House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and fanking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) issued a rare joint statement Friday urging Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to attend “without delay” for a hearing on Monday to discuss the apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump.
The statement from top Republicans and Democrats on the panel signals that Congress’ scrutiny of the Secret Service director is bipartisan, even if Republicans have been more vocal and critical of Cheatle.
“Americans have many serious questions about the historic security failures that occurred at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is expected to appear before the House Oversight Committee without delay on Monday, July 22, to answer our many questions and provide the transparency and accountability that Americans deserve and who are in foundation of our government,” Comer and Raskin said in the statement.
Oversight Committee Republicans announced earlier this week that Cheatle had agreed to a July 22 hearing, but Comer later subpoenaed her to compel her appearance, saying it was a preemptive measure to ensure her appearance after Department of Homeland Security officials allegedly “appear to have intervened”, putting Cheatle’s presence “in question”.
In a letter responding to the subpoena obtained by The Hill, the Department of Homeland Security’s assistant secretary for legislative affairs said that while the department is “disappointed the committee was quick to issue the subpoena,” Cheatle “welcomes the opportunity to testify ”, but suggested alternative dates. later in the week. The oversight panel, however, is moving forward with the hearing scheduled for Monday.
Comer and Raskin do not have a warm relationship, with Comer’s investigation into the business dealings of President Biden’s family members and the House impeachment inquiry drawing a sharp contrast between the two men.
But the joint statement on the Trump rally shooting showed a rare moment of unity.
“On Saturday, our nation witnessed a grave attack on our democracy when a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Trump, killed an innocent victim and injured others. There is no place for political violence of any kind in our great country,” Comer and Raskin said in a statement.
“Our founders envisioned a robust and lively political debate in our nation, and we see that debate often in our Committee room,” they continued. “While we often have passionate disagreements over policy and investigative priorities, we are united in condemning all political violence and ensuring that America will prevent such a horrific event from happening again.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
