GOP delay appointing members to House intel committee is stalling investigations into Trump and his family: report

According to a report by the Daily Beast's Spencer Ackerman, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has yet to appoint new Republican members to the now-Democratic-controlled House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, thereby holding back Democratic members from investigating President Donald Trump and his family members.

Three weeks into a new Congress, the Democrats have filled their open spots on the committee, while Republicans have yet to make any assignments with the exception of senior ranking Republican Rep. Devin Nunes (CA) who formerly headed the committee.

According to the report, no work has begun and McCarthy has yet to offer up members of his party to fill the spots, delaying investigations -- not only into Trump -- but some of his associates.

“That will be announced when it is ready,” explained Matt Sparks, a spokesperson for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who refused to explain the delay.  The report notes that a representative for Nunes -- who doesn't make the committee picks -- also refused to offer up an excuse.

Stating that Democrats have not accused McCarthy of intentionally hindering their work, Ackerman writes, "Committee Democrats suspect others of having lied or otherwise giving them misleading testimony. One, identified by Connecticut Democrat Jim Himes, is Erik Prince, the founder of mercenary company Blackwater. (Some on the panel want several witnesses back for additional testimony, including Donald Trump Jr., while stopping short of saying those others lied as well.)"

You can read more here.