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Crow Votes to Form Bipartisan Commission to Investigate January 6 Attack on the US Capitol

May 19, 2021

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) today voted to pass H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. This legislation would create a bipartisan commission to investigate the facts and causes of the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, which was the worst attack on our Capitol since British troops set fire to the building in the summer of 1814.

The attack interrupted the execution of Congress' constitutional duty to certify the election, put Members of Congress, staff, and others in danger and resulted in scores of injuries to D.C. Police and U.S. Capitol Police officers and the death of at least one Capitol Police officer.

"January 6th was one of the darkest days of our democracy. Only a few months later, people in the public trust -- many who were present during the attack - are already trying to cover up what happened," said Congressman Jason Crow. " "A strong, bipartisan Commission will help us gather the facts and make the necessary changes to ensure an attack like this never happens again. The only way to move forward is with truth and accountability."

The Commission would be charged with investigating and reporting on the facts and causes of the January 6th attack. The Commission will report to the President and Congress regarding its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures taken to prevent future acts of targeted violence and domestic terrorism.

Key features of the Commission:

  • Like the 9/11 Commission, it will be a 10-person bipartisan commission with five commissioners, including the Chair, appointed by the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate and five commissioners, including the Vice Chair, appointed by the Minority Leaders of the House and Senate.
  • Commissioners must have significant expertise in the areas of law enforcement, civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, intelligence, and cybersecurity.
    • Current government officers or employees are prohibited from appointment.
  • Like the 9/11 Commission, the Commission will be granted authority to issue subpoenas to secure information to carry out its investigation but only upon agreement between the Chair and the Vice Chair or a vote by a majority of Commission members.
  • It has an explicitly narrow focus to investigate the January 6 attack and the events that led to it.
  • The Commission will be required to issue a final report with findings regarding the facts and causes of the attack, along with recommendations to prevent future attacks on our democratic institutions, by December 31, 2021