Democrats complete key committee rosters amid McCarthy blocking Schiff, Swalwell

House Democrats have completed their slates of appointees to several key committees amid Republican efforts to halt the seating of Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar on the Foreign Affairs committee and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's rejection of certain nominees to the Intelligence Committee.

McCarthy formally rejected the selections of California Democratic Reps. Eric Swalwell and Adam Schiff to sit on the House Intelligence Committee earlier this month. McCarthy pointed to Swalwell's ties to an alleged Chinese spy and Schiff's past public statements on the Trump-Russia collusion hoax as justification for the pair's rejection.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated that his party's participation in a number of new, Republican-driven investigations would serve as a counterweight to any "extremism" from across the isle.

"Under the leadership of our four Ranking Members, House Democrats will endeavor to work in a bipartisan fashion where possible and will also stand up to extremism from the other side of the aisle wherever and whenever necessary," he said, per The Hill.

In Schiff's place will be Democratic Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, who will serve as ranking member, the outlet reported. Illinois Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi will lead Democrats on the House committee on competition with China, while Democratic California Rep. Raul Ruiz will lead his party's roster for the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Stacey Plaskett, the U.S. Delegate to the House from the Virgin Island's at-large district, will lead Democrats on the House subcommittee addressing the alleged "weaponization" of the government.

These committees and subcommittees will conduct a number of politically sensitive investigations, including those addressing the government's handling of investigations into both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.