DeLauro Reflects on First Day of January 6th Select Committee’s Public Hearings
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today issued the following statement following the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack's first night of public hearings:
"Last night, the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th attack launched its first day of public hearings, reexamining what led to and occurred during the attack on the Capitol and on our democracy that fateful day. I applaud the leadership of Chair Bennie Thompson and Vice-Chair Liz Cheney. They are united in the spirit of bipartisanship to uncover exactly how the attack was allowed to happen and which individuals are responsible for inciting it.
"In no uncertain terms, the Committee laid chief blame for the attack at the feet of former President Trump and his allies within government. I am particularly shocked by the extensive involvement of the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, which Committee investigators have determined were responsible for the initial breaches that drove rioters further within the Capitol. This is chilling and demonstrates that this attack was orchestrated from the very start with the intent of interrupting a democratic process and keeping President Trump in power. This was not a random riot, or a peaceful protest. This was a coordinated effort by domestic actors to overthrow the democracy of the United States.
"I honor the United Capitol Police who risked their lives that day to defend the Capitol. As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, we passed into law nearly a billion dollars to fund the Capitol Police and secure the United States Capitol – the citadel of democracy. But upping our security is not enough.
"I urge Americans to continue to engage with the hearings. This is not old news – we must understand what happened at the Capitol on January 6th and why this attack was allowed to happen so that we can ensure it never happens again. I was in the House Gallery the day of the attack. I remember holding my colleagues and running to safety. I remember calling my husband while lying on the floor to tell him I was safe, and to reassure our family that everything would be alright. I remember hesitating before saying I love you and hanging up the phone - a moment that harkened back to September 11, 2001. I remember the fear and uncertainty, but I also remember the resolve of my colleagues and our institutions.
"The principles of our Constitution weathered January 6, but we cannot rest assured that history will not repeat itself until we have a full accounting of that day. We must safeguard our elections by passing voting rights legislation that will protect the right to vote. We must closely follow the hearings of the January 6th Committee and anyone who participated in this conspiracy should be brought to justice. And we must commit to doing everything in our power to prevent another assault on our democracy from ever happening again."