​In solidarity,
Debra Schrishuhn for the PDA National Team

The House January 6 Commission Plans to Meet Tuesday With or Without Republican Appointees

What happened on January 6, 2021, was an insurrection by Trump loyalists seeking to disrupt Congress and prevent certification of a free and fair election. Many questions remain about security, lack of preparedness, and who aided and abetted the insurrectionists. It was the worst assault on the Capitol since 1814.

Republicans blocked the formation of a bicameral commission, so Speaker Pelosi set up a House Select Committee to investigate, appointing seven Democrats and one Republican. Minority Leader McCarthy named five Republicans, two of whom had voted to reject the Electoral College results. Speaker Pelosi in turn rejected those two appointees, and Minority Leader McCarthy withdrew all five nominees. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), who chairs the Select Committee, has vowed that it will begin its work next week with or without Republican appointees. Stay tuned.

Why does this partisan bickering matter? The former President urged his supporters to march to the Capitol and “fight like hell.” After the insurrection was quelled, 147 House Republicans still voted against certification of the 2020 presidential election. They continue to perpetuate false claims that the election was stolen in efforts to regain power at the expense of our country’s democratic principles.

PDA was formed in 2004 to bring the Democratic Party back to its FDR roots. We serve our mission by supporting progressive candidates and policies, holding elected officials accountable, and working both inside and outside the Democratic Party.

What happened on January 6 was an insurrection. Too many Republican officials refuse to acknowledge the threat or to redress the factors that enabled the Capitol assault. We must hold these elected officials accountable even as we advocate for progressive candidates and policies.

It’s a huge job. We do a great deal with minimal resources, but we need your financial support to keep our campaigns going. Will you help with a donation of $50, $27, $10, or $5? If you can make a monthly donation, that’s even better. Our success depends on your support.