Reps. Jason Chaffetz and Mark Meadows confer after a hearing in September 2014. The two got in a fight over Meadows' vote on fast-track trade authority, but on Thursday announced they had reconciled. J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Dethroned House Subcommittee Chairman Regains Gavel
Rep. Meadows to resume Government Operations panel work on employee issues.
In a change of heart, the leader of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has restored power to the subcommittee chairman who had vowed to be nicer to federal employees.
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., was demoted last weekend after incurring the wrath of committee Chairman Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, for voting against giving the president fast-track trade negotiating authority (a bill now likely to be enacted).
But on Thursday, the two released statements announcing their reconciliation.
"Last week I announced a change in the Government Operations sub-committee chairmanship,” Chaffetz said. “A number of people have asked me to reconsider that decision. Having spoken with Mark Meadows several times during the past week, I think we both better understand each other… Obviously I believe in Mark Meadows or I would not have appointed him to this position in the first place. It is in the best interest of the committee to move forward together. Therefore, I have asked Mark to continue in his role as sub-committee chairman.”
Meadows said he appreciated Chaffetz's “willingness to reconsider his decision, as well as my Oversight and Government Reform Committee colleagues' support. 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.”