Skip to main content

Congressman Panetta Supports Passage of Legislation Establishing Commission to Investigate January 6 Capitol Attack

May 19, 2021

Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) supported passage of legislation forming a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol complex. The National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act, H.R. 3233, now advances to the Senate.

"The January 6 attack is an appalling, complex, and historically significant event that deserves an independent, investigative commission to identify the facts, contributing factors, and surrounding circumstances of that day," said Congressman Panetta. "After months of intensive discussion, we in the House reached a bipartisan agreement to move this measure forward. We owe it to the Capitol Police and all who enter our cathedral of democracy to investigate that attack and provide answers to the American people."

Details of the Commission:

  • The Commission would be charged with studying the facts and circumstances surrounding the January 6th attack on the Capitol as well as the influencing factors that provoked the attack.
  • Like the 9/11 Commission, the measure establishes a bipartisan, ten-person commission with five commissioners, including the Chair, appointed by the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader of the Senate and five commissioners, including the Vice Chair, appointed by the Minority Leaders of the House and Senate.
  • Commissioners must have significant expertise in the areas of law enforcement, civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, intelligence, and cybersecurity. Current government officers or employees would be prohibited from appointment.
  • Like the 9/11 Commission, the Commission will be granted authority to issue subpoenas to secure information to carry out its investigation but requires agreement between the Chair and the Vice Chair or a vote by a majority of Commission members.
  • The Commission would be required to issue a final report with findings regarding the facts and causes of the attack, along with recommendations to prevent future attacks on our democratic institutions, by December 31, 2021.