Ethics

Tokenism

After a week of deserved criticism and a healthy dose of mockery, John Boehner has decided that he will appoint at least one woman to a committee chairmanship.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) announced on Friday the appointment of Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) as chairman of the House Administration Committee for the 113th Congress.

“From ensuring the House runs efficiently and smoothly, to making Congress more open and accessible, Candice has a big job ahead as chairman of the House Administration Committee," Boehner said in a statement. "In her new post, Candice will provide the leadership needed to keep operating costs down, save taxpayer dollars, and help lawmakers use new technology to better engage with their constituents."

Not to downplay the accomplishments of Candice Miller, but the House Administration Committee? Really?

Maybe the House Administration Committee is more important than it sounds, but this appears more insulting to me than not appointing any women to a committee chairmanship.