House passes bill to create Jan. 6 commission; 35 Republicans join Democrats – By Jeff Mordock and Kery Murakami (The Washington Times) / May 19 2021
The House on Wednesday approved a bill that would create an independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, with some rank-and-file Republicans spurning party leadership and siding with the Democrats.
The measure passed 252-to-175, with 35 Republicans voting yes in defiance of party leaders, including former President Donald Trump, who opposes the commission. No Democrat voted against the bill.
The legislation heads to the Senate, where it is unlikely to get the votes to clear the evenly split upper chamber. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, on Wednesday promised the measure will receive a floor vote.
Hopes that the bill would pass the Senate were likely dashed Wednesday after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, said he would oppose the proposal.
“After careful consideration, I’ve made the decision to oppose the House Democrats’ slanted and unbalanced proposal for another commission to study the events of January the 6th,” Mr. McConnell said on the floor of the Senate.
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