McCarthy stated Thursday that he was "not making any threats about placement in committees" but also said that he doesn't know of any cases in which a Republican would be given their assignments by the speaker.He said that he was surprised that she would accept anything from Speaker Pelosi. He also mentioned Cheney and suggested that she may be closer to Pelosi than we are.After a meeting with Pelosi and the other members of the select panel, Cheney seemed unaffected. She indicated that she hadn't spoken with McCarthy and was not being told she would lose her assignment to the committee.She said that it was clear to her, as Ive stated, that my oath is above partisanship, and she expected Leader McCarthy to share the same view.Thompson declined to give details about how his panel would examine Trump's role during the siege, but he has left the possibility open for McCarthy and the former president to testify. Democrats indicated that they would also investigate security deficiencies that were revealed by the protesters who robbed the Capitol on that day. The first hearing of the panel, which is not yet scheduled, will include members of Capitol Police who will "testify about their experiences" in defense of the complex on January 6.Many lawmakers from both parties feel that Trump will be under intense scrutiny as the panel investigates the root causes of violence. Democrats believe Cheney's presence shows how serious they intend to take matters."We must figure out who orchestrated the violence on Jan. 6." What was their motivation for organizing it? Rep. Jamie Raskin (D.Md. The investigation's goals are described in the following:Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, indicated that investigations began on Jan. 6, but said that they would continue. He also stated that there needs to be a single committee who focuses on this matter and compiling a comprehensive and authoritative report.Pelosis announced that eight of the eight members she picked for the panel have had experience with Trump's presidency. During Trump's second impeachment trial, Raskin was the leader of Democrats in response to the Jan. 6, attacks. When Democrats impeached Trump in 2019, Schiff was the lead impeachment administrator. A former impeachment administrator, Zoe Lofgren (D.Calif.), is also a member of the House Administration Committee Chair.Additional panel members were Reps. Pete Aguilar, a member the Pelosis leadership team and two Democrats with national security backgrounds: Elaine Luria and Reps. Stephanie Murphy from Florida.According to someone familiar with the conversation, Cheney is the most prominent name on the Pelosis committee's list. He accepted a position from the speaker via phone on Thursday morning. Pelosi was privately hoped by many Democrats to appoint Trump's antagonist to mitigate the partisan rancor likely to ensue as the investigation continues.Pelosi, along with other Democratic candidates, stated that she was "very honored and proud" that Cheney agreed to be a member of the committee. Cheney was not present at the press conference.A number of Republican lawmakers refused to comment on Cheney's pick. Some said they were waiting for McCarthy's plans to be revealed, while others stated that they are generally concerned about their party’s internal dynamic over Jan. 6. Pro-Trump GOP members have actively begun to downplay the violence in the attack on Congress, with some even seeking seats on the select committee.Rep. Kelly Armstrong, Republican-N.D., was asked his reaction to Cheney's nomination.McCarthy has already called on his GOP conference not to participate in panels work. He also warned that he could remove any Republican from a Pelosi-appointed committee assignment. They choose to take part. Pelosi retorted that McCarthy's threat was not her concern. "Go to him and ask about his statements.McCarthy could try to remove Cheney from her committees without the approval of the top Republican on one her panels.Rep. Mike Rogers, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, stated that he doesn't believe any Republican should be involved in this Democrat-controlled Sham Theater. That is not my position. Any member can do what they want, regardless of whether or not it is productive.Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger was the other Republican to vote Wednesday for the creation of the select committee. He dismissed McCarthy's attempts to scare away Republicans who might accept a Pelosi invitation to serve."Who gives a damn?" Kinzinger responded Thursday morning to the warning by the California Republican. Kinzinger posted a cheer after Cheney was granted a seat by Pelosi: "Fantastic news!"Ironically, I think the threat to remove committees is ironic. You won't go after white supremacists or space lasers but those who tell truth. Kinzinger also spoke out about McCarthy's hint that he would take away committee assignments from any Pelosi-appointed members of the panel.Kinzinger's reference to "space lasers", and "white supremacist persons" is a nod to Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar (R–Ariz.), respectively. After a series of incendiary comments, Greene lost her committee assignments, and Gosar spoke at an earlier conference organized by a prominent white nationist.Cheney stated that "What happened January 6th cannot happen again" and she accepted Pelosi's offer. "Those responsible for the attack must be held accountable. This select committee will take on that responsibility in a professional and expeditious manner.McCarthy declined to comment on Thursday whether he would make recommendations for GOP members to the Democrat-led Committee. Pelosi indicated that she could proceed without his suggestions.Pelosi stated that McCarthy's selections for the panel were "we hope they would choose them expeditiously." Pelosi stated that if he does not, "Well, then we have a majority."However, the California Republican's Wednesday closed-door warning to conference members suggested that he is preparing to undermine the Jan. 6 committee.Punchbowl News first reported the warning.Olivia Beavers contributed to the report.
