Exciting promotions in the influential Intelligence Committee

There was a time when the House Intelligence Committee brought together Democrats and elected Republicans distinguished by their experience, seriousness, and refusal to give in to partisanship. This approach was logical, because the members of this committee receive the most valuable secrets of the American spy services and address issues affecting the national security of the United States. That was before Donald Trump arrived in Washington. The latest example of the former president's toxic influence has not only angered Democrats on the committee, but Republicans as well.

Short flashback. Earlier this month, House Speaker Mike Johnson appointed two of Trump's most bitter allies, Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry and fellow Texan Ronnie Jackson, to the committee. The former was involved in Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and refused to submit to a subpoena to testify before the committee investigating the attack on the Capitol. The other was demoted by the Navy in July 2022 after a damaging report from the Pentagon's inspector general, which corroborated sexual harassment allegations regarding his inappropriate conduct as White House physician. He spends three-quarters of his time posting false messages on social media praising Trump or attacking Democrats, including Joe Biden.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other Republicans have demanded an explanation from Johnson about the promotions, according to the newspaper Washington Post. Johnson responded that he promoted the representatives in part because Trump asked him to. To comment on a high-ranking Republican mail Speaking on condition of anonymity: “Johnson has changed his mind on this committee and politicized it again. He reversed any progress that could harm America's security. This is not the place to play games. This is not the place to appease anyone. This is where the real work needs to be done. »

Ohio Republican Rep. Mike Turner, chairman of the Intelligence Committee, learned of Johnson's decision regarding Perry and Jackson from the media. Fellow Pennsylvania Democrat Chrissy Houlahan, also a member of the committee, wrote a letter to Johnson urging him to strip the two Republican representatives of their promotions.

“There are literally hundreds of elected and honest members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, who recognize the seriousness of their oversight responsibilities.” I wrote.

Note: This blog's second fundraiser of 2024 launched Monday morning and is well underway. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed, as well as to others who will be taking action soon!

(AP photo)