House GOP pushes ahead plan for ‘election integrity’ panel

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A proposal to set up a Republican-majority state House panel to review the fall election, with subpoena power and money to operate, was muscled out of committee Wednesday over loud Democratic objections. “And I think that this bill would be a fatal blow to our democracy.” State Government Chairman Garth Everett, R-Lycoming, said his intention as the resolution’s main sponsor was to have the committee generate forward-looking recommendations. Democrats said they were worried about the resolution’s wording, which says the select committee should recommend “legislative, regulatory or other changes to improve the conduct of the 2020 general election or subsequent elections.” Everett stressed the select committee would not have authority to change any laws, only to investigate and make recommendations. It would report back to the House “at the earliest practicable date.” House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, would appoint the select committee’s members, including the two Democrats. Democratic Leader Frank Dermody called the election investigation effort a “power grab” and “the last thing the House of Representative should be doing right now.” Dermody, D-Allegheny, said the committee would be able to compel production of unspecified documents and other materials.