In a move that may reshape the dynamics of a historically bipartisan panel, House Speaker Mike Johnson has appointed Republican Reps. Scott Perry and Ronny Jackson to the House Intelligence Committee.
The Epoch Times reported that Johnson's decision fills the vacancies left by former members Mike Gallagher and Chris Stewart, placing two right-wing members on a traditionally centrist committee.
Speaker Johnson (R-La.) announced the appointments of Reps. Perry (R-Pa.) and Jackson (R-Texas) to the House Intelligence Committee, a crucial body responsible for overseeing the nation's intelligence activities and holding higher security clearances.
The new appointments fill the seats vacated by Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Chris Stewart (R-Utah), who recently left Congress. This shift comes at a pivotal time for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which engages in sensitive and often secretive proceedings.
The committee, tasked with scrutinizing sensitive intelligence material, traditionally conducts much of its work behind closed doors to protect national security. Historically, the panel has been known for its bipartisan efforts and often included moderates from both parties.
However, the committee experienced heightened partisanship during the Trump administration. Under then-Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), the Republican majority resisted efforts by Democrats to investigate allegations of Russia-Trump collusion during the 2020 election.
Under Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the Intelligence Committee played a significant role in the 2019 impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. With Republicans regaining the majority, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) removed Schiff from his position on the committee and later supported efforts that led to Schiff's censure.
Recently, the Intelligence Committee has attempted to restore bipartisan cooperation amidst a divided government. The panel has worked on bipartisan initiatives, such as pushing for reforms to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Scott Perry, who previously led the House Freedom Caucus, has faced his own controversies. He was investigated as part of the federal probe into the January 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol.
Upon his appointment, Rep. Perry expressed gratitude to Speaker Johnson. “My great thanks to Speaker Johnson for selecting me to sit on the House Intelligence Committee." Perry said his experience and perspective would contribute to meaningful oversight.
“I’m humbled by his confidence in me, my service to our Nation, and my experience in this arena," Perry continued. “I look forward to providing not only a fresh perspective, but conducting actual oversight—not blind obedience to some facets of our Intel Community that all too often abuse their powers, resources, and authority to spy on the American People.”
Rep. Jackson also expressed his honor and eagerness to join the prestigious committee. “I am honored to accept Speaker Johnson’s appointment to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,” Jackson stated.
“I am eager to serve on this prestigious committee to conduct key oversight of the intelligence community and ensure their focus remains on national security and protecting the American people at home,” continued Jackson. “Far too many bad actors around the world want to see America’s national security and status on the world stage destroyed, and it is critical that our intelligence community counters these efforts and keeps our country safe.”
The appointments of Perry and Jackson mark a significant change in the composition of the Intelligence Committee. Both members of the Republican conference are known for their conservative stances, potentially swaying the committee’s approach to intelligence oversight.
Political analysts note that membership on the Intelligence Committee is seen as a prestigious and politically significant position. It offers lawmakers opportunities to influence national security policy and engage with high-level intelligence matters.
Responses from other committee members, such as the ranking member Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), were not immediately available. Rep. Mike Turner’s office also declined to provide comments when approached by The Epoch Times.
While the committee has shown efforts toward bipartisanship in recent times, the inclusion of right-wing Republicans Perry and Jackson may bring new dynamics to its proceedings. Observers will be watching closely to see how these changes affect the committee’s work and its traditionally bipartisan nature.
The House Intelligence Committee will continue to play a vital role in overseeing the nation's intelligence operations, scrutinizing crucial intelligence activities, and ensuring the security and protection of the United States. The impact of these new appointments will likely unfold in the coming sessions as Perry and Jackson begin their work on the committee.
In summary, Speaker Johnson's recent appointments of Reps. Scott Perry and Ronny Jackson to the House Intelligence Committee are significant. These appointments filled vacancies left by Mike Gallagher and Chris Stewart and have introduced two conservative figures to the traditionally centrist panel. As the committee navigates sensitive intelligence matters, the presence of Perry and Jackson is expected to influence its oversight approach and potentially reshape its bipartisan efforts.
