WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley today officially became the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the 114th Congress. Grassley, Iowa’s senior U.S. Senator, is the first non-lawyer to head the panel.
Judiciary Committee Republicans voted yesterday for Chairman. The results were then ratified today during a meeting of the Republican conference.
Here’s a statement from Chairman Grassley.
“Senate Republicans have committed to returning the Senate to the deliberative body that the founders intended.
“The Judiciary Committee handles a broad policy jurisdiction and oversight portfolio, as well as the vetting of nominees for lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary. These are all important responsibilities that committee members take very seriously. My goal is to promote transparency and accountability, restore the committee’s role as a true check on the massive and powerful federal bureaucracy, and forward issues key to keeping America on the cutting edge of technology and business growth. We’ll have an agenda that enhances the economy and protects consumers; reduces regulatory burdens on businesses and curbs abuses to our civil justice system; shields kids from drugs and child predators; protects taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud and abuse; focuses on securing the border and improves legal immigration opportunities; and adapts our criminal laws to rapidly advancing technology.
“I look forward to a productive Congress, and I appreciate the confidence of the members of the Judiciary Committee.”
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