The Republican Steering Committee on Friday approved adding Reps. Ted Poe of Texas, Jason Chaffetz of Utah, Tom Rooney of Florida and Gregg Harper of Mississippi to the House Judiciary Committee. The panel lost three GOP members in November when Reps. Tom Feeneyand Ric Keller of Florida and Steve Chabot of Ohio were defeated by Democratic challengers.

Ranking member Lamar Smith issued a statement saying there is "much work to be done in the year ahead," including strengthening national security by reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act, protecting children from sexual predators by funding the Adam Walsh Act and continuing to battle illegal immigration through increased enforcement. He said the new members' expertise will "help promote a strong agenda" in the Judiciary Committee.