WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, delivered the following opening remarks at the House Judiciary Committee organizational meeting:

“I want to welcome all the returning and new Members of the Committee to our Full Committee organizational meeting for the 116th Congress. I also want to congratulate the Distinguished Gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Collins, for becoming the new Ranking Member of the Committee. In just three terms, he has already authored significant legislation, served as Vice Chair of the Republican Caucus, and now becomes the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. I look forward to working with him in the coming years.

“We meet today to introduce new Members of the Committee on both sides of the aisle; to adopt our Committee Rules of Procedure for the 116th Congress; and to appoint Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Members, as well as to approve the assignment of Members to Subcommittees.

“This Committee, historically, has been one of the busiest and most productive committees in the House, and I expect that to remain true this Congress.

“We also have a well-earned reputation for having some contentious debates, and I expect that to remain true as well. I know, however, that all of our Members will treat each other with respect and with civility, no matter how passionate we may be about the issues at hand.

“I also hope that we will find many issues on which we can work together on a bipartisan basis. The Ranking Member and I have worked closely on a number of important bills over the years, including the Music Modernization Act and the Defend Trade Secrets Act, and we have already begun discussions on other areas in which we may find common ground this Congress.

“I look forward to working with him, and with all of the Members of this Committee.”