One Big Thing: Do you support a bipartisan congressional commission to investigate the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol?
Join us and take our poll
Today, the house will vote to create a bipartisan commission to investigate the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6. The legislation, formally known as National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act, will be similar to the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States which was created after the 9/11 attacks. House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson, (D-MS) and committee ranking member Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y) led the bipartisan discussions which agreed that the commission should investigate “the facts and circumstances of the January 6th attack on the Capitol as well as the influencing factors that may have provoked the attack on our democracy.”
Despite the protracted negotiation, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has come out in opposition of the commission. McCarthy accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of playing politics and called for a broader scope. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has also come out against the commission, calling it “slanted and unbalanced”. In the Senate, the legislation has garnered Republican support, including Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota and Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitt Romney of Utah. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has promised to introduce to the floor if it passes in the House.
In function, the commission will have the authority to issue subpoenas to secure information to carry out its investigation. It will also be required to issue a final report by the end of the year with findings on the facts and causes of the riot as well as recommendations to prevent future attacks on the country's democratic institutions.
Take our poll and check out the links below for more information.
For more:
- Read the full text of the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act HERE
- Read Issue One’s statement in support of the commission HERE
- Learn more about the 9/11 commission HERE
What is local news saying on elections?