included LLNL.

For more information, contact: Stephen O. Dean