House Republicans disband subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

House Republicans on the Oversight and Accountability Committee have disbanded the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties subcommittee, but remain adamant that lawmakers would continue to address such issues.

"Let me be very clear: any topic that's not mentioned in the subcommittee jurisdiction is reserved for the full committee. We can have a committee hearing in this committee on basically anything we want," said committee chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., according to The Hill.

Democrats were livid at the news, contending that the GOP's elimination of the panel indicated that such matters were not of meaningful import to lawmakers.

Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett said the move sends an "unmistakable message to the American people that their civil rights and civil liberties are no longer a priority" in Congress.

A spokesperson for the committee told The Hill that the subcommittee's disbandment was the product of a GOP reorganization of various administrative panels for efficiency purposes.

"Oversight Republicans are realigning subcommittees to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the federal government and all its agencies," the spokesperson said. "Going forward, subcommittees will now be better equipped to meet our mission, identify problems, and propose meaningful legislative reforms for the American people."