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. 38

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Passed Senate

Latest Action

2025-01-24: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S374; text: CR S373-374)

Last Updated

2025-05-27T14:12:53Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (S. Res. 38) establishes the membership of the majority party (Republicans) on several key U.S. Senate committees for the 119th Congress (beginning in 2025), or until new members are selected. It ensures organized leadership and participation in committee work, which is essential for reviewing legislation, conducting oversight, and shaping policy.

Key Provisions

• Committee Assignments: The resolution lists specific Republican senators as members (including chairs) for the following committees:
• Environment and Public Works: Chair - Mrs. Capito; Members - Mr. Cramer, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Graham, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Husted.
• Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Chair - Mr. Cassidy; Members - Mr. Paul, Ms. Collins, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Scott (SC), Mr. Hawley, Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Banks, Mr. Husted, Mrs. Moody.
• Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Chair - Mr. Paul; Members - Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Scott (FL), Mr. Hawley, Mr. Moreno, Ms. Ernst, Mrs. Moody.
• Judiciary: Chair - Mr. Grassley; Members - Mr. Graham, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Lee, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Hawley, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Schmitt, Mrs. Britt, Mrs. Moody.
• Select Committee on Intelligence: Chair - Mr. Cotton; Members - Mr. Risch, Ms. Collins, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Moran, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Young, Mr. Budd.
• Special Committee on Aging: Chair - Mr. Scott (FL); Members - Mr. McCormick, Mr. Justice, Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Moody, Mr. Husted.
• Joint Economic Committee: Chair - Mr. Schmitt; Members - Mr. Cotton, Mr. Budd, Mr. McCormick, Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Moody.
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Chair - Ms. Ernst; Members - Mr. Risch, Mr. Paul, Mr. Scott (SC), Mr. Young, Mr. Hawley, Mr. Budd, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Justice, Mr. Husted.
• These assignments apply until successors are chosen, providing continuity in committee operations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This resolution updates committee memberships for the new 119th Congress, replacing assignments from the prior (118th) Congress. It reflects shifts in party control and senator availability, such as new chairs (e.g., Mr. Cassidy for Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions) and inclusions of incoming senators (e.g., Mr. Husted, Mrs. Moody). No substantive legal changes are made; it operates under Senate rules for organizing committees at the start of each Congress.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Committees like Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs or Intelligence will influence oversight of federal agencies (e.g., environmental regulations or national security operations), potentially leading to new investigations or policy priorities under Republican leadership.
• On Citizens: Indirect effects through committee-driven legislation on issues like health care, labor rights, aging services, small business support, and judicial matters, which could shape laws affecting everyday Americans (e.g., workplace protections or economic policies).
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the Intelligence and Judiciary committees may affect foreign policy reviews, such as nominations for international roles or intelligence-sharing agreements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Senators: Primarily Republican members listed, who gain roles in policy-making; also affects Democratic minority members through shared committee dynamics.
• Senate Leadership: Majority Leader and party whips, as assignments align with broader political strategy.
• Federal Agencies and Interest Groups: Entities overseen by these committees (e.g., environmental groups for Environment and Public Works, business associations for Small Business and Entrepreneurship) will engage with the new membership on regulations and funding.
• The Public: Broader society, as committee work influences national legislation on health, economy, security, and justice.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: Aligns with Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which grants each congressional chamber authority to determine its rules, including committee organization. No challenges to existing laws; it formalizes internal Senate procedures without requiring presidential approval (as a simple resolution).
• Political: Reinforces Republican majority control in the Senate, enabling agenda-setting on key issues like immigration (Judiciary), national security (Intelligence), and economic policy (Joint Economic Committee). This could accelerate partisan priorities but may heighten bipartisanship needs for passing bills, given the Senate's 60-vote threshold for many actions.

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

• 2025-01-24: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S374; text: CR S373-374)
• 2025-01-24: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-01-24: 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 2025-01-24 — PDF (2 pages)