Harkin says he turned down Appropriations post after Inouye's death

Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin says he declined an opportunity to become chairman of the prestigious Senate Appropriations Committee because he wants to keep working on health care and retirement issues.

Harkin told reporters Thursday that he loves chairing the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee and would continue in that position. The Democrat says he wants to ensure the success of President Barack Obama's health care law, and to push for a new nationwide pension program to help retirees.

The opportunity to chair Appropriations came to Harkin after the death of Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii because of the Senate's seniority rules. The job went first to Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont and then to Harkin. Both declined.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland will become the committee's next chair.