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Home , Christopher Mellon, Denver Riggleman, Gary Hart, January 6 commission, Mickey Edwards, Ryan Crocker

H2574 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 Sewell (DelBene) Wilson (FL) Young (Joyce NAYS—208 Ruppersberger Slotkin (Axne) Wilson (SC) Slotkin (Axne) (Hayes) (OH)) (Raskin) Waters (Timmons) Aderholt Gohmert Moolenaar Waters Wilson (SC) Rush (Barraga´ n) Young (Joyce Allen (Barraga´ n) (Timmons) Gonzales, Tony Mooney (Underwood) Wilson (FL) Amodei (OH)) Gonzalez (OH) Moore (AL) Sewell (DelBene) (Hayes) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Armstrong Good (VA) Moore (UT) question is on the resolution. Arrington Gooden (TX) Mullin f Babin Gosar Murphy (NC) The question was taken; and the Bacon Granger Nehls NATIONAL COMMISSION TO INVES- Speaker pro tempore announced that Baird Graves (LA) Newhouse TIGATE THE JANUARY 6 ATTACK the ayes appeared to have it. Balderson Graves (MO) Norman Banks Green (TN) Nunes ON THE CAP- Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speak- Barr Greene (GA) Obernolte ITOL COMPLEX ACT Bentz Griffith er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. Owens Mr. THOMPSON of . Mr. Bergman Grothman Palazzo The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bice (OK) Guest Palmer Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Biggs Guthrie Pence 409, I call up the bill (H.R. 3233) to es- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Bilirakis Hagedorn Perry tablish the National Commission to In- Bishop (NC) Harris Pfluger The vote was taken by electronic de- Boebert Harshbarger Posey vestigate the January 6 Attack on the vice, and there were—yeas 216, nays Bost Hartzler Reed Complex, and for 208, not voting 5, as follows: Brady Hern Reschenthaler other purposes, and ask for its imme- Brooks Herrell Rice (SC) diate consideration. [Roll No. 152] Buchanan Herrera Beutler Rodgers (WA) Buck Hice (GA) The Clerk read the title of the bill. YEAS—216 Rogers (AL) Bucshon Higgins (LA) Rogers (KY) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Adams Gonzalez, Ocasio-Cortez Budd Hill Rose ant to House Resolution 409, the bill is Aguilar Vicente Omar Burchett Hinson Rosendale considered read. Allred Gottheimer Pallone Burgess Hollingsworth Rouzer Auchincloss Green, Al (TX) Panetta Calvert Hudson Roy The text of the bill is as follows: Cammack Huizenga Axne Grijalva Pappas Rutherford Carl Issa H.R. 3233 Barraga´ n Harder (CA) Pascrell Salazar Carter (GA) Jackson Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Bass Hayes Payne Scalise Carter (TX) Jacobs (NY) Beatty Higgins (NY) Perlmutter Schweikert resentatives of the United States of America in Cawthorn Johnson (LA) Bera Himes Peters Scott, Austin Congress assembled, Chabot Johnson (OH) Beyer Horsford Phillips Sessions Cheney Johnson (SD) SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Bishop (GA) Houlahan Pingree Simpson Cline Jordan This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Blumenauer Hoyer Pocan Smith (MO) Cloud Joyce (OH) Commission to Investigate the January 6 At- Blunt Rochester Huffman Porter Smith (NE) Clyde Joyce (PA) Bonamici Jackson Lee Pressley Smith (NJ) tack on the United States Capitol Complex Bourdeaux Jacobs (CA) Cole Katko Price (NC) Smucker Act’’. Bowman Jayapal Comer Keller Quigley Spartz SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. Boyle, Brendan Jeffries Crawford Kelly (MS) Raskin Stauber F. Johnson (GA) Crenshaw Kelly (PA) There is established in the legislative Rice (NY) Steel Brown Johnson (TX) Curtis Kim (CA) branch the National Commission to Inves- Ross Stefanik Brownley Jones Roybal-Allard Davidson Kinzinger tigate the January 6 Attack on the United Davis, Rodney Kustoff Steil Bush Kahele Ruiz States Capitol Complex (hereafter referred DesJarlais LaHood Steube Bustos Kaptur Ruppersberger to as the ‘‘Commission’’). Diaz-Balart LaMalfa Stewart Butterfield Keating Rush Donalds Lamborn Taylor SEC. 3. PURPOSES. Carbajal Kelly (IL) Ryan ´ Duncan Latta Tenney Consistent with the functions described in Cardenas Khanna Sa´ nchez Dunn LaTurner Thompson (PA) Carson Kildee Sarbanes section 4, the purposes of the Commission Emmer Lesko Tiffany Carter (LA) Kilmer Scanlon are the following: Estes Letlow Timmons Cartwright Kim (NJ) Schakowsky (1) To investigate and report upon the facts Fallon Lucas Turner Case Kind Schiff Feenstra Luetkemeyer Upton and causes relating to the January 6, 2021, Casten Kirkpatrick Schneider Castor (FL) Krishnamoorthi Ferguson Mace Valadao domestic terrorist attack upon the United Schrader Castro (TX) Kuster Fischbach Malliotakis Van Drew States Capitol Complex (hereafter referred Schrier Chu Lamb Fitzgerald Mann Van Duyne to as the ‘‘domestic terrorist attack on the Scott (VA) Cicilline Langevin Fitzpatrick Massie Wagner Capitol’’) and relating to the interference Scott, David Clark (MA) Larsen (WA) Fleischmann Mast Walberg Sewell with the peaceful transfer of power, includ- Clarke (NY) Larson (CT) Fortenberry McCarthy Walorski Sherman ing facts and causes relating to the prepared- Cleaver Lawrence Foxx McCaul Waltz Sherrill ness and response of the United States Cap- Clyburn Lawson (FL) Franklin, C. McClain Weber (TX) Sires Cohen Lee (CA) Scott McClintock Wenstrup itol Police and other Federal, State, and Slotkin Connolly Lee (NV) Fulcher McHenry Westerman local law enforcement in the National Cap- Smith (WA) Cooper Leger Fernandez Gaetz McKinley Williams (TX) itol Region and other instrumentality of Soto Correa Levin (CA) Gallagher Meijer Wilson (SC) government, as well as the influencing fac- Spanberger Costa Levin (MI) Garbarino Meuser Wittman tors that fomented such attack on American Speier Courtney Lieu Garcia (CA) Miller (IL) Womack representative democracy while engaged in a Stanton Gibbs Miller (WV) Young Craig Lofgren constitutional process. Crist Lowenthal Stevens Gimenez Miller-Meeks Zeldin Crow Luria Strickland (2) To examine and evaluate evidence de- Cuellar Lynch Suozzi NOT VOTING—5 veloped by relevant Federal, State, and local Davids (KS) Malinowski Swalwell Garamendi Long Webster (FL) governmental agencies, in a manner that is Davis, Danny K. Maloney, Takano Golden Loudermilk respectful of ongoing law enforcement ac- Dean Carolyn B. Thompson (CA) tivities and investigations regarding the do- DeFazio Maloney, Sean Thompson (MS) Titus mestic terrorist attack upon the Capitol, re- DeGette Manning b 1557 garding the facts and circumstances sur- DeLauro Matsui Tlaib DelBene McBath Tonko So the resolution was agreed to. rounding such terrorist attack and targeted Delgado McCollum Torres (CA) The result of the vote was announced violence and domestic terrorism relevant to Demings McEachin Torres (NY) as above recorded. such terrorist attack. DeSaulnier McGovern Trahan (3) To build upon the investigations of Deutch McNerney Trone A motion to reconsider was laid on other entities and avoid unnecessary dupli- Dingell Meeks Underwood the table. cation by reviewing the findings, conclu- Doggett Meng Vargas MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE sions, and recommendations of other execu- Doyle, Michael Mfume Veasey F. Moore (WI) Vela RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS tive branch, congressional, or independent Escobar Morelle Vela´ zquez Allred (Wexton) Deutch (Rice Lowenthal bipartisan or non-partisan commission inves- Eshoo Moulton Wasserman Beatty (NY)) (Beyer) tigations into the domestic terrorist attack Espaillat Mrvan Schultz (Lawrence) Grijalva (Garcı´a McEachin on the Capitol and targeted violence and do- Evans Murphy (FL) Waters Buchanan (Dunn) (IL)) (Wexton) mestic terrorism relevant to such terrorist Fletcher Nadler Watson Coleman Ca´ rdenas Johnson (TX) McHenry (Banks) attack, including investigations into influ- Foster Napolitano Welch (Gallego) (Jeffries) Mullin (Lucas) encing factors related to such terrorist at- Frankel, Lois Neal Wexton Carter (TX) Kirkpatrick Napolitano Gallego Neguse Wild (Calvert) (Stanton) (Correa) tack. Garcı´a (IL) Newman Williams (GA) Courtney (Hayes) Lawson (FL) Ocasio-Cortez (4) To investigate and report to the Presi- Garcia (TX) Norcross Wilson (FL) Crenshaw (Evans) (Bush) dent and Congress on its findings, conclu- Gomez O’Halleran Yarmuth (Pfluger) Lieu (Beyer) Payne (Pallone) sions, and recommendations for corrective

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.021 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2575 measures that may include changes in law, Department of the District of Columbia, and subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United policy, procedures, rules, or regulations that other Federal, State, and local law enforce- States Code. could be taken to prevent future acts of tar- ment in the National Capitol Region on or SEC. 6. POWERS OF COMMISSION. geted violence and domestic terrorism, in- before January 6, 2021; and (a) IN GENERAL.— cluding to prevent domestic terrorist at- (3) submit to the President and Congress (1) HEARINGS AND EVIDENCE.—The Commis- tacks against American democratic institu- reports required pursuant to section 10 con- sion or, as delegated by the Chairperson and tions, improve the security posture of the taining such findings, conclusions, and rec- the Vice-Chairperson, any subcommittee or United States Capitol Complex while pre- ommendations, which may include changes member thereof, may, for the purpose of car- serving accessibility of the Capitol Complex in law, policy, procedures, rules, or regula- rying out this Act— for all Americans, and strengthen the secu- tions, to improve the detection, prevention, (A) hold such hearings and sit and act at rity and resilience of the Nation and Amer- preparedness for, and response to targeted such times and places, take such testimony, ican democratic institutions against domes- violence and domestic terrorism and improve receive such evidence, and administer such tic terrorism. the security posture of the United States oaths as the Commission or such designated SEC. 4. FUNCTIONS OF COMMISSION. Capitol Complex and ensure the security of subcommittee or designated member may The functions of the Commission are to— Members of Congress and staff. determine advisable; and (1) conduct an investigation of the relevant SEC. 5. COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION. (B) subject to paragraph (2)(A), require, by facts and circumstances relating to the do- (a) MEMBERS.—The Commission shall be subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and mestic terrorist attack on the Capitol, in- composed of ten members, of whom— testimony of such witnesses and the produc- cluding relevant facts and circumstances re- (1) one member shall be appointed jointly tion of such books, records, correspondence, lating to— by the Speaker of the House of Representa- memoranda, papers, or documents, or any (A) activities of intelligence agencies, law tives and the majority leader of the Senate other paper or electronic material, as the enforcement agencies, and the Armed to serve as Chairperson of the Commission; Commission or such designated sub- Forces, including with respect to intel- (2) one member shall be appointed jointly committee or designated member may deter- ligence collection, analysis, and dissemina- by the minority leader of the House of Rep- mine advisable. tion and information sharing among relevant resentatives and the minority leader of the (2) SUBPOENAS.— instrumentality of government; Senate to serve as Vice Chairperson of the (A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may (B) influencing factors that contributed to Commission; issue subpoenas requiring the attendance the domestic terrorist attack on the Capitol (3) two members shall be appointed by the and testimony of witnesses and the produc- and how technology, including online plat- Speaker of the House of Representatives; tion of any evidence relating to any matter forms, financing, and malign foreign influ- (4) two members shall be appointed by the which the Commission is empowered to in- ence operations and campaigns may have minority leader of the House of Representa- vestigate under this Act. Such subpoenas factored into the motivation, organization, tives; shall be issued by agreement between the and execution of the domestic terrorist at- (5) two members shall be appointed by the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the tack on the Capitol and targeted violence majority leader of the Senate; and Commission, or by the vote of a majority of and domestic terrorism relevant to such at- (6) two members shall be appointed by the the members of the Commission. The attend- tack; and minority leader of the Senate. ance of witnesses and the production of evi- (C) other entities of the public and private (b) QUALIFICATIONS; INITIAL MEETING.— dence may be required from any place within sector as determined relevant by the Com- (1) NONGOVERNMENTAL APPOINTEES.—An in- the United States at any designated place of mission for such investigation; dividual appointed to the Commission may hearing within the United States. (2) identify, review, and evaluate the not be an officer or employee of an instru- (B) FAILURE TO OBEY A SUBPOENA.—If a per- causes of and the lessons learned from the mentality of government. son does not obey a subpoena issued under domestic terrorist attack on the Capitol and (2) OTHER QUALIFICATIONS.—It is the sense subparagraph (A), the Commission is author- targeted violence and domestic terrorism of Congress that individuals appointed to the ized to apply to a United States district relevant to such attack regarding— Commission should be prominent United court for an order requiring that person to (A) the command, control, and commu- States citizens, with national recognition appear before the Commission to give testi- nications of the United States Capitol Po- and significant depth of experience in at mony, produce evidence, or both, relating to lice, the National Guard, the Metropolitan least two of the following areas: the matter under investigation. The applica- Police Department of the District of Colum- (A) Governmental service. tion may be made within the judicial district bia, and other Federal, State, and local law (B) Law enforcement. where the hearing is conducted or where that enforcement in the National Capitol Region (C) Civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy. person is found, resides, or transacts busi- on or before January 6, 2021; (D) The Armed Forces. ness. Any failure to obey the order of the (B) the structure, coordination, oper- (E) Intelligence. court may be punished by the court as a civil ational plans, policies, and procedures of the (F) Counterterrorism. contempt. Federal Government, including as such re- (G) Cybersecurity. (C) SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION.—The late to State and local governments and non- (H) Technology. United States district court in which an ac- governmental entities, and particularly with (I) Law. tion is brought under subparagraph (B) shall respect to detecting, preventing, preparing (3) INITIAL MEETING.—The Commission have original jurisdiction over any civil ac- for, and responding to targeted violence and shall meet and begin the initial operation of tion brought by the Commission to enforce, domestic terrorism; the Commission as soon as practicable, but secure a declaratory judgment concerning (C) the structure, authorities, training, not earlier than 15 days after the date of the the validity of, or prevent a threatened re- manpower utilization, operational planning, enactment of this Act. fusal or failure to comply with, any sub- and use of force policies of the United States (c) TIMING FOR APPOINTMENT.—All mem- poena issued by the Commission. Capitol Police; bers of the Commission shall be appointed (D) SERVICE OF SUBPOENAS.—The subpoenas (D) the policies, protocols, processes, pro- not later than 10 days after the date of the of the Commission shall be served in the cedures, and systems for sharing of intel- enactment of this Act. manner provided for subpoenas issued by a ligence and other information by Federal, (d) QUORUM; VACANCIES.—After its initial United States district court under the Fed- State, and local agencies with the United meeting, the Commission shall meet upon eral Rules of Civil Procedure for the United States Capitol Police, the Sergeants at Arms the call of the Chairperson or a majority of States district courts. of the House of Representatives and the Sen- its members. A majority of members of the (E) SERVICE OF PROCESS.—All process of ate, the Government of the District of Co- Commission shall constitute a quorum. Any any court to which application is made lumbia, including the Metropolitan Police vacancy in the Commission shall not affect under subparagraph (A) may be served in the Department of the District of Columbia, the its powers, but shall be promptly filled in the judicial district in which the person required National Guard, and other Federal, State, same manner in which the original appoint- to be served resides or may be found. and local law enforcement in the National ment was made. (b) CONTRACTING.—The Commission may, Capitol Region on or before January 6, 2021, (e) COMPENSATION.—Each member of the to such extent and in such amounts as are and the related the policies, protocols, proc- Commission may be compensated at not to provided in appropriation Acts, enter into esses, procedures, and systems for moni- exceed the daily equivalent of the annual contracts to enable the Commission to dis- toring, assessing, disseminating, and acting rate of basic pay in effect for a position at charge its duties under this Act. on intelligence and other information, in- level III of the Executive Schedule under sec- (c) OBTAINING OFFICIAL DATA.— cluding elevating the security posture of the tion 5314 of title 5, United States Code, for (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may se- United States Capitol Complex, derived from each day during which that member is en- cure directly from any Federal department instrumentality of government, open gaged in the actual performance of the du- or agency information, including any under- sources, and online platforms; and ties of the Commission. lying information that may be in the posses- (E) the policies, protocols, processes, pro- (f) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—Each member of the sion of the intelligence community, that is cedures, and systems for interoperability be- Commission shall receive travel expenses, in- necessary to enable it to carry out its pur- tween the United States Capitol Police and cluding per diem in lieu of subsistence, in ac- poses and functions under this Act. Upon re- the National Guard, the Metropolitan Police cordance with applicable provision under quest of the Chairperson, the chairperson of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:37 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.022 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2576 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 any subcommittee created by a majority of sion in expeditiously providing to the Com- meaning given such term in section 101(h) of the Commission, or any member designated mission members and staff appropriate secu- the Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. by a majority of the Commission, the head of rity clearances to the extent possible pursu- 3021(h)). such department or agency shall furnish ant to existing procedures and requirements, (5) TARGETED VIOLENCE.—The term ‘‘tar- such information to the Commission. except that no person may be provided with geted violence’’ means an incident of vio- (2) RECEIPT, HANDLING, STORAGE, AND DIS- access to classified information under this lence in which an attacker selected a par- SEMINATION.—Information shall only be re- Act without the appropriate security clear- ticular target in order to inflict mass injury ceived, handled, stored, and disseminated by ances. or death with no discernable political or ide- members of the Commission and its staff SEC. 9. NONAPPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL ADVI- ological motivation beyond mass injury or consistent with all applicable statutes, regu- SORY COMMITTEE ACT. death. lations, and Executive orders. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Advisory The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill (d) ASSISTANCE FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.— Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not shall be debatable for 1 hour equally di- (1) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.— apply to the Commission. vided and controlled by the chair and Upon the request of the Commission, the Ad- (b) PUBLIC MEETINGS AND RELEASE OF PUB- ministrator of General Services shall provide LIC VERSIONS OF REPORTS.—The Commission ranking minority member of the Com- to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, shall— mittee on . the administrative support services and of- (1) hold public hearings and meetings to The gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. fice space necessary for the Commission to the extent appropriate; and THOMPSON) and the gentleman from carry out its purposes and functions under (2) release public versions of the reports (Mr. KATKO) each will con- this Act. submitted pursuant to section 10. trol 30 minutes. (2) OTHER FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGEN- (c) CONDUCT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS.—Any The Chair recognizes the gentleman public hearings of the Commission shall be CIES.—In addition to the assistance pre- from Mississippi. scribed in paragraph (1), Federal depart- conducted in a manner consistent with the ments and agencies may provide to the Com- protection of information provided to or de- GENERAL LEAVE mission such services, funds, facilities, staff, veloped for or by the Commission as required Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. and other support services as determined ad- by any applicable statute, regulation, or Ex- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that visable and authorized by law. ecutive order. all Members may have 5 legislative (e) CONVEYANCES AND OTHER DEVISES.—The SEC. 10. REPORTS; TERMINATION. days to revise and extend their re- Commission may accept, use, and dispose of (a) INTERIM REPORTS.—The Commission marks and include extraneous material devises of services or property, both real and may submit to the President and Congress on this measure. personal, for the purpose of aiding or facili- interim reports containing such findings, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tating the work of the Commission. conclusions, and recommendations for cor- (f) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Commission rective measures as have been agreed to by a objection to the request of the gen- may use the United States mail in the same majority of Commission members. tleman from Mississippi? manner and under the same conditions as (b) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than Decem- There was no objection. Federal departments and agencies. ber 31, 2021, the Commission shall submit to Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. SEC. 7. STAFF OF COMMISSION. the President and Congress a final report Speaker, I yield myself such time as I (a) APPOINTMENT.— containing such findings, conclusions, and may consume. (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in recommendations for corrective measures as Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. paragraph (2), the Chairperson, in consulta- have been agreed to by a majority of Com- 3233, the National Commission to In- tion with the Vice-Chairperson, in accord- mission members. vestigate the January 6 Attack on the ance with rules agreed upon by the Commis- (c) TERMINATION.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission, and all United States Capitol Complex Act. sion, may appoint and fix the compensation On January 6, the world watched of a Staff Director and such other personnel the authorities of this Act, shall terminate as may be necessary to enable the Commis- upon the expiration of the 60-day period Americans storm the Capitol and en- sion to carry out its purposes and functions, which begins on the date on which the Com- gage in violence to try and intimidate without regard to the provisions of title 5, mission submits the final report under sub- and prevent Congress from carrying United States Code, governing appointments section (b). out its constitutional duty to certify a in the competitive service, and without re- (2) ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES BEFORE TER- Presidential election, a solemn process MINATION.—The Commission may use the 60- gard to the provisions of chapter 51 and sub- central to the peaceful transfer of chapter III of chapter 53 of such title relat- day period referred to in paragraph (1) for the purpose of concluding its activities, in- power in our democracy. ing to classification and General Schedule Many of us sitting here today were pay rates, except that no rate of pay fixed cluding providing testimony to committees under this subsection may exceed the equiva- of Congress concerning its reports and dis- rushed out of this very Chamber by lent of that payable for a position at level IV seminating the final report. Capitol Police to safety as violent of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 SEC. 11. ARCHIVING. attackers roamed the halls, hunting for of title 5, United States Code. The records of the Commission shall be our colleagues and the Vice President. (2) PERSONNEL AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.— transferred to the Center for Legislative Ar- I was in the gallery that day watch- (A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of the Con- chives at the National Archives and Records ing the debate when this temple of our gressional Accountability Act of 1995 (18 Administration upon termination of the democracy was desecrated and debased. U.S.C. 1301 et seq.)— Commission pursuant to paragraph (1) of sec- At least one Capitol Police officer tion 10(c). (i) the Commission shall be considered an died because of the violence that day. employing office; and SEC. 12. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (ii) the personnel of the Commission shall (a) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be Others died, too. be considered covered employees. appropriated such sums as may be necessary And there were extensive injuries as- (B) MEMBERS OF COMMISSION.—Subpara- to carry out this Act. sociated with the attacks, not the least graph (A) shall not apply to apply to mem- (b) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Amounts ap- of which was the body blow to Ameri- bers of the Commission. propriated pursuant to the authorization cans’ confidence that the reforms un- (b) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.—The Com- under this section shall remain available dertaken after the 9/11 terrorist at- mission is authorized to procure temporary until expended. tacks would make us more secure. and intermittent services under section 3109 SEC. 13. DEFINITIONS. Like the 9/11 attacks, the events of of title 5, United States Code, but at rates In this Act: January 6 have cast a long shadow on for individuals not to exceed the daily equiv- (1) DOMESTIC TERRORISM.—The term ‘‘do- alent of the maximum annual rate of basic mestic terrorism’’ has the meaning given our country. And like the 9/11 attacks, pay under level IV of the Executive Schedule such term in section 2331 of title 18, United the January 6 attack raises funda- under section 5315 of title 5, United States States Code. mental questions about information Code. (2) INSTRUMENTALITY OF GOVERNMENT.—The sharing, coordination, preparedness, (c) DETAILEES.—The head of any Federal term ‘‘instrumentality of government’’ and response at all levels of govern- department or agency may detail, on a non- means Federal, State, local, Tribal, and ter- ment. reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of ritorial agencies. We need a bipartisan commission that department or agency to the Commis- (3) INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY.—The term made up of experts to come together to sion to assist the Commission in carrying ‘‘intelligence community’’ has the meaning give us an unvarnished view of what out its purposes and functions. given such term in section 3(4) of the Na- happened that day, examine why our SEC. 8. SECURITY CLEARANCES FOR MEMBERS tional Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4)). AND STAFF. (4) MALIGN FOREIGN INFLUENCE OPERATIONS systems failed, and develop bipartisan The appropriate Federal departments or AND CAMPAIGNS.—The term ‘‘malign foreign recommendations for reform to address agencies shall cooperate with the Commis- influence operations and campaigns’’ has the any identified gaps.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:37 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.022 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2577 I am proud to be here with my part- The bill before us today, H.R. 3233, Now, H.R. 3233 is nearly identical to ner on the Homeland Security Com- would create an independent, bipar- the original commission bill, H.R. 275, mittee, the gentleman from New York, tisan commission to investigate the that I, along with 30 other Republican , to debate a bill that es- relevant facts and circumstances relat- cosponsors, introduced on January 13, 6 tablishes a 10-member commission that ing to the January 6 attack on the Cap- days after the attack. mirrors the 9/11 Commission, the gold itol, as well as targeted violence and I sincerely appreciate Chairman standard for bipartisan commissions. domestic terrorism relevant to that at- THOMPSON’s robust collaboration and The would be tack. strong commitment, as well as his required to investigate and report on It also charges the commission with friendship, by working together on this the facts and causes of the attack, in- providing and finding recommenda- effort. The American people expect cluding relevant contributing factors. tions to, among other things, prevent, Congress to put partisanship aside for A commission of this nature, in some prepare for, and respond to similar at- the sake of our homeland security. form, has been talked about by Mem- tacks; improve the security posture of I fully recognize that in a diverse bers of Congress, national security ex- the Capitol complex; and ensure the se- perts, and others for some time now. curity of Members of Congress and con- body like this, Members come down on Over the past 4 months, discussion gressional staff. different sides of different issues. I wel- drafts have been circulated, pros and Modeled after the 9/11 Commission, come that. We all should. That is cons have been weighed, and obstacles this bill creates a 10-member panel America; because, after all, none of have been overcome to get us to this with five commissioners appointed by this is personal. It is about our mutual day. each party and equal subpoena author- desire to keep America safe and secure. Given how politically charged the ity. To my friends on both sides of the events of January 6 have become, we While the expedited December 2021 aisle, I welcome honest, vigorous, and need to come together in a patriotic, deadline would only give the commis- civil debate. bipartisan way and approve this inde- sion about 6 months to do its job, there At the end of the day, I strongly be- pendent body just as we created the is good reason for that: The American lieve this is fair and necessary legisla- 9/11 Commission. people and the Capitol Police deserve tion. I encourage all Members, Repub- The 9/11 Commission acted, not out of answers and action as soon as possible licans and Democrats alike, to put partisanship, but out of patriotism. We to ensure that nothing like this ever down their swords just for once and need that same sense of duty today. happens again. support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of We must find answers to the many Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. questions surrounding that day. What my time. Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- information was known leading up to Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. self such time as I may consume. January 6? Why was that information Speaker, let me just say to the ranking Mr. Speaker, this year, we will ob- not shared with the proper entities? member, this won’t be the last time serve the 20th anniversary of the ter- Why were Capitol Police officers left so that we put together legislation for the rorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It unprepared? Who failed to provide good of this country, I assure you of will serve as a somber reminder of the them with support? Why did it take so that. fragility of our security, the bravery of long for reinforcements to come to our law enforcement and first respond- their aid? How can we improve the de- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the ers, and the resilience of our democ- cisionmaking and bureaucracy that is gentleman from New York (Mr. racy. clearly hampering the Capitol Police TORRES), the vice chair of the Home- After the attacks on 9/11, Congress and the security of the Capitol com- land Security Committee. recognized the importance of estab- plex? How can we ensure that the Cap- lishing a bipartisan commission to in- itol, Members of Congress, and our b 1615 vestigate these brazen acts of ter- staffs are secure from attacks? And rorism. This body recognized the need how do we ensure that this is a safer Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. to find the truth and help all of us un- place for the members of the Capitol Speaker, when I was sworn in the week derstand how these heinous acts that Police force who risk their lives every of January 6, I never imagined living not only forever changed our country, day to protect us? through an insurrection against the but also the entire world, could have These are only a few of the many U.S. Capitol during the electoral col- been carried out. questions that need to be answered. lege vote count. The highly respected 9/11 Commission The American people and the Capitol On January 6, I felt the same sense of identified numerous challenges that Police deserve those answers. shock and trauma that I had felt on 9/ needed to be addressed, which ulti- As I have called for since the days 11. Like most of America, I took for mately led to many concrete rec- just after the attack, an independent, granted that the peaceful transfer of ommendations that were later enacted 9/11-style review is critical for remov- power is so natural as to transcend into law. These critical reforms vastly ing the politics around January 6 and even the most turbulent period of par- improved our information sharing, in- focusing solely on the facts and cir- tisan politics. telligence collection, vetting capabili- cumstances of the security breach at I was wrong. We were all wrong. De- ties, and broader homeland security en- the Capitol, as well as other instances mocracy is too fragile to be taken for terprise. of violence relevant to such a review. granted. It demands from all of us a The security breach that took place Make no mistake about it, Mr. vigilant defense. at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 was THOMPSON and I know this is about As Members of the United States completely unacceptable. It was a facts. It is not partisan politics. We Congress, we took an oath to defend major breakdown in information shar- would have never gotten to this point and uphold the Constitution of the ing and preparedness, much like the if it was about partisan politics. shortfalls that existed prior to 9/11. It Thanks to the strong partnership United States. The insurrection against the U.S. Capitol was a literal was not only an attack on this institu- with Mr. THOMPSON, the Homeland Se- tion but an attack on our law enforce- curity Committee remains a bipartisan and metaphorical assault on the very ment brethren who defend us every committee focused on securing the Na- Constitution we have been charged day. tion while leaving partisanship at the with defending. Unfortunately, we know that the door, which is exactly what the Amer- The January 6 Commission is, there- Capitol, Federal buildings, and even ican people expect of us. fore, not a choice, but an obligation. Members of Congress remain a target Chairman THOMPSON and I were able We have a duty to investigate what for extremists of all ideologies, as we to work together to block out all the happened and why it happened and who all saw most recently during the April political noise surrounding the Janu- is responsible. 2 vehicle attack that took the life of ary 6 attack and turn the Speaker’s As a Congress, if we are not able or Capitol Police Officer William ‘‘Billy’’ partisan proposal into a reasonable, willing to ascertain the full truth sur- Evans. nonpartisan bill. rounding an invasion of our very home,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:37 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.061 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2578 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 of our Nation’s Capitol, then why are Rather than start to mend, the wound Mr. Speaker, the January 6 bipar- we here? The 11th-hour attempt to sab- from January 6 was hastily bandaged tisan commission will explore what otage a bipartisan, bicameral position and continues to fester. Only by airing happened on that fateful day, why it is not a difference of opinion, nor is it it out and addressing what occurred happened, and how do we prevent an- politics as usual. It is an abdication of can we hope to move past and heal. I other violent insurrection and attack the oath that we took to uphold the applaud my friend, Congressman JOHN on the Capitol from ever happening Constitution. KATKO, for his good-faith, bipartisan again. The United States of America is not leadership to put this commission in In the aftermath of the attack on a cult of personality, it is a Nation of place. Pearl Harbor, America had a bipartisan laws. And our loyalty should not be to Mr. Speaker, I supported this effort commission. In the aftermath of the one political figure or one political in January, I support it today, and I September 11 attack, America had a bi- party. Our highest loyalty should be to urge my colleagues to do so as well. partisan commission. In the aftermath our country and the Constitution that Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. of the attack on this Capitol on Janu- governs it. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- ary 6, America should have a bipar- We must never forget that the truth tleman from (Mr. tisan commission. trumps politics. And if the truth is GOTTHEIMER). The violent insurrection was an at- Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I what we seek, then we have nothing to tack on the Congress, the Constitution, rise today, as a member of the Com- fear from bringing the clarity that and the Capitol. Lives were lost. More mittee on Homeland Security, in only truth can bring to the chaos and than 140 officers were seriously injured. strong support of H.R. 3233, Chairman confusion of January 6. A violent mob stormed this building to THOMPSON and Ranking Member Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 assassinate the Speaker, hang Mike minutes to the gentleman from Michi- KATKO’s bill to form a bipartisan, inde- pendent commission to investigate the Pence, and hunt down Members of Con- gan (Mr. MEIJER). gress. They urinated, defecated, and Mr. MEIJER. Mr. Speaker, I rise January 6 domestic terrorism attack desecrated the citadel of our democ- today to express my strongest support on the United States Capitol. racy. for H.R. 3233, a bill to establish a bipar- On January 6, the world witnessed an It was a violent attack designed to tisan commission to investigate the attempted insurrection against our bring about one objective; halt Con- disgraceful January 6 attack on this government to overturn the will of the gress from undertaking our constitu- institution. American people. I know that because I Let us be clear, the imperative to was right here in this House Chamber tional responsibilities. And yet, a few have a public, objective, fact-based in- that day as doors were barricaded and of my colleagues seem to want to con- vestigation of the Capitol attack is not Members and staff were forced to evac- vince America that it was all puppies a partisan issue and it should never be uate. The mob that stormed our Cap- and rainbows. We will not be hood- treated as such. A violent mob itol, resulting in the death of a Capitol winked. We will not be bamboozled. We breached this building to disrupt the police officer, tore down the American will not be led astray. lawful Presidential transition and flag and desecrated the seat of our de- The January 6 bipartisan commission threaten the lives of Vice President mocracy. These lawless thugs, led by will find the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And that is PENCE and Members of Congress. That members of extremist groups like the this mob attacked the Capitol with the , and , and the American way. encouragement of prominent elected Stop the Steal, attempted an insurrec- Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve officials is a chilling reminder of Presi- tion. In the end, they failed. We gath- the balance of my time. dent Reagan’s warning that ‘‘freedom ered back together here, uncowed, and Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. is never more than one generation the electoral college was certified. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- away from extinction.’’ Mr. Speaker, but true healing cannot tleman from Rhode Island (Mr. LAN- Unfortunately, many who rightly come without a serious investigation GEVIN), the former Secretary of State criticized and condemned the attack and real accountability. I am very from Rhode Island, who is now a mem- that day have walked back their words proud that last night, the bipartisan ber of the Committee on Homeland Se- or softened their speech. But even more , 29 Democrats curity. troubling, there has been an active ef- and 29 Republicans, came together to Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise fort to whitewash and rewrite the endorse this legislation, putting aside in strong support of H.R. 3233. On Sep- shameful events of that day to avoid politics to get to the bottom of what tember 11, 2001, I was a freshman in accountability and turn away from dif- happened that day. Congress. We suffered attacks that day This bipartisan commission, modeled ficult truths. because of a failure of imagination. on the 9/11 Commission, will undertake If we avoid confronting what hap- Since then, I have dedicated myself to an investigation into the facts and pened here just a few short months getting ahead of the curve, to seeing what caused the attack. over the horizon, to preventing another ago, we can be sure that intimidation, Mr. Speaker, this legislation will coercion, and violence will become a such devastating surprise. Yet, on Jan- help us deter further would-be extrem- uary 6, I, along with so many others, defining feature of our politics. ists, and provide the law enforcement On the evening of January 6, as I was was caught by surprise. homeland security community with walking back to the Capitol after it In the past 5 months, I have re- the tools needed to protect the Capitol flected. What signs did we miss? Were was cleared of rioters, I received a text and our country from future attacks. we unprepared for a tide of American from a constituent who asserted that I thank Chairman THOMPSON and rioters? Why were some citizens actu- those who stormed the Capitol today Ranking Member KATKO for their ex- were the true American heroes, that traordinary leadership and months of ally taking the big lie about the elec- the election was a fraud, and that I hard work together on the bill, the way tion seriously enough to actually com- must know that that was true. He then governing should occur. mit violence? warned: ‘‘You can bet that there will Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues The January 6 commission will an- be more blood on Congress’ hands if on both sides of the aisle to join in sup- swer these and many other difficult you let that stand.’’ port of securing and protecting the questions and deliver a complete I refuse to accept that possibility, very foundation of our democracy. record for posterity of what could pos- this abrogation of our sacred obliga- Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve sibly have happened to bring about tion to the Republic. There is no re- the balance of my time. such a betrayal of our democracy. placement for an independent, bipar- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. We will not defeat darkness with tisan commission with a mandate to Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- darkness. We need light. We will not produce a definitive report to the pub- tleman from New York (Mr. JEFFRIES), defeat lies with lies. We need truth. lic to clear away myths and fictions chair of the Democratic Caucus. This commission will bring forth the and get right on the facts. Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, I thank truth and it is only the truth that can This is not picking at a scab. In order the distinguished chair for his tremen- truly heal the rift that is tearing our to scab over, a cut has to first heal. dous leadership. country apart.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.063 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2579 Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman mentioned can only be truth. It will answer the cry of those THOMPSON and Ranking Member KATKO issued if there is a consensus by both law enforcement officers who were for their leadership. sides of the aisle on the commission. It called racial names. We will be able to Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 is not something that one side can do explain why someone was trying to kill minutes to the gentleman from Michi- unilaterally. And that is one of the key the Vice President, kill the Speaker, gan (Mr. UPTON). provisions of this, because it and kill Members of Congress. Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, January 6 depoliticizes the process and it is a This is a truth time. Can we stand for is going to haunt this institution for a consensus-driven process. truth? long, long time. No, it was not the joy- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of And might I add, I want to thank all ous day on Capitol Hill with our con- my time. of those officers who put their line in stituents celebrating the start of a new Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. front for us. Let us get them the truth Congress and a new administration. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- so the Nation will know the truth and COVID came first, then this. tleman from Texas (Mr. GREEN), a so we can stand on the truth and be So nearly 5 months later, we still member of the Committee on Home- free. don’t have the answers to the basic land Security. Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Judiciary Sub- questions: Who knew what? When? Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, committee on Crime, Homeland Security, and What did they do about it? and still I rise, and I rise today under- Terrorism, and a senior member of the Home- Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, standing that William Cullen Bryant land Security, and Budget Committees, I rise KATKO and THOMPSON, for the really was right: ‘‘Truth, crushed to earth, in strong support of H.R. 3233, the National good job on working together to estab- shall rise again.’’ Whether you believe Commission to Investigate the January 6 At- lish a bipartisan commission seeking that it was just a group of tourists tack on the Capitol Complex Act, which estab- to find the answers to the questions walking through the Capitol or not, lishes a national commission charged with in- that are still out there. you should want this commission. vestigating and reporting upon the facts and Hundreds of people were arrested. b 1630 causes of the January 6, 2021, attack on the People died. Millions of dollars of dam- U.S. Capitol as well as the influencing factors age to this building, feces spread on the If you believe that it was an insurrec- that may have provoked the attack on our de- walls, and, yes, the very core of democ- tion, you should want this commission. mocracy. racy, this institution, was threatened. You should want this commission be- Specifically, the January 6 Commission’s I wasn’t in the Chamber that day cause you cannot bury the truth in an mandate includes: when the breach was attempted, but I earthly grave of lies and not realize the 1. examining and evaluating evidence devel- heard the shouts, saw the flash bangs, words of William Cullen Bryant, oped by relevant Federal, State, and local smelled the gas on that sorry day. And ‘‘Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise governments, in a manner that is respectful of if it had not been for the brave Capitol again.’’ ongoing investigations, regarding the facts and and Metropolitan policemen and Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chair- circumstances of the attack; women that day, who knows how many man THOMPSON and the ranking mem- 2. building upon other investigations regard- of our heads would have been swinging ber for standing together to make this ing the attack and targeted violence and do- on those gallows that were constructed moment possible. Bipartisanship is mestic terrorism related to such attack; and on the east front of the Capitol. achieved when you have good decent 3, reporting to the President and Congress I talked to the exhausted SWAT people who can stand together for the regarding its findings, conclusions, and rec- team members, the police, and watched good of all. ommendations for corrective measures taken some of the body cams. I talked to God bless you, dear brothers. to prevent future acts of targeted violence and some of our still-shaken colleagues Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve domestic terrorism and improves the security who endured that day. the balance of my time. posture of the United States Capitol Complex Mr. Speaker, we need the answers, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. in a manner that preserves the accessibility of not political rhetoric. That is what Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- the Capitol Complex for all Americans, and this bipartisan commission can provide woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). strengthen the security and resilience of nation for all of us, for our country. Let the Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I and American democratic institutions against truth shine in. thank the chairman and I thank the domestic terrorism. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. ranking member for showing, no mat- Like the 9/11 Commission, the measure es- Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- ter how much confusion and upside tablishes a 10–person bipartisan commission tleman from California, (Mr. CORREA). down interpretation that leadership with five commissioners, including the Chair, Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank may give in changing their mind, truth appointed by the Speaker of the House and Chairman THOMPSON and Ranking will prevail. the Majority Leader of the Senate and five Member KATKO for this legislation. Let us show what America is today. commissioners, including the Vice Chair, ap- Mr. Speaker, this bill is simply about Let us show what unity is today. Let pointed by the Minority Leaders of the House the truth. It is about the truth behind me take a few moments to explain why and Senate. the assault on our Capitol on January the intended purpose of the January 6 Like the 9/11 Commission, the January 6 6. Enough with lies. Enough with con- insurrection to disrupt the joint meet- Commission will be granted authority to issue spiracy theories. The January 6 com- ing of Congress to tally the votes of subpoenas to secure information to carry out mission will have the power, power to Presidential electors and announce the its investigation but only upon agreement be- find the truth. It will have subpoena results to the Nation and the world was tween the Chair and the Vice Chair or a vote power to compel people to testify, to the greatest threat to the American by a majority of Commission members. testify under oath under penalty of Experiment since the Civil War, when January 6 Commissioners must have signifi- perjury. the pro-slavery forces would rather cant expertise in the areas of law enforce- An attack on our Capitol, an attack make war than let the Nation survive, ment, civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, intel- on our democracy, an attack on the and pro-freedom forces would accept ligence, and cybersecurity. Current govern- election of our President—these cannot war rather than let the Nation perish. ment officers or employees are prohibited from be tolerated, and they cannot happen Mr. Speaker, I was here on 9/11, and I appointment. again. understand what we did not get accom- The January 6 Commission will be required What happened? What happened Jan- plished, yet when we became part of to issue a final report with findings regarding uary 6? This bill is about sunshine, this the Homeland Security Committee, we the facts and causes of the attack, along with bill is about transparency. That is why moved the 9/11 Commission that still recommendations to prevent future attacks on I ask for every Member on this floor, I stands as the standard-bearer for find- our democratic institutions, by December 31, ask you to vote ‘‘aye’’ on this most im- ing out what happened. 2021. portant measure. All the American people want, and Like September 11, 2001, we cannot and Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I just want those officers who were beat and beat must not ever forget the existential threat to note for the RECORD that the sub- and beat, is to find out the truth. This faced by our democracy on January 6, 2021, poena to which my colleague from commission will help us find out the when thousands of domestic terrorists inspired

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.064 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2580 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 by the 45th President stormed the U.S. Capitol selfless and heroic service, encourages all tance of finishing the work we are in to ensure in a violent, crazed, and desperate effort to educational and media institutions throughout that ‘‘government of the people, for the peo- disrupt the Joint Meeting of Congress pre- the United States to teach and celebrate the ple, by the people does not perish from the scribed by the Constitution to tally the votes of story of their heroism and patriotism; and calls earth.’’ presidential electors and announce the results upon all Americans to read, celebrate, and re- By our actions in voting to establish and to the nation and the world. vere the Constitution of the United States, fi- empower a National Commission to Inves- Mr. Speaker, the morning of September 11, delity to which is the surest best means of tigate the January 6 Attack on the Capitol 2001, is, and will always be, a day like no forming a more perfect union, establishing jus- Complex, we are taking an indispensable step other. tice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing in ensuring the preservation of our democracy, It is a day all living Americans will remem- for the common defense, promoting the gen- which has been the envy of the world for than ber because not since Pearl Harbor had there eral welfare, and securing the blessing of lib- 240 years. been such a dastardly and deadly attack on erty to them and their posterity. I urge all Members to join me in voting for American soil. Mr. Speaker, the domestic terrorists and H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Inves- My heart still grieves for those who perished seditionists who attacked the Capitol Building tigate the January 6 Attack on the Capitol on flights United Airlines 93, American Airlines on January 6, 2021, were not, as some of Complex Act. 77, American Airlines 11, and United Airlines their ardent defenders and apologists across Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve 175. the aisle have stated falsely, on a ‘‘normal tour the balance of my time. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. When the sun rose on the morning of Sep- visit’’; nor was their effort to lay siege to the Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- tember 11, none of us knew that it would end Capitol and disrupt the processes of govern- in an inferno in the magnificent World Trade woman from New York (Ms. CLARKE). ment an act of persons who love their country. Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Center Towers in New York City and the Pen- And it is absurd to suggest that it was a tagon and in the grassy fields of Shanksville, Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the celebration of the United States and what it American people, our Republic, my col- . stands for when the leading edge of terrorists Mr. Speaker, as hard as it is to believe, out leagues, congressional staff, Capitol desecrated the Capitol by offensively parading of a tragedy so overwhelming and horrific, Police officers, and the late Officer the treasonous Confederate flag through the something good and great emerged in the Brian Sicknick, in support of H.R. 3233, building and when, because of their insurrec- aftermath of September 11. the National Commission to Inves- tion, several members of law enforcement On that day there were no Republicans or tigate the January 6 Attack on the made the supreme sacrifice and scores more Democrats; there were no Northerners or United States Capitol Complex Act. were seriously injured. Southerners or West or East Coasters. Let me be very clear: What took We were not Red State or Blue State; we Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few mo- place on January 6 in the United were all simply Americans. ments to explain why the intended purpose of States Capitol Building was an act of On that day, we were united in our shock the January 6 insurrection—to disrupt the Joint domestic terrorism. To witness this and anger and sadness and in our resolve to Meeting of Congress to tally the votes of pres- hallowed place, the seat of our democ- defend our country and protect the freedoms idential electors and announce the results to racy, being breached and invaded by a that has made America the greatest country in the nation and the world—was the greatest mob of incensed blood-thirsty individ- the history of the world. threat to the American Experiment since the uals, sycophants, all as we barricaded I experienced the same gamut of emotions Civil War when the proslavery forces would ourselves in our offices and on this on January 6: grief, hope, resolve, and fierce rather make war than let the nation survive floor, fearing for our lives, was dev- commitment to protect our country. and the pro-freedom forces would accept war astating beyond belief. It was an at- Mr. Speaker, the assault on the U.S. Capitol rather than let the nation perish. tack on our democracy. Full stop. by domestic terrorists and insurrectionists Mr. Speaker, the Framers had first-hand ex- This commission is necessary to en- rightly takes its place as one of the darkest perience with the types of abuses and sure all parties involved are brought to moments in our nation’s history since the Civil usurpations committed by political leaders who justice and the American people are War. ruled them but were not accountable to them made aware of the facts and causes Mr. Speaker, the January 6 insurrection and detailed many of those wrongs in the that led to this heinous act of domestic caused tragic loss of life and many injuries, Declaration of Independence. terrorism. while leaving behind widespread physical The Framers understood and declared to Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve damage to the Capitol Complex and emotional the world that democratic governors derived the balance of my time. trauma for Members, Congressional employ- their powers from the knowing and voluntary Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. ees, and the Capitol Police. consent of the governed as expressed in free, Speaker, how much time do we have re- It bears repeating often that the Congress fair, and unfettered elections unmarred by the maining? and the nation owe undying gratitude to the influence or sabotage of any foreign country or The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- men and women who answered the call of entity not a member of the political community. tleman from Mississippi has 16 minutes constitutional duty and heroically won the day The Framers understood that if elections are remaining. The gentleman from New on that bloody and deadly afternoon. influenced by foreign actors or authoritarian York has 20 minutes remaining. That is why I introduced H. Res. 169, a res- forces within, then voters are reduced from the Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. olution commending the officers of the United great role of citizens to mere subjects, and Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- States Capitol Police Department, the Metro- government for and by the people is a sham. tleman from California (Mr. politan Police Department of Washington, DC, The most important feature of a democracy SWALWELL). and other law enforcement personnel for their is that it is the voters who alone can confer Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, selfless and heroic service in defense of the legitimate consent and authorization nec- today, our country has a choice: Our American democracy in responding to the as- essary to govern upon the governors who are Constitution or chaos? sault on the United States Capitol by domestic then duty-bound to represent the voters’ inter- Our democracy was attacked on Jan- terrorists on January 6, 2021. ests, and only their interests. uary 6. We survived this once, but we H. Res. 169 notes that the January 6, 2021, Mr. Speaker, the fundamental democratic will not survive another attack. This siege of the Capitol assault resulted in one of compact between the governed and the gov- commission ensures that we are better the worst days of injuries for law enforcement ernors is that the latter’s authority and continu- prepared if one is to come to this House in the United States since the September 11, ance in office comes exclusively from the gov- again. 2001, terrorist attacks but that the officers of erned and allegiance is owed exclusively to We don’t just owe this to our democ- the United States Capitol Police Department, the governed. racy, we owe it to the men and women the Metropolitan Police Department of Wash- This agreement can only be reached in uniform, who fought in hand-to-hand ington, DC, and other uniformed law enforce- through free and fair elections, a breach of combat for hours to protect our lives. ment officers stood their ground in defense of which threatens the vitality and viability of the These are the cops that we see every American democracy while being attacked social contract upon which democratic self-rule day. These are the cops who take care metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and of, by, and for the people depends. of us. Three of them lost their life. One other weapons. Mr. Speaker, President Lincoln called the of them lost a number of fingers, and The resolution conveys the thanks and ap- United States the ‘‘last best hope of man on one of them had his eye gouged out. preciation of a grateful nation to them for their earth’’ and stated at Gettysburg the impor- Don’t walk away from these cops.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.024 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2581 We can’t agree on much as a country woman from California (Ms. and elected officials who have represented or anymore. We choose the news that BARRAGA´ N). served Democrats, Republicans, or adminis- agrees with us. But this commission Ms. BARRAGA´ N. Mr. Speaker, I rise trations of both parties. We write to encour- cannot be spun. The testimony is the today in support of the National Com- age this Congress to establish an inde- mission to Investigate the January 6 pendent and bipartisan national commission testimony. It is unimpeachable. It is to investigate the January 6th assault of the going to be factual. And we owe those Attack on the United States Capitol U.S. Capitol Complex and its direct causes, facts, the ground truth, not only to our Complex Act. and to make recommendations to prevent fu- democracy, but to the police officers So many questions have surfaced ture assaults and strengthen the resilience of who so bravely served us that day. since the attempted insurrection from our democratic institutions. Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve January 6, but one question encom- We also write to you with great urgency in the balance of my time. passes everything: What happened? light of what we collectively see as an exi- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. A truth-telling commission will set gent and growing threat. The events of Janu- ary 6th exposed severe vulnerabilities in the Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- the record straight about the January 6 uprising, its causes, and potential re- nation’s preparedness for preventing and re- woman from New York (Miss RICE). sponding to domestic terrorist attacks. The Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Speaker, medial measures. This is about a fact- finding and truth-telling mission. It immediate security failings that permitted a I rise today in support of H.R. 3233, the lethal breach of the Capitol Complex by was the very absence of these two National Commission to Investigate armed extremists raise serious questions and things that helped bring the insurrec- the January 6 Attack on the United demand immediate solutions. tion on January 6. But January 6th was also the result of States Capitol Complex Act. We can’t move on until we look back This cannot be said enough. January complex national security threats. These in- and make sure we know what hap- clude coordinated disinformation campaigns, 6 was an act of domestic terrorism. An pened, why, and make sure it never nontransparent financing of extremist net- armed mob of insurrectionists stormed happens again. works, potential foreign influences, and the Capitol intending to murder the On behalf of fallen Capitol Police Of- white supremacist violent extremism, which Speaker, the Vice President, and Mem- ficer Sicknick, the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security iden- bers of Congress. the U.S. Capitol Police, the congres- tified in an October 2020 report as among We cannot let our friends on the sional and Capitol Hill staff that keep ‘‘the most persistent and lethal threat[s] in the Homeland.’’ As FBI Director Christopher other side of the aisle whitewash the our offices running, and the American events of that day. We cannot let them Wray testified to you recently, ‘‘January 6th people, we must uncover the truth. was not an isolated event. The problem of gaslight the American people by call- Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve domestic terrorism has been metastasizing ing January 6 an ordinary tourist visit. the balance of my time. across the country for a long time now and The 9/11-style commission we are pro- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. it’s not going away anytime soon.’’ Under- posing in this bill will issue a full re- Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- standing how these forces culminated in an port on the facts and provide rec- woman from (Mrs. LURIA). attack on the infrastructure of our democ- ommendations to prevent future at- Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Speaker, like all of racy is critical to preventing future attacks. tacks. us, I watched with horror as our Cap- In the wake of September 11th, the admin- Mr. Speaker, I truly appreciate itol was overrun on January 6 by those istration and Congress jointly acknowledged seeking to overturn a free and fair elec- that the attack’s causes were complex and Chairman THOMPSON and Ranking that an independent and well-equipped na- Member KATKO for negotiating this bill tion. tional commission was an essential tool to in good faith. As a 20-year Navy veteran, I swore an aid the federal government. Congressional I thank my friend, Ranking Member oath multiple times throughout my ca- inquiries, law enforcement activities, and a KATKO, for actually recognizing the reer to support and defend our Con- national commission not only worked in par- events of January 6 and working to stitution against all enemies, foreign allel, but critically complemented each oth- find a bipartisan path forward, despite and domestic. As Members of Congress, er’s necessary work. An independent com- the opposition in his own party. That is we swear the same oath, and we swear mission should not supplant the ongoing work by the legislative and executive a true act of courage and being a true this oath, not as a member of a polit- ical party, but as Americans. There is branches, but it can uniquely support them American. by providing comprehensive and expert rec- Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve no carve-out for political expediency. I implore every Member of this body ommendations for Congress to act upon. the balance of my time. Commissions—properly empowered, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. to uphold their oath and vote in sup- resourced, and led—can establish a full pic- Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- port of this bipartisan commission. The ture of events and an analysis of their American people deserve to understand woman from (Mrs. DEMINGS). causes, from which nonpartisan rec- Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, the in- exactly what happened that day in ommendations can authoritatively flow. With dedicated time, resources, and expert surrectionists attacked this very build- January. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues staffing, they can also exclusively focus on ing we are standing in right now. The not to turn this into a partisan litmus the matter at hand over an appropriate time violent mob attacked, bear-sprayed, test, not to pit Republican against horizon. Given the gravity of January 6th as and beat down the police officers who Democrat, and not to perpetuate the a national security matter—the violent dis- protect us every day. 140 officers were ruption to the transition of power and the big lie. Finding the truth should not be injured, and we need to care about continuing threat of future attacks—a na- controversial or a question of partisan- tional commission examining the lead up to that. Some have died, and they de- ship. served better. the January 6th assault, and the attendant This is about our shared future, the security lapses, is not only appropriate, but Mr. Speaker, accountability and future of this Congress, and the future a critical component of the national re- truth are the foundation upon which of democracy. We must do this to- sponse. all of our rights and freedoms exist. We gether, and I urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote. A failure to deploy the full suite of tools need answers, and this commission will Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve available to fully understand January 6th give them to us. We need account- the balance of my time. and address its causes will leave the Capitol, ability, and this commission will pave Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. and the nation, vulnerable to future attacks. In bipartisan fashion, we have successfully the way for full accountability. We Speaker, I include in the RECORD a list- need an independent commission, and a marshaled these tools before, and we implore ing of national security, military, and you to do so once again. vote against it is a vote for a cover-up. elected officials, former Members of Sincerely, Choose ye this day whom you will Congress, U.S. Attorneys, diplomats, (Note: All titles are former positions or serve. Our democracy or the big lie? all who have specific expertise in this military ranks held prior to retirement.) History will remember us. matter before the body today. Javed Ali, Senior Director for Counterter- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to rorism, National Security Council. LETTER FROM FORMER SENIOR NATIONAL SE- support this legislation. Thad Allen, , U.S. Coast Guard; CURITY, MILITARY, AND ELECTED OFFICIALS Commandant of the Coast Guard. Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve CALLING ON CONGRESS TO CREATE A BIPAR- Wendy R. Anderson, Deputy Chief of Staff, the balance of my time. TISAN 1/6 COMMISSION U.S. Department of Defense. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. DEAR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: We are Daniel Baer, U.S. Ambassador; Deputy As- Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- former senior national security, military, sistant Secretary of State.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.067 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2582 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 Brian Baird, U.S. Representative, 1999–2011. Kim Fuller, U.S. Department of the Army, Janet Napolitano, Secretary, U.S. Depart- Daniella Ballou-Aares, Senior Advisor to Director of International Affairs (Special As- ment of Homeland Security. the Secretary of State. sistant to the Deputy Secretary). Elizabeth Neumann, Assistant Secretary Rand Beers, Acting Secretary, U.S. Depart- Larry Garber, USAID Mission Director, for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention, ment of Homeland Security; Deputy Home- West Bank/Gaza. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. land Security Advisor. Richard Gephardt, U.S. Representative, Suzanne Nossel, Deputy Assistant Sec- John Bellinger, Legal Adviser, U.S. De- 1977–2005. retary of State. partment of State; Legal Advisor, National Stuart Gerson, Acting Attorney General of William Owens, Admiral, U.S. Navy; Vice Security Council. the U.S.; Assistant Attorney General; U.S. Chairman of the . Tatyana Bolton, Cyber Policy Lead—Sen- Air Force Counterintelligence Officer. Christopher Painter, Coordinator for Cyber ior Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of Glenn Gerstell, General Counsel, National Issues, U.S. Department of State. Homeland Security. Security Agency. William Perry, Secretary of Defense. Charles Boustany, U.S. Representative, James Glassman, Under Secretary for Pub- Larry Pfeiffer, Chief of Staff, CIA; Senior 2005–2017. lic Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. De- Director, White House Situation Room. Steven Browning, U.S. Ambassador; Prin- partment of State. Annie Pforzheimer, Acting Deputy Assist- cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. Kevin Green, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy. ant Secretary of State for . Todd F. Buchwald, U.S. Ambassador, Office Nina Hachigian, U.S. Ambassador. Randal Phillips, Senior Intelligence Serv- of Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department Chuck Hagel, Secretary, U.S. Department ice, CIA. of State. of Defense. William Piekney, Senior Operations Man- Sharon Burke, Assistant Secretary of De- Morton Halperin, Director, Policy Plan- ager, CIA. fense for Operational Energy. ning, U.S. Department of State. Steven Pifer, Senior Foreign Service Offi- Daniel Byman, Professional Staff Member, Jane Harman, U.S. Representative, 1993– cer; U.S. Ambassador. 9/11 Commission. 1991, 2001–2011. Tony Pipa, Chief Strategy Officer, USAID. Piper Campbell, U.S. Ambassador; Head Gary Hart, U.S. Senator, 1975–1987. Marc Polymeropoulos, Senior Intelligence U.S. Mission to ASEAN. Luke Hartig, Senior Director for Counter- Service, Directorate of Operations, CIA. Kevin Carroll, Senior Counselor to the Sec- terrorism, National Security Council. Allison Price, Senior Spokesperson, U.S. retary of Homeland Security; Senior Counsel Michael V. Hayden, General, U.S. Air Department of Justice. to the House Homeland Security Committee. Force; Director, CIA; Director, NSA. Deborah Pryce, U.S. Representative, 1993– J.E. Cartwright, General, U.S. Marine Jason Healey, Director, Critical Infrastruc- 2009. Corps; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of ture Protection, Homeland Security Council. Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Ad- Staff. Margaret Henoch, CIA Senior Intelligence visor. Steven Cash, Chief Counsel, U.S. Senator Service. Thomas Ridge, Secretary, U.S. Department Dianne Feinstein; Intelligence Officer, CIA; Rush D. Holt, U.S. Representative, 1999– of Homeland Security. Assistant District Attorney, New York. 2015. Riggleman, U.S. Representative, Michael Chertoff, Secretary, U.S. Depart- Cameron Hume, U.S. Ambassador. 2019–2021. ment of Homeland Security. Gordon Humphrey, U.S. Senator, 1979–1991. Thomas B. Robertson, U.S. Ambassador. Peter Chiarelli, General, U.S. Army, 32nd Paul Douglas Humphries, CIA. Tim Roemer, 9/11 Commissioner; U.S. Am- Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Carol Humphries, CIA, Captain, U.S. Navy bassador; U.S. Representative, 1991–2003. James Clapper, Director of National Intel- Reserve. Michael Rogers, Admiral, U.S. Navy; Com- ligence. Bob Inglis, U.S. Representative, 1993–1999, mander, U.S. Cyber Command; Director, Na- , Secretary, U.S. Depart- 2005–2011. tional Security Agency. ment of Defense. Steve Israel, U.S. Representative, 2001– Todd Rosenblum, Deputy Under Secretary Tom Coleman, U.S. Representative, 1976– 2017. of Intelligence, U.S. Department of Home- 1993. Jeh Johnson, Secretary, U.S. Department land Security. Gary Corn, Colonel, U.S. Army, Staff of Homeland Security. Paul Rosenzweig, Deputy Assistant Sec- Judge Advocate, U.S. Cyber Command. Susan Koch, Deputy Assistant Secretary of retary for Policy, U.S. Department of Home- Thomas Countryman, Assistant Secretary Defense for Threat Reduction Policy. land Security. of State for International Security and Non- Jim Kolbe, U.S. Representative, 1985–2007. Nicholas Rostow, Legal Advisor to the Na- proliferation. David J. Kramer, Assistant Secretary of tional Security Council; Staff Director, U.S. , U.S. Ambassador. State for Democracy, Human Rights & George Croner, Litigation Counsel, Na- Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Labor. Joel Rubin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of tional Security Agency; Special Assistant David Laufman, Chief of the Counterintel- State. U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division, U.S. De- ligence and Export Control Section in the Nilmini Rubin, Director, National Security partment of Justice. National Security Division, U.S. Department Carlos Curbelo, U.S. Representative, 2015– Council. of Justice. 2019. David Scheffer, U.S. Ambassador. John Danforth, U.S. Senator, 1976–1995. J. William Leonard, Deputy Assistant Sec- Robert Shanks, Deputy Assistant Attorney J. Michael Daniel, Special Assistant to retary of Defense (Security & Information General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. De- President Obama and Cybersecurity Coordi- Operations). partment of Justice; General Counsel, Over- nator. Jason Lewis-Berry, Acting Deputy Assist- seas Private Investment Corporation; Gen- Tom Daschle, U.S. Senator, 1987–2005. ant Secretary, U.S. Department of State. eral Counsel, Peace Corps. Greg Delawie, U.S. Ambassador. Andrew Liepman, Deputy Director, Na- Christopher Shays, U.S. Representative, Charles W. Dent, U.S. Representative, 2005– tional Counterrorism Center; Deputy Direc- 1987–2009. 2018. tor, CIA/Counterterrorism Center; Director, Douglas Silliman, U.S. Ambassador. Murray Dickman, Chief of Staff to the At- Office of Iraq Analysis; Deputy Director, John Sipher, Senior Intelligence Service, torney General. Weapons Intelligence Non Proliferation and CIA Clandestine Service. David Durenberger, U.S. Senator, 1978–1995. Arms Control Center. Peter Smith, U.S. Representative, 1989– R.P. Eddy, Director, National Security Robert Litt, General Counsel, Office of the 1991. Council; Chief of Staff, U.S. Ambassador to Director of National Intelligence. Suzanne Spaulding, Under Secretary, U.S. the U.N. George Little, Press Secretary, Pentagon; Department of Homeland Security. Eric Edelman, Under Secretary of Defense Spokesman, CIA. Strobe Talbott, Deputy Secretary of State. for Policy. James Loy, Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard; Miles Taylor, Chief of Staff, U.S. Depart- Mickey Edwards, U.S. Representative, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard; Dep- ment of Homeland Security. 1977–1993; Chair, House Republican Policy uty Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Tomicah Tillemann, Senior Advisor to the Committee, 1989–1993. Security. Secretary of State; Speechwriter to the Sec- Susan Elliott, U.S. Ambassador. Lewis Lukens, U.S. Ambassador. retary of State. Jeffrey Feltman, United Nations Under- Michael McFaul, Ambassador; Special As- Kurt Tong, U.S. Ambassador. Secretary-General for Political Affairs; U.S. sistant to the President and Senior Director Olivia Troye, Homeland Security and Assistant Secretary of State for Near East- for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the Na- Counterterrorism Advisor to Vice President ern Affairs. tional Security Council. . Brenner Fissell, Appellate Counsel, Guan- Steven McGann, U.S. Ambassador. Stanley A. Twardy, Jr., United States At- tanamo Bay Military Commissions. Dennis McGinn, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy; torney for the District of , 1985– Emil Frankel, Assistant Secretary for Assistant Secretary of the Navy. 1991. Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Joseph Medina, Brigadier General, U.S. Alexander Vershbow, NATO Deputy Sec- Transportation. Marine Corps. retary General; Assistant Secretary of De- Charles Fried, Solicitor General of the Christopher Mellon, Deputy Assistant Sec- fense; U.S. Ambassador. United States. retary of Defense. Alexander Vindman, Colonel, Francis Fukuyama, Deputy Director, Pol- Connie Morella, U.S. Representative, 2003– U.S. Army; Director for European Affairs, icy Planning, U.S. Department of State. 2006; U.S. Ambassador. National Security Council.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.026 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2583 Edward Walker, U.S. Ambassador; Assist- PROTECT DEMOCRACY, to the floor for a bipartisan commis- ant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Af- Washington, DC, May 19, 2021. sion. fairs. PROTECT DEMOCRACY URGES REPRESENTA- Let’s talk about where we are. Here James Walsh, U.S. Representative, 1989– TIVES TO SUPPORT H.R. 3233, THE NATIONAL we are in the Capitol of the United 2009. COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE THE JANUARY 6 States. The dome of the U.S. Capitol Zach Wamp, U.S. Representative, 1995–2011. ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL has always been a beacon of democracy COMPLEX ACT Thomas Warrick, Deputy Assistant Sec- and hope to America and to the world. retary for Counterterrorism Policy, U.S. De- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On January 6th the Under this dome, our Nation has abol- partment of Homeland Security. very foundations of our democracy—and our Congress and Capitol that lie at its heart— ished slavery; secured equal protec- William Wechsler, Deputy Assistant Sec- came under attack. More than 130 days later, tions for all; ended a civil war; enfran- retary of Defence for Special Operations and Members of Congress, their staff, and their chised women; established Medicare Combatting Terrorism. constituents are still struggling to come to- and Medicaid, voting rights and civil Pamela White, U.S. Ambassador. gether to understand what happened and how rights; and met the needs of the Amer- Christine Todd Whitman, Governor of New to prevent it from ever happening again. ican people. Jersey; Administrator of the Environmental We strongly urge you to vote in favor of Under this dome, schoolchildren Protection Agency. H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Inves- learn about their country’s history and Jonathan Winer, Deputy Assistant Sec- tigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would es- what we are doing to advance their fu- retary of State for International Law En- ture. They come here and see us honor forcement; Special Envoy for Libya. tablish an independent national commission to comprehensively investigate the January those who have contributed to the suc- , Under Secretary of State for 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol Complex. cess of our country: Washington, Lin- Democracy and Global Affairs; U.S. Senator, This bipartisan bill is a measured and coln, Jefferson, et cetera. But they 1987–1993; U.S. Representative, 1975–1987. thoughtful response to the attack. It will know that our Founders, those patri- Lawrence Wilkerson, Colonel, U.S. Army; bring together a bipartisan group of experts ots, wanted us to be working for a bet- Chief of Staff, U.S. Secretary of State. to examine the facts and circumstances sur- rounding the January 6th attack. The Com- ter future as we honor our history. Douglas H. Wise, CIA Senior Intelligence Under this dome, when children learn Service; Deputy Director, Defense Intel- mission is structured to ensure it is a bipar- ligence Agency. tisan endeavor: all reports must be agreed to about our country’s history, they also learn about what we are doing for their Tamara Cofman Wittes, Deputy Assistant by a majority of Commission members and Secretary of State. the Commission may only issue subpoenas futures. Legislators pass laws. The upon an agreement between the Chair and press engages with our democracy, re- Stephen N. Xenakis, Brigadier General, the Vice Chair or a vote by a majority of U.S. Army. porting on it. Staff and workers enable Commission members. all of this to happen. Marie Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador. The Commission will build on the work This dome is a symbol of the deter- that has begun in various congressional com- Dov S. Zakheim, Under Secretary of De- mination of America. But this was not fense (Comptroller). mittees to gather information and hold hear- ings on the attack. It will not intefere with always so. Let us recall that the dome Peter D. Zimmerman, Chief Scientist, Sen- those ongoing efforts nor will it delay imme- of the Capitol was built during the ate Foreign Relations Committee; Chief Sci- diate security fixes to the Capitol Complex. entific Advisor, US Arms Control and Disar- Civil War as our country was riven by By creating this Commission, Congress can mament Agency; Science Advisor for Arms brutal conflict. At the time, many said assure the American people, and all who Control, U.S. Department of State. the iron and steel used for construction work in the Capitol Complex, that these were needed for the war effort. They Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. events and the circumstances leading up to urged the President not to continue Speaker, I include in the RECORD a them are thoroughly investigated outside of the pressured and partisan environment of the work on the dome. President Lin- joint statement from Governor Tom coln said no. He knew that our country Kean and former Congressman Lee Congress itself. We are grateful to Chairman Bennie needed a symbol of strength and unity, Hamilton in support of this commis- Thompson and Ranking Member John Katko a reminder of the shared ideals and sion. for their leadership in advancing this critical common purpose that built our Nation. legislation, and we urge continued bipartisan [From Issue One] It was a beacon of hope to guide us support for the bill. Today marks an impor- through times of darkness, and he JOINT STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR TOM KEAN tant milestone toward seeking a shared un- knew that the work must continue as a AND CONGRESSMAN LEE HAMILTON, CHAIR- derstanding, protecting our cherished free- MAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE 9/11 COM- doms, and restoring faith in government. sign of our strength and the unity of MISSION Sincerely, our country. IAN BASSIN, Mr. Speaker, on January 6, and in the ‘‘We very strongly urge House Members to Executive Director, Protect Democracy. days, weeks, and months after, the support H.R. 3233, the bipartisan National Commission to Investigate the January 6 At- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Capitol dome was, once again, such a tack on the United States Capitol Complex. Speaker, we have had a number of my beacon. That bill would create a 9/11 style commis- colleagues come before us encouraging Would we prevail? sion to investigate the January 6th assault this body to support this commission January 6 was the day called for in on the U.S. Capitol. That was a dark day in and this legislation. They have spoken the Constitution to validate the Presi- American history, one of the darkest. valiantly in support of it. They have dential election. It was not just an- ‘‘As Chairman and Vice Chairman of the 9/ put their hearts and souls into making other day in the life of Congress. That 11 Commission, unity of purpose was key to sure that it is correct and proper. day, one of the darkest days in our his- the effectiveness of the group. We put coun- I am happy, again, to share with my tory, our temple of democracy was try above party, without bias, the events be- colleague from New York. I appreciate under assault by insurrectionists. fore, during and after the attack. We sought The gleeful desecration of our Cap- to understand our vulnerabilities in order to working with him, and I appreciate the prevent future attacks or future acts of ter- ability to work out our differences. I itol resulted in multiple deaths and rorism. think it should be part of the role physical harm to over 140 members of Today, democracy faces a new threat. The model for future legislation in this law enforcement and terror and trauma January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was one body. among staff, workers, and even Mem- of the darkest days in the history of our Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the bers. country. Americans deserve an objective and gentlewoman from California (Ms. The insurrection was called for to an accurate account of what happened. As we PELOSI), the Speaker of the United impede our constitutional mandate, did in the wake of September 11, it’s time to States House of Representatives. but the Congress returned to the Cap- set aside partisan politics and come together itol that night to accomplish our pur- as Americans in common pursuit of truth b 1645 pose. We agreed in a bipartisan way and justice.’’ Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank that day that we would return to the Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. the gentleman for yielding. I also Capitol, and that sent an important Speaker, I include in the RECORD a let- thank him for his great leadership signal to the world. ter from Protect Democracy, Ian working with Ranking Member KATKO The insurrection called for people to Bassin, Executive Director. on bringing this bipartisan legislation impede our constitutional mandate,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.030 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2584 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 but we returned to the Capitol. Thanks co-chairs of the 9/11 Commission. They tified in an October 2020 report as among to the courage of the Capitol Police, had written to us earlier about the ‘‘the most persistent and lethal threat[s] in Members, and support workers, we need for such a bipartisan commission, the Homeland.’’ As FBI Director Christopher showed the country and, indeed, the but they also wanted not only to find Wray testified to you recently, ‘‘January 6th was not an isolated event. The problem of world that we would not be diverted out the truth so this doesn’t happen domestic terrorism has been metastasizing from our duty and that we would re- again, but also to reinforce our com- across the country for a long time now and spect our responsibility to the Con- mitment to democracy and take us on it’s not going away anytime soon.’’ Under- stitution of the United States. a path that is better and more uni- standing how these forces culminated in an We take that oath to protect and de- fying. attack on the infrastructure of our democ- fend the Constitution. Again, in a bi- That is a responsibility we have, and racy is critical to preventing future attacks. partisan way, we agreed to come back that is a hope that I have emerging In the wake of September 11th, the admin- to the Capitol. from this debate and this vote today, istration and Congress jointly acknowledged that the attack’s causes were complex and Today, over 4 months later, many that we will be able to have a strong that an independent and well-equipped na- questions regarding the circumstances bipartisan vote that takes us down a tional commission was an essential tool to of this assault on our democracy and path more unifying for our country. We aid the federal government. Congressional response to it remain. It is imperative have this opportunity. inquiries, law enforcement activities, and a that we seek the truth of what hap- Mr. Speaker, the press says to me: national commission not only worked in par- pened on January 6. Why don’t you just go do your own allel, but critically complemented each oth- To do that, Congress must, in a spir- task force and your own select com- er’s necessary work. An independent com- it, I believe, of bipartisanship and pa- mittee to investigate this? You have mission should not supplant the ongoing work by the legislative and executive triotism, establish an independent and the votes, you have subpoena power, branches, but it can uniquely support them bipartisan 9/11-type commission. and you have this or that. by providing comprehensive and expert rec- Today, thanks to the leadership of I said: I don’t want to do that. We ommendations for Congress to act upon. Chairman and Rank- want this to be as it is shaped, bipar- Commissions—properly empowered, ing Member JOHN KATKO, legislation to tisan with shared responsibility and resourced, and led—can establish a full pic- create such a commission is on the shared staff in a way that the public ture of events and an analysis of their House floor. will have respect for the outcome. causes, from which nonpartisan rec- It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, To that end, 140 national security ommendations can authoritatively flow. 1 With dedicated time, resources, and expert that this is happening 4 ⁄2 months after leaders have called for such a commis- staffing, they can also exclusively focus on the January 6 insurrection. Mr. Speak- sion. This is what they have said: ‘‘The the matter at hand over an appropriate time er, my colleagues know, but many were events of January 6 exposed severe vul- horizon. Given the gravity of January 6th as not here at the time, legislation estab- nerabilities in the Nation’s prepared- a national security matter—the violent dis- lishing the 9/11 Commission, 9/11/2001, ness for preventing and responding to ruption to the transition of power and the was not signed into law until the end of domestic terrorist attacks. The imme- continuing threat of future attacks—a na- November 2002, over 14 months after diate security failings that permitted a tional commission examining the lead up to the attacks. lethal breach of the Capitol complex by the January 6th assault, and the attendant security lapses, is not only appropriate, but So, people have been saying: How armed extremists raise serious ques- a critical component of the national re- come we don’t have a commission? tions and demand immediate solutions. sponse. It takes time to build bipartisanship . . . A failure to deploy the full suite of A failure to deploy the full suite of tools and come to agreement. Let us hope tools available to fully understand Jan- available to fully understand January 6th that the leadership that Mr. THOMPSON uary 6 and address its causes will leave and address its causes will leave the Capitol, and Mr. KATKO have demonstrated will the Capitol, and the Nation, vulnerable and the nation, vulnerable to future attacks. be leadership that we will follow and to future attacks.’’ In bipartisan fashion, we have successfully that we will continue in the most bi- This list is nonpartisan, 140 Demo- marshaled these tools before, and we implore you to do so once again. partisan way in order to seek the crats and Republicans. I don’t even Sincerely, truth. know what party some of them are. (Note: All titles are former positions or Today, 4 months later, many ques- I include their statement in the military ranks held prior to retirement.) tions regarding the circumstances still RECORD, Mr. Speaker. Javed Ali, Senior Director for Counterter- rorism, National Security Council. exist. This commission is designed to LETTER FROM FORMER SENIOR NATIONAL SE- be impartial and experienced. The leg- Thad Allen, Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard; CURITY, MILITARY, AND ELECTED OFFICIALS Commandant of the Coast Guard. islation requires that the commis- CALLING ON CONGRESS TO CREATE A BIPAR- Wendy R. Anderson, Deputy Chief of Staff, sioners be ‘‘prominent United States TISAN 1/6 COMMISSION U.S. Department of Defense. citizens with national recognition and DEAR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: We are Daniel Baer, U.S. Ambassador; Deputy As- significant depth of experience.’’ former senior national security, military, sistant Secretary of State. It also indicates that they should not and elected officials who have represented or Brian Baird, U.S. Representative, 1999–2011. be Members of Congress or elected in served Democrats, Republicans, or adminis- Daniella Ballou-Aares, Senior Advisor to trations of both parties. We write to encour- the Secretary of State. another capacity. Commissioners will Rand Beers, Acting Secretary, U.S. Depart- be appointed from the highest echelons age this Congress to establish an inde- pendent and bipartisan national commission ment of Homeland Security; Deputy Home- of government service; law enforce- to investigate the January 6th assault of the land Security Advisor. ment; civil rights, civil liberties, and U.S. Capitol Complex and its direct causes, John Bellinger, Legal Adviser, U.S. De- privacy; Armed Forces; intelligence; and to make recommendations to prevent fu- partment of State; Legal Advisor, National counterterrorism; cybersecurity; tech- ture assaults and strengthen the resilience of Security Council. Tatyana Bolton, Cyber Policy Lead—Sen- our democratic institutions. nology; and law. ior Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of The commission will be, again, bipar- We also write to you with great urgency in light of what we collectively see as an exi- Homeland Security. tisan and bicameral, with commis- Charles Boustany, U.S. Representative, gent and growing threat. The events of Janu- sioners appointed by the majority and 2005–2017. ary 6th exposed severe vulnerabilities in the Steven Browning, U.S. Ambassador; Prin- minority leadership in the House and nation’s preparedness for preventing and re- Senate. It will be actionable and effec- cipal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. sponding to domestic terrorist attacks. The Todd F. Buchwald, U.S. Ambassador, Office tive, culminating in a final report on immediate security failings that permitted a of Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department the facts and causes of January 6, lethal breach of the Capitol Complex by of State. along with recommendations to pre- armed extremists raise serious questions and Sharon Burke, Assistant Secretary of De- vent further attacks on our democratic demand immediate solutions. fense for Operational Energy. institutions. But January 6th was also the result of Daniel Byman, Professional Staff Member, complex national security threats. These in- I heard earlier Chairman THOMPSON 9/11 Commission. clude coordinated disinformation campaigns, acknowledge the support and endorse- Piper Campbell, U.S. Ambassador; Head nontransparent financing of extremist net- U.S. Mission to ASEAN. ment of the previous chairs of the 9/11 works, potential foreign influences, and Kevin Carroll, Senior Counselor to the Sec- Commission, Governor Kean and Chair- white supremacist violent extremism, which retary of Homeland Security; Senior Counsel man Lee Hamilton from Congress, the the Department of Homeland Security iden- to the House Homeland Security Committee.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:06 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.072 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2585 J.E. Cartwright, General, U.S. Marine Jason Healey, Director, Critical Infrastruc- Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Ad- Corps; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of ture Protection, Homeland Security Council. visor. Staff. Margaret Henoch, CIA Senior Intelligence Thomas Ridge, Secretary, U.S. Department Steven Cash, Chief Counsel, U.S. Senator Service. of Homeland Security. Dianne Feinstein; Intelligence Officer, CIA; Rush D. Holt, U.S. Representative, 1999– Denver Riggleman, U.S. Representative, Assistant District Attorney, New York. 2015. 2019–2021. Michael Chertoff, Secretary, U.S. Depart- Cameron Hume, U.S. Ambassador. Thomas B. Robertson, U.S. Ambassador. ment of Homeland Security. Gordon Humphrey, U.S. Senator, 1979–1991. Tim Roemer, 9/11 Commissioner; U.S. Am- Peter Chiarelli, General, U.S. Army, 32nd Paul Douglas Humphries, CIA. bassador; U.S. Representative, 1991–2003. Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Carol Humphries, CIA, Captain, U.S. Navy Michael Rogers, Admiral, U.S. Navy; Com- James Clapper, Director of National Intel- Reserve. mander, U.S. Cyber Command; Director, Na- ligence. Bob Inglis, U.S. Representative, 1993–1999, tional Security Agency. William Cohen, Secretary, U.S. Depart- 2005–2011. Todd Rosenblum, Deputy Under Secretary ment of Defense. Steve Israel, U.S. Representative, 2001– of Intelligence, U.S. Department of Home- Tom Coleman, U.S. Representative, 1976– 2017. land Security. 1993. Jeh Johnson, Secretary, U.S. Department Paul Rosenzweig, Deputy Assistant Sec- Gary Corn, Colonel, U.S. Army, Staff of Homeland Security. retary for Policy, U.S. Department of Home- Judge Advocate, U.S. Cyber Command. Susan Koch, Deputy Assistant Secretary of land Security. Thomas Countryman, Assistant Secretary Defense for Threat Reduction Policy. Nicholas Rostow, Legal Advisor to the Na- of State for International Security and Non- Jim Kolbe, U.S. Representative, 1985–2007. tional Security Council; Staff Director, U.S. proliferation. David J. Kramer, Assistant Secretary of Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Ryan Crocker, U.S. Ambassador. State for Democracy, Human Rights & Joel Rubin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of George Croner, Litigation Counsel, Na- Labor. State. tional Security Agency; Special Assistant David Laufman, Chief of the Counterintel- Nilmini Rubin, Director, National Security U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division, U.S. De- ligence and Export Control Section in the Council. partment of Justice. National Security Division, U.S. Department David Scheffer, U.S. Ambassador. Carlos Curbelo, U.S. Representative, 2015– of Justice. Robert Shanks, Deputy Assistant Attorney 2019. J. William Leonard, Deputy Assistant Sec- General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. De- John Danforth, U.S. Senator, 1976–1995. retary of Defense (Security & Information partment of Justice; General Counsel, Over- J. Michael Daniel, Special Assistant to Operations). seas Private Investment Corporation; Gen- Jason Lewis-Berry, Acting Deputy Assist- President Obama and Cybersecurity Coordi- eral Counsel, Peace Corps. nator. ant Secretary, U.S. Department of State. Christopher Shays, U.S. Representative, Andrew Liepman, Deputy Director, Na- Tom Daschle, U.S. Senator, 1987–2005. 1987–2009. tional Counterrorism Center; Deputy Direc- Greg Delawie, U.S. Ambassador. Douglas Silliman, U.S. Ambassador. Charles W. Dent, U.S. Representative, 2005– tor, CIA/Counterterrorism Center; Director, John Sipher, Senior Intelligence Service, 2018. Office of Iraq Analysis; Deputy Director, CIA Clandestine Service. Murray Dickman, Chief of Staff to the At- Weapons Intelligence Non Proliferation and Peter Smith, U.S. Representative, 1989– torney General. Arms Control Center. 1991. David Durenberger, U.S. Senator, 1978–1995. Robert Litt, General Counsel, Office of the Suzanne Spaulding, Under Secretary, U.S. R.P. Eddy, Director, National Security Director of National Intelligence. Department of Homeland Security. Council; Chief of Staff, U.S. Ambassador to George Little, Press Secretary, Pentagon; Strobe Talbott, Deputy Secretary of State. the U.N. Spokesman, CIA. Miles Taylor, Chief of Staff, U.S. Depart- Eric Edelman, Under Secretary of Defense James Loy, Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard; ment of Homeland Security. for Policy. Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard; Dep- Tomicah Tillemann, Senior Advisor to the Mickey Edwards, U.S. Representative, uty Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary of State; Speechwriter to the Sec- 1977–1993; Chair, House Republican Policy Security. retary of State. Committee, 1989–1993. Lewis Lukens, U.S. Ambassador. Kurt Tong, U.S. Ambassador. Susan Elliott, U.S. Ambassador. Michael McFaul, Ambassador; Special As- Olivia Troye, Homeland Security and Jeffrey Feltman, United Nations Under- sistant to the President and Senior Director Counterterrorism Advisor to Vice President Secretary-General for Political Affairs; U.S. for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the Na- Mike Pence. Assistant Secretary of State for Near East- tional Security Council. Stanley A. Twardy, Jr., United States At- ern Affairs. Steven McGann, U.S. Ambassador. torney for the District of Connecticut, 1985– Brenner Fissell, Appellate Counsel, Guan- Dennis McGinn, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy; 1991. tanamo Bay Military Commissions. Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Alexander Vershbow, NATO Deputy Sec- Emil Frankel, Assistant Secretary for Joseph Medina, Brigadier General, U.S. retary General; Assistant Secretary of De- Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Marine Corps. Transportation. Christopher Mellon, Deputy Assistant Sec- fense; U.S. Ambassador. Alexander Vindman, Lieutenant Colonel, Charles Fried, Solicitor General of the retary of Defense. United States. Connie Morella, U.S. Representative, 2003– U.S. Army; Director for European Affairs, Francis Fukuyama, Deputy Director, Pol- 2006; U.S. Ambassador. National Security Council. icy Planning, U.S. Department of State. Janet Napolitano, Secretary, U.S. Depart- Edward Walker, U.S. Ambassador; Assist- Kim Fuller, U.S. Department of the Army, ment of Homeland Security. ant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Af- Director of International Affairs (Special As- Elizabeth Neumann, Assistant Secretary fairs. sistant to the Deputy Secretary). for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention, James Walsh, U.S. Representative, 1989– Larry Garber, USAID Mission Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 2009. West Bank/Gaza. Suzanne Nossel, Deputy Assistant Sec- Zach Wamp, U.S. Representative, 1995–2011. Richard Gephardt, U.S. Representative, retary of State. Thomas Warrick, Deputy Assistant Sec- 1977–2005. William Owens, Admiral, U.S. Navy; Vice retary for Counterterrorism Policy, U.S. De- Stuart Gerson, Acting Attorney General of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. partment of Homeland Security. the U.S.; Assistant Attorney General; U.S. Christopher Painter, Coordinator for Cyber William Wechsler, Deputy Assistant Sec- Air Force Counterintelligence Officer. Issues, U.S. Department of State. retary of Defence for Special Operations and Glenn Gerstell, General Counsel, National William Perry, Secretary of Defense. Combatting Terrorism. Security Agency. Larry Pfeiffer, Chief of Staff, CIA; Senior Pamela White, U.S. Ambassador. James Glassman, Under Secretary for Pub- Director, White House Situation Room. Christine Todd Whitman, Governor of New lic Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. De- Annie Pforzheimer, Acting Deputy Assist- Jersey; Administrator of the Environmental partment of State. ant Secretary of State for Afghanistan. Protection Agency. Kevin Green, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy. Randal Phillips, Senior Intelligence Serv- Jonathan Winer, Deputy Assistant Sec- Nina Hachigian, U.S. Ambassador. ice, CIA. retary of State for International Law En- Chuck Hagel, Secretary, U.S. Department William Piekney, Senior Operations Man- forcement; Special Envoy for Libya. of Defense. ager, CIA. Tim Wirth, Under Secretary of State for Morton Halperin, Director, Policy Plan- Steven Pifer, Senior Foreign Service Offi- Democracy and Global Affairs; U.S. Senator, ning, U.S. Department of State. cer; U.S. Ambassador. 1987–1993; U.S. Representative, 1975–1987. Jane Harman, U.S. Representative, 1993– Tony Pipa, Chief Strategy Officer, USAID. Lawrence Wilkerson, Colonel, U.S. Army; 1991, 2001–2011. Marc Polymeropoulos, Senior Intelligence Chief of Staff, U.S. Secretary of State. Gary Hart, U.S. Senator, 1975–1987. Service, Directorate of Operations, CIA. Douglas H. Wise, CIA Senior Intelligence Luke Hartig, Senior Director for Counter- Allison Price, Senior Spokesperson, U.S. Service; Deputy Director, Defense Intel- terrorism, National Security Council. Department of Justice. ligence Agency. Michael V. Hayden, General, U.S. Air Deborah Pryce, U.S. Representative, 1993– Tamara Cofman Wittes, Deputy Assistant Force; Director, CIA; Director, NSA. 2009. Secretary of State.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.033 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2586 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 Stephen N. Xenakis, Brigadier General, to witness the debate that affects their eral courthouses, taken over police pre- U.S. Army. lives. And whatever our disagreement cincts, created autonomous zones in Marie Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador. about policy, they are assured that we the city of Portland, and done so much Dov S. Zakheim, Under Secretary of De- fense (Comptroller). are unified in our commitment in hon- damage to people all over the country. Peter D. Zimmerman, Chief Scientist, Sen- oring our Constitution and respecting Studies show 570 protests in 220 dif- ate Foreign Relations Committee; Chief Sci- the institution in which we serve. ferent U.S. locations turned violent entific Advisor, US Arms Control and Disar- Mr. Speaker, I urge a strong bipar- over the summer. The $1 billion-plus mament Agency; Science Advisor for Arms tisan vote for H.R. 3233 to establish the riot damage is estimated to be the Control, U.S. Department of State. national commission to investigate the most expensive in insurance history. It Ms. PELOSI. After the bipartisan January 6 attack on the United States resulted in up to $2 billion of damages agreement on this commission was Capitol complex. I do so with the great- in 20 cities across the U.S., mostly con- reached, the respected bipartisan est appreciation and respect to Chair- centrated in L.A., Detroit, Miami, D.C., chairs of the 9/11 Commission, Thomas man BENNIE THOMPSON and to Ranking and New York. Kean and Lee Hamilton, endorsed it, as Member KATKO, and I hope, again, that b 1700 was mentioned by the chairman and as the spirit of bipartisanship that they I referenced earlier. engendered in bringing this legislation As a person who was a victim of the I want to repeat it because I think it to the floor will only grow as we go for- January 6 Capitol attack, I can tell bears repetition: ward with the commission and with its you that I am against the violence that happened that day, but I do not believe We very strongly urge House Members to recommendations. support H.R. 3233, the bipartisan National Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- a January 6 commission will achieve Commission to Investigate the January 6 At- self such time as I may consume. any resolution because we have already tack on the United States Capitol Complex Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the had our Department of Justice arrest bill that would create a 9/11-style commis- Speaker for her comments. 445 people, with 100 more to be arrested sion to investigate the January 6 assault on I want to reiterate for everyone to soon. the U.S. Capitol. That was a dark day in understand: The way that Mr. THOMP- There are also reports of people being American history, one of the darkest. SON and I crafted this bill, we crafted it held for 23 hours in solitary confine- As chairman and vice chairman of the 9/11 ment. That should not be happening. Commission, unity of purpose was key to the in such a manner to make sure it effectiveness of the group. We put country would be depoliticized entirely. There These people haven’t even had a court above party, without bias, the events before, is an equal number of members on both date yet. during, and after the attack. We sought to sides appointed by both sides. They What is going to happen with the understand our vulnerabilities in order to have equal subpoena power. They can’t January 6 commission is the media is prevent future acts of terrorism. subpoena one person without the other going to use this to smear Trump sup- The chair and vice chair went on to person on the other side of the aisle porters and President Trump for the say: agreeing. They have to hire staff to- next few years and cover up the real Today, democracy faces a new threat. The gether, all those things. damage that is happening to the people January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was one I want to make sure people under- of this country, which is tearing down of the darkest days in the history of our stand that we did this for a reason be- our economy, ripping our borders wide country. Americans deserve an objective and cause that is exactly what made the 9/ open, and hurting this country. accurate account of what happened. 11 Commission successful and made it Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Mr. Hamilton and Governor Kean effective. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- said: As someone who was in Federal law tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), As we did in the wake of 9/11, it is time to enforcement for 20 years before I took the majority leader of the Democratic set aside partisan politics and come together this job, I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, Party. as Americans in common pursuit of truth that our country is infinitely safer be- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank and justice. cause of what the 9/11 Commission did. the chairman for yielding, and I thank As I said earlier, Mr. Speaker, the We are much stronger against ter- the chairman for his work. Capitol of the United States has always rorism, and we share information in I have been here a long time. This is been a glorious beacon of democracy much better ways than we ever did—for my 40th year in the Congress of the for the American people and for the example, the Joint Terrorism Task United States. I came at the same time world. Forces, which are all over this country. was elected President This legislation is about something I ask my colleagues to consider the of the United States. It was clearly a larger even than the commission, vital fact that this commission is built to time of difference in the House and in as the commission is. This legislation work. It will be depoliticized, and it the country between Republicans and is about our democracy, about ensuring will get the results we need because the Democrats, but it was also a time that the Capitol dome remains a sym- Capitol itself and the Capitol Police of- when, frankly, the JOHN KATKOs of the bol of freedom and about preserving ficers will be better off for it. Congress were in the majority in the America’s role as an emblem of resil- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the Republican Party. And by that I mean, ience, determination, and hope to the gentlewoman from (Mrs. Mr. Speaker, people who wanted to world. GREENE). work together to get results that, Indeed, creating this commission Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Speak- while not perfect for either side, were sends a resounding message to terror- er, I rise in opposition to this bill and good for the country. ists both at home and abroad: The com- to the January 6 commission. I do so as So while I thank Mr. THOMPSON for mitment of the a Member of Congress because I believe the hard work he has done, I thank Mr. to the Constitution and to the Amer- this institution’s duty is to serve the KATKO as well for doing what Ameri- ican people is unshakeable. people of this country and not itself. cans expect us to do, to come together, In establishing the truth of January In this past year, we have witnessed looking at a challenge to our country 6, this commission will protect our violent riots in American cities all and to our people, coming to a decision temple of democracy and our democ- over this country. We have witnessed to resolve those challenges and those racy itself. It will ensure that such an tremendous damage. Minneapolis city problems. attack shall never happen again. officials estimate 700 buildings were That is what Mr. THOMPSON and Mr. Can we just not wait, Mr. Speaker, damaged, burned, or destroyed, includ- KATKO have done. Indeed, I think this for a time very soon when children ing 360 local businesses. There has not is, in some ways, the best of days and, come here to learn, where the press can been a commission launched to study in some ways, the worst of days be- cover in a more open way, and where the reasons why that happened. cause we have seen today two Repub- the American people can come into the There has not been an investigation lican leaders turn what ought to be a people’s House? to stop the BLM and riots that nonpolitical issue, an issue with ref- That is what this Chamber has been have hurt innocent people and at- erence to a unique event, not just a called, the people’s House. They come tacked government buildings and Fed- demonstration that has occurred.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:06 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.036 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2587 I grew up in the 1960s. Whether it was to vote against this because that is They weren’t. Wouldn’t all of us have civil rights or Vietnam, there were a what they fear. said: What are you talking about that lot of demonstrations. But the Capitol The 9/11 Commission, as Mr. KATKO we are not going to have a commission of the United States was not attacked. pointed out, made America safer. It to see how we can protect the Capitol It was not invaded. It was not made this institution safer. It made and why this Capitol was stopped from breached. our law enforcement more acutely doing the work of our democracy? The work of the Congress of the aware of the failures that led to 9/11. I This legislation is going to pass. It is United States was not stopped because hope this commission does the same. I going to pass on a bipartisan basis, and people were trying to get through the have talked to numerous Republicans I want to thank Mr. KATKO for having door, with some Members trying to who tell me they think it was right the courage and the integrity to stand stop them who then said: These are that we focused on January 6. Don’t be up, fighting for what the minority just tourists. distracted. Don’t cover up or make it leader asked for. It is sad because what the minority more lacking in clarity by trying to I say to Mr. THOMPSON that that is leader in the Senate and the minority deal with every problem that we may the funny thing about this. I hope Sen- leader in the House said is exactly have. Focus on January 6. ators will think long and hard about what Mr. KATKO pointed out. They Together, Mr. KATKO and Mr. THOMP- rejecting this bipartisan compromise wanted a commission that was even, as SON negotiated a bipartisan agreement to move forward, to protect our democ- the 9/11 Commission was even, so that to move forward with such a commis- racy, and to lift it up as the beacon both sides would have an equal voice. sion based on input from Democrats that it has been and needs to be not What was the resolution that Mr. and Republicans. There are going to be only for our own citizens but for all the THOMPSON and Mr. KATKO attained? a significant number of Republicans world. Equal division, equal voice. Not only who vote for this bill. How sad that day was as the world equal voice in terms of numbers but, Unfortunately, the truth has been a watched, as TVs showed them Amer- for instance, one of the things that was victim over the last couple of weeks. It ica’s citadel of democracy and of free- controversial was about subpoenas. Mr. was okay for to tell the dom invaded by its own citizens. THOMPSON and Mr. KATKO arrived at a truth once, but when the former Presi- Vote ‘‘yes.’’ It is the right thing to resolution that said both sides have to dent of the United States kept telling a do. agree, or alternatively, the committee lie, and she said that is a lie each time b 1715 can agree. In light of the fact that the that he said it, well, that was not ap- committee is evenly divided, it would propriate, so she was removed. But the Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 obviously have to be a bipartisan re- truth was removed with her. See no minutes to the gentleman from North quest for subpoenas. evil, hear no evil. Carolina (Mr. BISHOP). Now, what we didn’t agree on was the The commission, as a result of Rank- Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Mr. distraction and the dissembling. Let’s ing Member KATKO’s participation in Speaker, I had not intended to speak, look at this corner; don’t look here. these discussions, will be equally com- but the careful mask of bipartisanship Let’s look at this corner; don’t look posed, as I said. It will have subpoena seems to have faltered here at the last, here. Let’s look at that corner; don’t power that will be shared by both sides. with the majority leader’s attacks on look there. Don’t look at just the inva- I was pleased that we reached a bipar- the minority leader, who has not spo- sion, the insurrection that occurred on tisan agreement and sad for this insti- ken, and the minority leader in the January 6; look at everything else be- tution, for this country, for the Amer- Senate for comments he has made in cause maybe we can confuse the issue ican people who must think: Well, public but not in debate. enough that we will lose sight of the can’t you agree on anything? So what was an image of bipartisan insurrection on January 6. We ought The minority leader got what he cooperation has now become one more not to do that. asked for, yet he won’t take yes for an partisan attack. It caused me to be- I have been here a long time, but I answer. Trump does not want this com- lieve that it was important to stand up also know the history of the House, and mission. That can be my only expla- and say this: How can you have a bipar- I do not know of any other instance nation. tisan commission with an all-Democrat that is analogous to January 6, not Throughout my career, both in the staff? How do you do that? one. State senate for 12 years, as president And why is it that there is no will- In 1812, of course, there was a similar of the Senate, and here in this body for ingness to look into all of the riots and invasion, but it was from a foreign 40, I think I am known on the other the arson and the violence and the enemy. It was not the enemy within. I side of the aisle as somebody you can burning? If we are concerned about the said that on the floor that morning as work with. I hope that is the case be- danger that police officers were in on we finished the business of the House, cause I think that is the way Ameri- January 6—and certainly they were— notwithstanding the insurrection. cans want us to work. then why don’t we have that concern Mr. Speaker, it is vital that Congress President Trump opposes this com- for the dangers, the violence, the inju- establish a bipartisan, independent mission. I am not sure why. It is deeply ries, the deaths that have been faced by commission to investigate January 6, disappointing that there is a division police officers across this country? not some other date. That does not ab- among Republicans about whether to Why is one form of political violence solve any wrongdoing anywhere at any support the ranking member who equivalent to 9/11 when a blind eye has time. But it says that this unique in- worked hard to get to this place and been turned by this Congress, or at surrection is a danger to our democ- got what the minority leader asked for, least by the majority in this Congress, racy, not to Republicans or Democrats, except for the distraction, except for to that same phenomenon across this to our democracy, to our Congress, to the dissembling. He didn’t get that. country for a year? Where is the in- the people’s House and the United But he got everything else. quiry into that? States Senate, which was occupied. At Mr. Speaker, I hope my Republican When the images are raised, the lurid least this House was not occupied. colleagues will think not about their images of insurrection—let me just say But Members were terrified, work politics, not about the former Presi- this. If it was an insurrection, it was was stopped, and democracy, for a dent, not about themselves. I hope they the worst example of an insurrection in short period of time, was overtaken by will think of the country, of this Con- the history of mankind. It was a riot, armed, violent insurrectionists. gress, of this House. As they do so, I it was a mob, it was significant, and it Certainly, each one of us ought to be hope they say to themselves: We will was troublesome. very concerned about getting to the vote for this legislation. But this is not bipartisanship, and I bottom of why that happened. How did What if George Bush had said we fear that the gentleman from New it happen? How can we stop it from shouldn’t have a 9/11 Commission, per- York may find that he has been played. happening again? What are the re- haps out of fear that somehow the ad- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. sources that we need, and, yes, who was ministration would have been per- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I responsible? Some, perhaps, are going ceived as being responsible for 9/11? may consume.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.075 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2588 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 Mr. Speaker, I am not going to argue pening? We need answers. Let’s come Obviously, we are all very concerned with the previous speaker. I just say: together and work together and get and should be concerned about what Read the bill. And if you read the bill, them. occurred on January 6, all of us who you will understand it is a bipartisan A January 6 commission, I urge for were here in the Chamber, all of us who bill. the sake of the country, everyone saw what unfolded. It is not a partisan bill; it is abso- should vote for it. My concern, and the reason that I am lutely bipartisan. The staff will be Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 opposing this legislation, is that I be- picked just like the staff was picked minute to the gentleman from Texas lieve we have got a significant amount for the 9/11 Commission. It is just like (Mr. GOHMERT). of power with our existing structures the earlier bill the ranking member Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, look, in place, the Committee on Oversight talked about, the Rodney Davis bill. things have changed a lot since the 9/11 and Reform, the Committee on the Ju- We looked, Mr. Speaker, at this issue Commission. Back then, we did not diciary, and otherwise. While the inves- because the world saw what happened have a problem on either side of the tigation is going on at the Department on January 6, and it is clear that we aisle condemning anti-Semitic re- of Justice, we ought to be looking at put together a bipartisan bill for the marks. Now one side has a problem that and using those powers to do what good of the country. It is in that spirit doing that. we can to seek the truth wherever it that we are here today. Back then, we had never, in the his- may lead. Mr. Speaker, how much time is re- tory of Congress, had one party com- I have questions right now for the maining? mit what arguably is felony, up to 20 Department of Justice. We have got 450 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- years in prison, by preventing an ongo- Americans who have been arrested. I tleman from Mississippi has 6 minutes ing session of Congress, the exact don’t know for how long, I don’t know remaining. The gentleman from New charge, 18 USC 1512, that is being al- how many of them are in jail, or for York has 15 minutes remaining. leged against people that came in. As a what period of time. We are trying to Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. judge, I would have no problem sen- look into that. I have sent letters to Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- tencing anybody that broke into the the Department of Justice to get those Capitol, anybody that committed a tlewoman from New York (Mrs. CARO- answers. crime here. LYN B. MALONEY), the chair of the Com- I wish the gentlewoman who spoke, But let’s be real. The partisanship mittee on Oversight and Reform. the chair of the Committee on Over- has been dramatic. That is why it is Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New sight and Reform, would afford us the different now than the 9/11 Commis- York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair- ability to call people forward from the sion. Let’s get back to being bipartisan man and ranking member for their ex- Department of Justice. Let’s inquire as and not use every tool as a partisan traordinary leadership, for doing the to what is going on. Let’s inquire about stick to beat Republicans with. right thing, and for working to make the investigations. Let’s inquire about Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. the facts that have been found. Let’s this country safer and stronger. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- Like my friend on the other side of use the powers that we have and the woman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. aisle from North Carolina, I didn’t in- powers of this body and the commit- PLASKETT). tend to speak either. tees we have to seek the information Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise and the truth, wherever it may lead. As a New Yorker, I was closely in- in strong support of this bill, the Na- volved in supporting the work of the 9/ Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. tional Commission to Investigate the Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gen- 11 Commission. It, too, like January 6, January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol. was one of the darkest days in the his- tlewoman from (Ms. SCHA- I want to thank Chairman THOMPSON KOWSKY). tory of our country, and we needed an- and Ranking Member KATKO for bring- swers on how such a horrible thing Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I ing this bill to the floor. want to thank Chairman THOMPSON for could happen. Almost 3,000 people were On January 6, we witnessed one of murdered just because they went to his leadership. the darkest moments in our Nation’s While the events of January 6 were work that day. Many things needed to history when a violent mob attacked devastating and will stain our coun- be answered. the U.S. Capitol. These individuals try’s history forever, I have no doubt This body came together. We were desecrated the Halls of Congress, at- that democracy will prevail. united; we were determined; we passed tacked law enforcement, and at- This Nation has fought back against the Commission. We had two out- tempted to stop the democratic proc- hatred, authoritarianism, and fascism standing leaders, Governor Kean and ess. The clearest way for us to uphold since the very founding. Lee Hamilton. They did everything to- our oath to defend the Constitution Yes, I stand proudly today to ask for gether. They issued a report that sold and protect this institution, our de- a January 6 commission so that we can more copies than Harry Potter. I nomi- mocracy, from those who directly at- develop a full public record that will nated it for a National Book Award. It tempted to thwart its operations, is let us know how we can avoid this in laid out what happened so clearly from through an independent, evenly-di- the future. their joint investigations. More impor- vided, bipartisan commission. We need We should all vote ‘‘yes.’’ tantly, it told us what to do about it. to understand not just what were the Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- They had a series of recommendations breakdowns in security and the failures self such time as I may consume. to make this country safer. of our intelligence, but why. What are Mr. Speaker, I just want to take a This body worked together and en- those issues which caused fellow Amer- few moments to address some of the ar- acted most of them, and it did make icans to believe they needed to over- guments that have been made here this country safer. In fact, I get peri- throw their government? today, and some of the arguments that odic reports from the law enforcement Those who believe the former Presi- have been made in opposition to this in my city on attempts to hurt us and dent had no culpability should not be bill. how the reforms and the programs we afraid of a commission that derives its One of them is talking about the put in place are helping us, making us power from both sides equally. scope of the commission being too nar- stronger and protecting us better. I ask all of my colleagues to join me row. I want to note that the commis- We need this January 6 commission, in supporting this bill. sion is granted sufficient scope and for the sake of America. Let’s stop Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 flexibility to investigate targeted vio- fighting long enough to work together minute to the gentleman from Texas lence and domestic terrorism relevant to help our country understand what (Mr. ROY). to the January 6 attack. It will be up happened. Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the to the commission to decide how far Why did it take 4 hours for the Na- gentleman from New York for his work they want to go with that perimeter. tional Guard to respond? In New York, on this effort. I appreciate my col- Do I feel that the attack on the Cap- they would have been there in 10 min- leagues on the other side of the aisle itol on April 2 that killed a Capitol Po- utes. Why didn’t they respond to all of and the intent of what we are trying to lice Officer is relevant? I do. I hope the the news reports about what was hap- accomplish. commission does, too.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:37 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.077 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2589 Do I feel that the June 17 attack on If we are going to take on China, if swers to the hard questions, and that Republican Members of Congress is rel- we are going to rebuild the country, if we do not repeat the mistakes of the evant to the January 6 attack? I do. I we are going to reverse climate change, past. hope the commission does. They have we need two political parties in this Capitol Police Officers Brian the flexibility to do so, if they want. country that are both living in reality, Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, as If there are other issues outside of and you ain’t one of them. well as D.C. Police Officer Jeffrey this scope, we can look into them. We The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- Smith, all lost their lives in the wake can have separate legislation. I encour- bers are reminded to direct their re- of the January 6 attack. Over 140 more age my colleagues, who are concerned marks to the Chair. law enforcement officers—140—were in- about that, to do that. Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I ask that jured as a result of that attack. Another charge I heard was that the we all take a deep breath right now. Less than 4 months later, on April 2, commission could be controlled by par- Everybody breathe for a minute and Capitol Police Officer William ‘‘Billy’’ tisan staff hired unilaterally by the everybody stop the theatrics, and ev- Evans was killed and another officer commission chair. That is simply not erybody stop the arguments that are was injured when yet another extrem- true. not relevant to this issue. ist attacked the Capitol. Here is what the bill does. It requires This is a very solemn moment. We And, of course, we can’t forget the consultation between the chair, ap- are here to talk about something that 2017 terrorist attack against Repub- pointed by the Democrats, and the vice is very important to the entire of our lican Members of Congress during prac- chair, appointed by the Republicans, Government and the entire of our tice for the Congressional Baseball for any hiring of staff. Further, it re- country. I ask that we think about the Game. Were it not for the officers in- quires that it be in accordance with the officers and their families and conduct volved, there would be scores of dead rules agreed upon by the commission. ourselves accordingly. Congressmen. That is the plain truth. I The commission creates the rules as a Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of acknowledge the heroic efforts of team. They then hire as a team. my time. David Bailey and Crystal Griner. Lastly, there has been some concerns Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. We owe it to all of these officers and or arguments made about the criminal Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gen- their families to ensure that nothing investigations. Make no mistake about tlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. WAT- like this ever happens again. This leg- it. This commission has nothing to do SON COLEMAN). islation is modeled directly on the leg- with the criminal investigations. This Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. islation that created the 9/11 Commis- commission, by law, cannot interfere Speaker, I just want to say that Janu- sion. I sincerely believe that this com- with criminal investigations. Criminal ary 6 was a frightening experience. It mission, with strong support from this investigations alone won’t get us what was an assault upon the fundamentals body, will embark on an objective, non- we need, like the 9/11 Commission con- of this Government. It was an assault partisan search for answers and solu- cluded. It won’t get us the rec- upon the place I thought I was going to tions, just as the 9/11 Commission did. ommendations, the insight, the exper- be the safest I could possibly be, and Again, I want to thank my friend, tise from the people on the commission we politicize this. Chairman THOMPSON, for his partner- who can come in, look at the Capitol This is an opportunity to bring this ship. security matrix, and say this is what bipartisan commission into existence I urge everyone in the body, on both needs fixing. A prosecutor can’t tell so that we can get out of the politics of sides—not just my side and not just the you that. The commission can. That is it and look at the facts that happened, other side, all of us—to set aside poli- what we want to do. the evidence that happened, and the tics just this once—just this once. I beg Second, the bill specifically requires recommendations that will ensue from Members to pass this bill. the commission to respect ongoing in- that effort. I was a prosecutor for 20 years prior vestigations and build upon the inves- I wholeheartedly support this effort. to coming here to Congress, and many tigations, learn from them, and avoid I am grateful for the bipartisanship of times we would meet at 4:30 in the unnecessary duplication. it, and I pray that all of our colleagues morning or 5:00 in the morning, and This language, in that respect, goes will support this. they would get ready to go out and do further than the 9/11 Commission in Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, may I in- the raids and arrest very, very dan- H.R. 275 in granting deference to other quire as to how much time remains? gerous people. I was always the last ongoing investigations. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- person to see them before they went So I just want to make sure people tleman from New York has 91⁄2 minutes out to get these awful, dangerous peo- are clear about that going forward. remaining. The gentleman from Mis- ple off the street: drug dealers, mur- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of sissippi has 11⁄2 minutes remaining. derers, violent people. They did their my time. Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I am pre- job every day, and I was sending them pared to close and I yield myself the into harm’s way. It always made my b 1730 balance of my time. heart sink. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is not Imagine being a family member of Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gen- about partisan politics. It is about these officers who do this. So let’s take tleman from (Mr. RYAN). finding the truth and addressing the a deep breath and think about what is Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to vulnerabilities of our security appa- really important here. These people, thank the gentleman from New York ratus so that we can emerge stronger every single day, are willing to lay and the other Republicans who are sup- and better prepared. down their lives for us. porting this for their bipartisanship. The January 6 attack was a com- They deserve better, and we are To the other 90 percent of our friends pletely preventable failure of intel- going to deliver this. We are going to on the other side of the aisle, holy cow. ligence, information sharing, decision- deliver it on behalf of Capitol Police Incoherence. No idea what you are making, and preparedness. The Capitol Officer Brian Sicknick. We are going to talking about. Police and D.C. police suffered greatly deliver it on behalf of Capitol Police Benghazi, you guys chased the and continue to suffer as a result. Officer Howard Liebengood. We are former Secretary of State all over the The institutions of our democracy going to deliver it on behalf of Capitol country, spent millions of dollars. We are and will continue to be a target for Police Officer William ‘‘Billy’’ Evans. have people scaling the Capitol, hitting extremists set on using violence to fur- We are going to deliver it on behalf of the Capitol Police with lead pipes ther their ideology. We, in Congress, D.C. Police Officer Jeffrey Smith. We across the head, and we can’t get bipar- owe it to this Nation, to our constitu- are going to deliver it on behalf of D.C. tisanship. ents, and to the dedicated men and Police Officer Michael Fanone and so What else has to happen in this coun- women who risk their lives every sin- many others who struggle with the try? gle day to protect those institutions— events of that day. We do so on behalf This is a slap in the face to every and I honor them—to see that we learn of the people who risked their lives for rank-and-file cop in the United States. from those attacks, that we get an- us and continue to, like Capitol Police

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.078 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2021 Officer David Bailey and Capitol Police prove the security posture of the United States licans, five Democrats—and bipartisan support Officer Crystal Griner. Capitol Complex and ensure the security of in Congress. I want these officers and their fami- Members of Congress and staff.’’ It will operate by consensus and will have lies to know that we are doing it not The attack on January 6 resulted in a tragic the subpoena power, budget and staff needed for us and not for politics. We are doing loss of life and physical injury. 140 Capitol and to conduct a proper investigation. it for them. We are doing it for them. D.C. police officers were injured on January And it has a mandate to look at the full Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 6th, including 15 who were hospitalized. Three scope of facts and causes that led to or influ- support this legislation, and I yield police officers later died—including a brave enced this specific, unprecedented attack on back the balance of my time. Capitol police officer from New Jersey, Brian our democracy. As those of us from Michigan Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Sicknick, who died of a stroke on January 7th are well aware, this attack didn’t happen in Speaker, I yield myself the balance of and two other officers died by suicide. Four ri- isolation. It was the result of months, if not my time. oters died—one was shot by police. years, of escalating rhetoric and activity— At the outset, let me salute Mr. It is my hope that the Commission will es- which is why it’s vital that this commission has KATKO for his agreeing to work in a bi- tablish the truth and provide a way forward to a strong, focused mandate. partisan manner so that we can get ensure that such an attack never happens But even beyond its structure, what charac- this bill to the floor and adopted today. again. terized the 9/11 Commission’s work was a Mr. Speaker, we are here today at a Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commitment among its members to work to- unique moment in American history. express my strong support for H.R. 3233, gether in good faith, to uncover the truth be- Trust in our government’s ability to which would create an independent, bipartisan hind what led to the attack on our Nation, no share information and coordinate at all ‘‘National Commission to Investigate the Janu- matter how disturbing or painful. levels to keep our democracy secure ary 6 Attack on the United States Capitol As Governor Tom Kean and Congressman was severely shaken by the January 6 Complex.’’ Lee Hamilton, the bipartisan leaders of the attack. The attack on the Capitol was one of the 9/11 Commission, said in a statement today, it We need a bipartisan commission darkest days in our Nation’s history—an as- was their commitment to ‘‘put country over with experts who put country ahead of sault on the foundation of our democratic sys- party, without bias’’ that led to the ‘‘unity of party to come together, just as the tem, and an attempt to stop Congress’s work purpose [that] was key to [its] effectiveness.’’ The Commission’s findings and work were commission did, to lay out the facts through violence. I am proud that we didn’t let seen as objective and legitimate because of and proposed solutions to make us the attempt succeed: thanks to the heroism that combination of structure and patriotic, more secure. and incredible sacrifices of the U.S. Capitol good faith commitment—the model only works When the chairman of the 9/11 Com- Police that day to defend the heart of our de- mission issued their final report, they if we have both. mocracy, both houses of Congress returned to That’s why it’s so important that this is, from concluded a message to the public. It the Capitol and worked through the night to its very design, a bipartisan initiative. To that asked that each of us remember how certify and uphold the will of the American end, I want to take a moment to thank Chair- we felt on that day of the attack. It people. man THOMPSON and Ranking Member KATKO asked that we recall the grief and sor- Now, it is our duty to ensure that such an for their leadership and their commitment to row. attack on our democracy is never able to hap- finding this consensus. This moment is no less historic, no pen again. That work begins with ensuring As a member of the Committee on Home- less important, no less momentous, and that we have an honest, independent inves- land Security, and as Chair of the Sub- it requires the same common action, tigation of what happened that day and how it committee on Intelligence and Counterter- both as Congress and as a country. was possible—a task perfectly suited for the rorism, I have been honored to work alongside I, too, salute the brave men and commission the House has voted to create them both over the past few years. Their col- women of the Capitol Police who put today, with bipartisan support. This bill creates laboration sets an example that we would all their lives on the line on January 6 a 1/6 Commission that follows the model set do well to follow. protecting this citadel of democracy, by the 9/11 Commission, whose landmark in- We cannot allow this vital inquiry to turn into and it is in their spirit that I ask that vestigation wasn’t just for Washington insiders a political football—it’s simply too important to you vote in support of this legislation. or policy wonks, but the American people. our country. That’s why I opposed an early Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance The 9/11 Commission’s final report was writ- proposal for this bill that skewed the number of my time. ten in easily accessible prose, and published of commissioners towards Democratic ap- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, the as a bestselling paperback which was avail- pointees. chairman and ranking member of the House able in bookstores and newsstands across the I’m committed to ensuring that this commis- Homeland Security Committee have nego- country. It helped ordinary Americans under- sion has the credibility it needs to take on this tiated in good faith over several weeks a bi- stand how such an appalling attack had been investigation, and I am pleased that the bill we partisan bill—H.R. 3233—to establish a ten- possible, who needed to be held accountable, passed today gives it the structural integrity it member national commission to investigate and what we as a nation had to do to ensure needs. That’s why I urge my Republican col- the January 6th attack on the Capitol. it would never happen again. leagues in the Senate to take the time, and do I’m voting yes. And two decades later, its impact hasn’t what I did last week: actually sit down and If enacted into law both the Republican and faded: even today, a whole generation of read this bill. Democrat leaders would each select five com- Americans who were just children on 9/11, or Print out a copy of it, as well a copy of the missioners who would be tasked with inves- were even born after the attacks, have looked bill from 2002 which created the 9/11 Commis- tigating the ‘‘facts and causes’’ of the attack. to the Commission’s work to help them make sion. Put them side-by-side, take out a pen The Commission may issue subpoenas, but sense of that dark chapter in our history. and mark up the similarities. subpoenas may only be issued by agreement The Commission also delivered a vital You’ll see that in so many cases, this bill between the Chair and Vice Chairperson of wake-up call to our national security establish- uses the exact same language on scope, par- the Commission—one Democrat and one Re- ment. As one of the first dozen staff members ticipation and authorities as the 9/11 Commis- publican—or by the vote of a majority of the at the Office of the Director of National Intel- sion authorization, which was approved by a members of the Commission. ligence, which grew out of the 9/11 Commis- Republican-led House, and signed into law by Any interim report, or the final report—which sion’s recommendations, I saw firsthand how a Republican president. must be submitted to the President and Con- the Commission’s independent investigation Because, let’s be clear: if you oppose this gress no later than December 31, 2021—must pushed our government to meet the serious bill and the commission it creates, you would be agreed to by a majority of Commission challenges we faced. I keep my original, dog- have opposed the 9/11 Commission twenty members. eared copy of the 9/11 Commission report in years ago. The American people deserve the According to the text of H.R. 3233, the final my congressional office as a constant re- truth, and we owe it to them as their elected report should include ‘‘findings, conclusions, minder, because it drove systemic change representatives to ensure they hear it in its en- and recommendations, which may include where systemic failures had occurred. tirety from an independent and objective body changes in law, policy, procedures, rules, or The 1/6 Commission that the House has ap- they can trust. And if you oppose this bipar- regulations, to improve the detection, preven- proved today is built on the same principles tisan legislation, you are choosing political ex- tion, preparedness for, and response to tar- that enabled the success of the 9/11 Commis- pediency over ensuring that our citizens hear geted violence and domestic terrorism and im- sion: It has a bipartisan structure—five Repub- the truth they deserve.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 May 20, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.080 H19MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 19, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2591 The 9/11 attacks took place during my first to subvert the will of voters when they incited The Clerk read as follows: week of graduate school, and I joined the CIA violent rioters to invade the U.S. Capitol with H. RES. 414 because I wanted to help make sure nothing the hope of overturning a legitimate election. Whereas the Centers for Disease Control like it ever happened again—a motivation that Criminals and domestic terrorists, many es- and Prevention issued a guidance on May 13, was informed by a clear understanding of pousing racist and hateful ideologies, dese- 2021 stating that Americans who are fully what had happened and of our own failures, crated the sacred center of the people’s gov- vaccinated against Covid-19 no longer need made possible by the 9/11 Commission. ernment. This was terrifying and infuriating for to wear masks indoors or outdoors in almost Today, I will cast my vote in support of tak- those whose lives were in danger and for the all scenarios; ing the next step that will help us understand millions of Americans who watched in horror. Whereas the three widely available vac- this attack on our Nation—no matter how dis- I am grateful for the actions of the U.S. Capitol cines against Covid-19 are highly effective; Whereas Dr. Anthony Fauci stated on May turbing or painful that truth may be. Police and DC Metropolitan Police officers 16 that, ‘‘It is very unlikely that a vac- Its work will be vital to meeting the new se- who put their lives on the line to protect this cinated person, even if there’s a break- curity challenges we face, and to beginning to institution and the people who work here. I through infection, would transmit it to heal the divisions across our country. I urge also mourn for the lives that were lost. someone else.’’; my colleagues in the Senate to join the House Many questions remain about the actions of Whereas those who are fully vaccinated are in passing this bill and starting an honest con- those involved and the security response that shown not to carry the viral load necessary versation with the American people. day, as well as in the days prior to and fol- to spread the virus, and therefore do not pose Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, lowing the violent attack on the Capitol. The a significant risk; today I rise in support of H.R. 3233, the Na- Whereas those who have not yet received country deserves answers. This independent, the vaccine pose no real threat to those who tional Commission to Investigate the January bipartisan commission will investigate and re- have been vaccinated; 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex port the facts surrounding the events of Janu- Whereas there may be Members of the Act. ary 6. It will provide a full and fair accounting House of Representatives whose personal Just four months ago, the nation stood still of the mistakes made and lessons learned. physician, for various reasons, may rec- as the Capitol of the United States—the very And, importantly, the commission will rec- ommend that they do not receive the vac- beacon of our democracy—was attacked by a ommend steps that Congress and the federal cine; violent and armed mob of insurrectionists. government can take to prevent future vio- Whereas those who want to continue wear- Seeking to interrupt, even prevent, the pro- ing a mask or taking other forms of pre- lence and strengthen our democratic institu- caution may do so; ceedings to certify the result of the 2020 Gen- tions. Whereas Members of the House of Rep- eral Election, these insurrectionists descended Our Nation is resilient, and the Constitution resentatives have a responsibility to send a upon our capital city inspired by the rhetoric of will endure because of the commitment of message to the American people that we can former President and leaders in those who have sworn to support and defend trust the safety and efficacy of the available the Republican party. What then transpired on it. In keeping with my oath, I look forward to Covid-19 vaccines; January 6 will be recorded as one of the dark- acting on the findings of the National Commis- Whereas the continued House mask man- est days in the history of our nation and of de- sion so the country emerges stronger from this date sends the erroneous message that the efficacy of the vaccines cannot be trusted; mocracies everywhere. dark chapter of its history. The halls of the Capitol remain littered with Whereas the continued House mask man- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time date is not based on the best available remnants of the attack. Shattered glass panes, for debate has expired. science, is contrary to the latest CDC guid- broken furniture, and missing statues now de- Pursuant to House Resolution 409, ance, and is not in line with the protocols in fine the building—none of which compare to the previous question is ordered on the place in the and at the the trauma and fear still lingering in the minds bill. White House; and of Members, aides, press, and support staff The question is on the engrossment Whereas the continued House mask man- alike. Three officers of the U.S. Capitol Police and third reading of the bill. date hinders the ability of the House to prop- Force lost their lives, and hundreds more were The bill was ordered to be engrossed erly and effectively conduct the people’s injured during the hours-long siege. and read a third time, and was read the business: Now, therefore, be it That is why the establishment of this bipar- third time. Resolved, That the Attending Physician, in tisan commission is necessary, Mr. Speaker. consultation with the Director for the Cen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ters for Disease Control and Prevention, Composed of both Republicans and Demo- question is on the passage of the bill. should take timely action to provide updated crats, it would explore the events that led to The question was taken; and the mask wearing guidance applicable to the the attack, the security failures at the Capitol Speaker pro tempore announced that Hall of the House of Representatives and complex, and the corrective measures nec- the ayes appeared to have it. committee meeting spaces for Members and essary to prevent it from ever happening Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, on that I staff who are vaccinated against Covid-19, again. Members of the commission would be demand the yeas and nays. consistent with the public guidance released experts in the fields of law, security, and intel- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- by the CDC on May 13, 2021. ligence. They would be thorough in their in- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution The SPEAKER pro tempore. The res- vestigation, wide in their scope, and united in 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. olution qualifies. their mission to uncover the truth. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- MOTION TO TABLE Those who oppose the commission as part ther proceedings on this question are of an effort to write off what happened, or to postponed. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk. simply ‘‘move on,’’ clearly don’t understand f what is at stake. The same hatred that drove The SPEAKER pro tempore. The RAISING A QUESTION OF THE the insurrectionists that day is still alive and Clerk will report the motion. PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE well—even present here in this body. If we fail The Clerk read as follows: to address, review, and reflect on what hap- Mr. MCCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. Hoyer moves to lay the resolution on pened on January 6th, I fear that this hatred to raise a question of the privileges of the table. will go unpunished, and therefore remain prev- the House and send to the desk a reso- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The alent in our society and in the Congress. lution (H. Res. 414) directing the At- question is on the motion to table. tending Physician to take timely ac- Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of the The question was taken; and the tion to provide updated mask wearing legislation and hope for its immediate consid- Speaker pro tempore announced that guidance applicable to the Hall of the eration in the Senate. the ayes appeared to have it. Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- House of Representatives and com- port of H.R. 3233, the National Commission to mittee meeting spaces for Members Mr. MCCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, on Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United and staff who are vaccinated against that I demand the yeas and nays. States Capitol Complex Act. Covid–19, consistent with the public The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- On January 6, 2021, our democratic repub- guidance released by the Centers for ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution lic came under direct attack in an attempt to Disease Control and Prevention on May 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. block the certification of Joseph R. Biden as 13, 2021. The vote was taken by electronic de- the duly elected President of the United States The SPEAKER pro tempore. The vice, and there were—yeas 218, nays of America. Donald Trump and others sought Clerk will report the resolution. 210, not voting 2, as follows:

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