Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard is removing two vocal Republican critics from prominent committee assignments as part of a larger reshuffling.
Rep. Phil Williams of Huntsville was removed as chairman of the technology and research committee. Rep. Ed Henry of Hartselle lost a seat on the education budget committee to become vice-chairman of the campaign and ethics committee.
Williams is challenging Hubbard for speaker, and both representatives have questioned if Hubbard should remain while awaiting trial on ethics charges.
Henry says Hubbard told him he needed someone on the ethics panel, and that no one would accuse him of being Hubbard's "lackey."
Williams says it had been awkward serving as a committee chair while challenging Hubbard.
The speaker says changes were needed after the recent deaths of two representatives.