Senate Committee Chairs

Now that the Senate also has a Democratic majority, here is the line up of key Committee Chairs

Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

This is the Committee with jurisdiction over the authorization of most of our programs, the majority of other disability programs, education issues and programs, many health programs, and ditto for employment.

Current Chair Senator Enzi (R-WY) has been good on numerous disability issues but has been tied to Administration policies which left little room for expansion, etc.

Chair 07 Senator Kennedy (D-MA) Long time leader in the area of disability policy. HELP Committee will have jurisdiction over reauthorization of DD Act, SAMHSA, TBI, Rehabilitation Act, likely shared jurisdiction on ADA Restoration, No Child Left Behind, Autism legislation, etc......

Finance

This is the Committee with jurisdiction over Medicaid and Medicare, revenue issues, etc.

Current Chair Senator Grassley (R-IA) has been good on many disability issues, co-sponsored FOA, has fought to maintain entitlement to EPSDT, has fought to open up access to waiver development process. Unfortunately was leader on many of the DRA changes -- although many times he had better alternatives that were rejected. Ditto for Medicare prescription drugs....but he has been go to person on disability issues.

Chair 07 Senator Baucus (D-MT) mixed-bag on disability issues, often has not focused on disability needs in Medicaid and Medicare.......needs education.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

This is the Committee with jurisdiction over housing issues.

Current Chair Senator Shelby (R-AL) hasn't done much for disability issues in a long time.
Chair 07 -- Would have been Senator Sarbannes (D-MD) but he retired so will be Senator Dodd (D-CT) -- he has been a long time disability advocate....maybe we finally can get some movement on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund legislation and on making HUD actually think about its many constituents with disabilities.

Appropriations

This is the Committee with jurisdiction over funding.

Current Chair Senator Cochran (R-MS) -- decent man but needs education on disability issues.
Chair (07) Senator Byrd (D-WV) -- ditto

Senate L-HHS-ED Appropriations Subcommittee

This is the subcommittee that funds most disability programs

Current Chair Senator Specter (R-PA) good man with good staff and knowledgeable of disability issues.
Chair (07) Senator Harkin (D-IA) long time disability advocate

Senate Budget Committee

This is the Committee with jurisdiction over the budget, budget resolutions, etc.

Current Chair Senator Gregg (R-NH) He has not been helpful in budget matters
Chair (07) Senator Corad (D-ND) -- Will push for better budget rules, likely better on MEdicaid and other entitlements.... still needs education.

Kathleen McGInley
Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy
National Disability Rights Network
900 Second Street, NE
202-408-9514