Firebrand Republicans expected to head major Senate committees: report

Three firebrand Republican senators will chair major committees when the chamber returns in January, according to a report.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) will chair the chamber's Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, CNN reported. He's already the ranking member of that committee.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is expected to chair the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, according to the report, and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) will chair the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

The expected appointments come as the party also prepares to select a Senate leader successor for Sen. Mitch McConnell.

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Meanwhile, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) is "on track" to head the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, according to CNN, despite her past criticism of President-elect Donald Trump.

Additionally, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) will head the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Michael Crapo (R-ID) will chair the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) is expected to head the chamber's Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) plans to become chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Click here for the full list of expected Senate appointments from CNN.