House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) along with Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) have both announced that Rep. Meadows is getting his Government Operations subcommittee chairmanship back after he was punished for voting against Republican leadership on Pres. Obama's Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the legislation that would allow Obama to bypass Congress and finalize his trade agreements with amendments.
Rep. Chaffetz openly admitted to punishing Rep. Meadows, although he said there were a “variety of factors” involved. After discussing a government data breach with Fox Host Neil Cavuto, Chaffetz admitted to doling out the punishment.
See the interview below:
After an apparent guerrilla campaign by House Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Meadows had shored up enough support to force Chaffetz to rescind his decision.
Chaffetz held a private meeting where he would list his grievances such as unpaid dues to the National Republican Campaign Committee and Meadows allegedly going back on his word to vote Boehner as Speaker of the House, instead choosing to vote for Rep. Daniel Webster (R- FL).
But none of that would hold up against the outpouring of conservatives, along with a majority of the Meadows' fellow Oversight Committee members, stating their desire to have Meadows back. Chaffetz reinstated Meadows the very next day.
Rep. Chaffetz said that he reconsidered that decision after speaking with Meadows throughout the week, creating a better understanding between the Congressmen.
"Last week I announced a change in the Government Operations sub-committee chairmanship. A number of people have asked me to reconsider that decision. Having spoken with Mark Meadows several times during the past week, I think we both better understand each other. I respect Mark and his approach. The discussions and candor have been healthy and productive. Ultimately, I believe we both want to do what is best for the country. Obviously I believe in Mark Meadows or I would not have appointed him to this position in the first place. It is in the best interest of the Committee to move forward together. Therefore, I have asked Mark to continue in his role as sub-committee Chairman.”
Rep. Meadows reaccepted his position with grace, while also sticking to his guns. He said he remains committed to his beliefs and the desires of his constituents.
“I greatly appreciate Chairman Jason Chaffetz' willingness to reconsider his decision, as well as my Oversight and Government Reform Committee colleagues' support. I will continue to vote and conduct myself in accordance with my conscience, what my constituents want me to do, and what is best for the country. I look forward to continuing my work as Subcommittee Chairman of Government Operations under the leadership of the Oversight Committee Chairman. I know we are both dedicated to conducting real and meaningful oversight for the American people.”