The House Judiciary Committee next year will be chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a strong backer of President-elect Donald Trump. Committees draft legislation and can issue subpoenas for testimony or information under penalty of contempt of Congress and referral to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) is seen by colleagues as a decisive favorite to topple House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.). Why it matters: A win for Raskin would be a major break with House Democrats' seniority system as multiple lawmakers try to oust older committee leaders.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) is ceding his position as top Democrat on the powerful Judiciary Committee amid a tough challenge from Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), whom Nadler will endorse. The move