Rep. Gowdy calls on NRCC to stop Benghazi fundraising

For more of our interview with Rep. Trey Gowdy, watch "The Lead with Jake Tapper" on CNN at 4 p.m. ET

(CNN) – Rep. Trey Gowdy said Wednesday his fellow GOP lawmakers shouldn't be fundraising off the Benghazi terror attack while a select committee, which he is leading, is investigating the 2012 assault.

The Republican from South Carolina told CNN's Jake Tapper that he would not be asking supporters for money related to the latest investigation and his colleagues shouldn't either.

"I cannot and will not raise money on Benghazi." Gowdy said in an interview with CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper."

The National Republican Congressional Committee, which raises money for House Republican candidates, published a blog on its website explaining the establishment of a select committee panel to investigate the Benghazi terror attack. In the same post, the NRCC also asks for contributions.

Asked specifically whether the NRCC should continue to raise money on Benghazi, Gowdy said, "I also advise my colleagues to follow suit."

The NRCC defended its actions in a statement Wednesday, warning that if Democrats gain power in the House, the truth about the attack may never be uncovered.

“The Obama administration has not been honest with the American people with regards to Benghazi, and if Nancy Pelosi becomes Speaker the American people will never know the truth," said NRCC spokeswoman Andrea Bozek.

"Our goal is to hold Democrats in Congress accountable who vote against creating the select committee on Benghazi and who continue to try to sweep this controversy under the rug.”

CNN’s Dana Bash contributed to this report.