House Democrats will soon decide the fate of U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman’s (D-Los Angeles) intraparty power struggle with Congressman John Dingell (D-Mich.) over the latter’s post as chair of the powerful Energy and Finance Committee.

On Wednesday, the Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee will vote on the influential post. The loser can then bring the vote to the full caucus on Thursday by producing a petition signed by 35 House members.

Waxman, a 33-year veteran of Congress and current chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, announced his power play shortly after the Nov. 4 election. He is a staunch ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and has fought for clean air regulation for decades.

Dingell is the longest-serving member of Congress and has represented the Detroit area for over 50 years. Since 1981, he has been the most senior Democrat on the Energy and Finance Committee, where he has fought to protect automakers from tighter environmental regulation.

Over the last few years, Waxman used his position as chair of the Oversight Committee to keep a close watch on the administration of President George W. Bush. With a Democrat in the White House, Waxman is looking to move on and has set his sights on the Energy and Finance Committee, which holds jurisdiction over many high-profile issues, including health care and energy legislation.