A resolution to constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

Bill Number

S.Res. 26

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Passed Senate

Latest Action

2025-01-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S136; text: CR S140-141)

Last Updated

2025-02-07T16:59:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 26) aims to establish the membership of the majority party (Republicans) on specified Senate committees for the 119th Congress (beginning in 2025), effective until new members are selected. It ensures organized leadership and participation in key areas of legislative oversight.

Key Provisions

• Committee Assignments: The resolution designates specific Republican senators as members (and chairs where noted) for the following committees:
• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Chaired by Mr. Boozman; members include Mr. McConnell, Mr. Hoeven, Ms. Ernst, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Justice, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Thune, Mrs. Fischer, and Mr. Moran.
• Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Chaired by Mr. Lee; members include Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Risch, Mr. Daines, Mr. Cotton, Mr. McCormick, Mr. Justice, Mr. Cassidy, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Ms. Murkowski, and Mr. Hoeven.
• Special Committee on Aging: Chaired by Mr. Scott (FL); members include Mr. McCormick, Mr. Justice, Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Crapo, and Mr. Scott (SC).
• Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Chaired by Ms. Ernst; members include Mr. Risch, Mr. Paul, Mr. Scott (SC), Mr. Young, Mr. Hawley, Mr. Budd, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Justice, and Mrs. Blackburn.
• These assignments were submitted by Mr. Thune and agreed to by the Senate on January 14, 2025.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution updates committee memberships from the prior (118th) Congress, reflecting shifts in party control and new elections. It does not alter underlying laws but replaces previous assignments, potentially introducing new chairs and members who bring different priorities to committee work. Senate committee rules allow such resolutions to be adopted at the start of each Congress to reorganize based on majority status.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Committees oversee federal agencies (e.g., Department of Agriculture for farming policies, Department of Energy for natural resources). New memberships could influence hearings, funding decisions, and regulatory oversight, affecting agency operations indirectly through legislative priorities.
• On Citizens: Minimal direct impact, but changes may shape policies on agriculture, energy, aging services, and small businesses, potentially influencing rural economies, energy costs, senior programs, and entrepreneurial support.
• On International Relations: Limited effects, though the Energy and Natural Resources Committee handles issues like resource exports, which could subtly affect trade or environmental diplomacy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Senators and Senate Leadership: The listed Republican senators gain formal roles, influencing their legislative agendas and influence within the party.
• Senate Committees: Directly restructured for functionality in the new Congress.
• Federal Agencies and Interest Groups: Entities under committee jurisdiction (e.g., farmers, energy firms, small business owners, seniors) may engage with new members on policy matters.
• The Public: Indirectly through committee-driven legislation on everyday issues like food security and economic development.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: Aligns with Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which grants the Senate authority to form committees for efficient operation. Resolutions like this are procedural tools, not requiring presidential approval, and ensure balanced representation under Senate rules.
• Political: Reinforces Republican majority control post-2024 elections, setting the stage for partisan priorities in oversight and bill drafting. It may signal internal party dynamics (e.g., chair selections) and could lead to shifts in legislative focus, such as emphasizing deregulation in energy or support for rural agriculture, without broader controversy as it's a routine organizational step.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S136; text: CR S140-141)
• 2025-01-14: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-01-14: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• To constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen. — issued 2025-01-14 — PDF (2 pages)