March 28, 2024

Comer tapped to serve as top Republican on House Oversight | TheHill

image

Rep. James ComerJames (Jamie) R. ComerTop GOP post on Oversight draws stiff competition The biggest political upsets of the decade New hemp trade group presses lawmakers on immigration reform, regs MORE (R-Ky.) was tapped Monday to take over as the top Republican on the powerful House Oversight and Reform Committee from former Rep. Mark MeadowsMark Randall MeadowsIntelligence suggests Russian bounties led to deaths of several US troops in Afghanistan: report Bolton on Trump denying he was briefed on bounties on US troops: ‘Just another day at the office in the Trump White House’ Top GOP lawmaker calls for answers from White House after report on Russian bounties on US forces MORE (R-N.C.), who is now President TrumpDonald John TrumpIntelligence suggests Russian bounties led to deaths of several US troops in Afghanistan: report Obama called Philonise Floyd before brother’s memorial service: NYT President Trump tries to cover his tracks by attacking the rule of law MORE‘s chief of staff.

Comer edged out Rep. Jody HiceJody Brownlow HiceHouse approves statehood for DC in 232-180 vote The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan says there will be consequences from fraying US-China relations; WHO walks back claims on asymptomatic spread of virus Overnight Energy: Biden campaign says he would revoke Keystone XL permit | EPA emails reveal talks between Trump officials, chemical group before 2017 settlement | Tensions emerge on Natural Resources panel over virtual meetings MORE (R-Ga.), the most senior member on the panel and one of the leading voices in the conservative House Freedom Caucus, and Rep. Mark GreenMark GreenClyburn threatens to end in-person coronavirus committee hearings if Republicans won’t wear masks If anyone has taken US-China relations to the brink of a new cold war, it’s the Chinese Communist Party Scalise blasts Democrats for calling on certain companies to return PPP loans MORE (R-Tenn.), a first-term member and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The Kentucky Republican is slated to fill the seat previously held by Meadows, who vacated the role after he was named White House chief of staff earlier this year.

Comer, a second-term lawmaker, has been an active member on the Oversight and Reform Committee, serving as the top Republican on its Subcommittee on the Environment. Before Congress, he served agriculture commissioner of Kentucky. 

The Oversight and Reform Committee — the main investigative panel in the lower chamber — is one of the most influential committees in Congress, holding jurisdiction over a broad range of issues and one of just three standing committees that holds the authority to authorize subpoenas under House rules.

Comer was elected to the position by the House Republican Steering Committee, which consists of top Republican lawmakers and is tasked with determining committee assignments.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin Owen McCarthyWSJ editorial board tees off on Trump: Trends pointing to ‘historic repudiation’ McCarthy calls for police reform conference ahead of vote Congress must act on police reform, don’t let opponents divert the conversation MORE (R-Calif.) and Minority Whip Steve ScaliseStephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseClyburn threatens to end in-person coronavirus committee hearings if Republicans won’t wear masks CNN’s Chris Cuomo lauds brother in panned interview: ‘You’re both awful’ GOP lawmakers voice support for Israeli plan to annex areas in West Bank MORE (R-La.) hold the most power on the Steering Committee, with McCarthy counting for four votes and Scalise counting for two; the rest of its 29 members are allotted one vote each.

Since Comer is assuming the position more than halfway through the 116th Congress, he will be eligible to serve as the top Republican on the committee for an additional three full terms under the House GOP’s rules.

The position has previously been held by some of Trump’s top attack dogs in the House, with GOP members on the panel playing a pivotal role in defending the president during impeachment proceedings.

Meadows was the top Oversight Republican for a very brief period. He assumed the role shortly after Rep. Jim JordanJames (Jim) Daniel JordanClyburn threatens to end in-person coronavirus committee hearings if Republicans won’t wear masks Justice Department officials say decisions are politicized Nadler to subpoena AG Barr over Berman firing MORE (R-Ohio) was shifted to lead Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee after Rep. Doug CollinsDouglas (Doug) Allen CollinsSunday shows preview: With coronavirus cases surging, lawmakers and health officials weigh in House passes police reform bill that faces dead end in Senate Justice Department officials say decisions are politicized MORE (R-Ga.), the former ranking member on the Judiciary Committee, stepped down from the position after announcing his Senate bid in February.

This post originally appeared on and written by:
Juliegrace Brufke
The Hill

Share
Source: