(TargetLiberty.org) The House Intelligence Committee which is currently under new leadership is turning its attention toward replacing the Democratic members that were blocked from seating on the committee.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the former chairman, was removed from the committee, while Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, was selected to chair the committee. Turner has noted that bipartisanship would be central to the committee.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy previously denied the recommendations of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., of Schiff and Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., to the Intelligence Committee. McCarthy has maintained that the two should not serve on the committee because of national security concerns. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also similarly noted that Schiff had previously leaked classified information.
Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., similarly told the Hill that the goal would be bipartisanship. He added that there were many thoughtful members in the committee and under the leadership of Turner the committee would try to focus on returning to a more bipartisan approach.
Republicans and former acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell have also said that the House Intelligence Committee should not be politicized and used against former President Trump or other Republicans.
Schiff however has said that McCarthy does not appear to be focusing on bipartisanship but rather he seems to be focusing on politicking the Intelligence Committee. He added that there has never before been a speaker that has interfered with which members sit on the Intelligence Committee.
The Democrats are now waiting to see which Democratic members will be nominated for the committee.
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