McCarthy stated that the GOP would not participate in the investigation if Democrats refuse to accept the members he appoints.
Pelosi mentioned the integrity of the probe when refusing to accept the nominations of Jim Banks (Indiana Rep.), or Jim Jordan (Ohio Rep.). Both were picked by McCarthy as the top Republican on this panel. They are both outspoken supporters of ex-President Donald Trump and their supporters set fire to the Capitol on that day, interrupting the certification of President Joe Biden’s win.
Democrats claim that the investigation will focus on whether Republicans participate or not. Pelosi has already appointed eight members, including Liz Cheney (a Trump critic) and that gives them a majority to proceed according to committee rules.
Within hours of the insurrection, Joe Biden’s victory was overthrown by both Banks and Jordan. Pelosi stated that she had spoken to McCarthy and said that she would not accept the two names.
Pelosi stated that Representatives Banks and Jordan should be rejected because they are not respecting the integrity of the investigation and that they insist on the truth and were concerned about statements and actions taken.
This move is a sign of the political tensions that have only gotten worse since the insurrection. The original plan by House Democrats was to establish an independent investigation that would be equally divided between the parties. However, Senate Republicans voted against that proposal last month.
McCarthy immediately released a statement stating that her move would harm the institution of Congress after Pelosi announced Wednesday morning.
McCarthy stated that Republicans would not join the sham process unless Speaker Pelosi changes course and seats all five Republican nominees. Instead, Republicans would pursue their own investigation of facts.
McCarthy attacked the Democratic leader during a news conference attended by all five members. McCarthy claimed that the panel had lost its “all legitimacy” due to Pelosi’s refusal to allow Republicans to name their members.
McCarthy stated, “The only way to reverse it is to seat those five.”
Many Republicans have been loyal to Trump, despite the violence of his supporters which sent many running for their lives. McCarthy didn’t know for weeks if Republicans would participate in the probe. But McCarthy sent five names to Pelosi on Monday.
Pelosi stated in the statement that McCarthy’s other three picks, which included North Dakota Rep. Kelly Armstrong, Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis and Texas Rep. Troy Nehls. McCarthy stated that everyone would be involved, but not all.
Nehls voted for Biden’s defeat, just like Jordan and Banks. Armstrong and Davis voted for certification of the election.
After all, two Republicans opposed the establishment of the select committee with 13 members in a House vote last week. Most Republicans argued that the majority-Democratic panel would carry out a partisan investigation. Only Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, voted for the panel.
Banks traveled recently with Trump to the U.S. Mexico border and to visit his New Jersey golf course. After McCarthy selected him to be on the panel, Banks sharply criticised the Democrats who set it up.
Banks stated that “Make no mistake, Nancy Pelosi established this committee solely in order to malign conservatives” and to justify the Left’s authoritarian agenda.
According to a senior Democratic aide, the Democrats Pelosi appointed earlier this month to the committee were upset over that statement. He was not authorized to speak on the matter but said they were able to express their anger. The person claimed that they were also concerned about Banks’ recent visits to Trump.
Jordan, the House Judiciary Committee’s top Republican, was one Trump’s most vocal supporters during his two impeachments. He last month likened Trump’s new investigation to “impeachment 3” and was impeached both times by the House and then acquitted both times by the Senate.
Pelosi is authorized to approve or deny members as per the rules of the committee, but she acknowledged that her move was unusual. She stated that the January 6th event was “unprecedented” and required her to make this decision.
Pelosi announced the eight panel members earlier this month. They are seven Democrats and Republican Rep. Liz Cheney from Wyoming. Cheney has harshly criticized Trump and been the most vocal member of her caucus against insurrection. Cheney was deposed from the GOP leadership in May for her comments. She was also one of two Republicans who voted to form the committee with Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger.
Next week will be the panel’s first hearing. At least four police officers from rank and file who were involved in fighting rioters on that day will testify about their experiences. As the crowd advanced on them and broke into Capitol Building, dozens of police officers sustained injuries.
Seven people were killed in the rioting. This included a woman shot by police while she attempted to enter the House chamber. Three other Trump supporters also died from medical emergencies. In the days that followed, two police officers committed suicide and another officer, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick fell and died later after engaging in a confrontation with protesters. The medical examiner concluded that he had died from natural causes.
