R.I. Gen. Laws § 22-7.8-1
There is created a permanent joint committee of the general assembly on veterans' affairs to consist of fifteen (15) members of the general assembly, eight (8) of whom shall be from the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker, not more than five (5) of whom shall be from the same political party; seven (7) of whom shall be from the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate, not more than five (5) of whom shall be from the same political party. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner as the original appointments. The members of the joint committee on veterans' affairs shall serve so long as they shall remain members of the house from which they were appointed and until their successors are duly appointed and qualified. The chairpersonship of the committee shall alternate biennially from the senate to the house.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 22-7.8-1