Nancy Pelosi rejects two GOP members selected for committee 1/6

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“Out of respect for the integrity of the investigation, insisting on the truth and worrying about the statements made and actions taken by these members, I must reject the recommendations of Representatives Banks and Jordan to the select committee,” said Pelosi said. “The unprecedented nature of January 6 demands this unprecedented decision.”

The decision to reject McCarthy’s picks – something Pelosi was allowed to do under the rules that created the committee – is sure to spark furious objection from McCarthy and Republicans, who have accused Democrats of using the select committee as a political effort to harm former President Donald Trump.

Pelosi said she approved the nominations of Representatives Rodney Davis of Illinois, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota and Troy Nehls of Texas. Banks, Jordan and Nehls have all opposed certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Jordan has been a staunch Trump ally and attack dog in Congress, who was added to the House Intelligence Committee in 2019 ahead of the committee’s public impeachment hearings. Banks is chairman of the conservative Republican study committee.

Since his appointment, Jordan had expressed concerns that the committee would be too focused on Trump and even telegraphed targeting Pelosi as the investigation progressed.

“There is a fundamental question that I hope Democrats answer and address and that is why was there no proper security presence that day? And frankly, only the speaker can answer that question, so let’s see if Democrats raise that, “Jordan said Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Pelosi told CNN that a person’s vote to certify the election would not determine whether they approve it for the committee.

“Be clear, how people voted to assert Joe Biden’s election is not a service standard. It doesn’t matter,” Pelosi said. But she wouldn’t explain what she weighs in her decision-making.

In announcing his rejection of Banks and Jordan, Pelosi mentioned that there were “objections” with their selections, but did not specify what those objections were.

Based on how the committee was created, Pelosi is able to nominate eight members to the committee and McCarthy has five positions “in consultation” with Pelosi, meaning the speaker had the opportunity to oppose its veto on its selections.

This story was updated with additional developments on Wednesday.

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