House Republicans Look to Investigate Extremist Groups
House Republicans are considering various strategies to expose left-leaning activist groups if they’re serious about their plans for an investigative committee, according to a conservative policy expert.
A group of lawmakers, spearheaded by Texas GOP Sen. Chip Roy, is advocating for the establishment of a select committee, particularly following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on September 10 in Utah. A letter from the next day references incidents like the 2012 shooting at the Family Research Council and violent actions against congressional Republicans as justifications for a more aggressive stance.
The proposed committee could look into “the money, influence, and power behind the radical leftist attacks on America and the rule of law.” A Republican letter suggests it could lead to criminal penalties for individuals who refuse to provide information. This initiative might help shed light on powerful organizations accused of promoting left-wing extremism in recent years, according to the leader of a conservative watchdog group.
Scott Walter, president of the Capital Research Center, noted, “If everyone in Seattle’s ANTIFA group disappeared or were imprisoned, new recruits would quickly arise.” He added that the most radical elements typically consist of loosely organized breakaway groups from larger movements.
“If this committee fulfills its role, it could restore public trust in government and illuminate the factors driving political extremism that have long gone unaddressed,” remarked Chad Vangart, chairman of the New Tolerance Campaign.
Roy elaborated on his goals for the new committee, calling attention to immigration-focused nonprofits and criminal justice entities funded by left-leaning billionaire George Soros. “There’s been a coordinated effort here in Texas fueled by funding, and it’s been very evident,” he told reporters at Capitol Hill.
Roy claimed that these organizations influence criminal justice, stating, “They literally direct actions and help ease sentences.” He suggested that those with law enforcement backgrounds in Congress should lead the Select Committee, should it advance.
Investigating Financial Ties
Bringing transparency to financial sponsorship of leftist groups is a priority for the proposed committee. Experts have indicated that some tax-exempt left-wing organizations support smaller non-disclosed entities, making financial scrutiny difficult. For instance, Tides Center, a part of the Tides Foundation, has financially backed a pro-Palestinian legal organization that aids activists in avoiding arrest during protests, reporting substantial figures in its 2023 tax returns.
People’s Forum, a Marxist group involved in organizing protests, also provides financial backing to various small groups, potentially making it worth examining, according to Vangart.
In a broader context, a report from the Capital Research Center revealed that Soros’s Open Society Foundation provided around $80 million to groups connected to extreme violence, including those that have offered material support to ANTIFA protesters apprehended during riots in Atlanta.
The Open Society Foundation has previously stated that it does not fund terrorism and aims to promote legal and peaceful activities, reinforcing its commitment to supporting democracy and constitutional freedoms.
While Trump administration officials are investigating leftist organizations for possible links to Kirk’s murder, they have characterized these groups as having organized violent protests and coordinated efforts against law enforcement. “We’re committed to uncovering the full extent of this extensive network inciting violence,” officials declared.
Finding Common Ground
Walter and Vangart stressed the importance of differentiating this committee from the January 6 committee led by former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan approach focused on addressing the underlying networks of extremism.
Vangart mentioned that some House Democrats had recently attended a vigil honoring Kirk, indicating potential collaboration. Moreover, a report identified 150 activist groups, spanning both left and right extremes, which had been labeled as “pro-terrorism” due to their reaction to violence.
“We can agree that the massacre of any group is inexcusable,” Walter stated, suggesting that there could be unified opposition to extremist actions across party lines.
Vangart concluded, “This isn’t about scoring points politically. It’s about ensuring all Americans can feel safe from violent extremism, regardless of their affiliations.”
