Washington, D.C. — Today, after Republican senators blocked a measure that would create an independent commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Mara Rudman, executive vice president for policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
The Senate’s failure to approve the January 6 commission is the latest disgraceful display from conservative lawmakers who refuse to protect and defend our democratic institutions, which were threatened by a violent attack incited by the twice-impeached former president. The commission is essential to understanding how this breach of the Capitol occurred, what motivated the attackers, and how to ensure that it never happens again. Refusing to investigate this attack is an insult to Americans and to the Capitol police officers who were dragged and beaten by a violent mob.
These senators would rather continue to curry favor with Donald Trump and right-wing extremists, insurrectionists, white supremacists, and other radicals who carried out that violence. They refuse to examine one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, and they are shamelessly trying to downplay the severity of the insurrection. Their refusal to acknowledge the reality of what occurred and its implications for our democracy is at one with promoting the “big lie” and attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
It’s time to end the political denial and face the truth.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202-478-6327.