House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is reportedly considering appointing a Republican to fill one of her party’s spots on the select committee to investigate the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6.
If Pelosi were to appoint a Republican, the breakdown of the select committee would be seven Democrats and six Republicans, as Politico reports.
The outlet also notes the move would make it more difficult for Republicans to label the investigation a “partisan witch hunt.”
According to Politico, two names being circulated in Democratic leadership circles on Monday were Reps. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and John Katko (R-N.Y.).
Cheney avoided questions about the matter on Monday, saying, “It’s up to the speaker.”
Katko made it clear he does not want the opportunity, expressing frustration with Pelosi for failing to establish a commission split evenly between Democrats and Republicans.
Pelosi introduced a bill to establish the committee on Monday.
“January 6th was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. It is imperative that we establish the truth of that day and ensure such an attack cannot again happen. The Select Committee will investigate and report upon the facts and causes of the attack and report recommendations for preventing any future assault,” Pelosi said in a statement.
She added, “Senate Republicans did Mitch McConnell a ‘personal favor’ rather than their patriotic duty and voted against the bipartisan commission negotiated by Democrats and Republicans. But Democrats are determined to find the truth.”
The bill says, “The Speaker shall appoint 13 Members to the Select Committee, 5 of whom shall be appointed after consultation with the minority leader.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is not confident Pelosi will appoint a Republican.
“On any committee, a Democrat appoints the Democrats, the Republicans appoints the Republicans,” McCarthy told the Washington Examiner.
The House is expected to vote to establish the select committee on Wednesday.