Politics & Government

Fitzpatrick Votes In Favor Of Jan. 6 Commission

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick was one of 35 Republicans who voted to create a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick represents Bucks County and a sliver of Montgomery County.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick represents Bucks County and a sliver of Montgomery County. (Office of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to form a 9/11-style commission to investigate the Jan. 6 siege at the U.S. Capitol, but its fate in the divided Senate remains uncertain.

The bill passed the House by a 252-175 vote. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Bucks County was one of 35 Republicans to cross party lines and vote in support of the creation of a 10-member independent, bipartisan commission that would make recommendations for securing the Capitol and preventing another insurrection.

Senate. Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he thinks Congress should be "pushing the pause button" on legislation to form the commission.

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Former President Donald Trump released a statement Tuesday night urging Republicans not to approve the commission, calling it a "Democrat trap."

Fitzpatrick has yet to make a statement on his vote Wednesday. The former FBI agent previously denounced Trump's actions following the violence at the Capitol, calling it "nothing short of a coup attempt." However, he voted against impeaching Trump on charges that he incited the Capitol riots.

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Related: 'He Lit The Flame': Rep. Fitzpatrick Denounces Trump

Speaking on the House floor Wednesday, New York Rep. John Katko, a Republican, said “the American people and the Capitol Police deserve answers, and action as soon as possible to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”

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