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Meadows Gets Subcommittee Gavel Back (Updated) (Video)

Meadows got his gavel back Thursday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Meadows got his gavel back Thursday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Updated: 12:55 p.m. |  After all the infighting, after all the threats and bad blood caused by Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz stripping Mark Meadows of his subcommittee gavel, Meadows is staying put.  

In a joint news release, Chaffetz announced that he was keeping Meadows in his role as chairman of the Government Operations Subcommittee. Chaffetz said a number of people had asked him to reconsider his decision. “Having spoken with Mark Meadows several times during the past week, I think we both better understand each other,” Chaffetz said. “I respect Mark and his approach. The discussions and candor have been healthy and productive.”  

Ultimately, Chaffetz said, both he and Meadows wanted what was best in the country. “Obviously I believe in Mark Meadows or I would not have appointed him to this position in the first place,” the Utah Republican said. “It is in the best interest of the Committee to move forward together.”

Boehner Dismisses GOP Infighting as ‘Family Squabble’

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Meadows, for his part, said he greatly appreciated Chaffetz’s willingness to reconsider his decision, as well as the support he had received from his committee colleagues.  

“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,” Meadows said. “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.”  

Speaker John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, said earlier this week he supported Chaffetz’s decision to strip Meadows of his leadership role.  

“As the Speaker has said, there is a family conversation ongoing,” said his spokesman, Kevin Smith, in a statement to CQ Roll Call, “and that conversation will continue.”  

Emma Dumain contributed to this report. Pelosi Coy on GOP Infighting

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