House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes announced Thursday he was temporarily stepping aside from an investigation of Russia as it relates to the 2016 U.S. elections.
According to Nunes, the move elevates Midland Congressman Mike Conaway, at least temporarily, to lead the investigation. Conaway is a seven-term Republican from Midland who is also the chair of the House Agriculture Committee.
“I believe it is in the best interests of the House Intelligence Committee and the Congress for me to have Representative Mike Conaway, with assistance from Representatives Trey Gowdy and Tom Rooney, temporarily take charge of the Committee’s Russia investigation,” said Nunes.
Nunes, a California Republican, said the move would last while the House Ethics Committee looks into allegations that he violated terms of discussing classified material following a secret meeting at the White House just more than two weeks ago.
Nunes denied wrongdoing.
He said, “I will continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as Committee Chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims.”
According to the Austin American Statesman, Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio said, “I am hopeful that under the leadership of Mike Conaway we can move forward in a bipartisan way that gets to the truth of Russia’s interference in our election and whether any Americans are involved.”
Conaway released the following statement:
“I have been a member of the House Intelligence Committee for over eight years now, and it is a responsibility I take with the utmost seriousness. My profession as a CPA and auditor has taught me to be objective and methodical, and that is how I intend to help lead this investigation. I am confident that Ranking Member Schiff and I will be able to work together to conduct an effective, bipartisan investigation.”
“I must emphasize that this is a temporary position- Chairman Nunes has my full support, and I am confident these charges levied by outside activists will be proven false. I thank Speaker Ryan and Chairman Nunes for entrusting me, along with Representatives Rooney and Gowdy, with this matter of critical importance to our national security.”
