Houlahan: "They Were Terrorists, Not Tourists'

Statement

Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) voted to establish a bipartisan, national commission to investigate the terrorist attack that occurred on American soil against the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

"January 6th is a day that will live in infamy," said Houlahan. "The United States, our cherished democracy, was violently attacked by domestic terrorists -- lawmakers were targeted, police officers were beaten and our Capitol building was desecrated. These terrorists had a clear objective -- overturn the results of a democratically held election. Every American, regardless of their political party, should be alarmed at how close this mob of insurrectionists came to undermining the democracy I, and so many others, have served to defend in our Armed Forces. The American people, including the Capitol Police officers who risked their lives and the families of those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, are owed answers, answers this commission intends to find. I am grateful that in establishing this commission, we have crossed party lines in service of this great nation. But I also must express my offense at Republicans who have decided to put party over country. There were not tourists in the Capitol on January 6th. There were terrorists. And we, the elected leaders entrusted with protecting this fragile democracy, have been called upon to fulfill our most sacred duty -- defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. I am grateful that 251 members of Congress today voted alongside me to uphold that oath."

"We very strongly urge House Members to support H.R. 3233, the bipartisan National Commission to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol Complex," said Governor Kean and Congressman Hamilton, Chairs of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission. "The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol was one of the darkest days in the history of our country. Americans deserve an objective and an accurate account of what happened. As we did in the wake of September 11, it's time to set aside partisan politics and come together as Americans in common pursuit of truth and justice."

The Commission will be charged with (1) investigating and reporting upon the facts and causes of the January 6th attack on the Capitol as well as the influencing factors that may have provoked the attack on our democracy; (2) examining and evaluating evidence developed by relevant Federal, State, and local governments, in a manner that is respectful of ongoing investigations, regarding the facts and circumstances of the attack; (3) building upon other investigations regarding the attack and targeted violence and domestic terrorism related to such attack; and (4) reporting to the President and Congress regarding its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures taken to prevent future acts of targeted violence and domestic terrorism, including against American democratic institutions, improve the security posture of the United States Capitol Complex in a manner that preserves the accessibility of the Capitol Complex for all Americans, and strengthen the security and resilience of nation and American democratic institutions against domestic terrorism.

Like the 9/11 Commission, the measure establishes a 10-person bipartisan commission with five commissioners, including the Chair, appointed by the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate and five commissioners, including the Vice Chair, appointed by the Minority Leaders of the House and Senate. This Commission has the endorsement of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission Chairs, Governor Tom Kean and Congressman Lee Hamilton.

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.

Like the 9/11 Commission, the Commission will be granted authority to issue subpoenas to secure information to carry out its investigation but only upon agreement between the Chair and the Vice Chair or a vote by a majority of Commission members.

The Commission will be required to issue a final report with findings regarding the facts and causes of the attack, along with recommendations to prevent future attacks on our democratic institutions, by December 31, 2021.

Source