Thirty-five House Republicans back a probe on the January 6 insurrection at the Capito Building defying the former president.
The Republican mavericks were led by John Katko of New York, who wrote the measure with Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson.
“I encourage all members, Republicans and Democrats alike, to put down their swords for once, just for once, and support this bill,” said Katko.
A moderate and a former prosecutor, Katko defended the proposed commission as a fair and needed step towards understanding the riot, how it happened and what security improvements the Capitol needs to prevent a future assault.
“This is about the fact. It is not partisan politics,” he said pointedly.
The 35 defectors represented a relatively modest but still significant proportion of House Republicans, of whom 175 opposed the legislation.
