Gowdy Mocks Schiff, Cummings for Their Sudden ‘Embrace of Transparency’
South Carolina Republican notes a newfound craving for accountability — now that Dems have the House majority
By
Kathryn Blackhurst | Monday, November 19, 2018
Gowdy Mocks Schiff, Cummings for Their Sudden 'Embrace of Transparency'
Retiring Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) mocked Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) for their “newfound embrace of transparency” that magically appeared after the Democrats won the House majority on Election Day and earned the right to chair key investigative committees come January.
Gowdy is the current chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, but Cummings (above left), the committee’s ranking Democrat, is expected to replace him in January following Gowdy’s retirement.
Schiff, as current ranking Democrat on the committee, is expected to take the reins of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence from its current chair, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.).
After cementing their House majority, Democrats have made it quite clear that a flood of investigations and subpoenas are coming for President Donald Trump, his finances, his family business, and his administration.
“Fox & Friends” co-host Steve Doocy of Fox News asked Gowdy on Monday what he thought of Cummings’ interview Sunday on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” In that interview, Cummings insisted he would do “anything and everything” as chair to release special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation findings to the public.
“I would do anything and everything in my power to have the findings presented … not only to the Congress but to the people of the United States. I think it’s very important,” Cummings said.
“In this last election, what the public has said is they want accountability and they want transparency. And they have paid for an investigation by one of our greatest public servants, Mr. Mueller.”
Mueller reportedly is in the final days of his long-lasting probe into allegations of collusion between Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russia.
Gowdy scoffed at Cummings’ desire for “transparency” while also scolding Schiff for his plans.
“Well, I don’t know what he means by ‘everything.’ Does that mean divulge classified information? Does it mean divulge grand jury material? I hope not,” Gowdy said.
“I also find it ironic. I spent two years battling with Elijah, who wanted to keep lots of things secret, and I spent two years battling with Adam Schiff, who didn’t want anyone to know about the dossier or Fusion GPS or the FISA process,” Gowdy added.