If Congressman Tom Graves gets his way, he will gain major sway over Donald Trump's White House in the new year.
Sure, he's in line to become Georgia's senior-most House Republican in 2017 thanks to Tom Price's expected confirmation as health and human services secretary. But the Ranger Republican's stock could rise even further if GOP leaders grant him the powerful leadership post he's seeking on the House Appropriations Committee.
Graves is angling to become chairman of the Financial Services subcommittee, a position that would put him in charge of a roughly $23 billion annual spending bill that funds the White House, IRS and District of Columbia.
The post would put a Georgian at the center of GOP efforts to roll back the Obama administration's financial regulatory overhaul, slim down the IRS and block D.C.'s bid for statehood. Graves would also be able to shape guidance on Cuba, net neutrality and corporate political giving.
Graves does not appear to be facing any opposition for the position, and Politico reports that he has the support of the man who's expected to be named Appropriations chairman in the days ahead.
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