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Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass H.Res. 503, which empowers Congress to find the truth of the January 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol 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 6th was a dark day for our country, one that has left lasting scars on those who were there and the police officers who heroically defended us,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “The select committee we've voted to authorize today represents a crucial next step in our oversight efforts to understand the root causes of the events of January 6 and develop sustainable security measures for the Capitol going forward. While I would have preferred a more bipartisan process, I cannot sit by and allow an insurrectionist attack on American democracy go unanswered.”

On January 6, the United States Capitol Complex was attacked by insurrectionists attempting to impede Congress’s constitutional mandate to validate the results of the presidential election. The storming of the Capitol threatened the lives of Members of Congress, staff, institutional employees, and D.C. and Capitol Police. Seven people lost their lives as a result of the attack, more than 140 law enforcement officers were injured, and the Capitol Hill community was left terrorized and traumatized. In the wake of this domestic terrorist mob attack, many unanswered questions remain about its origins and the response to it.

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 insurrection. 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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