Debates over the January 6 commission continue to intensify, thereby heightening political divides. Last week, the House Freedom Caucus called for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s firing after she blocked GOP Reps. Jim Banks and Jim Jordan from serving on the 1/6 commission. The caucus made this call in a letter written to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Pelosi stated that Reps. Jordan and Banks are too partisan; in their place, the House Speaker declared that Republicans and Trump critics Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger should instead serve on the aforementioned commission.
Reps. Cheney and Kinzinger have taken hits from the GOP over their views and rhetoric about former President Trump and other matters. On Monday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy referred to Cheney and Kinzinger as “Pelosi Republicans,” according to Fox News.
“Pelosi Republicans” in the GOP
Yesterday, McCarthy attended a White House ceremony to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act’s anniversary. As the event was coming to a close, the House Minority Leader was asked about the January 6 commission.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy on Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger: "Aren't they Pelosi Republicans?" pic.twitter.com/WW6dWR5M78
— The Hill (@thehill) July 27, 2021
When questioned about whether Cheney and Kinzinger would face retribution for their service on the 1/6 committee, McCarthy referred to the pair as “Pelosi Republicans.” The top House Republican also stated “we’ll see” in regards to whether or not Cheney and Kinzinger face punishment.
Later, the House Minority Leader was questioned about whether or not he’s talked to former President Trump about the January 6 commission. McCarthy stated that while he has spoken to the president, he doesn’t make a habit of talking about January 6.
I just requested a meeting with the White House to discuss how to best support the Cuban people in their quest for liberty against the oppressive regime in Havana.
The world is watching—this is a moment when the U.S. can change the course of human history for the better. pic.twitter.com/RWfRAGk9Bc
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) July 26, 2021
The GOP leader’s criticism of Reps. Cheney and Kinzinger comes after his criticism of Pelosi. McCarthy ultimately declared that the House Speaker behaved as an authoritarian by preventing Reps. Banks and Jordan from serving on the 1/6 committee.
Responses from Reps. Cheney, Kinzinger
Following McCarthy’s remarks, the press immediately sought comments from Reps. Cheney and Kinzinger.
Cheney didn’t mince words when asked by the media about her views on the House Minority Leader referring to her as a “Pelosi Republican.” The Wyoming Republican stated that McCarthy’s comment was “childish” and that important work to do remains.
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) responds to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy calling her a “Pelosi Republican”:
“I think that’s pretty childish.” pic.twitter.com/mpTviN7xCJ
— The Recount (@therecount) July 26, 2021
Rep. Kinzinger shared similar remarks. Kinzinger stated that “big things” are happening as Congress works to get to the bottom of the insurrection on January 6. The Trump critic also stated that McCarthy’s “childish names” mirror Trump’s conduct when he was president of the United States.
Finally, Kinzinger stated that he is a “Republican,” rather than a “Pelosi Republican.”
What do you think about GOP Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger serving on the January 6 commission? Do you think the pair of Republican lawmakers will face further blowback from members of their own political party? Share your predictions and thoughts below with us in the comments section.
