Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) is tearing into Republicans who voted against a bill to establish a commission to investigate the riots at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, calling their decision “unconscionable.”
“This was our chance to have a bipartisan commission that would allow for an impartial investigation into the events of that horrific day, so that we are better able to prevent another attack on our nation,” Manchin said in a statement on Friday.
He noted six “brave Republicans” voted in favor of the bill, including Sens. Mitt Romney (Utah), Susan Collins (Maine) Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Ben Sasse (Neb.), Bill Cassidy (La.), and Rob Portman (Ohio).
“Choosing to put politics and political elections above the health of our democracy is unconscionable. And the betrayal of the oath we each take is something they will have to live with,” Manchin continued.
Watch his comments below:
Choosing to put politics and political elections above the health of our Democracy is unconscionable. And the betrayal of the oath we each take is something they will have to live with. My statement on the January 6th Commission vote: pic.twitter.com/tlPme9LMIo
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) May 28, 2021
Speaking to “the brave Capitol police officers who risk their lives every single day to keep us safe, the Capitol and congressional staff that work around the clock to keep Congress running, even the reporters who work hard to deliver congressional news to the American people, and every American who watched in horror as our Capitol was attacked on January the 6th,” Manchin said, “You deserve better.”
In a 54-35 vote on Friday, the legislation failed to pass.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also took a swipe at Republicans in a statement on Friday, as IJR reported.
“Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans’ denial of the truth of the January 6th insurrection brings shame to the Senate. Republicans’ cowardice in rejecting the truth of that dark day makes our Capitol and our country less safe,” she said.
Pelosi continued, “In not taking yes for an answer, Republicans clearly put their election concerns above the security of the Congress and country.”