Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, has released a statement on the reinstatement of her committee assignments today, saying, “This decision has been a long time coming and is good news for my district and the people throughout Idaho who believe in a republic form of government,” and adding that she believes House Speaker Scott Bedke has “overreaching authority” and handled the matter in an “unprofessional manner.” Scott also says she "will remain positive."

Here is her full statement, sent out in a newsletter to constituents this afternoon:

“After a 20 day moratorium, Speaker Bedke decided to reinstate me back to my assigned committees and restore full representation of District 1 today.  This decision has been a long time coming and is good news for my district and the people throughout Idaho who believe in a republic form of government.  Considering the fact that punitive actions to this extent have never been taken against a legislator in the State of Idaho, I believe this situation has highlighted the overreaching authority of the Speaker of the House, Representative Scott Bedke of District 27.  The unprofessional manner in which this entire situation was handled reveals that there is room for improvement in communication, mutual respect and leadership inside the Idaho House of Representatives.  I believe Mr. Bedke’s recent statement to the newspaper is a bit disingenuous considering that he refers to my statements "and actions". To this day, he has still not completely told me why I was removed from my committees and he allowed the situation to escalate for unknown reasons.  My many apologies never seemed to be good enough to please Speaker Bedke, so I opted for a public apology weeks ago.  When that wasn’t enough, I was assured that one last apology to a small group two days ago would be the final requirement.  I believe this situation may have been used as a political distraction from a bigger political issues, but time will tell.  That said, I will continue to work hard to represent the people of District 1.  I will remain positive and will continue to be a strong defender of the First Amendment - no voice or opinion should be silenced.”