U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch) will remain as the chairman of House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health after an agreement announced today by Henry Waxman and John Dingell.  Dingell had hinted that he might challenge Pallone for the powerful subcommittee post after losing the full committee chairmanship to Waxman last month.

Dingell will instead become Chairman Emeritus and will serve as an ex-officio member of all subcommittees.  The 82-year-old Michigan Democrat, who has served in Congress since 1955, will be the lead sponsor of the national health care legislation and will retain “suitable staff to assist with his work on committee business.”