Key Takeaways:
- Representative Matt Gaetz, who had been under FBI investigation, has been appointed to the select committee investigating the weaponization of the federal government
- Gaetz was not part of the original slate of names announced by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy
- Gaetz replaced Representative Chip Roy, who asked for the change because of his demanding schedule
- Gaetz had vowed to block McCarthy’s bid for the speaker’s gavel but switched his vote on the 14th and 15th ballots to clear the way for McCarthy’s win
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has quietly appointed Representative Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who led the unsuccessful push to derail McCarthy’s bid for speaker, to the select committee investigating the so-called weaponization of the federal government. Gaetz, who had been under FBI investigation of allegations of underage sex trafficking, replaced Representative Chip Roy of Texas, who asked for the change due to his demanding schedule.
The committee appointment is a big prize for Gaetz, who was one of McCarthy’s most vocal opponents during the speaker battle. For weeks, Gaetz had vowed to block McCarthy from winning the gavel but switched his vote to “present” on the 14th and 15th ballots, clearing the way for McCarthy to win.
The weaponization panel will hold its inaugural hearing Thursday with witnesses including Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., as well as former Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii.
FAQ:
Q: Who is Representative Matt Gaetz?
A: Representative Matt Gaetz is a Republican representative from Florida who was appointed to the select committee investigating the weaponization of the federal government.
Q: Why was Representative Chip Roy replaced by Representative Matt Gaetz on the committee?
A: Representative Chip Roy was replaced by Representative Matt Gaetz on the committee because Roy asked for the change due to his demanding schedule.
Q: What is the weaponization panel investigating?
A: The weaponization panel is investigating the weaponization of the federal government.