WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) was appointed by the Speaker to continue to serve on the exclusive Rules Committee and receive a special waiver to also serve on a second exclusive committee, Energy and Commerce.  Congresswoman Matsui is the only Member of the 111^th Congress to serve on two exclusive committees. 

"I am truly honored to be asked by Speaker Pelosi to be on two exclusive committees.  Serving on the Rules Committee over the past two terms has given me the opportunity to participate in every floor debate and legislate on important issues of the day, as well as help other members have their voices heard on major issues affecting their constituents," stated Rep. Matsui.

Rep. Matsui continued, "Serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee, in addition to Rules Committee, will give me the opportunity to have an influential role in drafting major legislation that will affect our country over the next 50 years, from global warming to health care reform.  I will use both of my committee assignments to bring the priorities of Sacramento to Washington, D.C. and I look forward to serving my constituents through these two powerful committees."

"Doris is a good friend and a valued member of our committee," House Rules Committee Chair Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY) said.  "I'm really happy that she will continue to be a part of the Rules Committee."

Rules Committee

On April 2, 1789, the second day of the First Congress, the House voted to establish a select committee of eleven members "to prepare and report such standing rules and orders of proceedings as may be proper to be observed in the House." This effectively was the first Committee on Rules. 

Since the end of the twentieth century, the Rules Committee has consisted of thirteen members, nine from the majority party and four from the minority party. This heavy majority party ratio of 2 to 1, plus 1, reflects the Committee's status since the mid-1970's as an "arm of the leadership" and "legislative gatekeeper." The Committee principally serves to assist the majority leadership in scheduling bills for floor action. Bills are scheduled by means of special rules from the Rules Committee that bestow upon legislation priority status for consideration in the House and establish procedures for their debate and amendment.

Energy and Commerce Committee

The Energy and Commerce Committee is the oldest standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Throughout its history, the Committee on Energy and Commerce has written landmark legislation greatly benefiting the American people, including: laws to improve air quality; to clean up toxic waste sites; to provide health care to senior citizens and children; to protect the safety of our food and drugs; to promote a vibrant telecommunications industry; to prevent fraud in our financial markets; and much more.

###