Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), a dependable ally of the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex, is in the mix to lead the influential appropriations committee that writes the first drafts of DOE’s annual budget, a source said.

Fleischmann, who since 2011 has represented Tennessee’s largely rural third district outside of Knoxville, is a long-time member of the House Appropriations energy and water subcommittee and would, if elected by his Republican peers, replace Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), a strong proponent of the Idaho National Laboratory in that state.

Republicans had not yet cast ballots for committee leaders as of Thursday morning. Unlike House Democrats, House Republicans typically limit the number of terms their members may serve as committee leaders.