Pelosi Won't Let GOP Reps. Jordan, Banks Join Jan. 6 Panel

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday said she would not allow Republican Reps. Jim Jordan and Jim Banks to serve on the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, rejecting two of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's five picks.

"With respect for the integrity of the investigation, with an insistence on the truth, and with concern about statements made and actions taken by these Members," Pelosi said in a statement, "I must reject the recommendations of Representatives Banks and Jordan to the Select Committee. The unprecedented nature of January 6th demands this unprecedented decision."

McCarthy fired back, pulling all five Republicans from consideration and branding Pelosi's move "an egregious abuse of power" that will "irreparably damage this institution," pulling all five names from consideration

"Denying the voices of members who have served in the military and law enforcement, as well as leaders of standing committees, has made it undeniable that this panel has lost all legitimacy and credibility and shows the Speaker is more interested in playing politics than seeking the truth," McCarthy added.

Pelosi had said she would allow Reps. Rodney Davis, Kelly Armstrong ,and Troy Nehls onto the Democrat-controlled committee, which she established after Republicans voted against creating a bipartisan commission to study the Jan. 6.

"Unless Speaker Pelosi reverses course and seats all five Republican nominees, Republicans will not be party to their sham process and will instead pursue our own investigation of the facts.," McCarthy said.

Pelosi had previously included Republican Liz Cheney, a vocal Trump critic, among the eight members she appointed to the committee.

Jordan is a dogged Trump supporter who served as one of his main defenders during his two impeachment trials, the latter of which was on a charge of inciting the Capitol riot. The then-Republican-controlled Senate acquitted Trump both times.

"What is Nancy Pelosi afraid of?" House Republican Chairwoman Rep. Elise Stefanik asked in a separate statement, calling the select committe "an absolute sham."

The committee will probe the assault on the Capitol by protesters who were trying to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's election victory, which Trump repeatedly claimed was the result of widespread fraud.

One protester was shot to death by police during the violence, while three others died of natural causes. A Capitol Police officer who had been attacked by protesters died the following day.