Samantha Handler

UPDATE. GOP conference rules do provide a path toward leadership on a committee even if a member is not the most senior member.

This would allow Moran to try to take the Approps post even if Murkowski also wants it.

Here’s the rule:

Rule V: Republican members of each standing committee at the beginning of each Congress shall select from their number a chairman or ranking minority member, who need not be the member with the longest consecutive service on such committee, subject to confirmation by the Conference. But in any event the selection shall be by a majority of the Republican members of such committee. There shall be a vote taken in the committee and in the Conference by a separate secret written ballot.

SCOOP: Sen. Jerry Moran is making calls to senators about becoming the top R on Appropriations next year.

The job is Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s if she wants it, but Moran would be next in line. Murkowski could instead take the top R spot on Senate HELP, which would open up the Appropriations Committee spot for Moran.

More in @PunchbowlNews PM.

w/ @bresreports @AndrewDesiderio

Incoming Senate Approps Chair 👀

News: Rep. Rosa DeLauro makes her Approps chair bid official.

In letter to colleagues, DeLauro pledges to get more money for community projects, clawback ICE, CBP and Pentagon funds, and hold the Trump admin accountable.

Read the letter here: punchbowl.news/delauro-for-ap…

Roy pushing for recon in the lame-duck. R's will likely have attendance issues that will make this difficult.