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
- Not just the base: Democrats in recent elections are flipping independent and Republican votes - CNN - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Democrats and voting rights advocates vow to fight Trumps latest order: massive and unconstitutional suppression effort as it happened - The Guardian - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Kornacki analyzes what it will take for Democrats to win back the Senate - NBC News - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Why Democrats still face an uphill climb to win the Senate: From the Politics Desk - NBC News - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Senate Democrats are Breaking All the Wrong Records - House Committee on Appropriations (.gov) - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Political stunt: Democrats scold DeSantis over $5.5M cost to rename Palm Beach airport after Trump - WLRN - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- President Trump Acts Where Democrats Refused Bringing Relief to TSA Workers and Travelers - The White House (.gov) - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Trumps overtime tax break is a hit. Democrats arent sure what to do about it. - Politico - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Democrats think taxing the rich will create affordability | Letter - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Cory Booker says Democrats have failed this moment and calls for new leaders - The Guardian - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Andy Beshear Thinks Democrats Should Start Talking Like People - Politico - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Why Democrats Are Accusing the FBI of Trying to Smear Rep. Eric Swalwell - Time Magazine - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- CT Democrats push forward spending increase for $28.8B state budget that boosts education, services and more - Hartford Courant - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Schumer had a plan to win back the Senate. But some Democrats arent on board - Los Angeles Times - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Democrats look to win Southern Az legislative races in bid to flip statehouse - Tucson Sentinel - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Democrats take a page from the GOP playbook with new partisan voter registration program - azmirror.com - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Democrats flipped another GOP seat. The reason isnt what you think. - Yahoo - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Democrats win another special election, the 30th red-to-blue flip of Trumps second term - Yahoo - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- The Trump-voting pastor Democrats think could cost them a chance at a Nebraska Senate seat - CNN - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Democrats are trying to connect the dots on Trumps 2026 plan - CNN - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Four Democrats face off for open Metro Council seat. Who are they? - The Courier-Journal - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- NY Democrats to blow state budget deadline again with little progress on talks: At the beginning of the middle - New York Post - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- GOP, Democrats face pressure to end DHS shutdown: Join the live discussion - The Hill - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Fetterman urges fellow Democrats to 'do the right thing' as government shutdown takes toll on workers - Fox News - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Hoping to unseat Collins, Maine Democrats battle it out in an expensive U.S. Senate primary - NPR - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Homeland Security Talks Hit Snag as Democrats Demand ICE Restrictions - The New York Times - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- DHS funding deal on shaky ground as Trump and Democrats both decline to embrace it - NPR - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Democrats face test as rare Ethics hearing examines Cherfilus-McCormick fraud allegations - The Hill - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Democrats look to boost offshore well cleanups - E&E News by POLITICO - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Democrats Have Fundraising Edge in Virginia Redistricting Battle Ahead of April Referendum - The New York Times - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Florida Democrats flipped two legislative seats in 2026 special election, their best performance in years - CBS News - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Florida Democrats flipped 2 legislative seats Tuesday. Is it a harbinger of trouble for the long dominant GOP? - Florida Politics - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Vast majorities of Democrats and Republicans are concerned about technology's effect on misinformation and personal privacy - YouGov - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Cory Booker wants Democrats to 'Stand' and fight - NPR - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Democrats revive allegations around Trump classified document case in latest political battle with Justice Department - CNN - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Missouri Democrats' efforts to restore child care subsidy funding thwarted in the House - KCUR - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Blakeman thought his matching funds were secure, then Democrats objected - Newsday - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- FEMA official who has claimed to be teleported is unfit for role, Democrats say - Mississippi Today - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Scalise on DHS Shutdown: It is a Disgrace What Democrats are Doing to Hardworking Families - Congressman Steve Scalise (.gov) - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- How Democrats win on foreign policy The US is drifting Leftward on Israel and Iran - UnHerd - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Republicans Seethe as DHS Talks Derail After Democrats Retread Their Offer - News of the United States - NOTUS - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Wheels Up for Senate Democrats Who Leave TSA and Americans Grounded - House Committee on Appropriations (.gov) - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Opinion | The Democrats Could Still Mess This Up - The New York Times - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Democrats set a turnout record in Texas, so is this the year it turns blue? - NPR - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- GOP urges Mills veto as Augusta Democrats review bills raising taxes on wealthy - WGME - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Trump says Democrats must cheat to win. What do his supporters think? - NPR - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Democrats deliver stunning flip in New Hampshire special election, latest in series of 28 upsets - The Guardian - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- One month later, White House and Democrats no closer to ending the DHS shutdown - Politico - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Democrats Chances of Flipping Senate and House This Year Hit Record High - Newsweek - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Democrats file war powers resolution to prevent Trump from attacking Cuba without approval - The Hill - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- What Kansas Democrats running for Congress said about immigration, ICE - The Topeka Capital-Journal - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Poll: California Democrats want to disband ICE - Politico - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Democrats see chance to flip 23rd District with Gonzales out - The Texas Tribune - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Democrats propose tax cut bill targeting working families - WDAM-TV - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Democrats propose tax cut bill targeting working families - Cleveland 19 News - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- Mark Cuban names 2 up-and-coming Democrats he's impressed with, says the rest can't 'sell dollar bills for 50 cents' - Business Insider - March 15th, 2026 [March 15th, 2026]
- No endgame: Why US Democrats say Iran war hearing has them worried - Al Jazeera - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats Sued to Find Out Whether Trump Will Send Armed Officers to Election Sites - The New York Times - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Senate Democrats ramp up pressure campaign for public hearings on war with Iran - NPR - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- White House, Democrats trade blame for missed paychecks and airport delays - Government Executive - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats Demand Hegseth and Rubio Testify on Iran War - The New York Times - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- E&C Democrats Press NTIA Administrator on BEAD Funding Updates & Stress Trump Executive Orders Do Not Supersede Federal Law - Democrats, Energy and... - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Trump Has Handed the Democrats a New Winning Issue for the Midterms - New York Magazine - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats ask what happened to millions earmarked for Trumps library - The Washington Post - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Senate Democrats demanded that President Trump immediately dispatch Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to testify under... - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- 'Forever war': Democrats rebut Trump's assertion that Iran war nearing end - CNBC - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Senate Democrats threaten to seize the floor until White House agrees to public Iran hearings - MS NOW - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats need to choose love and unity over anger | Letters - IndyStar - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Senate Democrats demand public hearings on Iran war - Stars and Stripes - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats sue Trump administration for information on possible plans for troops at polls - News From The States - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats file new war powers resolutions and call for public hearings on Iran strikes - The Guardian - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- A slew of indie candidates are running for Senate in deep-red states. Democrats arent all thrilled. - Politico - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Jewish Democrats press for oversight as Trumps Iran war rages on - The Forward - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats face growing pressure to fund DHS amid airport lines and security crises - Denver Gazette - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats win GOP seat in New Hampshire, notching 10th straight special election flip - The Downballot - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats Running for Western Congressional Seat Draw Distinctions Between Their Campaigns in First Flathead Meeting - Flathead Beacon - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- 8 Democrats and no front-runner: Californias governor race is a mess - Politico - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- CT governor candidate Ryan Fazio blasts Democrats over post showing gun pointed at his head - CT Insider - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats say it will take more than enthusiasm to turn the tide against North Dakota Republicans - North Dakota Monitor - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]
- Democrats fuming after Iran War briefing: Im not sure what the end game is - Tucson Sentinel - March 11th, 2026 [March 11th, 2026]