Cotton, Tom

Tom Cotton is a Republican senator from Arkansas serving since 2015, and he chairs the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, one of the most powerful and sensitive committees in Congress. As chair, Cotton oversees the nation's intelligence agencies, including the CIA, NSA, and FBI, and controls the committee's agenda on classified national security matters. This role gives him significant influence over intelligence policy, budget authority, and oversight of covert operations. His position also reflects his standing within the Republican Party, as he additionally chairs the Senate Republican Conference.

Cotton's background uniquely positions him for this leadership role. After earning his law degree from Harvard Law School and completing a clerkship on the federal bench, he practiced law in Washington before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2005. His military service and legal training provide him with both operational understanding and institutional knowledge relevant to intelligence and national security oversight. He also serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, further cementing his focus on defense and security matters.

As chair of the Intelligence Committee, Cotton has shaped the committee's work around his known priorities. He is widely recognized for hawkish foreign policy positions, particularly regarding China, Iran, and Middle Eastern affairs. These views have informed his approach to intelligence oversight and the committee's investigative priorities. His legislative agenda, reflected in over 170 sponsored bills, includes measures on financial institutions, visa transparency, and national security matters.

Cotton's political standing reflects his influence within the Republican caucus. His election to the Senate in 2014, defeating incumbent Democrat Mark Pryor, and his subsequent rise to chair two major committees demonstrate his prominence in GOP leadership. He represents a more assertive approach to foreign policy and national security within the Republican Party, and his committee positions allow him to advance these priorities through oversight and legislative action.