Months after the attack on the Capitol last January 6, there have been speculations circulating online regarding another possible repeat of the insurrection, only exacerbated by comments recently made by Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn. The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for his inaction towards Cawthorn’s comments.
Pelosi’s office released a statement Tuesday, criticizing McCarthy for not taking any action against Cawthorn for his comments regarding the Capitol insurrection. Cawthorn said at an event that the insurrectionists that were being detained were “political hostages” and appeared to further encourage the threat of violence if people continue to believe the big lie peddled by the disgraced former President Donald Trump that the election was stolen. Pelosi’s office also cited other instances where McCarthy failed to take action against members of his own caucus as of late.
“Like he has several times this year, Minority Leader McCarthy is refusing to take action against a member of his conference who is calling for violence,” the statement said.
“McCarthy backed Representative Taylor Greene after she threatened to execute Members of Congress. He sat on his hands as his members and allies threatened the lives of police officers who responded to January’s insurrection. McCarthy himself even joked about hitting Speaker Pelosi with a gavel,” the statement continued.
GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who is on the House panel investigating the insurrection, also condemned Cawthorn’s statements. CNN’s Daniel Dale also fact-checked Cawthorn’s claims. The North Carolina congressman responded to the statement, saying that Pelosi misinterpreted his comments.
Meanwhile, in response to the new abortion law that was put in place in Texas, Pelosi is set to bring a vote to a House bill regarding reproductive rights when the chamber returns in session this month. The bill is known as the Women’s Health Protection Act, led by Democratic Rep. Judy Chu. The bill would establish a woman’s legal right to abortion nationwide and prevent states from implementing medically unnecessary restrictions on procedures.
This also comes as advocates look to make the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision into a federal law following the implementation of a law in Texas that would ban women who are six weeks pregnant from getting a safe abortion. Most women would not know they are pregnant until six weeks later.