New York progressive superstar Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez landed a spot in the coveted and competitive House Energy and Commerce Committee after a failed bid to lead the House Oversight Committee. While her new legislative home has caused angst, and even jealousy, among some of her older fellow Democrats, experts believe this signals a great achievement for the young lawmaker and an important step in her political career.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is a key legislative body that wields significant influence over the American economy, and it is a committee position she has wanted since she entered Congress six years ago. The last time she tried— and failed— for an open spot was at the end of her first term when she ignored her mentors and leaned on her social media following and worked on the Green New Deal instead of lobbying for voters.
