GOP Steering Committee To Decide Approps Slot Week Of Feb. 11

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) told his members Tuesday morning that the Republican Steering Committee would meet the week of Feb. 11 to fill an open seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

The Republican leader made the announcement during a closed-door session with his GOP colleagues, according to members and aides in attendance.

The choice has become something of a litmus test for spending as Boehner directs his members to dramatically reduce the number of special projects they request in upcoming spending bills. The party's campaign chief, Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole, has also worked hard for the seat, creating an awkward spot for fellow leaders who may look past him to fill it.