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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) voted for H.Res. 503, which empowers Congress to find the truth of the January 6th attack and ensure that this assault on democracy does not happen again. This legislation will create a Select Committee charged with investigating and reporting upon the facts and causes, as well as making recommendations to prevent similar domestic terrorist attacks.

“January 6 was more than just a deadly attack on our Capitol – it was an assault on our very democracy,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Our nation must seek to reveal the details behind the attack, expose what brought us to that moment, and take action to ensure that it can never happen again. That is why today I voted to establish the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack. This Select Committee will prevent future domestic terrorist attacks on the temple of our democracy, honor those who put their lives on the line to defend our democracy, and ensure that the Congress can continue its essential work on behalf of El Pasoans and Americans across the country.”

On January 6th, the United States Capitol Complex was attacked by insurrectionists attempting to impede Congress’ constitutional mandate to validate the results of the presidential election. The storming of the U.S. Capitol threatened the lives of Members of Congress, staff, workers, and law enforcement officers from the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and the U.S. Capitol Police – resulting in five deaths, more than 140 injured officers, and lasting terror and trauma. In the wake of the worst attack on our Capitol since the British set it on fire in 1814, many unanswered questions remain.

The Committee will have thirteen members appointed by the Speaker, five of whom will be appointed after consultation with the Minority Leader. This House-passed resolution does not require Senate approval or a Presidential signature in order to take effect. This step comes after Senate Republicans, at the request of Mitch McConnell, blocked a popular and bipartisan bill to establish an independent 9/11-type Commission to investigate the January 6th attack. That proposal was negotiated and agreed upon by the bipartisan leadership of the House Homeland Security Committee and was endorsed by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission Chairs, Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, as well as 140 national security experts.

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