The House of Representatives passed a resolution on January 13, 2021, to create a select committee to investigate the events of January 6. The committee, officially known as the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, is composed of 13 members, with eight appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and five appointed in consultation with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
The committee’s mandate is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack on the Capitol, including any relevant communications and other factors that may have contributed to the events of that day. The committee is also authorized to issue subpoenas for documents and testimony as it deems necessary.
The chair of the select committee is Representative Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, who also serves as the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee. Representative Liz Cheney, a prominent critic of Trump within the Republican Party, was named vice-chair of the committee.
The committee held its first hearing on July 27, 2021, featuring testimony from four police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6. The officers, who spoke emotionally about their experiences facing violent and racist attacks from the pro-Trump mob, provided a clear and disturbing picture of the events of that day. The officers also criticized elected officials who have sought to downplay or deny the seriousness of the January 6 attack.
The select committee’s work has been criticized by some Republicans, who argue that it is politically motivated and that it unfairly targets Trump supporters. Some Republicans have also called for an investigation into other incidents, such as the protests that occurred in the summer of 2020, in an attempt to deflect attention away from the January 6 attack.
Despite these criticisms, the select committee has continued its work, issuing subpoenas for documents and testimonies from a range of individuals and organizations. These include former Trump White House officials, members of Congress, and others who may have played a role in the events leading up to the January 6 attack.
The select committee’s work is important to ensure that the full truth about the events of January 6 is uncovered, and that those responsible are held accountable. It is also crucial for the preservation of our democracy, as the events of January 6 represent a dangerous and unprecedented attack on our institutions and values.
As the select committee continues its work, it is vital for all Americans to remain engaged and informed. We must demand transparency and accountability from our elected officials, and we must work together to safeguard our democracy and protect the rule of law. The events of January 6 are a stark reminder of the importance of this work, and we must ensure that history does not repeat itself.