Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs

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.