Speaker Johnson Expands House Intelligence Panel to Include Stefanik, Cohen

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expanded the House Intelligence Committee from 25 to 27 members to reinstate Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) following President Trump's withdrawal of her nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The House unanimously approved the rule change, allowing Stefanik to return as the ranking member alongside Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), who was also added to the panel. Stefanik had relinquished her Intelligence Committee seat in anticipation of her ambassadorship but sought to return after her nomination was withdrawn by Trump, who emphasized maintaining every Republican House seat. Johnson had promised Stefanik's return as chairwoman of House Republican Leadership but only formalized the committee expansion and appointments in June 2025. Stefanik expressed pride in resuming her role on the Intelligence Committee and continuing to advance President Trump's agenda, despite reported tensions with Johnson over the ambassadorship withdrawal. This move resolves uncertainties about Stefanik's committee status amid the GOP's slim House majority.