Updated: 4:57 p.m.

Majority Leader-designate Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said he is stepping down from the Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday in order to make room for other Republicans who would like a seat on the panel.

“Eric has decided to take a leave from Ways and Means so that other Members have the opportunity to serve on a committee that will no doubt play a major role in the new Republican majority,” spokesman Brad Dayspring said.

Dayspring confirmed Cantor would retain his seniority on the panel.

Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-Ohio) stepped off the then-Education and Workforce Committee when he became Republican leader in 2006.

It is a traditional practice for the Speaker and the Majority Leader to step aside from their committee assignments in order to devote their time to their elected leadership duties.

Both Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) stepped down from their committees when they assumed leadership positions.