Paul will succeed the current chairman, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat.

"I chose to chair this Committee over another because I believe that, for the health of our republic, Congress must stand up once again for its constitutional role. This Committee's mission of oversight and investigations is critical to Congress reasserting itself," Paul said in a statement.

Paul currently serves as ranking member in the committee, representing the most senior member of the committee from the Senate's minority party. The Republican party flipped the Senate in the 2024 General Election, giving Paul the opportunity to helm the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

The committee oversees broad responsibilities, including ensuring federal government agencies are run effectively, examining the impacts of enacted laws and studying the relationship between the federal government and local and state-level governments, according to the committee's website.

In his statement, Paul noted a few items he plans to address soon after he assumes the lead role. In its first hearing, Paul said the committee will consider reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy, which was installed during President-elect Donald Trump's first term and was repealed by President Joe Biden's administration. The policy required immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. to remain in Mexico while awaiting a court hearing.

Paul also said he plans to have the committee "expeditiously move" several people Trump has nominated to serve in his imminent administration, including South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who Trump has picked as his secretary of Homeland Security.

"I look forward to continuing the storied history of this Committee's leadership in consequential bipartisan oversight and investigations," Paul said.