Green: Jan. 6 Capitol attack was an 'act of terrorism against our democracy'

The U.S. House of Representatives have passed House Resolution 3233 (HR 3233), which establishes a National Commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attacks on the United States Capitol Complex. 

According to Politico, the commission would comprise of a 10-person, bipartisan task force to report on the causes and facts of what happened on Jan. 6 at Capitol Complex by the end of the year. 

"What happened on Jan. 6, 2021 was an act of domestic terrorism against our democracy. That day will forever live in infamy, and we must uncover the full truth," U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) wrote in a tweet.

The resolution's language said the committee not only will investigate, but also will submit reports that have all information and findings, as well as ways to improve detection and prevention of an event like this ever happening again.  

"The commission must (1) conduct an investigation of the relevant facts and circumstances relating to the attack on the Capitol; (2) identify, review and evaluate the causes of and the lessons learned from this attack and (3) submit specified reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations to improve the detection, prevention, preparedness for and response to targeted violence and domestic terrorism and improve the security posture of the U.S. Capitol Complex," HR 3233 language reads.

HR 3233's language also states that the commission will be required to hold public hearings and meetings, when appropriate, and all reports must be made public knowledge as well. 

"The bill gives the commission specified powers, including the authority to hold hearings, receive evidence and issue subpoenas. The bill also provides for the composition of the commission and the appointment of staff, and it requires the commission to hold public hearings and meetings to the extent that it is appropriate. The commission must also release public versions of its reports," the bill states.

HR 3233 has led to much debate internally for the GOP, as House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) tries to build more opposition to the bill. In the beginning, McCarthy and Rep. John Katko (R-New York) tried to strike a deal with Democrats to create a commission that would be an independent, "9/11 style," but that plan was struck down. 

"I'm glad he's doing it now," Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) said of McCarthy's efforts to build more opposition to the bill, as reported by Politico.

A bipartisan deal was struck on a joint resolution measure and compromise between Homeland Security Committee Chair Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Katko, leading to the measure as it stands now, according to Politico. 

Despite McCarthy's work to gain support for opposition to the bill, 35 Republicans broke away from the GOP in the measure to vote "yes" for passing the National Commission, Politico reported. 

The House passed HR 3233 with a 252-175 vote, with all Democrats and 35 Republicans voting in favor for the measure. It will now go to the Senate where its future is uncertain as Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he’ll oppose the legislation, Politico reported.