Overview
- The Clerk read letters from Chairs Tim Walberg, Sam Graves, and Jim Jordan stating Kiley’s committee memberships were vacated under Clause 5B of Rule 10.
- Congressional guidance notes that assignments are automatically nullified when a member switches parties or becomes independent under House Rule X, clause 5(b)(1).
- Majority Leader Steve Scalise called the removals a temporary, automatic step and said Republicans could consider reinstating Kiley.
- Kiley said he expects to be reappointed and will caucus with Republicans for the remainder of this term to remain fully functional as a member.
- In a March 19 interview, Kiley left open caucusing with Democrats next term; he is the House’s only independent and is running for reelection in California as No Party Preference.