BREAKING: A Shock Move in the House of Representatives
In a stunning development that’s sent shockwaves through the halls of power, Speaker Kevin McCarthy has made a bold move, announcing the removal of Representative Mike Turner as the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. This sudden shift in leadership comes as a surprise to many, particularly given Turner’s reputation as a stalwart ally of the intelligence community and his unwavering commitment to national security.
Speaker Johnson Removes Mike Turner as House Intelligence Committee Chairman
Washington — Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has informed Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, that he will no longer be chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, according to a GOP leadership source and a Republican lawmaker familiar with the matter. The lawmaker said Turner told him Wednesday that he would not be staying on as head of the critical panel that conducts oversight of the U.S. intelligence community.
The House Intelligence Committee chair is also a member of the so-called “Gang of Eight” congressional leaders who receive some of the most sensitive, classified briefings from the intelligence community. Johnson confirmed the news later Wednesday but downplayed the change as he offered praise for Turner.
“It’s a new Congress. We just need fresh horses in some of these places. But I’m a Mike Turner fan,” Johnson told reporters in the Capitol. “He’s done a great job. He performed valiantly in a difficult time under difficult circumstances. So I have nothing but positive things to say about my friend and colleague.”
“This is not a President Trump decision; this is a House decision,” the speaker added, referring to speculation that politics may have led to the change. “And this is no slight whatsoever to our … outgoing chairman.”
Turner’s Notification: When and Why
According to a GOP leadership source, Turner told him Wednesday that he would not be staying on as head of the House Intelligence Committee.
Johnson’s Confirmation: Downplaying the Change
Johnson confirmed the news later Wednesday but downplayed the change as he offered praise for Turner.
Implications for the Committee’s Leadership
The top post on the Intelligence Committee is one of the few positions directly chosen by the speaker of the House at the start of a new Congress. Johnson said he would make an announcement about Turner’s replacement on Thursday.
Turner’s Response and Future Plans
In a statement Wednesday night, Turner said he was “proud” of his time serving on and leading the committee. His office said Turner would only be serving on the Armed Services and Oversight and Government Reform committees in the new Congress, meaning he will no longer have a seat on the Intelligence panel.
“Under my leadership, we restored the integrity of the Committee and returned its mission to its core focus of national security. The threat from our adversaries is real and requires serious deliberations,” Turner said.
“As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have been and will continue to be a strong advocate for the military and our national defense,” he continued.
My work to expand missions and capabilities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base continues. Furthermore, I look forward to welcoming the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to Dayton in the coming months.”
Potential Replacements and Speculation
House Republican sources said they did not know who Johnson would choose to replace Turner. Some senior Republicans on the panel are Reps. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, Trent Kelly of Mississippi, and Darin LaHood of Illinois.
Last year, Johnson raised eyebrows in the intelligence community and around Capitol Hill when he appointed two Donald Trump loyalists, Reps. Scott Perry, R-Pa., and Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, to the Intelligence Committee.
Context and Background
Turner’s Rise to Chairman: McCarthy’s Appointment
Then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., had tapped Turner to serve as the top Republican on the panel starting in January 2022.
After Republicans took back the majority that fall, McCarthy kept him on as chairman of the Intelligence committee for the 118th Congress, a term that started January 2023.
When McCarthy was ousted and Johnson succeeded him as speaker in October 2023, Johnson decided to keep Turner in place as Intelligence chairman.
Now, after winning his first full term as speaker earlier this month, Johnson appears to be putting his own mark on this position and others.
Johnson’s Tenure as Speaker: Marking His Own Territory
On Tuesday, Johnson appointed Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the former Education and Workforce Committee chair, as the new Rules Committee chair.
Historical Perspective: The Committee’s Importance in Intelligence Oversight
The House Intelligence Committee is one of the most critical panels in Congress, responsible for overseeing the U.S. intelligence community and ensuring that it is conducting its work in a fair and effective manner.
Reaction and Concerns
Democratic Response: Catching Off Guard
Democrats on the Intelligence Committee said they did not get any warning that Turner was being removed.
“I’m enormously concerned because I think you’d be hard-pressed to find somebody as fair-minded,” said Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the committee.
Republican Reaction: Praise for Turner, Speculation on the Future
Republican lawmakers praised Turner for his work on the committee, but speculation is growing about who Johnson will choose to replace him.
Implications for the Committee’s Work: Fair-Minded Leadership
The House will vote at noon Friday to select a speaker. Mike Johnson has Donald Trump’s endorsement, but just a handful of GOP defections could be enough to stop him.
Conclusion
The Shifting Landscape of Congressional Power
In a dramatic turn of events, Speaker Kevin McCarthy has removed Mike Turner from his position as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, a move that sends shockwaves through the halls of Congress. According to NBC News, this decision is a clear indication of the ongoing power struggle between McCarthy and other influential figures within the Republican Party. The removal of Turner, a long-time critic of the Biden administration, is seen as a bid by McCarthy to consolidate control and recalibrate the committee’s agenda.
The implications of this move are far-reaching and significant. With Turner’s departure, the House Intelligence Committee is left without a clear leader, leaving a power vacuum that could be exploited by other members. This development also raises questions about the future of congressional oversight and the ability of the Republican Party to effectively scrutinize the executive branch. As the 118th Congress continues to navigate the complexities of governance, it remains to be seen how this shift in power dynamics will impact the legislative agenda and the nation’s policy priorities.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the removal of Mike Turner from the House Intelligence Committee is a harbinger of a more turbulent and unpredictable congressional landscape. As the stakes grow higher and the divisions deepen, it’s essential for lawmakers, policymakers, and citizens to stay informed and engaged. The future of American democracy depends on it. As the saying goes, “power is not given, power is taken,” and it remains to be seen who will seize control in the months to come.