US House approves investigative committee for January 6 Capitol riot News
© Wikimedia (Tyler Merbler)
US House approves investigative committee for January 6 Capitol riot

The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to send a bill to the Senate to create a commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Supporters of this bill believe an independent investigation is crucial for accountability for the amped-up mob that violently trespassed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. This legislation would establish a 10-member commission to make recommendations by the end of this year about securing the Capitol and to determine ways to prevent another insurrection of this kind.

The bill, HR 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act, was passed by a 252-175 vote, with 227 Democrats and 35 Republicans voting in favor and two Democrats and one Republican not voting.

This legislation was negotiated with significant contributions from Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson and Republican Congressman John Katko. It provides that the commission will consist of equal representation from Democrats and Republicans, and the Republican-appointed commissioners will have veto power over any resulting subpoenas. Prior to the vote, Katko took to the floor to advocate for support for the bill, stressing that congress would not have gotten this far in reaching an agreement if it were not for the ability to “set aside politics” to work toward a common goal.

Despite bipartisan efforts, the bill will face growing opposition from the GOP in the Senate. In order to pass the Senate, it will require the support of at least 10 Republicans and every Democrat. Democrats are reportedly anticipating an alternative plan to create a committee within the House to investigate the attack, which would not require support from across the aisle.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Congress passed legislation establishing post-WWII national security structure

On July 25, 1947, the National Security Act of 1947 was passed, establishing a linkage between the military and national security, and setting up the National Security Council (NSC), the CIA, the Department of Defense, and several other new agencies, including the National Military Establishment with three separate departments (the Army, the Navy and the new US Air Force), and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Learn more about the National Security Act of 1947.

Brunswick Manifesto proclaimed

On July 25, 1792, the Brunswick Manifesto was proclaimed by Charles William Ferdinand, the Duke of Brunswick during the French Revolutionary Wars. As leader of the forces allied against France, Ferdinand promised retribution against the citizens of Paris if the French Royal Family was harmed. Instead, the Manifesto further inflamed anti-royal sentiment in Paris.