No woman will lead a House committee for the first time in two decades after House Republicans revealed their list of committee leaders for the 119th Congress on Thursday.
The 17 standing committees, whose leaders were chosen by the House Republican Steering Committee, will be dominated by white men when the new Congress is in session on January 3. No people of color were selected either.
The last time there was not at least one woman chairing a House standing committee was during the 109th Congress, from 2005 to 2006.
“Whether it’s securing our southern border, unlocking American energy, fighting to reduce Bidenflation, and making our communities safe again, our committee chairs are ready to get to work to fulfill the mandate of the American people and implement President Trump’s “America First” agenda,” the Chamber said. said Majority Leader Steve Scalise as he announced the presidential slate. “House Republicans are heading into the 119th Congress ready to address the issues most important to American workers and fight for meaningful legislative victories.
“I look forward to working with these strong leaders and their committees to advance President Trump’s priorities and deliver the American people the government they voted for in November,” he added.
In this July 11, 2023, file photo, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. DC.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, FILE
Three Republican women led House committees in the 118th Congress: Texas Rep. Kay Granger chaired the Appropriations Committee, Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers chaired the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. North Carolina’s Virginia Foxx chaired the Education and Workforce Committee.
Neither Granger nor McMorris Rodgers ran for re-election in 2024, although Foxx won an 11th term. However, Foxx, 81, had already been granted a waiver to lead her committee in the 118th Congress beyond the six-year term limits imposed by the House Republican Party, and she did not request an additional waiver . She had served as president of the 115th Congress, as well as a ranking member of the 116th and 117th. Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg will instead serve as chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee.
In this May 23, 2024, file photo, Rep. Virginia Foxx speaks during a House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.
Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images, FILE
“Committee chairs are in very important positions, but we really engage all members,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said earlier this week, ahead of the selections. “We have amazing women serving in Congress and the Republican Conference. In fact, we elected some really strong women in the next freshman class.
“We value those voices. And everyone has a say at the table,” he noted. “This is a thoughtful election. Frankly, we are faced with an embarrassment of riches.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a news conference for House Republicans, following their leadership meeting, at the Capitol in Washington, November 13, 2024.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
Florida Rep. Brian Mast, a close Trump ally, will lead the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan will continue to lead the Judiciary Committee, Kentucky Rep. James Comer will continue to lead the Oversight Committee, and Missouri Rep. Jason Smith will continue to lead the powerful Ways Committee and means.
“Very appropriate for the MAGA era – No woman needs to apply,” former Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock, a Republican, said before the final selections.
The Republican Party will have a winning trio in the new year with control of the House, Senate and White House, but the razor-thin majority of 220 Republicans to 215 Democrats in the House will leave little room for dissent. especially with two party members. the House GOP is expected to be nominated for positions in the Trump administration and the resignation of Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.
“After four years of suffering under the radical policies of the Biden-Harris administration and a Democratic-controlled Senate, the American people have made clear they are ready for change,” Scalise added. “As Republicans take control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, it is imperative that we are able to advance President Trump’s agenda in an effective and thoughtful manner so that we can quickly give back to our nation its greatness.”
ABC News’ John Parkinson contributed to this report.
