Pallone gets another term as Energy and Commerce chairman

House Democrats again chose Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch) to lead the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee Thursday.

The term will be Pallone’s second at the head of one of Congress’s longest-standing panels. It positions the Pallone, who is now going into his 17th term in the House, in a place of power close to the chamber’s Democratic leadership.

It also puts him in a position of some celebration in his home state.

“Congressman Pallone has served New Jersey and our nation with distinction throughout his career,” New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said. “Every working family in our state has benefited from his work to keep health care accessible and affordable, consumer products safe, and drinking water clean, among his many quality-of-life initiatives.”