Henry Waxman ousts John Dingell after Jim Cooper rounds up votes

“I’m pleased that my colleagues elected Henry Waxman to be the next chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I’ve worked with Henry for many years. He’s a gifted legislator, he understands policy in detail, and he’s not afraid to work across the aisle. That’s why he has a long record of achievement in the House," Cooper said in a statement e-mailed to the media.

“I was happy to serve as a whip in this effort," Cooper said. "Having Henry in charge of the Energy and Commerce Committee puts Congress in a stronger position to make the changes Americans demanded in this election.”

From NY Times: Rep. Henry Waxman of California ousted Rep. John Dingell of Michigan from his post as chairman of the influential Committee on Energy and Commerce giving President-elect Barack Obama an advantage in his plans to promote efforts to combat global warming. Mr. Waxman's backers upended the senority system to install a leader more in tune with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on a number of issues.