Deposed Rep. Schweikert to lead small-business subpanel

By Elise Viebeck - 01/08/13 10:50 AM ET

Republican Rep. David Schweikert (Ariz.) will examine regulations that affect small businesses as a House subcommittee chairman in the 113th Congress.

His new role, announced Tuesday by Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.), is likely to involve President Obama's signature healthcare law as implementation ramps up over the next two years.

Schweikert made headlines in early December after he was ousted from the elite Financial Services Committee by GOP leadership.

He ultimately voted for Speaker John Boehner's (R-Ohio) reelection — the only conservative ousted from a prominent committee spot to do so.

Schweikert was seen talking to Republican Leader Eric Cantor (Va.) before the vote on Jan. 3.

His new subcommittee will also conduct investigations and oversight related to small businesses.

Graves also announced that freshman Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) will lead the committee's subpanel on health and technology.

Collins beat Rep. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.) in the upstate district this November.

"I am pleased to announce these five hardworking, knowledgeable members of Congress will lead our subcommittees for the next two years," Graves said in a statement.

"Each of these members has a unique set of strengths and experiences to take on these leadership roles, and I know they’ll do great work."

— This post was updated at 11:05 a.m.