Scalise Selected As Ranking Member of Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement upon his appointment as Republican Leader of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.

"Our number one priority in Congress should be confronting the many challenges the Coronavirus crisis has thrust upon our nation, and working with the Trump Administration and each of our states to safely reopen our economy. We must work on maintaining the health and safety of American families while also restoring a strong economy so workers can continue pursuing their dreams. Unfortunately, it seems as if House Democrats would rather continue to waste their majority on endless, partisan investigations that only serve their political vendetta against the President at the expense of the urgent needs of the American people.

"While I have strong misgivings about Speaker Pelosi's intentions behind the creation of this select committee, I am honored to be named by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy as the lead Republican on the committee, and I'm ready to get to work confronting the challenges we face. Rather than letting this effort devolve into yet another political witch hunt, I am determined to focus the subcommittee's work on three important areas that Speaker Pelosi continues to overlook: holding China accountable for hiding the truth about the virus from the world, helping ensure the success of the largest relief effort in American history, and providing clear and immediate guidance on how to safely reopen our economy. We must stick to the facts and keep our subcommittee focused on what matters: restoring the physical and economic health of the American people so we can reestablish the strength and security of our great nation. I welcome Chairman Clyburn and the other Democrats on this committee to join us in this effort."