U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, R-Gainesville, has been named ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, a role that will make him a key player in preventing a possible investigation of President Donald Trump. “The Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction runs deep and wide, and I’ve been committed to advancing the conservative agenda as a member of the committee since day one,” Collins said in a statement. “It’s been an honor to legislate with my House colleagues and earn their trust. As ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, I look forward to the hard battles and noble work before us.” Collins said one priority of Republicans on the committee will be defending Trump against threats of an investigation, a move that the Gainesville Republican said would be an “overreach” but has been alluded to by Democrats.