(TNND) — A new Republican-backed rule in the House of Representatives is set to limit the Democrats’ ability to initiate investigations.
According to CNN, GOP leaders introduced a provision in a rule approved on Tuesday that restricts Democrats from forcing a vote on resolutions of inquiry, a tool often used by the minority party to launch investigations.
The timing of this rule change is significant for Republicans and the Trump administration, particularly amid the recent controversy involving Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his use of the Signal app for sensitive communications.
“We’re using the rules of the House to prevent political hijinks and political stunts. And that’s what the Democrats have, so we’re preventing this nonsensical waste of our time. We don’t have time to waste,” said a Republican leader.
Democratic Representative Adam Smith of Washington, a prominent advocate for a resolution inquiry, has been pushing for a vote to compel President Trump and Hegseth to disclose all communications regarding military operations conducted via the Signal app. Smith, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, has been vocal about the need for transparency in these communications.