House Republicans appointed top defenders of President Trump to a newly formed coronavirus committee they believe will be weaponized against the president.
Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced Minority Whip Steve Scalise would lead the GOP side of the panel, alongside Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who has led the effort to defend the president against impeachment and other investigations into the president.
McCarthy also appointed Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri, Jackie Walorski of Indiana, and Mark Green of Tennessee to serve on the panel.
Democrats passed a resolution in April forming the special panel, which they said will be tasked with overseeing the distribution of billions in federal aid to blunt the health and economic impact of the coronavirus.
Republicans voted against forming the committee, arguing there are layers of oversight already in place. They believe Democrats will use the panel to fault Trump for the spread of the coronavirus.
The panel is considered an investigative committee, and the resolution includes language authorizing lawmakers to examine the administration’s response to the virus.
McCarthy said Democrats “might use this to take another stab at impeachment.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina to head the investigative panel.
Republicans point out Clyburn is considered responsible for saving Joe Biden’s sinking presidential campaign by endorsing him in his state’s key Democratic primary.
“I know all these members will honorably serve the American people, making sure this does not turn into another baseless partisan pursuit,” McCarthy said.
