Guthrie poised to become Energy and Commerce chair

Kentucky Republican Rep. Brett Guthrie is poised to become House Energy and Commerce chair in the new Congress after the endorsement of a key panel.

The House Republican Steering Committee favored Guthrie over Ohio Rep. Bob Latta on Monday evening. The full conference will get to ratify the result.

Also on Monday, New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury said she would take on Rep. Jared Huffman of California to become Natural Resources Committee top Democrat.