WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 28, 2021 – Today, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society released the following statement following a vote in Congress that failed to pass legislation which would have appointed a bipartisan commission to thoroughly investigate the January 6 insurrection and propose the subsequent response.

Statement from U.S. Capitol Historical Society President and CEO Jane L. Campbell:

“The U.S. Capitol Historical Society is disappointed to learn that some Members of Congress have rejected a proposed bipartisan commission to examine the root causes of the January 6 attacks. As an historical organization chartered by Congress to foster ‘informed patriotism,’ we urge our representatives to set aside their ideological differences to seek truth for the protection of our Capitol and the people who work there.

“Only through an exhaustive study of that fateful day can we determine the measures necessary to prevent such an attack from ever happening again. Unless, and until, we do so, the Capitol community will remain vulnerable; and citizens could continue to be denied entry into ‘The People’s House’ for the longest period in our nation’s history. Since our citizens’ access to their representatives is our nation’s most enduring symbol of Democracy, a bipartisan commission would be crucial toward achieving and expediting a resolution.

“But without it, our historical understanding of that tragic day will remain as fractured as much of our society has become today. And to allow this attack on our democracy to remain uninvestigated will serve no purpose but to let those wounds fester. We owe it to every person who was in the Capitol and watching those events unfold to learn all that we are capable of learning—for the sake of future generations and the integrity of our republic.

“That is why we hope for Congress to find a path forward.”

###

About the United States Capitol Historical Society:

The United States Capitol Historical Society, founded in 1962, is chartered by Congress to foster and increase an informed patriotism among the citizens in the study of this living memorial to the founders of this Nation and the continuing thread of principles as exemplified by their successors. The Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational 501(c)3 organization. For more information visit www.uschs.org.

About USCHS President and CEO Jane L. Campbell:

The Honorable Jane L. Campbell is President and CEO of the United States Capitol Historical Society, former Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and the former mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, the first female of this distinction.