House reworks security panels, top Republicans named

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson has reorganized his panel's subcommittee structure in an effort to improve oversight of the Homeland Security Department.

The panel now includes subcommittees on Emerging Threats, Cyber Security, and Science and Technology; Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response; Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism; Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection; and Management, Investigations and Oversight. The Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment Subcommittee was kept intact.

Thompson, D-Miss., had not announced the chairmen of each subcommittee by press time. But full committee ranking Republican Peter King of New York announced which Republicans would serve as ranking members of each subcommittee.

"There is no issue facing this Congress more important than the continued security of our homeland," King said. "Our subcommittee ranking members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with them-including law enforcement, anti-terrorism and criminal prosecution. I look forward to working with them over the next two years to build upon this committee's many accomplishments."

Michael McCaul of Texas was selected as ranking member of Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology. Elected in 2004, McCaul already has been picked to serve in several GOP leadership positions, including assistant whip.

Before coming to Congress, McCaul served as chief of terrorism and national security in the U.S. attorney's office in Texas, and participated in the joint terrorism task force charged with preparing Texas to provide a coordinated effort in detecting, deterring and preventing terrorist activity, according to his Web site.

Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania was selected as ranking member for the emergency communications subcommittee. He was first elected in 2004.

Mark Souder of Indiana was named ranking member of the border subcommittee. Elected in 1994, Souder has been outspoken on the need for enforcement of border security laws, including the construction of more fencing and barriers along the southwest border.

He also said he wants to ensure that homeland security resources go to places other than the highest-risk urban areas like New York City and Washington. "Too often, less populous states, and smaller cities and towns, are forgotten."

Dan Lungren of California was picked as ranking member for Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection. Lungren was a primary author last year of a major maritime security bill. A former Attorney General for California, he said he "is personally committed to enhancing the quality and depth of congressional oversight of our government's intelligence-gathering and analysis and the provision of homeland security."

Dave Reichert of Washington was named ranking member of Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment. The subcommittee was previously chaired by Rob Simmons, R-Conn., who lost his re-election bid.

Reichert took a lead role last year in writing legislation to improve emergency communications for first responders and reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The main provisions in both bills were signed into law.

And Mike Rogers of Alabama was named ranking member of the management subcommittee. Elected in 2002, he has authored bills to boost the Border Patrol.