Latta Confirms Interest in House Communications Ranking Member Seat
House Digital Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta, R-Ohio, confirmed Thursday he “would be interested” in taking over as Communications Subcommittee ranking member in the 116th Congress, as expected (see 1811020048). “I have led on a number of [communications and technology]…
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issues including rural broadband access, spectrum, and precision agriculture” via the House-passed Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act (HR-4881), Latta said in a statement to us. “I’m proud of the work [House Digital Commerce] has gotten done this Congress including passing landmark self-driving car legislation, addressing the future of policies that affect [IoT], and holding a number of key oversight hearings.” Latta cited his past role as Communications vice chairman under now-House Commerce Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore. Latta was considered a potential candidate to replace retiring Communications Chairman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., who was elected Tuesday to the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Bob Corker (see 1710050058). Reps. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., and John Shimkus, R-Ill., are also seen as potential candidates for House Communications ranking member. Ranking member Mike Doyle, D-Pa., said Wednesday he will seek the chairmanship, after his party won majority control in the chamber (see 1811070054). House composition for the next Congress stood Thursday at 226 Democrats and 198 Republicans, with the outcome in 11 races undecided. Republican candidates led in seven such contests, including Communications' Rep. Mimi Walters of California. Democrats led four.