Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) was named the Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee by the Democratic Caucus.
The position places Cummings in direct opposition to incoming Chair Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), who has indicated that he will use the committee to investigate the Obama administration.
By choosing Cummings, the caucus passed over current Chair Rep. Ed Towns and Rep. Carolyn Maloner (D-N.Y.), both of whom have more seniority on the committee.