This week: Democrats move forward with Jan. 6 probe | TheHill – The Hill
Democrats are poised to move forward with a probe into the Jan. 6 Capitol attack after Republicans stonewalled an independent commission.
The House is set to vote this week before leaving for a three-week July 4 break on establishing a select committee to investigate the attack.
Jan. 6 was one of the darkest days in our nation's history ... it is imperative that we establish the truth of that day and ensure that an attack of that kind cannot happen and that we root out the causes of it all, Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiPhotos of the Week: Infrastructure, Britney Spears and Sen. Tillis's dog Headaches mount for Biden in spending fight Wallace has contentious interview with GOP lawmaker: Aren't you the ones defunding the police? MORE (D-Calif.)told reporters late last week.
The decision comes after the Senate, which has started a two-week recess, failed to break a 60-vote legislative filibuster on legislation to establish an evenly divided commission of outside experts. Six Republicans voted for the bill establishing the commission and a seventh, Sen. Pat ToomeyPatrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeyBlack women look to build upon gains in coming elections Watch live: GOP senators present new infrastructure proposal Sasse rebuked by Nebraska Republican Party over impeachment vote MORE (Pa.), said he would have voted for it but missed the vote.
House Democrats have been chewing over multiple options for how to probe the attack, where a mob of former President TrumpDonald TrumpTrump calls Barr 'a disappointment in every sense of the word' Last foreign scientist to work at Wuhan lab: 'What people are saying is just not how it is' NY prosecutors give Trump Org lawyers Monday deadline: report MOREs supporters breached the Capitol as lawmakers and then-Vice President Pence were counting the Electoral College vote.
Some Democrats had pushed for the House Homeland Security Committee, an already established panel, to take the lead on an investigation given that Chairman Bennie ThompsonBennie Gordon ThompsonDemocrats to create select committee to probe Jan. 6 attack DHS considering asylum for migrants whose cases were terminated under Trump Democratic clamor grows for select committee on Jan. 6 attack MORE (D-Miss.) and Rep. John KatkoJohn Michael KatkoJan. 6 probe poised to spill into 2022, with no complaints from Democrats Democrats to create select committee to probe Jan. 6 attack Bipartisan lawmakers highlight COVID-19 impact on mental health, addiction MORE (N.Y.), a moderate Republican, negotiated the deal on the legislation for the independent commission.
But a select committee would empower Democratic leaders to dictate the ground rules of the investigation, including the scope, the numerical composition of members, the parameters surrounding the panel's subpoena powers and the timeline for ending the probe.
Sources told The Hill last week that Pelosi was mulling tapping Thompson to lead the select committee.
Infrastructure
President BidenJoe BidenTrump calls Barr 'a disappointment in every sense of the word' Last foreign scientist to work at Wuhan lab: 'What people are saying is just not how it is' Toyota defends donations to lawmakers who objected to certifying election MORE is working to save a bipartisan infrastructure deal after he caused a GOP firestorm by suggesting late last week, just hours after the agreement was announced, that he wouldnt sign it unless it was accompanied by a larger, multitrillion-dollar Democratic-only bill.
Biden tried to clean up his previous statement over the weekend, saying that it was not his intent to suggest he would veto the bipartisan agreement.
But Biden also tried to balance his competing pressure points, arguing that Republicans shouldn't oppose the bipartisan deal just because Democrats, as theyve been telegraphing for weeks, are going to try to pass a second larger bill under reconciliation that allows them to bypass the 60-vote legislative filibuster. He also argued that progressives shouldnt vote against the bipartisan deal just because it doesnt go as far as they want.
I will ask Leader [Charles] Schumer to schedule both the infrastructure plan and the reconciliation bill for action in the Senate. I expect both to go to the House, where I will work with Speaker Pelosi on the path forward after Senate action. Ultimately, I am confident that Congress will get both to my desk, so I can sign each bill promptly, Biden said.
Bidens remarks appeared to appease Republicans in the core negotiating group, who remained supportive of the agreement during appearances on the Sunday shows.
Sen. Rob PortmanRobert (Rob) Jones PortmanHeadaches mount for Biden in spending fight Biden adviser on president signing bill: 'I don't think it's a yes-or-no question' Barasso says Biden must do more to reassure GOP MORE (R-Ohio) said he was blindsided by Bidens remarks, but added that he was very glad to see the president clarify his remarks because it was inconsistent with everything that we had been told all along the way. We were all blindsided by the comments the previous day.
I'm glad they've now been de-linked and it's very clear that we can move forward with a bipartisan bill that's broadly popular, Portman told ABCs This Week.
Sen. Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyPhotos of the Week: Infrastructure, Britney Spears and Sen. Tillis's dog Biden adviser on president signing bill: 'I don't think it's a yes-or-no question' Barasso says Biden must do more to reassure GOP MORE (R-Utah) said he trusted Biden before signaling that he accepted the presidents clarification.
I do trust the president and, he made very clear in the much larger statement that came out over the weekend, the carefully crafted and thought through piece by piece, as that if the infrastructure bill reaches his desk, and it comes alone, he will sign it, Romney said during an interview with CNNs State of the Union.
But it remains to be seen if Bidens remarks are enough to quell the larger GOP furor, after Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump calls Barr 'a disappointment in every sense of the word' Headaches mount for Biden in spending fight Biden adviser on president signing bill: 'I don't think it's a yes-or-no question' MORE (R-Ky.) panned Bidens rhetoric and two Republicans in the larger gang of 21 Sens. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamGreen groups shift energy to reconciliation package Headaches mount for Biden in spending fight Barasso says Biden must do more to reassure GOP MORE (S.C.) and Jerry MoranGerald (Jerry) MoranBipartisan senators ask CDC, TSA when they will update mask guidance for travelers Headaches mount for Biden in spending fight Senate Republicans urge CDC to lift public transportation mask mandate MORE (Kan.) threatened to pull their support.
Biden will have to balance any overture to Republicans with the challenge of also keeping progressives on board amid worry from the left that the two-track system could cause centrists to boot priorities like expanding Medicare and climate change.
Let me be clear: There will not be a bipartisan infrastructure deal without a reconciliation bill that substantially improves the lives of working families and combats the existential threat of climate change. No reconciliation bill, no deal. We need transformative change NOW, Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersPolitical campaigns worry they're next for ransomware hits Headaches mount for Biden in spending fight How Biden can reframe and reclaim patriotism, faith, freedom, and equality MORE (I-Vt.) tweeted on Sunday.
Amid the wrangling over Bidens plan, the House will vote this week on a $547 billion surface transportation reauthorization bill to invest in roads, bridges, transit and rail.
Confederate statues
The House will vote on legislation to remove statues of people who served the Confederacy or otherwise worked to uphold slavery that are currently displayed in the Capitol.
Among the provisions in the bill is language that would replace a bust of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney, who authored the 1857 Dred Scott ruling that Black people did not have the rights of citizens and couldn't sue in federal courts, with one of Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice.
In addition to statues of figures related to the Confederacy, the bill would also require the removal of the statues of Charles Brantley, a former North Carolina governor who espoused white supremacy; John Caldwell Calhoun, who defended slavery; and James Paul Clarke, a former governor and senator that Arkansas has already announced it will replace.
Iraq War
The House is set to vote to repeal the1991 Iraq War authorization, giving a big boost to a years-long effort to roll back the authorization for the use of military force.
The Houses vote comes as efforts to rein in the executive branchs war authority are ramping up in a shift from Congresss increasingly hands-off approach.The chamber already voted earlierthis month to repeal the 2002 Iraq War authorization.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to advance legislation from Sens. Tim KaineTimothy (Tim) Michael KaineHeadaches mount for Biden in spending fight Infrastructure breakthrough marks victory for political center Democrats hit wall on voting rights push MORE (D-Va.) and Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungThe Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Biden helps negotiate bipartisan infrastructure deal Overnight Defense: Joint Chiefs warn against sweeping reform to military justice system | Senate panel plans July briefing on war authorization repeal | National Guard may have 'training issues' if not reimbursed Senate panel plans July briefing on war authorization repeal MORE (R-Ind.) that would repeal both the 2002 and 1991 Iraq War-related authorizations.
Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerThe Innovation and Competition Act is progressive policy Infrastructure deal: Major climate win that tees up more in reconciliation bill Democrats seek to calm nervous left MORE (D-N.Y.) announced earlier this month that he supports repealing the authorization and is committed to bringing it up for a vote on the Senate floor this year.
The Iraq War has been over for nearly a decade and authorization passed in 2002 is no longer necessary in 2021. ... It no longer serves a vital purpose in our fight against violent extremists, Schumer said from the Senate floor.
I strongly and fully support repealing the 2002 authorization for the use of military force in Iraq, he said. It is my intention as majority leader to bring this matter to a floor vote this year."
Read the original post:
This week: Democrats move forward with Jan. 6 probe | TheHill - The Hill
- Democrats now have easier paths to flipping the Senate. Here are races to watch. - The Washington Post - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Sen. Mark Kelly says Democrats have to 'do a better job' if they have good midterm showing - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- What Democrats are getting right and wrong in run-up to midterms: We cant just be anti-Trump - The Guardian - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- What happens if the Democrats sweep the midterms? - Comment is Freed - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Democrats rally at Little Flock Picnic, hear from Shoffner, Love, Grappe and Ryerse - nwaonline.com - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- If Democrats Win Control of Congress in the Midterms, Will They Impeach Trump a Third Time? - commondreams.org - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Inside NBC News polling averages: Democrats enjoy biggest lead yet in the race for Congress - NBC News - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- "Washington is broken": Democrats running for office turn sharply against their own party - Axios - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- David Jolly implores national Democrats to help his campaign for governor - WUSF - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Democrats favored to win slim House majority, nonpartisan analyst says - The Washington Post - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Brooklyn Democrats Were About to Lose Power. So They Changed the Rules. - The New York Times - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Opinion | Young Democrats Are Putting the Party Back in Politics. Its Working. - The New York Times - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Warren County Democrats kick off election season with second annual Democracy Dinner - WKUHerald.com - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Southern Democrats see hope for first time in years, seek to build on discontent of midterm voters - AP News - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Georgia Democrats are bullish on chances of flipping state House this year, but it wont be easy - dailykos.com - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Opinion/Op-Ed: Will the Democrats make inroads in November in red West Virginia? - WV News - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Southern Democrats see hope for first time in years, seek to build on discontent of midterm voters - WRAL - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Francesca Hong Hits The Road To Boost David Crowley And Democrats - Urban Milwaukee - September 28th, 2026 [September 28th, 2026]
- Kansas becomes the latest headache for Republicans, with Democrats eyeing a miracle in Senate race - CNN - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Democrats are already making moves to run for president. Heres whos doing what. - The Washington Post - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- The Fight for the Senate Is a True Toss Up; Three Races Shift Toward Democrats - cookpolitical.com - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- How Democrats Could Work With Trump to Kill the Debt Ceiling For Good - Time Magazine - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- LEADER JEFFRIES IN THE CAPITOL: HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE RUNNING TOWARD THE FINISH LINE AND REPUBLICANS ARE RUNNING SCARED Congressman Hakeem Jeffries -... - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Democrats sue Trump admin to keep armed agents from polls during midterms - Democracy Docket - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Kamala Harris campaigning for Democrats in 2026 midterms as her 2028 decision looms - pbs.org - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Opinion: Overheated Kansas Democrats need to take an ice bath. Hamilton-Marshall race has weeks to go. - Kansas Reflector - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Election Bettors Believe That Democrats Are Now Favorites To Win Senate Control - Forbes - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Democrats Backed an Independent in Nebraska. Leaked Tapes Make Him a Risky Bet. - wsj.com - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Crypto weighs revenge against Democrats and the risks that come with it - Politico - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Democrats call on Trump to establish agreement with Xi Jinping to slow AI development - WCIV - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- After Texas DPS neglected tens of thousands of voter applications, Democrats demand an investigation - The Texas Tribune - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Democrats have been trying to nail Collins on corruption for years. Will this time be different? - Maine Morning Star - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Who is behind those 'Democrats for Biggs' signs? - azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Democrats Push to Tweak College Sports Bill Ahead of Senate Vote - Bloomberg Government News - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Facing heat from Democrats, Collins team calls corruption allegations outrageous - Portland Press Herald - Maine Sunday Telegram - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Opinion | Limiting diesel exports would be a Trump midterm gift to Democrats - The Washington Post - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Majority of voters say country is on wrong track, favor Democrats in 2026: Poll - wreg.com - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Kamala Harris tells Michigan crowd Democrats have "got to be too big to rig" - cbsnews.com - September 24th, 2026 [September 24th, 2026]
- Democrats Gaza reckoning: how failing to give Palestinians a voice came back to bite the party - The Guardian - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Democrats privately sounding alarm on GOP spending ahead of midterms - CNN - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Post Game: Are investigations on the horizon if Democrats take control of Congress? - NBC News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Democrats face uphill battle in winning any Tennessee U.S. House race - Tennessee Lookout - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- House Democrats Hold Forum on Protecting the Right to Vote - C-SPAN - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Fewer Democrats say they will vote by mail after Trumps failed assault - Democracy Docket - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Can Democrats flip the Senate? Heres the latest in key races - Los Angeles Times - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- The one issue where Republicans and Democrats are unified before the midterms, according to this poll - PBS - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Democrats are now more worried than Republicans about AI and its impact on jobs - ssrs.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Missouri Democrats hope blue wave will help turn political tide in their favor - FOX 2 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Complaints filed against Turning Point's 'Democrats for Biggs' campaign signs - ABC15 Arizona - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Lingering feuds threaten Democrats' bid to reclaim US Congress - Reuters - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Rep. Chellie Pingree and Democrats will take testimony on ICE killings Tuesday - newscentermaine.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- WATCH: Vance brands Democrats as 'lunatics' at rally in Iowa - PBS - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Manatee Republicans break from party, endorse Democrats in upcoming election - Bradenton Herald - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Who Will Win The Midterms? Polls Show Democrats Vaulting Ahead - Forbes - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Republicans are set to outspend Democrats on the air in 8 out of 9 close Senate races. Here's where - CNN - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- What Are Democrats Thinking? - Liberal Currents - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Monday evening headlines: Impacts of recent rain, Democrats struggle with funding ahead of midterms - weareiowa.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- 'I'm begging for help': David Jolly asks national Democrats to close the cash gap with Byron Donalds - Florida Politics - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- In Rare Move, Democrats Try to Block a Sale of Bombs to Israel - Mother Jones - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Democrats Embrace Anti-Trans Athlete Messaging Ahead of Midterm - Newsweek - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Midterm history massively favors Democrats. But they are making a big mistake - Fox News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Brandon Gill unloads on Democrats over illegal immigrant charged with raping teen: 'Collateral damage' - Fox News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Democrats running in key races supported Austin ISD property tax increases - The Center Square - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Dan Bongino: The cause of your problems is definitely the Democrats - Fox News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Democrats and activist groups plan to push back if Trump tries to interfere in midterm elections - AP News - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- House Democrats expand the map and the definition of a Democrat - MS NOW - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Pa. Democrats hold shadow hearing to discuss election integrity as legal fight over mail-in ballots wages on - WHYY - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Democrats to train tens of thousands to monitor polls amid election interference fears - The Guardian - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Is Kansas really in play for Democrats? Republicans are acting like it. - The Washington Post - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- The Data Dive: Kornacki on the Texas voters giving Democrats hope - NBC News - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Exclusive / House Democrats ready oversight of Trumps Balkans policy - Semafor - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- House Democrats pitch bill to save people from having pay garnished for medical debt - The Guardian - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Democrats seek to bar Otzma Yehudit from election as polls show continued deadlock - The Times of Israel - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Alabama Democrats have had a few good weeks. But political gravity is tough. - Alabama Reflector - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Are Texas Democrats Finally Reaching the Mountaintop? - The New Republic - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- How Democrats Are Rethinking Election Protection for the 2026 Midterms - usnews.com - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Congressional Democrats in Hysterics About Saving the World From AI - The American Prospect - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Democrats Ask Court To Force FCC Action In Political Ad Rate Battle. - Insideradio.com - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Some Democrats are recalibrating their approach to transgender issues as they seek a path to power - Los Angeles Times - September 15th, 2026 [September 15th, 2026]
- Obama Urges Democrats to Move A.I. Oversight to the Center of Their Agenda - The New York Times - September 13th, 2026 [September 13th, 2026]