The GOP’s top lawmaker on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will temporarily take a spot on the intelligence panel while it holds public impeachment hearings.

Republican leaders decided Friday to move Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio to the House Intelligence Committee, where he will serve a key role cross-examining witnesses selected by Democrats, who control the majority. Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas is temporarily stepping aside to make room for Jordan on the intelligence panel.

"Jim Jordan has been on the front lines in the fight for fairness and truth," House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California said in a statement. "His addition will ensure more accountability and transparency in this sham process.”

[Related: Republicans 'serious' about moving Jim Jordan to House Intelligence for public impeachment fight]

Jordan has defended President Trump against charges he misused his office to get Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden. Jordan has also been critical of the closed-door impeachment proceedings and limitations on GOP participation in the process.

Democrats have scheduled hearings to begin on Wednesday with the testimony of acting Ukraine Ambassador William Taylor, who told lawmakers in a closed-door deposition that he believed Trump was holding back security aid in an effort to get Ukraine to investigate Biden.