McCarthy unveils new GOP-led China task force

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin Owen McCarthyTrump, allies pledge fight in election as some acknowledge possible defeat The Hill's Morning Report - Biden inches closer to victory Chamber-endorsed Dems struggle on election night MORE (R-Calif.) announced on Thursday the establishment of a Republican-led task force aimed at conducting probes and making recommendations to combat threats from China.

The California Republican cited China's failure to disclose information and spread of disinformation in the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak — which he feels could have played a critical role in preventing the pandemic — arguing investigations are warranted into the country’s actions.

“We have learned more about COVID, and one thing has become very clear: China's cover-up directly led to this crisis," McCarthy told reporters. “The Communist Party of China hid the seriousness of this disease, led a propaganda campaign blaming the U.S., used their supplies to exert influence and continue to refuse international experts to investigate what happened.

“It follows the same threatening pattern of behavior we have seen from the Chinese Communist Party for years, something that has long been a bipartisan consensus in Washington."

.@GOPLeader: "Today I'm announcing the Republican-led China Task Force, and I invite the Democrats to join with us." pic.twitter.com/0kY78qMqAv

— The Hill (@thehill) May 7, 2020

McCarthy said he previously worked with House Democratic leadership on constructing a bipartisan panel on China, but members across the aisle opted not to move forward during the final stages. He said he welcomes Democrats to participate in the minority’s panel.

“For more than a year I have worked with the leadership of the Democratic Party to put together a bipartisan committee on China with an equal number of Republicans and an equal number of Democrats. I did get to that agreement, we got to the point to actually name the individuals, so far that one reporter has actually wrote the story, but did not post it yet, before the Democrats pulled back a few months ago. Well, we cannot wait any longer,” he told reporters.

“The stakes are too high to sit idly by, which is why today I'm announcing the Republican-led China Task Force, and I invite the Democrats to join with us. There was one moment in time they said yes, a few months ago they said no. I'd say there was no more important time now to join with us together to work as one nation, as we face these challenges.”

The group — which will be led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaulMichael Thomas McCaulRecord number of women to serve in the next Congress OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Down ballot races carry environmental implications | US officially exits Paris climate accord  McCaul holds on to Texas House seat MORE (Texas) — will consist of GOP members who sit on committees that have jurisdiction over relations with China. House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz CheneyElizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - 24 hours to go House Republicans slated to hold leadership election on Nov. 17 McCarthy faces pushback from anxious Republicans over interview comments MORE (Wyo.) and Reps. Jim Banks (Ind.), Andy BarrAndy BarrRep. Andy Barr beats back Democratic challenge in Kentucky Reclaiming the American Dream Powell, Mnuchin stress limits of current emergency lending programs MORE (Ky.), John Curtis (Utah), Mike GallagherMichael (Mike) John GallagherReestablishing American prosperity by investing in the 'Badger Belt' Actors union blasts Democrat for criticizing GOP lawmaker's wife Federal commission issues recommendations for securing critical tech against Chinese threats MORE (Wis.), Anthony GonzalezAnthony GonzalezHow to expand rural broadband, fast and affordably Hillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll House passes legislation to boost election security research MORE (Ohio), John JoyceJohn JoyceJudge halts Trump campaign's mail-voting lawsuit against Pennsylvania The Hill's Coronavirus Report: GoDaddy CEO Aman Bhutani says DC policymakers need to do more to support ventures and 'solo-preneurs'; Federal unemployment benefits expire as coronavirus deal-making deadlocks Hillicon Valley: Livestreaming service Twitch suspends Trump account | Reddit updates hate speech policy, bans subreddits including The_Donald | India bans TikTok MORE (Pa.), Adam KinzingerAdam Daniel KinzingerTrump lawyer promises legal challenges: 'This election is not over' Biden takes lead in Georgia, makes gains in Pennsylvania Republicans rebuke Trump over claims of voter fraud MORE (Ill.), Darin LaHoodDarin McKay LaHoodHow to expand rural broadband, fast and affordably America can't afford to ignore the food service distribution industry On The Money: McConnell previews GOP coronavirus bill | Senate panel advances Trump Fed nominee who recently supported gold standard | Economists warn about scaled-back unemployment benefits MORE (Ill.), Guy ReschenthalerGuy ReschenthalerHouse lawmakers call for continued assistance to Lebanon Safe, responsible casino gaming supports state economies at crucial time Judge halts Trump campaign's mail-voting lawsuit against Pennsylvania MORE (Pa.), Denver RigglemanDenver RigglemanDemocrat concedes in competitive Virginia race Live updates: Democrats seek to extend House advantage 10 bellwether House races to watch on election night MORE (Va.), Elise StefanikElise Marie StefanikRepublican women break barriers in House on election night Women gain uneven footholds in Congress, state legislatures Republicans cast Trump as best choice for women MORE (N.Y.), Chris StewartChristopher (Chris) Douglas StewartAtlanta Wendy's 911 call the night of Rayshard Brooks's death released Tyler Perry offers to pay for funeral of Rayshard Brooks Current, former NHL players form diversity coalition to fight intolerance in hockey MORE (Utah) and Mike Waltz (Fla.) have also been named to the panel.

"They will be looking at a wide range of China-related issues, including influence operations targeting the U.S., including our universities, think tanks and media outlets, economic threats to our government and our allies, efforts to gain the technological advantage and role in the origin and spread of COVID-19,” McCarthy said.

The California Republican said he is also appointing GOP lawmakers to the newly established Democratic-led select committee on coronavirus despite previously having reservations.

The top Republican on the panel will be House Minority Whip Steve ScaliseStephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseHouse GOP celebrates unexpected gains Overnight Health Care: House Dem report blasts Trump coronavirus response | Regeneron halts trial of antibody drug in sickest hospitalized patients | McConnell says Congress will take up stimulus package at start of 2021 Democrats call Trump's COVID-19 response 'among the worst failures of leadership in American history' MORE (La.), with House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jim JordanJames (Jim) Daniel JordanCivil unrest fears grow as protests hit vote-counting battleground states House Judiciary Republicans mockingly tweet 'Happy Birthday' to Hillary Clinton after Barrett confirmation Sunday shows preview: Trump, Biden gear up for final sprint to Election Day MORE (Ohio) and Reps. Blaine LuetkemeyerWilliam (Blaine) Blaine LuetkemeyerMissouri Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer wins GOP primary Five takeaways from Fauci's testimony Yellen, Bernanke urge Congress to extend unemployment benefit boost MORE (Mo.), Jackie WalorskiJacqueline (Jackie) R. WalorskiLawmakers press CDC for guidance on celebrating Halloween during pandemic More than 100 lawmakers urge IRS to resolve stimulus payment issues Scaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach MORE (Ind.) and Mark GreenMark GreenUSAID deputy leader ousted in staff shakeup amid vote counting USAID acting administrator required to leave post by midnight Democrats unveil bill creating panel to gauge president's 'capacity' MORE (Tenn.) also being selected to sit on the committee.

House GOP lawmakers have been highly critical of Democrats’ decision to establish the panel, arguing it is redundant due to the other watchdog mechanisms in place and politically motivated.

"Unlike those who think this committee or this virus is designed to restructure government, the individuals we appointed have one goal in mind: truth and transparency,” McCarthy said.

“Despite the Democrats’ intentions, I know these members will honorably serve the American people in making sure this does not turn into another baseless partisan pursuit.”