Sen. Graham Left Off Russian Hacking Panel

Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has championed launching a congressional investigation of Russia's meddling in the presidential election, got passed over for a spot on a new subcommittee conducting a probe, Politico reported.

Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Tuesday Graham, his friend and a South Carolina Republican, will not head the new sub-panel on cybersecurity, Politico reported.

"We're going by seniority," the veteran Arizona Republican told Politico, adding later Graham "has other responsibilities on Appropriations."

Instead, South Dakota GOP Sen. Mike Rounds will hold the gavel for the new subcommittee, Politico reported.

According Politico, Graham already chairs two other subcommittees, one with the Armed Services Committee and the other with the Senate Judiciary Committee – and seeking a third gavel would require a waiver from Senate leadership. Graham has not requested one, Politico reported.

• Intel Chiefs Told Trump About Claims of Russian Efforts to Compromise Him
• Sen. Coons: Intel Panel's Russia Probe 'Significant Development'