Sanders set to take seat on Senate Finance panel -- maybe

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bernie Sanders announced he’d be bringing his brand of populism to the powerful Senate Finance Committee next year, with a wide remit over tax, trade, Social Security, social safety net programs and health care policy.

But no final decisions have been made, despite the Vermont independent’s assertion late Friday that he’ll be joining Finance in the new Congress.

The panel will have several openings next Congress on the Democratic side of the dais, thanks to retirements, two reelection defeats and a resignation. Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, would bolster the voices of progressives of the panel, who are set to lose Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, following his defeat in November.

“As a member of that committee, I will prioritize protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid from Republican attacks, and creating a fair tax system that finally forces the very wealthy to pay their fair share,” Sanders said in a statement. CQ Roll Call was first to report on his interest in the committee in July.

He will also retain his position as the top Democratic caucus member on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Sanders said.

But shortly after Sanders’ release went out, a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer issued a clarifying statement: “No decisions about committee rosters have been made.”

Senate Democrats’ steering committee makes recommendations to the full caucus on committee assignments, which then have to be approved by a majority vote of the caucus. There’s no indication that process has occurred yet, though given seniority rules it’s starting to become clear which Democrats might land where.

Sanders clearly has the seniority to take one of the soon-to-be-open seats on Finance. But his statement may have irked party leaders, coming before any decisions have been finalized. Sanders aides didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the statement from Schumer’s office.

Other Democrats interested in joining the panel include Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Tina Smith of Minnesota and Raphael Warnock of Georgia.

Sanders was the most senior of Democratic caucus members who have publicly shared their interest in joining the committee, and he’s definitely among the most progressive, if not the most.

Sanders has introduced at least 11 bills this Congress that were referred to the Finance Committee, with many aimed at raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations. One measure would impose a windfall profits tax of up to 95% on some of the biggest companies, including Chevron Corp., Amazon.com Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Warren Buffett’s holding company Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Democrats are unlikely to have much influence over next year’s massive tax overhaul, as Republicans are pursuing budget reconciliation, side-stepping the need for Democratic votes in the Senate, but a seat on Finance remains coveted nonetheless.