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House GOP taps Rep. Gowdy for oversight committee chairman

In this March 20, 2017, file photo, House Intelligence Committee member Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., questions then-FBI Director James Comey and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers as they testify on Capitol Hill in Washington. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)
By Matthew Daly Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Congressman Trey Gowdy has been tapped to lead the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee after Chairman Jason Chaffetz leaves Congress at the end of month.

The House Republican Steering Committee recommended the South Carolina lawmaker for the post Thursday, choosing him over Oklahoman Steve Russell. The full House Republican conference is expected to confirm the choice next week.

Gowdy is a former federal prosecutor who led a two-year inquiry into the deadly attacks in Benghazi, Libya, and was an outspoken critic of the Obama administration. As the new chairman, he will lead oversight of the Trump administration, including a nascent investigation of possible ties between Russia and President Donald Trump’s campaign.

Chaffetz is a Utah Republican who’s stepping down June 30 to pursue a private-sector career.