
Three Republican senators are set to chair major committees for the first time in their careers as the new Senate convenes in January. Sen. Chuck Grassley, a 91-year-old non-lawyer, will once again lead the influential Senate Judiciary Committee.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is expected to chair the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, where he currently serves as the ranking Republican. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah is poised to head the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, while Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is in line to chair the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.