Capitol Riot Aftermath
McConnell announces opposition to Jan. 6 commission
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will oppose House Democrats' proposal for a commission to study the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, he announced Wednesday "after careful consideration." That was widely expected, but he did surprise some observers Tuesday when he sounded more open to backing the bill than he previously had. Ultimately, though, McConnell landed on the opinion that the proposed legislation is "slanted and unbalanced" in favor of Democrats.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) sounds unlikely to be deterred by the news, saying he will put the bill up for a vote on the Senate floor no matter what, though he didn't provide a timeline. "Republicans can let their constituents know, are they on the side of truth?," he said.
There is some speculation that enough Republicans will stray from McConnell in this instance for the bill to pass.