House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has come under fire after blocking the assignments of two Democratic Representatives to the House Intelligence Committee.

On Wednesday, McCarthy blocked the assignments of Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) to the committee, citing their “partisan behavior” and “unprecedented obstruction” as reasons for his decision.

In response, Republican Representative Tom Spartz (R-Ind.) issued a statement opposing McCarthy’s move, calling it an “abuse of power” and “a clear attempt to exact political vengeance.”

Meanwhile, a Washington Post article argued that McCarthy’s decision was part of a larger effort to “erode the power of Democrats in Congress.” The article also noted that McCarthy’s move was reminiscent of former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s decision to remove Democrats from key committees in the 1990s.

On MSNBC, Rep. Swalwell accused McCarthy of using his power to “silence dissent and remove independent oversight” from the House Intelligence Committee.

The decision to remove Democrats from the committee has sparked a heated debate in Washington, with many arguing that McCarthy’s move is an abuse of power and an attempt to stifle dissent.