U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney has been named to the second-highest position on the panel investigating the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol.
Cheney confirmed the appointment in a statement Thursday morning, when she said the committee is dedicated to “conducting a non-partisan, professional, and thorough investigation of all the relevant facts.”
“We owe it to the American people to investigate everything that led up to, and transpired on, January 6th,” she said. “We will not be deterred by threats or attempted obstruction and we will not rest until our task is complete.”
“I have accepted the position of Vice Chair of the committee to assure that we achieve that goal.”
The appointment of Cheney, one of only two Republicans on the panel, was announced to the leadership post on Thursday morning by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi, where he said her selection “underscores the bipartisan nature” of the committee.
“Representative Cheney has demonstrated again and again her commitment to getting answers about January 6th, ensuring accountability, and doing whatever it takes to protect democracy for the American people,” Thompson said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus has asked GOP Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to remove Cheney from the committee.
“We urge you to allow consideration of a proposed change to the rules for the Republican Conference regarding committee membership,” Biggs wrote in a letter. “This proposal is not because of a policy or political difference, but because some members have chosen to work with the Democrats to investigate and potentially remove Republican members from the House.”
Former President Trump has yet to react to the announcement.
