ToplineAccording to the text of Nancy Pelosi's resolution to create the committee, the House select committee that will investigate the attack on the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6 will favor Nancy Pelosi appointees. However, Pelosi may consider appointing a Republican.WASHINGTON DC, JUNE 28: U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.CA) arrives at U.S. Capitol... [+] June 28, 2021 in Washington DC. After a weekend of rest, the Senate is in recess and the House of Representatives will return to Washington. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images). Getty ImagesThe Key FactsPelosi will nominate all 13 members of this committee, including the chair. However, five members will be chosen in consultation with Kevin McCarthy, the House Minority Leader. This gives her an 8-5 majority. This is almost identical to the 2014 resolution creating the Benghazi select panel. It allowed John Boehner, then-Speaker, to appoint 12 members. Five of those were chosen in consultation with Pelosi who was the minority leader at that time. According to a Pelosi aide, the eight Pelosi members she chose may not all be Democrats. She is also strongly considering choosing a Republican. Many House Republicans openly criticised Trump and those who downplayed the attack, including Reps. Liz Cheney(R-Wyo.). Adam Kinzinger (R.Ill.) and the eight other Republicans who voted for Trump's impeachment. The committee will be empowered to subpoena witnesses. Unlike the independent commission that was blocked by Senate Republicans last week, GOP appointees won't be able to veto these subpoenas. The committee's scope is limited to the facts, circumstances and causes of the attack as well as the interference with peaceful transfer of power. There is no end date.Important QuoteJanuary 6th was one the darkest days of our nation's history. Pelosi stated in a statement that it was crucial that we find the truth about that day and prevent such an attack from happening again.Important BackgroundRepublicans in both chambers were concerned about the length, narrow focus, and alleged partisan slant that the independent commission would bring to bear on the elect committee. The independent commission, unlike the select one, would have been evenly divided between Democrat appointees, and must be completed by 2021.Surprising FactMcCarthy has yet to confirm whether he will appoint members to the committee. McCarthy refused to answer the question during a Friday press conference. He even said, "I don't know that there is any select committee. The speakers have never spoken to me about it."What to WatchThe House Rules Committee will vote on Monday on the resolution. It will then likely be up for a vote at the House floor shortly after. It is likely to pass with only Democratic support, although some Republicans might sign on.
