Rep. Mike Turner says Speaker Johnson will 'assert leadership' if any 'improper' behavior by new Intelligence Committee members - CBS News

Republican Rep. Mike Turner, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, said Tuesday that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy would "assert leadership" if any "improper" behavior is exhibited by the two new members the GOP is putting on the committee. This follows the decision to remove Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell from the committee. The GOP has accused Schiff and Swalwell of misconduct, including citing Schiff's handling of the impeachment inquiry against former President Donald Trump and Swalwell's past ties to a suspected Chinese spy. While Turner did not specify what would constitute "improper behavior", he stated that McCarthy would address any such instances. Turner's comments came in response to Democrats expressing concern about the two new members, Reps. Mike Johnson and Jim Jordan, joining the committee. Democrats argue that Johnson has a history of spreading conspiracy theories and that Jordan has been accused of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Democrats have also criticized the GOP's decision to remove Schiff and Swalwell from the committee, calling it a partisan move. The controversy over the Intelligence Committee's membership highlights the growing partisan divide in Congress, particularly on issues related to national security and intelligence. It remains to be seen how Speaker McCarthy will handle any potential "improper behavior" from the new members. It is also unclear how Democrats will respond to the GOP's actions on the Intelligence Committee. The situation is likely to continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months.

Summary

"The GOP's decision to replace Reps. Schiff and Swalwell with Reps. Johnson and Jordan on the House Intelligence Committee has sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential misconduct by the new members. The situation is likely to continue to develop as both parties grapple with the implications of these changes."

Updated at: 06.18.2024