Twenty former House Republicans are imploring current GOP lawmakers, including Kevin McCarthy, to comply with the Jan. 6 committee’s subpoenas.

It’s going to fall on deaf ears — but it’s a striking display from onetime colleagues.

What’s happening: In a letter first obtained by POLITICO, 20 former House Republicans are urging Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and four other conference members to comply with subpoenas issued by the Jan. 6 select committee, describing the probe as an important attempt to defend American institutions.

“We recognize it is rare for a congressional investigative body to subpoena sitting lawmakers. We also recognize that the subject of this inquiry is unprecedented in American history,” the former House members wrote to McCarthy and Reps. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). “A full and honest accounting of the attack and its causes is critical to preventing future assaults on the rule of law and American institutions — and ensuring that we all can move forward.”

Who signed the letter? The signatories are a group of former Republican lawmakers largely from the pre-Trump era. They include Reid Ribble (R-Wis.), a former member of the House Freedom Caucus, Joe Walsh (R-Ill.), who has become an outspoken Trump critic, Charles Boustany (R-La.) and Scott Rigell (R-Va.).

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