House GOP leaders moved Monday to remove Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, from all of his committee assignments in the wake of racially fueled remarks, The Hill reported.
According to The Hill, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. — who vowed Sunday "action will be taken" in response to King's comments — told reporters after a meeting of the Republican Steering Committee that King would not receive any committee assignments for the new Congress.
King had been a member of the House Judiciary, Agriculture and Small Business committees. He had also served as chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice in the last Congress, and could have stood to serve as its ranking member under the Democratic majority, The Hill reported.
Denying King committee assignments severely limits his influence in Congress, The Hill noted — pointing out the Agriculture Committee, in particular, is considered a prime spot for lawmakers who represent states with agricultural industries.
"We will not be seating Steve King on any committees in the 116th Congress," McCarthy told reporters.
King has insisted his remarks were taken out of context and criticized McCarthy's decision, The Hill reported.
"Leader McCarthy's decision to remove me from committees is a political decision that ignores the truth," King said in a statement.
He made no indication he plans to resign because of the firestorm.
"Ultimately, I told him 'You have to do what you have to do, and I will do what I have to do.' I will continue to point out the truth and work with all the vigor that I have to represent 4th District Iowans for at least the next two years," King said, The Hill reported.
"When I used the word 'THAT' it was in reference ONLY to Western Civilization and NOT to any previously stated evil ideology ALL of which I have denounced. My record as a vocal advocate for Western Civilization is nearly as full as my record in defense of Freedom of Speech."
House Democrats are expected to put a resolution introduced by Majority Whip James Clyburn, S.C., on the floor for a vote Tuesday to formally disapprove of King's remarks, The Hill reported.
Two other House Democrats unveiled resolutions earlier Monday to censure King.
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