Three Republican senators are set to chair major committees for the first time in their careers as the new Senate convenes in January. Sen. Chuck Grassley, a 91-year-old non-lawyer, will once again lead the influential Senate Judiciary Committee.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is expected to chair the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, where he currently serves as the ranking Republican. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah is poised to head the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, while Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is in line to chair the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Additionally, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin is anticipated to take charge of the well-funded Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which falls under Sen. Paul's committee. This subcommittee has a history of addressing significant bipartisan projects, such as sex trafficking on Backpage.com and sexual assault in the Coast Guard.
These committee shakeups are part of the transition as the GOP regains control of the Senate after four years in the minority. Republican senators are vying for key positions atop the committees, with Cruz, Lee, and Paul now positioned to influence policy making, nominations, and advance their own projects after years of building seniority.
While Cruz, Lee, and Paul have been known to challenge their leaders on issues like government funding and deficit spending, they are now entering their third terms and bring a wealth of experience to their new roles. Their increased seniority will allow them to have a significant impact on shaping policies and guiding important legislation through the Senate.
