House Republicans have elected Congressman Luke Messer, R-Indiana, head of the GOP Policy Committee, the fifth-ranking leadership position in the caucus.
The 41-member committee is the Republicans' policy research arm. Indiana's sixth district congressman describes it as a bridge between House committees and the full membership.
Messer says with Republicans now controlling both houses of Congress, it is essential that the party offer a positive agenda, and says the committee will be a key part of that effort.
"The American people obviously have given Republicans a sweeping victory across the country, and now we have a responsibility to deliver," Messer said. "The Policy Committee can play an important role, helping make sure that our conference is defined by our ideas and not just by what we oppose."
Messer led a three-way race with 40 percent of the vote on the first ballot against Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, and Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Georgia.
Woodall's last-place finish eliminated him, and most of his 61 supporters swung to Messer to give him the second-ballot win.
The position is the fifth-ranking majority leadership post, and gives Messer a seat in meetings of the House GOP's inner circle.
Messer is the first Hoosier in leadership since his predecessor Mike Pence gave up leadership of the Republican Conference to run for governor.
Messer was elected to his second term in the House last week.