NASHVILLE – The House’s new Republican speaker, Beth Harwell, today released committee assignments that show only GOP members getting named to leadership positions on House committees and subcommittees.
Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland, was named chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which reviews proposed civil and criminal legislation as well as that affecting the judiciary.
Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, was named as chairman of the House Government Operations Committee, which reviews the efficiency of state-created entities and recommends whether they should continue or not under a “sunset” review process.
As House Republican majority leader, Rep. Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga, is on the Finance Committee. Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, retained the vice chairman position on the Transportation Committee.
In a move Harwell said was intended to streamline the process, the new speaker also abolished a number of subcommittees, restricting subcommittees to one per committee.
Dean was named chairman of the General Subcommittee of Transportation. Rep. Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, is chairman of the General Subcommittee of Children and Family Affairs. Rep. Richard Floyd, R-Chattanooga, is vice chairman of the General Subcommittee of Conservation and Environment.
“I’m confident this new system will be efficient and effective, allowing us to focus on our legislative priorities this year,” Harwell said.
Republicans in November picked up 14 seats in the House, giving them a 64-34 majority over Democrats, which allowed a Republican to head each of the 13 standing committees.