Kentucky’s Federal Delegation to Hold Key Leadership Positions in 119th Congress

UPDATED: Several members of Kentucky’s federal delegation were elected to lead key committees in the House and Senate before the 119th Congress convenes in January.

• Senator Mitch McConnell was named chair of two committees ahead of the next Congress, leading the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee. Read more about the positions here.
• Senator Rand Paul was elected Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
• Representative Brett Guthrie was named Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
• Representative James Comer was re-elected Chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
• Congressman Hal Rogers was re-elected as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science & Related Agencies.
• Representative Morgan McGarvey was named Chief Deputy Whip for the next Congress.

Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts shared a statement about the chairmanships:

“Congratulations to members of Kentucky’s federal delegation on being named to these key leadership roles. This is a well-deserved recognition of their commitment to supporting policies that promote economic growth, positioning us as a global leader, and ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability. The Chamber is proud of their leadership to the Commonwealth and nation.”

Read the statement issued by Paul:

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the 15th Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the modern era. I chose to chair this Committee over another because I believe that, for the health of our republic, Congress must stand up once again for its constitutional role. This Committee’s mission of oversight and investigations is critical to Congress reasserting itself. Our first hearing will examine reinstating the successful Remain in Mexico policy from the first Trump Administration. We will also expeditiously move President Trump’s critical nominees, including Governor Kristi Noem, in time for Inauguration Day. I look forward to continuing the storied history of this Committee’s leadership in consequential bipartisan oversight and investigations.”

Read the statement issued by Guthrie:

“I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as the next Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee. I am humbled and excited to get to work next Congress to deliver on President Trump and House Republicans’ America First agenda. We must work together to restore America’s energy dominance and lower energy prices, protect children’s online safety and ensure America remains the world leader in technological innovation, and protect access to life-saving treatments while lowering health care costs. The task before us is significant, but together the House Energy and Commerce Committee will lead the way to restore the American Dream for hard-working families.”

Read the statement issued by Comer:

“It is an honor to continue serving the American people as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. The American people have made it clear they want President Trump and Congress to clean up the federal government and make it more accountable to them. Oversight Committee Republicans are ready to hit the ground running and fulfill this mandate. Many of President Trump’s key priorities align with the Oversight Committee’s jurisdiction, including the federal civil service, government management, efficiency in government operations, federal procurement, executive branch reorganizations, and more. We will actively work with President Trump and his administration to hold the federal bureaucracy accountable and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. We will advance solutions to make the federal government more efficient, effective, transparent, and accountable to the American people.”

Read the statement issued by Rogers:

“The CJS subcommittee not only funds the agencies in our purview, but we ensure they are held accountable for efficiency, effectiveness and rooting out waste,” said Chairman Rogers. “The 12 appropriations subcommittees hold the purse strings of our nation for discretionary funding, which now only makes up one-third of our spending. Our work is critical for our economic and military strength, and I applaud Chairman Cole for his steady and devout leadership for our nation.” 

Read the statement issued by McGarvey:

“I’m honored to be appointed by Whip Clark to serve my Democratic colleagues as a Chief Deputy Whip,” said Rep. McGarvey. “In the continued fight against Republican extremism, it’s undeniable that strong leadership and unity among our Democratic colleagues will be crucial, and I’m looking forward to representing my hometown and working families throughout our country in this new position.”

Stay tuned to The Bottom Line for more on federal issues impacting the Commonwealth.