Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) announced the expected committee chairmanships for the 111th Congress. Indian Country will see few changes come January 2009.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) remains as chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. He will be serving his second term.

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) is the new chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also sits on Indian Affairs.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) stays on as chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) will remain as chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana) remains chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Sen. Kent Conrad (D-North Dakota) will again lead the Senate Budget Committee.

Democrats hold 56 seats in the Senate and two Independents caucus with the party. One Senate race, in Minnesota, remains undecided.

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Press Release: Reid Announces Anticipated Committee Chairmanships For 111th Congress (Sen. Harry Reid 12/15)