Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Establishing the Select Subcommittee to Investigate the Remaining Questions Surrounding January 6, 2021.

Summary

House Resolution 605 establishes a Select Subcommittee within the House Judiciary Committee to investigate remaining questions surrounding the events of January 6, 2021. The subcommittee is granted authority to conduct a full investigation, issue subpoenas, and receive information from other committees. It is tasked with submitting a final report to the Judiciary Committee by December 31, 2026, and will terminate shortly thereafter.

Expected Effects

This resolution will likely lead to further investigation and public reporting on the January 6, 2021, events. The findings could influence future legislation, law enforcement practices, and public discourse. The subcommittee's report may also contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the events for historical record.

Potential Benefits

  • Provides a dedicated body to further investigate the January 6th events.
  • Ensures continued scrutiny and potential accountability related to the attack on the Capitol.
  • The final report could offer valuable insights and recommendations for preventing similar events in the future.
  • Allows for subpoena power to compel testimony and gather information.
  • Facilitates the transfer of relevant records to the subcommittee for review.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The investigation could be perceived as politically motivated, potentially exacerbating existing divisions.
  • The cost of the investigation could be substantial, diverting resources from other priorities.
  • The extended timeline for the final report (December 31, 2026) may delay any potential policy changes.
  • The subcommittee's findings might be disputed or disregarded by some segments of the population.
  • The focus on January 6th could overshadow other important issues facing the country.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the US Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 1, which grants legislative powers to Congress. The establishment of a select subcommittee falls under Congress's implied powers to conduct investigations necessary for informed legislation. The subpoena power granted to the subcommittee is also consistent with Congress's investigative authority. The First Amendment implications regarding freedom of speech and assembly are relevant to the context of the investigation, but the resolution itself does not directly infringe upon these rights.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).