U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles) said he was "honored" to be named the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by his Democratic colleagues.

“I am honored by the vote of the Democratic Caucus," Waxman said in a statement. "We are at a unique moment and have an opportunity that comes only once in a generation.  I will work with all parts of our Caucus and across the aisle to deliver the change that the American public expects us to deliver."

Waxman won a secret ballot vote over longtime Michigan Congressman and current Committee Chair John Dingell Thursday morning.

"I have worked with Chairman John Dingell for 34 years," Waxman said. "He has been a true legislative champion. I will always admire and respect him and his many legislative accomplishments.”

Waxman's victory was welcome news to environmentalists and progressives who believed Dingell was too closely tied to Detroit automakers.

"I'm just celebrating Waxman's victory," said Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-Md.). "Where's the champagne?"

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