Senator Lankford Named Subcommittee Chairman

WASHINGTON, DC— The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today named Senator James Lankford (R-OK) the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management. Committee Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) announced the chairmen appointment of the three subcommittees during a markup of the Committee’s rules today.

“I’m honored to lead this important Senate Subcommittee,” said Lankford. “We will work hard to foster effective federal agency operations and shine a light on misuse and mismanagement. We will encourage common-sense regulation that keeps us safe, but will discourage unnecessary regulation that stifles private sector growth and innovation. The jurisdiction of this Subcommittee is extremely important to hold the federal government accountable for responsible and efficient governance on behalf of the taxpayer.”

The Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management jurisdiction includes:

• Examination of the federal rulemaking process including regulatory review, and an evaluation of the effectiveness, efficiency, economic impact, legal authority and federal role for past and proposed regulations;
• The management, efficiency, effectiveness and economy of agencies and departments of the Government, including the effectiveness of present national security methods, staffing, and processes;
• The Federal Workforce; Federal employee issues, include employees’ classification, compensation and benefits, including federal retirement programs;
• The District of Columbia, excluding appropriations, but including the judicial system.

During the past two Congresses, Lankford chaired subcommittees in the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. During the 112th Congress, Lankford served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform. During the 113th Congress, he served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements. Lankford led 40 hearings between the two subcommittees on issues including a review of the Administration’s regulatory process, federal contracting, and oversight of various entitlement programs. Many of his hearings led to the development of legislation like an update to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and development of the Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act, which both passed the House in the 113^th Congress.

Also named today, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) will chair the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) will chair the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Chairman Johnson reduced the number of Subcommittees from four down to three.

In addition to serving on the Senate Republican Whip Team and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs during this 114th Congress, Lankford also sits on the Committee on Appropriations, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Indian Affairs.

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