Updated

Rep.-elect Tim Scott (R-SC) says he's pleased with the announcement by Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) that Republican African American lawmakers are welcome to join the organization.

"I think it's very kind of her," said Scott, who is one of four freshmen lawmakers to help with the House Republican transition team.

Previous African American lawmakers who are Republican have served in the CBC. But not recently.

In fact, the election of Scott and Rep.-elect Allen West (R-FL) mark the first time the GOP has had African Americans in the House since former Rep. JC Watts (R-OK) in early 2003.