House Republicans on Friday killed a request from Democrats to investigate House Speaker Paul Ryan’s decision to remove Rev. Patrick Conroy, who has served as the House chaplain since 2011.
Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., brought a privileged resolution to the House floor calling for the creation of a select committee to investigate Conroy’s ouster. But Republicans moved to table that resolution, effectively killing it, and almost every Republican supported that motion in the 215-171 vote.
Conroy’s resignation is effective May 24.
The Wisconsin Republican’s office has refused to explain why Conroy was removed. But it has rejected the theory from some Democrats that Conroy was removed because of a prayer he offered in November that could be seen as critical of the GOP tax cut.
“As legislation on taxes continues to be debated this week and next, may all Members be mindful that the institutions and structures of our great Nation guarantee the opportunities that have allowed some to achieve great success, while others continue to struggle,” Conroy said in November. “May their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans. May Your blessing, O God, be with them and with us all this day and every day to come, and may all we do be done for Your greater honor and glory.”
Ryan’s office has also said Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was “consulted” as the decision was made.
