Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) says the select committee to investigate the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol should consist of Republicans who want to get to the bottom of what caused the riot.
NBC’s Chuck Todd on Wednesday mentioned the bill introduced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to establish the select committee that would be made up of seven Democrats and six Republicans.
“Do you think the speaker should have veto power over Kevin McCarthy’s picks? I mean if he really wants to put Matt Gaetz or Marjorie Taylor Greene on there, in a weird way isn’t that more reflective of him than anything else?” Todd asked Smith.
Smith replied, “It’s more reflective of him but the point of the select committee is not to be reflective of Kevin McCarthy and the Trumpian Republicans.”
He continued, “The point of this is to… figure out, where did this mob come from? What is motivating people to have this attack?”
Check out the video below:
WATCH: @RepAdamSmith says bipartisanship within Jan. 6 select committee is important, but it’s important to have Republicans who want to investigate the events.
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) June 30, 2021
“The point of the select committee is not to be reflective of Kevin McCarthy and the Trumpian Republicans.” pic.twitter.com/IjVAuOnXPF
Smith explained he does not think it would “help” to have Gaetz or Greene on the committee, adding, “There are a lot of Republicans in this Congress, in this House, who are honest, legitimate, people to work with. Let’s pick five of them and let’s get to work on doing what we should do here.”
Pelosi is reportedly considering appointing a Republican to fill one of her party’s spots on the select committee, as IJR reported.
She said in a statement after introducing the bill, “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.”
The House speaker continued, “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.”
According to the bill, “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.) does not believe Pelosi will appoint a Republican.
“On any committee, a Democrat appoints the Democrats, the Republicans appoints the Republicans,” McCarthy said.
The House is expected to vote on the select committee on Wednesday.
