WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Centrist Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., denied the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, may get an intelligence gavel yet, according to CQ.
The publication, citing unnamed congressional aides, reported this week that Harman is in the running to chair the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment.
That gavel "is by no means as important as the full committee chairmanship that Harman was denied by (Speaker-elect Rep Nancy) Pelosi, a fellow Californian with whom she has differed both personally and politically," reported CQ.
"It would, however, give Harman a leadership position on intelligence issues about which she ... is considered a moderate voice," the publication stated.
House Democratic aides confirmed to United Press International that Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., who was ranking member of the subcommittee last year, is now likely to lead the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims instead.
The Homeland subcommittee oversees intelligence efforts at the Department of Homeland Security, and is slated to lead a major push by incoming full committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., this year to strengthen the role of state and local law enforcement in domestic intelligence and counter-terrorism information efforts.
Thompson Spokeswoman Dena Graziano told UPI subcommittee assignments were still under consideration.
