In a recent development, Speaker Mike Johnson has appointed Reps. Scott Perry and Ronny Jackson to the House Intelligence Committee, a committee responsible for handling classified information and overseeing the U.S. intelligence community. This decision comes after the departures of Reps. Mike Gallagher and Chris Stewart from the committee.
Scott Perry, a former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, has been a controversial choice due to his involvement in a federal investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. A federal judge allowed prosecutors to access Perry’s text messages leading up to the January 6th Capitol attack, stating that his communication was not protected by his position as a lawmaker. Perry’s phone was seized by the FBI in August 2022, leading him to express feeling “humiliated” by the situation.
In response to his appointment, Perry emphasized the importance of providing a new perspective and conducting genuine oversight of the intelligence community. He highlighted his commitment to holding accountable those who abuse their powers to spy on American citizens.
The departure of Gallagher and Stewart from the committee opened up seats that were filled by Perry and Jackson, with Rep. Mike Turner serving as the committee chairman. This decision demonstrates the ongoing changes within the House Intelligence Committee and reflects the leadership’s efforts to ensure appropriate oversight and management of classified information.
In conclusion, the appointment of Perry and Jackson to the House Intelligence Committee marks a significant development in the committee’s composition. The inclusion of Perry, despite his controversial background, suggests a commitment to diverse perspectives and rigorous oversight within the intelligence community. This decision underscores the importance of responsible leadership in handling classified information and overseeing the U.S. intelligence community.
Article Source
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4706151-johnson-picks-scott-perry-ronny-jackson-intel-panel/amp/