House negotiators have reached an agreement on the parameters of a 9/11-style commission to investigate the “facts and circumstances” surrounding the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the House Homeland Security Committee announced Friday.
Why it matters: The formation of a bipartisan Jan. 6 commission had been delayed for months, after some Republicans insisted that the scope of the investigation be expanded to include violence by far-left protesters last summer.
Details, according to the House Homeland Security Committee:
- “The commission will be charged with studying the facts and circumstances of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol as well as the influencing factors that may have provoked the attack on our democracy,” according to the committee.
- “Commissioners must have significant expertise in the areas of law enforcement, civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, intelligence and cybersecurity. Current government officers or employees are prohibited from appointment.”
- The commission will be granted authority to issue subpoenas, which will require agreement between the chair and the vice chair, or a vote by a majority of members.
- The commission will be required to issue a final report with findings and recommendations to “prevent future attacks on our democratic institutions” by Dec. 31, 2021.
What they’re saying: “Inaction — or just moving on — is simply not an option,” House Homeland Security Chair Benny Thompson (D-Miss.), who negotiated the deal with ranking member John Katko (R-N.Y.), said in a statement.
- The creation of this commission is our way of protecting the U.S. Capitol. After all, the Capitol is not just a historic landmark, it is where our constituents come to see their democracy in action.”
- “As such, we owe it to the Capitol police and all who enter our citadel of democracy to investigate the attack.”
