05.28.21

Cantwell Statement on Failure to Pass the January 6th Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, the Senate voted on the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. Senator Cantwell voted for the Act, but it failed to meet the 60 vote cloture threshold by a vote of 54 to 35. Months following the assault on our nations’ Capitol, members of Congress continue to receive serious threats.

“I am disappointed that my colleagues did not stand up for democracy today. Creating a commission to investigate the events of January 6th and how to prevent and guard against future attacks should not be a partisan issue. Our democracy was put at risk that day,” said Senator Cantwell.

The bill would establish a National Commission in the legislative branch similar to the 9/11 Commission established in 2002. The Commission would (1) conduct an investigation of the relevant facts and circumstances relating to the attack on the Capitol; (2) identify, review, and evaluate the causes of and the lessons learned from this attack; and (3) submit specified reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations to improve detection, prevention, preparedness for, and response to targeted violence and domestic terrorism and improve the security posture of the U.S. Capitol Complex. The bill would give the Commission specified powers including the authority to hold hearings, receive evidence, and issue subpoenas. The Commission would be composed of:

  • One member jointly appointed by the Speaker of the House and the majority leader of the Senate to serve as Chairperson of the Commission;
  • One member jointly appointed by the minority leader of the House and the minority leader of the Senate to serve as Vice Chairperson of the Commission;
  • Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House;
  • Two members appointed by the minority leader of the House;
  • Two members appointed by the majority leader of the Senate;
  • Two members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.

Immediately following the second impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump, Cantwell released the below statement:

“On January 6, President Trump put our democracy at real risk. For more than 200 years, Americans have fought for free and fair elections. They have sacrificed loved ones. President Trump put our democracy at risk when he promulgated lies about the election, used his office to try to interfere with election officials doing their job, and failed to protect our Capitol from a mob. President Trump’s “process” defense was not persuasive. A bipartisan majority of senators found him guilty, but unfortunately not a supermajority. President Trump should still be held accountable for his actions.”

Senator Cantwell’s full remarks are available HERE.

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