Nancy Pelosi introduces proposal to form a select committee to probe Jan. 6 insurrection

With Congress keen on investigating the events of the January 6 insurrection, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is leading efforts to probe the events. Pelosi this week introduced a resolution to form a select committee to investigate the Capitol riots.

Pelosi introduced a resolution to establish a select committee that will investigate the insurrection at the Capitol last January 6. Five people were killed, and over 100 Capitol Police officers were injured from the violence that ensued. The riots also led to now-former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment by the House.

The committee will be made up of 13 members. Eight members will be appointed by Pelosi, and five more members will be appointed in consultation with House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. Forming a select committee was the alternative plan for Pelosi following the failure to pass the bipartisan proposal in the Senate due to GOP filibustering.

The select committee will also be led by House Democrats. The committee will also have subpoena authority and will not work towards a strict deadline in its investigation into the riots.

“Senate Republicans did Mitch McConnell a ‘personal favor’ rather than their patriotic duty and voted against the bipartisan commission negotiated by Democrats and Republicans,” said the House Speaker in a statement Monday. “But Democrats are determined to find the truth.”

The resolution could be voted on as soon as Wednesday and does not require the approval of the Senate. However, it remains to be seen whether McCarthy plans to cooperate with Pelosi in nominating Republican members to the committee as an aide to Pelosi told CNN that the California Democrat is reportedly considering bringing in a Republican to the group.

Last week, Georgia GOP Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, known for her peddling of conspiracy theories, told CNN that she would like to be part of the committee that will investigate the insurrection. To note, Pelosi has yet to reveal who she will appoint to be part of the committee.

However, with Greene expressing interest, it would likely frustrate lawmakers who want to find the truth about what happened on January 6. In recent weeks, Greene echoed conspiracy theories from fellow conservatives that the Black Lives Matter movement, Antifa, or even the FBI staged the entire insurrection.