Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
For the 119th Congress, House Republicans have named their committee chairs, and for the first time since 2005, no women or people of color are among them. This marks a significant shift from recent years when women, including prominent figures like Texas Rep. Kay Granger and Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, held leadership roles.
The announcement follows a historic Republican trifecta—control of the White House, Senate, and House—headed by President-elect Donald Trump. The committee appointments come at a time when the party seeks to implement its “America First” agenda, yet critics have pointed to the absence of diversity in leadership as a concerning step backward.
Key Appointments and GOP Defense
Seventeen standing committees will now be led entirely by white male representatives. Among them:
- Florida Rep. Brian Mast will chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
- Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan will continue leading the Judiciary Committee.
- Kentucky Rep. James Comer will remain chair of the Oversight Committee.
- Missouri Rep. Jason Smith will head the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise emphasized the party’s focus on advancing President Trump’s agenda. “House Republicans are prepared to address the issues most important to hardworking Americans,” he said. “Our Committee Chairs are ready to get to work fulfilling the American people’s mandate.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson defended the selections, stating, “Chairmen of committees are very important positions, but we really do engage all the membership. We have extraordinary women serving in Congress and in the Republican Conference.” Johnson also cited a strong incoming freshman class that includes women.
Reaction and Historical Context
In the 118th Congress, three Republican women chaired House committees:
- Rep. Kay Granger (Appropriations Committee)
- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Energy and Commerce Committee)
- Rep. Virginia Foxx (Education and Workforce Committee)
Granger and McMorris Rodgers chose not to seek re-election in 2024, while Foxx, 81, did not request a waiver to continue chairing her committee. Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg will now lead the Education and Workforce Committee.
The lack of female leadership drew criticism from both sides of the aisle. Former Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock, a Republican, called the move “very fitting in the MAGA era – No Women Need Apply.”
The absence of diversity in leadership contrasts sharply with the Democratic Party, which has frequently highlighted its inclusion of women and people of color in senior roles.
Challenges Ahead for the GOP
The GOP’s slim House majority—220 Republicans to 215 Democrats—could complicate efforts to enact legislation, especially as key members like Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz are set to resign, and two others are expected to join the Trump administration.
Despite these challenges, Scalise remained optimistic. “The American people made clear they are ready for a change. With Republicans taking control of the White House, Senate, and House, it is imperative we move President Trump’s agenda efficiently and thoughtfully to restore our nation to greatness,” he said.
