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WASHINGTON ― Most Republican lawmakers aren’t planning to attend official occasions marking the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, one of many darkest days in American democracy.
As with the whole lot in Congress today, the query of whether or not to mark the anniversary of an assault on democracy itself is splitting alongside ideological strains.
Thursday’s commemorative occasions will characteristic lawmakers’ testimonials about their experiences that day, a prayer vigil on the steps of the Capitol, and a panel dialogue with historians in an effort to “set up and protect the narrative” of Jan. 6.
“These occasions are meant as an observance of reflection, remembrance and recommitment, in a spirit of unity, patriotism and prayerfulness,” Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stated in a letter to colleagues final week.
The Home continues to be on recess and only a few GOP representatives are anticipated to attend, nevertheless. The potential exceptions embrace the 2 members of the Home committee probing the assault, Reps. Liz Cheney (Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (In poor health.).
Senate Republicans are additionally steering away from the occasions on the Capitol, accusing Democrats of attempting to politicize the assault and rating political factors.
“I do suppose that there shall be makes an attempt by the Democrats clearly to … get some political benefit out of it,” Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) informed reporters.
Quite a few Senate Republicans are planning to journey to Georgia as an alternative to pay their respects to former Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), who died final month and whose funeral providers are being held on Thursday. The longtime senator was extremely revered amongst his colleagues on each side of the aisle. These anticipated to attend Isakson’s funeral embrace Thune and Senate Minority Chief Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
Not each senator is planning to attend Isakson’s funeral on Thursday, nevertheless. With no votes scheduled, some are merely heading again to their house states.
“I don’t suppose there’s a lot purpose to stay round right here,” Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) stated. “I don’t suppose it’s inappropriate to acknowledge the anniversary. I’d hope it doesn’t grow to be an annual occasion.”
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) stated he deliberate to take part in media interviews concerning the Jan. 6 assault from South Dakota. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) additionally stated he deliberate to mark the occasion from house in Connecticut
Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) stated he doubted any Republican would attend.
“All of us from the get-go have identified it was going to be taken to this stage and run with. To me it appears prefer it’s being taken to the hilt,” he stated.
U.S. Capitol Police are monitoring potential threats to the Capitol complicated on the anniversary of the riot, however they don’t anticipate any issues, citing higher preparations to the division than one yr in the past.
“There’s no intelligence that signifies that there could be any issues,” Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger stated Tuesday.
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