Topline
On Thursday, more than 12 House members who are most right-leaning signed on to a letter urging Kevin McCarthy to vote for Reps. Liz Cheney (R-Ill.), and Adam Kinzinger(R-Ill.), to be expelled from the House Republican Conference over their membership in a committee probing Capitol riots with a broad investigatory net likely ensnaring some of them.
WASHINGTON DC, JULY 29: U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, (R), speaks while Rep. Louie Gohmert (R–TX) (2ndL) and Rep. Matt Gaetz(R–FL) (R), listen at a news conference held outside the U.S. Capitol on July 29, 2021 in Washington DC. The Republican legislators spoke out about their visit to the DC correctional facility where January 6th Capitol Riot suspects are being held. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
The 16 new signers are all members of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus. They include Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Louie Gohmert, Madison Cawthorn, and Lauren Boebert (R.Colo.). At least three members spoke at D.C. rallies prior to the attack and others collaborated in efforts to overturn ex-President Donald Trump's 2020 election loss. This puts them in the crosshairs for the Jan. 6 panels sweeping record requests. Rep. Andy Biggs (R.Ariz.) wrote the letter arguing that Cheney and Kinzinger would be spying for Democrats at conference meetings where Republicans plan to counter the panel. McCarthy was then pressed to allow a conference vote. The fact that only 16 of the 40-strong caucus members signed the letter shows there is disagreement even within the House's most senior members about such a drastic step. Members propose a change in conference rules to expel anyone who accepts a committee assignment without approval from the GOP leadership. McCarthy said McCarthy had not ruled out the possibility of punishing the lawmakers, but that the final decision rests with the conference. Biggs' proposal was presented to McCarthy when the issue was first raised in July according to ABC News.
Chief Critic
Cheney and Kinzinger are not showing any signs of retreating. Cheney accepted a position as vice-chair of the committee and stated that she will not be stopped by threats or attempts to obstruct the process. Forbes was also told by Maura Gillespie, Kinzinger spokesperson, that repeated calls from some members to oust Kinzinger and Cheney raise questions about their motives.
Important Background
Both Kinzger and Cheney, vocal opponents of the pro-Trump elements in their respective parties, are the two Republican members of this committee. They were both appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. McCarthy withdrew five of his five choices for the panel after Pelosi refused two seats: Reps. Jim Banks and Jim Jordan (R-Ind.). Jim Jordan (R–Ohio) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.).
Important Quote
Biden's strategy of arming, equipping and threatening those who wish to harm us is deplorable. The GOP conference should not follow suit. Boebert stated in a statement that Kinzinger and Cheney should be removed immediately from our conference.
