Some House Republicans are reportedly so upset with 13 members of their caucus for supporting the bipartisan infrastructure bill that they are planning to push their leaders in the House to strip them of committee assignments.
According to Punchbowl News, top Republicans in the House are “bracing” for an attempt by some in the party to force Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to strip the members of their committee assignments for supporting a historic federal investment in America’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, mass transit, rail, airports, ports and waterways.
They are upset that some members of their caucus voted early on the bill which undermined their strategy. McCarthy wanted to force Pelosi to find enough Democratic votes to ensure passage of the bill before freeing vulnerable Republicans to support the package.
According to Punchbowl news, much of the GOP House members’ ire is directed towards the ranking member on the Homeland Security Committee, Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y) who voted early for the bill. However, much of the anger towards Katko could be pent up resentment from when he negotiated an agreement with Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) to create a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
A number of far right members of the Republican House caucus have attacked the 13 Republicans who supported the measure.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene referred to them as “traitors,” while Florida congressman Matt Gaetz called out Rep. Katko by name saying he should be stripped of his ranking member status.
