WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who chaired this committee before the 2001 Democratic takeover, returns to the post, succeeding Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D-S.C.), the Washington Post reported.
McCain and Hollings are among the pricklier Senate members but work well together, so the transition here may be smoother than at other committees. Although known mainly for his 2000 presidential bid and his championship of causes such as campaign finance reform, McCain has also been deeply involved in communications, tobacco and other business-related issues that come before the commerce committee.
McCain generally favors business deregulation but has sponsored some tough industry crackdowns, such as the 1998 tobacco bill that died, in part, from controversy over taxes and government regulation. McCain, 66, is also a senior member of the Armed Services Committee.