Axios: GOP adds freshmen to E&C

House Republicans are adding three freshmen to the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Why it matters: It was once rare for freshmen to score a spot on E&C, but the panel has had plenty of churn lately. The GOP already added new Rep. John James to the committee in this Congress.

Driving the news: Incoming Reps. Julie Fedorchak, Craig Goldman and Gabe Evans are joining next year.

• Other GOP additions include Reps. Cliff Bentz, Erin Houchin, Russell Fry, Laurel Lee, Nick Langworthy, Tom Kean and Mike Rulli.

Zoom in: Incoming Chair Brett Guthrie also announced his top committee staff Monday morning.

• Megan Jackson, his former LD who has recently been working for biopharmaceutical company ​​Alkermes, will serve as staff director.
• Sophie Khanahmadi, the current chief of staff in Guthrie's personal office, will be deputy staff director.

What's next: Dems have yet to finalize their roster but are expected to make more committee decisions — including on the contested Natural Resources ranking membership — this week.