UNDERWOOD STATEMENT ON THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE INSURRECTION AT THE U.S. CAPITOL

Statement

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement.

"One year ago, the United States Capitol was brutally attacked by thousands of violent insurrectionists seeking to harm federal officials as we carried out our constitutionally mandated responsibility of certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. The terror, anger, fear, and uncertainty I felt at the Capitol that day did not go away after the invaders left or after I returned to the House floor to certify the election results. Honestly, my enduring memories of that day remain distressing. Every individual who had a role in the insurrection should be held fully accountable.

"And I am very grateful to the incredibly brave officers, some who died or suffered injury, to fight and defend the Capitol on that day. I know this is a difficult day for many of them as well.

"The January 6, 2021 attack on our democracy was a stunning illustration of how quickly we can lose our democracy. Over the past year, I have been proud to join my House Democratic colleagues to pass critical legislation including supplemental appropriations legislation to repair the Capitol and support its workforce, the creation of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, the For the People Act, and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

"I want to ensure we understand all the facts and circumstances surrounding the insurrection, and most importantly, fortify our democracy by ensuring all Americans can exercise their right to vote. The Senate must take action to reform their rules to ensure this critical legislation is promptly enacted.

"There are not "two sides" to the insurrection and downplaying the attack creates a dangerous environment. I am extremely disappointed that the patriotic commitment to taking action in the aftermath of this unprecedented period of erosion of democratic norms has been a largely Democratic effort. However, I am not deterred. For our democracy is too precious, too essential, to let it slip away."

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