There will be a reshuffling of Senate committee leaders in the new Congress, with new chairmen for two key panels for construction: Appropriations and Commerce. But Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) is staying put.
On Appropriations, Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) announced on Nov. 7 that he will step down as chairman, effective on Jan. 6. The gavel will pass to Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), who is next in seniority. Byrd, who has been on the committee for 50 years, will be 91 on Nov. 20 and has been in frail health. He will remain on the committee and continue to chair its homeland security subcommittee.