Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, will head congressional oversight of federal pay, benefits and agency management as the new chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee when the new Congress convenes in 2015, according to an announcement.

Chaffetz is currently the chairman of the subcommittee on national security and sits on the Homeland Security Committee subcommittee on cybersecurity and infrastructure protection. He is taking over for Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who had to step down from the position because of term limits.

He said he is committed to taking on the difficult tasks that being chairman of the committee requires and will work with other members of the committee, including ranking member Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., to effectively oversee the government.

"I look forward to working with new and current members of the committee, ranking member Cummings and other leaders in the House as we continue to ensure that taxpayers investment in government is spent effectively, efficiently and transparently," Chaffetz said in a statement.

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Issa said Chaffetz was an experienced leader who will continue to pursue transparency and accountability within government on behalf of the American people.

"Congressman Chaffetz is a valued colleague and demonstrated leader who will continue the work of the Oversight Committee in the next Congress. I am looking forward to working with him on the transition and moving my focus to other responsibilities," Issa said.

Cummings said he looks forward to working with Chaffetz on a bipartisan basis to oversee government and develop constructive reforms.

The House Armed Services committee will also receive a new chairman, Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas., who said in a statement that the country faces a wide array of national security challenges, such as cyber attacks.

"Congress has an indispensable role to play in meeting those challenges and the committee will work to see that our country remains strong," Thornberry said. He has served on the Armed Services Committee since being elected to Congress in 1995. Thornberry will succeed Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon, R-Calif., who chose not to run for re-election.

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