Kentucky Congressman James Comer is the new ranking GOP member of the powerful U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee.
The House Republican Steering Committee elected the second-term lawmaker to the post, edging out U.S. Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia and U.S. Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee for the position, according to Politico.
The Democrat-controlled Oversight and Reform Committee is the U.S. House’s main investigative committee, one of three standing House committees with the power to authorize subpoenas.
The committee has held hearings examining previous Trump Administration policies, including a defunct policy that separated migrant children from their parents who illegally crossed the U.S. border. The committee most recently held briefings on COVID-19 and racism within policing.
“Throughout my career, I have been committed to holding those accountable who misuse taxpayer dollars and promote corruption in government. Unfortunately, rather than conducting credible oversight, House Democrats have spent significant time and resources harassing the Trump Administration purely out of spite and hatred,” said Comer in a statement. “I am excited to take the reins as Ranking Member and take my obligation to pursue legitimate waste, fraud and abuse in government very seriously.”
The position of ranking member was vacant for months after former U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows left the position to become White House chief of staff. Comer has served on the committee during his tenure, including as ranking member of the Environment Subcommittee.
