House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is considering appointing two Republican congresswomen to the Intelligence Committee, Punchbowl News reported.
Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., and Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., are contenders for the three open seats on the coveted committee, Punchbowl said. Johnson is not expected to decide until after the New Year, according to the outlet.
Lee is a former federal prosecutor who was previously passed over for a spot on the committee. She told Punchbowl she'd be interested in serving on it.
The intelligence committee keeps tabs on the U.S. intelligence community, receiving the most classified information about the U.S. and its allies, making it a sought-after committee for representatives, Punchbowl said.
The three vacancies were caused by House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., leaving to serve in the Trump administration and Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, retiring.
Stefanik's departure means no Republican women serve on the panel.
Johnson's role as speaker gives him a say over who serves on the committee. House Intelligence Committee Mike Turner, R-Ohio, was blindsided when Johnson tapped Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., and Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, to serve on the committee, Punchbowl said.