WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act.
“On January 6, 2021, Members of Congress were voting to certify the results of the 2020 Presidential election when a mob breached the U.S. Capitol following then-President Trump’s rally to march. The violence resulted in hundreds of injuries to D.C. and U.S. Capitol Police officers and the death of an officer and four civilians. Several officers have taken their own lives since the insurrection, and countless are still struggling with their mental and physical wellbeing in aftermath of that day.
“It is appalling that some Congressional Republicans, the former President, and others want to deny the realities of what happened on January 6. In addition, many of these same Republican leaders continue to perpetuate lies about the 2020 election, denying its legitimacy and undermining faith in the electoral process. A commission will help us better understand what happened on and leading up to January 6, but it is also crucial that Republican leaders finally acknowledge the reality of the insurrection on January 6 and the outcome of the free and fair election in 2020.
“H.R. 3233 will establish a 9/11-style commission comprised of ten bipartisan experts appointed by House and Senate leadership to investigate the causes of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. The commission’s report will provide a full understanding of the facts of January 6 and the influences that led to the assault so we can help ensure it never happens again.
“This assault by extremists on the U.S. Capitol was a criminal act aimed at undermining and ending our democracy as we know it. While some of my colleagues continue to deny the seriousness of the attack on the Capitol, this commission is an honest effort to better understand and prevent future attacks like January 6.”
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