Updated 6:38 p.m. | Planned changes to the membership and makeup of the Republican Steering Committee won’t be made in time to elect a new chairman of Ways and Means.  

The speaker’s office confirmed to CQ Roll Call Monday that the current 33-member panel will meet Wednesday to choose Speaker Paul D. Ryan’s successor to lead the powerful tax-writing committee, with the full GOP Conference later ratifying the decision. Steering committee members will choose between Reps. Kevin Brady of Texas and Pat Tiberi of Ohio, the respective No. 2 and No. 4 Republicans on the committee.  

Though their policy platforms are similar, Brady boasts seniority while Tiberi touts close ties to leadership.  

Brady could be helped by his home-state connection to the largest House Republican delegation, or hindered by a sense that six Lone Star State committee chairmen is enough. Brady would be the seventh chairman from Texas if he’s chosen over Tiberi.  

With Ryan’s election as speaker came the promise of opening up the Steering Committee, which makes assignments to House committees, to include more diversity of perspectives across the conference.  

Ryan set a deadline for completing the steering committee overhaul by Thanksgiving, but the current configuration gives him, as speaker, five votes to use however he sees fit.  

Related:
Steering Committee, Other Rules Changes Confront GOP

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