Senate Republicans block bipartisan commission to study January Capitol attack

By Alyssa Wilson Published: May 28, 2021

Senate Republicans block bipartisan commission to study January Capitol attack

FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo violent insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington. A month ago, the U.S. Capitol was besieged by Trump supporters angry about the former president's loss. While lawmakers inside voted to affirm President Joe Biden's win, they marched to the building and broke inside. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

By: Alyssa Wilson

Senate Republicans have successfully blocked the passing of a bill that would create a special commission to study the deadly January insurrection on the United States Capitol.

According to the Associated Press, opposition from the GOP was expected despite the bill passing in the House, with some Republican support earlier in May. Republican senators say the commission could be used against them politically in upcoming elections.

Former President Donald Trump has called the commission a “Democrat trap.” In January, he was impeached for the second time for “incitement of insurrection,” for his role in the attack that left five people dead.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell ramped up his efforts to get the bill blocked. He has even asked senators to support filibustering the bill as a “personal favor” to him, CNN reported.

Republican Senators Mitt Romney, Susan Collins, Ben Sasse, Rob Portman, Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski voted in favor of the commission. Democrats needed support from four more Republicans in order to get the bill passed.