Ron Johnson opposes Jan. 6 commission

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said Congress should not approve legislation set for a House vote on Wednesday that would set up a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 mob attack on the Capitol.

Johnson, a vocal supporter of the former President Trump, called the push for a 9/11-style commission to investigate Jan. 6 “a farce.” 

“I hope no Republicans in the House vote for this,” Johnson said. “I hope nobody in the Senate embraces it either.”

The bill is expected to pass the House and was brokered through a deal between House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and ranking member John Katko (R-N.Y.). 

But House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) announced his opposition to the legislation on Tuesday, and GOP leaders are whipping against the bill. 

It’s unclear whether the legislation could get the 10 GOP votes necessary in the Senate to overcome procedural hurdles.  

Johnson tied the idea of the commission to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in seeking to rally opposition to it during an appearance Tuesday night on Fox News.

“That’s one of the biggest problems with this commission is the commissioners are going to be named by congressional leaders including Speaker Pelosi who is, let’s face it, ultimately responsible for the security of the Capitol,” Johnson said Tuesday night during an appearance on Fox News. 

Johnson suggested Pelosi needs to be “held accountable as well” if she and other members of Democratic leadership are going to be the ones picking commissioners to serve on the body. 

Ron Johnson is against the 1/6 commission because he says Nancy Pelosi needs to be held accountable for security lapses pic.twitter.com/g0P84itB91

— Acyn (@Acyn) May 19, 2021

Hundreds of Trump supporters overwhelmed Capitol Police on Jan. 6 and invaded the Capitol to stop the counting of the Electoral College vote. Their actions led to vandalism in the Capitol, forced the evacuation of Congress and contributed to five deaths. 

Many in the crowd wore apparel or waved flags underscoring their allegiance to Trump. They also shouted death threats to various lawmakers and former Vice President Mike Pence. 

The attack on the Capitol was widely seen as one of the most serious security breaches of the Capitol in its history.

Pelosi criticized McCarthy for his opposition, accusing GOP leadership in the House of displaying “cowardice” for refusing to support an investigation into the events that led to the riot.

“I’m very pleased that we have a bipartisan bill to come to the floor,” Pelosi said. “And [it’s] disappointing but not surprising that the cowardice on the part of some on the Republican side not to want to find the truth.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Tuesday his caucus is still undecided on whether it would support legislation to set up the commission House Democrats have proposed. 

“I think I’m safe in characterizing our conference as willing to listen to the arguments about whether such a commission is needed,” McConnell said.