U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has appointed Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry (R-10th District) to the House Intelligence Committee despite an ongoing federal investigation into Perry’s role in trying to overturn the 2020 election .
“I am honored by his confidence, my service to our nation and my experience in this arena,” Perry said in a statement. “I look forward to providing not only a fresh perspective, but also providing real oversight rather than blind obedience to aspects of our Intel community that too often abuse their powers, resources and power to spy on the American people.”
The press release from Perry’s office also touted his military service and his role on the Foreign Affairs and Oversight Committees, which he said gave him the “informed and unique perspective” necessary to serve on the House Intelligence Committee.
As a member of the intelligence committee, Perry, a former chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, will oversee federal intelligence agencies, including the FBI. This agency confiscated Perry’s cell phone in 2022 as part of an investigation into attempts to invalidate the 2020 election. In December 2023, a federal judge ruled that Perry must release nearly 1,700 records from his private cellphone to the investigation led by special prosecutor Jack Smith.
Federal Judge Orders U.S. Rep. Perry to Release 1,700 Messages to Special Counsel Jack Smith
Members of the Freedom Caucus lobbied Johnson to appoint Perry to the committee, “Polityka” reports. last month, noting that some Republicans on the committee had reservations about the idea.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) sharply criticized the decision to appoint Perry to the committee.
“Scott Perry denies the election and believes Italian satellites stole the 2020 election,” said DCCC spokesman Aidan Johnson. He was referring to text messages Perry sent to then-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in overdue 2020 and early 2021 in which he mentioned the conspiracy theory.
“The FBI is currently investigating his involvement in the Big Lie and his efforts to go against the will of Pennsylvania voters,” Aidan Johnson continued. “He is the last person who should serve on the House Intelligence Committee.”
Perry was one of two Republicans appointed to the intelligence committee on Tuesday; The other candidate was U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX). They will both fill the remaining vacancies U.S. Reps. Chris Stewart (R-UT) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI), who resigned in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Perry is now the third member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives delegation to serve in this capacity committeejoining U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1st District) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-6th District).
Perry, who is seeking a seventh term in Congress, is being challenged by Democrat Janelle Stelson, a former WGAL anchor, in the race for the seat in south-central Pennsylvania. Stelson was recently elected to DCCC Red to Blue Program, an effort to strengthen Democrats in competitive districts. National rating agencies incl Cook Political Report rated the race as “lean Republican.”
