“One year ago, pro-Trump extremists attacked the United States Capitol, a criminal act that threatened to end our democracy as we know it. Today we once again mourn those Capitol police officers who lost their lives because of this attack. Thanks to the bravery of these officers, and all the members of the Capitol police who put their lives on the line to protect the Capitol, Congress faithfully performed our constitutional obligation to certify the election result and as a result our democracy lives on.
“One year later, more than 700 individuals who participated in the attack have been arrested and charged for their crimes. While former President Trump and his enablers are directly responsible for inciting and encouraging the attack on our Capitol, it is important that those who carried out the attack are held responsible. I strongly support the ongoing efforts to prosecute more of these individuals for their crimes.
“While the courts continue to hold these individuals directly accountable, the Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Attack on the United States Capitol continues their ongoing work to hold Trump and others who helped enable the attack accountable. This is incredibly important work in the broader efforts to protect the United States from those who do not believe in democracy and only care about power. Sadly, many of my Republican colleagues continue to lie about the legitimacy of the 2020 election, and across the country Republican-controlled state legislatures continue to pass laws that gut voting rights. Together, these actions by Republicans pose a significant threat to the health and stability of our democracy.
“As we reflect on the events of January 6, 2021, Democrats in Congress must recommit to taking action to strengthen our democracy and make sure an event like the insurrection never occurs again. That means, first and foremost, passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Protecting the right to vote and the integrity of our elections is of the utmost importance. If passing these bills requires filibuster reform in the Senate, then the time for reform is now. There is simply too much at stake to risk inaction.”