House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH) defended two controversial Republican appointments to the committee.
Reps. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and Scott Perry (R-PA) have come under scrutiny for past behavior that raised questions about their credibility. In an appearance on CBS News’s Face the Nation, Turner downplayed concerns over the two.
“Both of them have military experience, both of them have had access to classified information before, and there’s been no reports of any incidences of their mishandling of classified information,” he said.
Turner further clarified that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is “going to continue to monitor the situation” and intervene “if there’s any indication of anything improper happening.”
Perry and Jackson are staunch allies of former President Donald Trump, who has been critical of the intelligence community and the FBI. Perry’s appointment, in particular, has frustrated Democrats, with Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) saying Johnson should “keep a close eye and make sure that people are respecting the seriousness of the committee.”
Perry has been criticized for his comments about the committee, recently writing that he is excited about “conducting actual oversight — not blind obedience to some facets of our Intel Community.” Turner said he has since apologized.
Jackson came under fire for allegations of “inappropriate conduct” while he was the top White House physician, including that he gave medical care while on sedatives.
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However, Johnson’s office defended the appointments to the Washington Examiner, with a spokesman stating: “Speaker Johnson has the utmost confidence in Congressmen Perry and Jackson to capably serve the American people on the Intelligence Committee.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to Perry and Jackson for comment.
