WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, which oversees the U.S. Capitol Police, rebuked Senate Republicans for filibustering bipartisan legislation to establish an independent commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Just six Republican U.S. Senators joined with Senate Democrats today in voting for the bipartisan measure, leaving it short of the 60 votes needed to proceed.  Thirty-five House Republicans voted in favor of establishing the independent commission earlier this month.

Reed stated:

“The attack on the U.S. Capitol was a violent assault on our democracy and this filibuster is an affront against those who believe in truth, justice, and fairness. 

“We’ve already seen shameful attempts to whitewash history and suggestions that the individuals who breached the U.S. Capitol that day with zip ties and weapons were little more than tourists.  We know many of them were there to try to nullify an election and overturn the will of the American people.  

“Now, a minority group of Republicans seems fearful that the facts about what transpired that day and who was involved behind the scenes may come to light.  Others seem intent on perpetuating the very lie that sparked the violent assault that resulted in several deaths and serious injuries. 

“I urge reasonable Senate Republicans who went along with this ill-advised filibuster today to reconsider.  The American people deserve the truth and Congress must ensure all the facts come to light.  This isn’t easy and I commend those who put the best interest of the nation ahead of party or their own political ambition. 

“This is a bipartisan bill to establish a fifty-fifty Commission, just like the Commission to examine the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

“It’s sad that the many of the same lawmakers who had to be whisked out of the chamber on January 6 and defended by brave U.S. Capitol Police Officers who risked their lives now are unwilling to stand up for an investigation into that attack.

“It’s time to put politics aside and have a full, fair, and thorough investigation.”