WASHINGTON — House speaker Kevin McCarthy quietly appointed Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), to the select committee that is investigating the so-called weaponization the federal government.
McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Jordan (R-Ohio), did not announce Gaetz’s appointment. Jordan chairs both the Judiciary Committee as well as the weaponization subcommittee.
Instead, McCarthy’s nominations to the special commission, which included Gaetz, were entered into the Congressional Record a Week ago and only reporters noticed them on Tuesday.
Gaetz, who was under FBI investigation over allegations of underage sexual trafficking, wasn’t part of the initial slate of names McCarthy had rolled out for this panel two weeks back.
According to the roster of the select panel on its website Gaetz has replaced Chip Roy of Texas who was one of the GOP holdouts that helped broker a deal for McCarthy during last month’s fight for the speaker’s hand.
Roy requested the modification because he would serve on three very demanding committees, Judiciary Budget and Rules. He also has a young family. The special committee would sometimes meet after the fly-out day and will require more time in Washington, according to panel members.
Chip’s ability to recognize his limits is something I admire, the lawmaker stated.
Gaetz is one of McCarthy’s most vocal opponents in the historic speaker battle.
Gaetz had been vowing to stop McCarthy winning the House floor debate, saying McCarthy was “squatting in the speaker’s chair” before he secured the top job.
Gaetz voted against McCarthy on 13 ballots, voting for Donald Trump, Jordan, and Reps. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). After it became clear that McCarthy had momentum, Gaetz changed his vote to “present” on the 14th and fifteenth ballots. This allowed McCarthy to win.
Gaetz’s office didn’t respond to my request for comment.
Thursday will be the panel’s inaugural hearing. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), will be witnesses.
Kyle Stewart and Garrett Haake contributed to this article.
