House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of “cowardice” after he announced his plan to vote against forming a Jan. 6 riot commission.
“I’m pleased that we have a bipartisan bill to come to the floor and disappointing but not surprising that the cowardice on the part of some on the Republican side not to want to find that truth,” Pelosi told reporters Tuesday.
The California Democrat’s remarks came in response to McCarthy’s announcement hours earlier that he’ll oppose the commission, which is up for a House vote this week.
MCCARTHY TO OPPOSE ‘SHORTSIGHTED’ RIOT COMMISSION
McCarthy, a California Republican, said the commission is too narrowly focused and should include other acts of civil unrest and violence.
The commission legislation was drafted by the top House Democrat and Republican on the Homeland Security Committee.
Rep. John Katko of New York, who is the panel’s ranking member, is among the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump on the charge he incited the Jan. 6 riot.
But other Republicans are wary of the panel and believe Democrats will weaponize it against the GOP ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
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The panel would include five people appointed by Democrats and five by Republicans with shared authority to issue subpoenas.
Democrats refused to broaden the scope despite the urging of McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
