Household Republicans break up on how James Comer is dealing with new Oversight Committee function

Household Republicans break up on how James Comer is dealing with new Oversight Committee function [ad_1]

Since using more than the Household Oversight Committee before this calendar year, Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has strike the floor operating with a quantity of investigations into the Biden administration. But not all social gathering associates are on board with the total-throttle tactic.

In his initial two months as committee chairman, Comer has opened a number of inquiries into every thing from the Afghanistan withdrawal to Hunter Biden’s laptop computer to Ukraine navy support. The Kentucky Republican has squandered no time in requesting files and info from many governing administration companies, as nicely as keeping hearings on an array of subjects.

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Even so, the tactic has prompted some GOP aides to voice considerations that Comer could be overextending himself — and potentially inserting himself into other committees’ affairs.

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Rep. James Comer.

(AP Picture/Jacquelyn Martin)

In one particular illustration, the Oversight Committee despatched letters to a number of Biden administration officers previous thirty day period looking for info on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. These requests lifted the eyebrows of lawmakers on the International Affairs and Armed Providers committees, who are presently investigating the withdrawal.

“I was a tiny stunned,” International Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) informed Punchbowl News. “But we have talked considering that then. We’re functioning it out.”

Even so, Democrats on the International Affairs Committee say Comer’s endeavours are basically staying utilized as approaches to politicize the chaotic navy procedure to use as marketing campaign fodder in the 2024 election cycle.

“Given what occurred with Benghazi, it appears to be practically certain the Republicans are heading to [go at this in the] most crass, partisan way,” Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) informed the outlet. “We have established up a bipartisan, bicameral fee that is wanting into this. It appears to be like they are heading to enjoy politics with it from just about every angle they can believe of.”

Comer also despatched letters to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg late previous thirty day period looking for info on the Ohio practice derailment, increasing concerns from some GOP aides who stated the incident was much better remaining to lawmakers on the Strength and Commerce or Transportation and Infrastructure committees.

“There’s a large big difference among oversight exactly where you have skills and oversight to churn out push releases,” a Household GOP aide stated, in accordance to Punchbowl News. “Everyone imagined he’d understand from prior chairmen and perform in a a lot more coordinated way. It is been really the reverse.”

Comer has defended his steps on the committee as a result considerably, arguing that the panel will not squander time duplicating endeavours.

“Sometimes we get criticized for not performing sufficient. But then we get criticized for performing far too significantly,” Comer stated. “Just due to the fact we ask for info does not indicate we’re heading to be the committee that has a total listening to on it.”

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