John Katko tapped to be next ranking member of House Committee on Homeland Security

Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) is slated to be the next ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. 

The House GOP Steering Committee tapped the New York Republican for the position on Monday evening.

Katko edged out Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), a member of the House Freedom Caucus, in the race to be the top Republican on the panel. 

Katko highlighted his experience as a federal organized crime prosecutor and the leadership positions he has held on the panel while making his pitch to members. 

“During my time in Congress, it has been an honor to serve on the House Committee on Homeland Security under the steady leadership of Chairman [Michael] McCaul [R-Texas] and Ranking Member [Mike] Rogers [R-Ala.]. Serving on this Committee is not simply an assignment for me — it is a passion that began in 1991 when I started my career in public service,” he said in a statement announcing his bid for the position. 

“Through the various leadership roles I’ve held in Congress and as a federal organized crime prosecutor, I’ve spent much of my life’s work on efforts that improve national security,” he continued.

Katko currently serves as the ranking member of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee. 

The New York Republican is slated to succeed Rogers, who was tapped to serve as the ranking member on the House Committee on Armed Services in the next Congress. 

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) currently serves as chairman of the panel.