Rep. Panetta Releases Statement on First Anniversary of January 6th Attack on U.S. Capitol
SALINAS, CA – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) released the following statement regarding the one year anniversary of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol:
"Although the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol was the tip of the spear for the growing threat to our democratic institutions, we must continue our responsibility to shield and strengthen our democracy. The cathedral of all democracies was physically assaulted by a mob directed to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election. As the violence grew, the U.S. Capitol was breached, and members of Congress and the Vice President fled the floors of the House of Representatives and Senate, the ex-President sat and watched it take place, despite the pleas for him to take immediate action. Although the attack paused the democratic process, it did not diminish Congress' determination to do our jobs that day. Thanks to the U.S. Capitol Police, members of the House of Representatives and Senate got right back on the House floor and voted to certify the election just hours after the attack."
"A year later, we continue to face threats from a movement openly contemptuous of democracy that has proven its willingness to use violence to achieve its objectives. As a self-governing society, we cannot survive such threats by denying that the movement exists. That is why, with the leadership of the bipartisan U.S. Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack, we must continue to uncover the facts and hold those accountable who called for, conspired, and carried out the attack. Even with that Congressional investigation and other ongoing federal prosecutions, the truth will not satisfy everyone, including certain state legislatures that are creating ways to overturn the will of the voters. That is why we also must move forward with implementing federal protections of our elections that can withstand further attacks."
"We in the House worked to pass legislation, and it is past time for the Senate to act and pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Moreover, we must all continue to be engaged and involved in our democratic process. Not just today, not just on Election Day, but every day we must fulfill our obligation to our democracy by participating in our society with courage, civility, and a sense of humanity. That is how we best fulfill our form of self-government, strengthen our shield of democracy, and pursue our national unity."
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