Back in June, the House of Representatives passed a resolution launching a special committee to investigate the January 6th insurrection on the Capitol. Minority leader Kevin McCarthy could choose five committee members, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi would have veto power and the final say.

On Wednesday, Pelosi rejected two of McCarthy’s appointees, saying they could have “an impact on the integrity of the investigation.”

• Plus, an eerie first Olympic dispatch from Tokyo.
• And, why some rural Democrats are running against their own national party’s image.

Guests: Axios' Alayna Treene, Ina Fried, and Alexi McCammond.

Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Amy Pedulla, Naomi Shavin, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Go deeper:

• McCarthy pulls Republicans from Jan. 6 select committee after Pelosi rejects picks
• Olympic soccer players take a knee against racism
• Swing Country: Rural Dems run from party