Reps. Jerry Lewis and Joe Barton need a term limit waiver to continue chairing their committees. | AP Photos GOP steering panel sets up shop

House Republicans bidding to lead two powerful committees will make their presentations today and Tuesday to the GOP Steering Committee, with final decisions to come on the new chairmen next week, according to Republican leadership aides.

Heated contests include the Appropriations Committee, where Reps. Harold Rogers (Ky.) and Rep. Jack Kingston (Ga.) want the job if Rep. Jerry Lewis (Calif.) doesn't get a term limit waiver.


Also up for grabs is the Energy and Commerce Committee gavel, with Rep. Fred Upton (Mich.) considered the front-runner despite complaints from some Republicans that he's not conservative enough. Reps. Joe Barton (Texas), John Shimkus (Ill.) and Cliff Stearns (Fla.) are also expected to make their pitches on Tuesday in the Capitol Visitor Center.

Like Lewis, Barton – the former Energy and Commerce chairman – also would need permission to serve another term as the top Republican on the panel.

The GOP Steering Committee includes about 20 members, with Speaker-in-waiting John Boehner and Rep. Eric Cantor (Va.), the expected new majority leader, holding the largest share of the votes. Republican aides declined to name the full Steering Committee roster, though it’s clear from public comments from some lawmakers that the membership includes GOP leaders, as well as regional and class representatives who are loyalists to Boehner.

House Republicans who are uncontested in their chairmanship bids also will be making their presentations today. Rep. Doc Hastings (Wash.), the likely new chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, is expected to address the Steering Committee and answer questions about his controversial request to take several energy-related jurisdiction items from the Energy & Commerce Committee, said a Hastings aide.