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.