This Friday Republicans in the US Senate came together to block a bill that would’ve created a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol.
The bill had passed the U.S. House last week, but this time Republicans filibustered their way out of it.
Unsurprisingly, Texas Senators voted against the bill, including Sen. John Cornyn, who back in February supported the creation of a commission of the kind.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz said he opposed the commission because it was “politically motivated.”
“The January 6 terrorist attack on the Capitol was a dark moment in our nation’s history, and I fully support the ongoing law enforcement investigations into anyone involved. Everyone who attacked the Capitol must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and brought to justice,” Cruz said. “I also support the Senate committees of jurisdiction who are exercising their proper oversight roles to provide an in-depth and complete account of the attack. With multiple investigations already underway, I do not support the politically motivated January 6 Commission led by Sen. [Chuck] Schumer and Speaker Pelosi.”
The bill, which was voted out in a 54-35 vote, was modeled on the 9/11 Commission, which led to sweeping government reforms in order to prevent terrorist attacks.The commission would’ve been conformed by five Republicans and five Democrats. To qualify, each commissioner could not be currently serving in government and was to have a background in two of the following areas: government service, law enforcement, civil rights, and civil liberties, the armed forces, intelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, technology, or the law.
