McCarthy reportedly makes 'stark threat' to Republicans over Jan. 6 committee


House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has reportedly issued a "stark warning" to Republicans, warning them not to accept an appointment to the Jan 6. select committee from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
McCarthy, Punchbowl News reports, during a meeting with freshman lawmakers warned that if any Republican accepts an appointment from Pelosi to serve on a select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, "they better be ready to get all their committee assignments from her." He warned them that Republicans must get their committee assignments from Republicans and not Democrats, "or else," Punchbowl writes.
CNN also reports that McCarthy threatened to strip Republican lawmakers of their committee assignments should they accept Pelosi's offer to serve on the Capitol riot committee, and the alleged threat was confirmed by Forbes, which cited two GOP aides.
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Punchbowl noted that it appears the only Republican lawmakers under consideration by Pelosi to serve on the committee are Reps. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who were the only two Republicans to vote in favor of the committee this week. But it was still a "pretty stark threat" from McCarthy, Punchbowl wrote. Senate Republicans previously blocked a bill that would create a bipartisan commission to investigate the attack on the Capitol.
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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
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