Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus have formed a special committee to investigate the board that oversees the University of Texas system.
Dewhurst signed a proclamation Wednesday that named lawmakers from the House Education and Senate Higher Education committees to a joint panel probing the activities of the regents.
The action follows an emotional speech Dewhurst gave on the Senate floor on Monday. He joined lawmakers in honoring the work of Bill Powers, the president of the University of Texas. Dewhurst alluded to personal attacks on Powers and his family by the regents.
After the Senate adjourned on Wednesday, Dewhurst emerged on the floor holding a copy of his proclamation. He said the new committee will convene in the next few weeks, with subpoena power.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.