Democrats give green light to probe into Capitol riot

House of Representatives will investigate the riot, weeks after Senate Republicans blocked formation of a bipartisan 9/11-style commission.

US Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi announces that she is forming a select committee to investigate the January 6 Capitol riot. Picture: AFP

The US House of Representatives will investigate the deadly US Capitol riot, weeks after Senate Republicans blocked formation of a bipartisan 9/11-style commission.

“This morning, with great ­solemnity and sadness, I am ­announcing that the house will be establishing a select committee on the January 6 insurrection,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

The top Democrat described the attack on the citadel of American democracy by supporters of then-president ­Donald Trump as a “day of darkness” for the nation that requires a thorough investigation.

She levelled criticism at the “cowardly” Republicans whom she said obliged when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell asked them to vote against creation of the broader, bipartisan commission a month ago. Six Republicans broke ranks and voted with Democrats to launch the commission, but it was four short of the number needed to advance the bill.

Rather than a thoroughly bipartisan panel, Mrs Pelosi will retain full control of the ­select committee, and will name its leader. Few details have been formally released but the committee is expected to have subpoena power.

Mrs Pelosi waved off concern that the select committee’s findings might be dismissed by the American public because it is not a fully bipartisan commission. The committee would be headed by a Democrat but she hoped the house’s top Republican would appoint “responsible people” to it.

With no deadline, the process may well stretch into next year.

AFP