While elements of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs can be traced
back into the 19th century, the Committee had its immediate origins in
the creation of the Committee on Expenditures in the Executive
Departments which was created and organized on April 18, 1921. The
Committee on Expenditures in the Executive Department was renamed the
Committee on Government Operations in 1952. The Committee on Government
Operations was reorganized as the Committee on Governmental Affairs in
1978.
Of the 5 current subcommittees, the Permanent Subcommittee on
Investigations is the oldest being created at the same time as the
Committee on Government Operations in 1952. The Subcommittee on the
Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the
District of Columbia came into being after the creation of the Committee
on Governmental Affairs in 1978. The Subcommittee on Financial
Management, the Budget, and International Security was created at the
beginning of the 108th Congress.
Over the years, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and its predecessors
have dealt with a number of important issues. Most recently, the Committee
had primary jurisdiction over the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.
The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is the chief oversight committee for the United States Senate.
Senator Joseph Lieberman, Chairman
History of Committee Chairmen
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Established February 17, 2005, when it replaced the Committee on Governmental Affairs.
2007- : Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT)
2005-2006: Susan M. Collins (R-ME)
Governmental Affairs
Established February 11, 1977, when it replaced the Committee on Government Operations, Post Office and Civil Service, and District of Columbia.
2003-2004 : Susan M. Collins (R-ME)
2001-2003: Joseph Lieberman (D-CT)
2001: Fred D. Thompson (R-TN)
2001: Joseph Lieberman (D-CT)
1997-2001: Fred D. Thompson (R-TN)
1995-1997: Ted Stevens (R-AK)
1995 : William V. Roth (R-DE)
1987-1995: John Glenn (D-OH)
1981-1987: William V. Roth (R-DE)
1977-1981: Abraham A. Ribicoff (D-CT)
Government Operations
Established March 3, 1952, when it replaced the Committee on Expenditures in the Executive Departments. Terminated February 11, 1977, when it was replaced by the Committee on Governmental Affairs.
1975-1977: Abraham A. Ribicoff (D-CT)
1972-1974: Sam J. Ervin, Jr. (D-NC)
1955-1972: John L. McClellan (D-AR)
1953-1955: Joseph R. McCarthy (R-WI)
1952-1953: John L. McClellan (D-AR)
Expenditures in Executive Departments
Established April 18, 1921. Terminated March 3, 1952, when it became the Committee on Government Operations, which was then replaced by the Committee on Governmental Affairs in 1977.
1949-1952: John L. McClellan (D-AR)
1947-1949: George D. Aiken (R-VT)
1942-1947: Lister Hill (D-AL)
1940-1942: Frederick Van Nuys (D-IN)
1933-1939: J. Hamilton Lewis (D-IL)
1931-1933: Frederick Steiwer (R-OR)
1930-1931: Guy D. Goff (R-WV)
1927-1930: Frederic M. Sackett (R-KY)
1925-1927: David A. Reed (R-PA)
1921-1925: Medill McCormick (R-IL)
Chairmen reference: Chairmen of Senate Standing Committees 1789 to present. United States Senate Historical Office.
Historical Documents at NARA
The National Archives and Records Administration stores a number of historical
congressional documents, including documents of the Committee on Governmental
Affairs. These documents provide a wealth of information and perspective
on the activities of the Committee. Further information can be found on the
National
Archives and Records Administration's website. |