The US House of Representatives has approved the formation of a commission of inquiry to investigate what happened on January 6, when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol. In the evening from Wednesday to Thursday (Netherlands time), 252 delegates voted in favor of the establishment, including 35 Republicans, and 175 voted against the establishment. The proposal still needs Senate approval.
On January 6, a crowd stormed the parliament building where the election results were announced. All members of the Senate and the House of Representatives were forced to flee. In the end five people were killed.
A committee of ten members, half Democrat and half Republican, must prepare a report with far-reaching powers on the incidents of the intrusion. For example, members should be able to sue people. The commission was formed along the lines of a similar group that had to investigate the attacks of September 11, 2001.
It remains uncertain whether the proposal will pass Senate approval. Under the so-called disabling rule, at least 60 out of 100 senators must agree. In the current Senate, which is split half and half between Democrats and Republicans, that would require bipartisan support. The proposal faces stiff opposition from Republicans in the Senate, so it is uncertain whether 10 Republicans will vote for the committee.
