Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell and Ilhan Omar To Be Removed From Top Committees

(RightWing.org) – Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) finally obtained enough votes to take over as House Speaker from Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) in the early morning hours of January 7, concluding a four-day 15-ballot battle with fellow Republicans. With the Monday night passage of the new House rules package, McCarthy’s next big task involves staffing House committees. A new report indicates he’s targeting three top Democrats for removal from their powerful committees.

Punchbowl News’ daily newsletter for January 10 highlighted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s plans for upcoming committee assignments for Democratic Representatives Adam Schiff (CA), Eric Swalwell (CA), and Ilhan Omar (MN). House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is expected to rename Schiff and Swalwell to the Permanent House Select Committee on Intelligence and Omar to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

McCarthy to oust Ilhan Omar, Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell from House committee assignmentshttps://t.co/siZgIKOgng

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 10, 2023

McCarthy told Punchbowl News he plans on blocking those assignments. As House Speaker, he has the authority to prevent Schiff and Swalwell from serving on the select committee. However, the full House will have to vote to bar Omar’s appointment. Of particular note, Schiff is the outgoing head of the Intelligence Committee.

Explaining his rationale, McCarthy told Punchbowl that Schiff had lied to the American people “too many times” to serve on the Intelligence Committee. “Swalwell can’t [obtain] a security clearance in the private sector” and doesn’t deserve one as a congressman, McCarthy said, alluding to previous allegations that the congressman had ties to a suspected Chinese spy.

How a suspected Chinese spy gained access to California politics https://t.co/TQpouen1n6

— RC (@Ric7773) January 10, 2023

McCarthy didn’t address the reason for denying Omar’s appointment, but she has a well-known history of making anti-Semitic remarks.

Listening and learning, but standing strong 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/7TSroSf8h1

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019

In 2019, the controversial congresswoman posted an apology on Twitter after receiving harsh pushback from the entire Democratic leadership at the time, including then-Speaker Pelosi, for her “deeply offensive” statements.