The Commission on January 6: A Bipartisan Failure or an Undermined Effort?

The appointment of the January 6th Commission, headed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been shrouded in controversy and political maneuvering. The basis for the commission has been characterized as a non-partisan measure to bring justice to those involved in the insurrection, but the recent developments have raised questions about its effectiveness and credibility.

UNDETERMINED AUTHORITY AND POLITICAL PARTISANSHIP

The early implications of the January 6th Commission were that it would be dedicated to resolving issues without any political biases, bringing impartiality and truth to light. However, the rhetoric surrounding the commission from the outset did not align with its stated goals. Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden promised bipartisan cooperation, but their intention seemed to be overridden when Republicans were excluded from the commission. This exclusionary approach has led many to question whether the commission will have any meaningful authority or the ability to dictate any charges or judgments against those involved.

McCarthy, the House Republican leader, criticized the composition of the commission. He predicted that the commission would fail to be completed on a bipartisan level, with very little authority as a result. The Commission, heavily laden with Democratic appointees, is seen by many as a politically-driven body, rather than a vehicle for truth and resolution. This skepticism is evident in the author's assertion: 'This will be another time-wasting body not having any authority to bring charges or try accused “rioters.”'

EXCLUDED PARTICIPATION AND CREDIBILITY ISSUES

Nancy Pelosi's appointments of two Republicans, Cheney and Kinzinger, initially seemed to be a step towards bipartisan cooperation. However, the commission's integrity is compromised by the fact that the Republicans themselves refused to participate in a serious commission. The demands for a special commission with senators and congress critters demonstrate a lack of trust and cooperation. Additionally, McCarthy's selection of a House-only committee, including members Jordan and Banks, who are known for disrupting investigations, further diminishes the commission's credibility. Pelosi's efforts to maintain a bipartisan approach by rejecting these disruptive members are met with McCarthy's threats, making the commission overwhelmingly Democratic.

As a result of McCarthy's efforts to undermine the commission, only a handful of Republicans are now involved, with McCarthy himself pulling the other four GOP representatives to serve on a committee to disrupt the investigation. McCarthy's decision to name these representatives, rather than a bipartisan or independent committee, has led to accusations of political gains over genuine truth-seeking. The exclusion of non-RINOs (Republicans who are not Seen as Moderates) Republicans has made the commission's findings less credible to a wide audience, especially to those who would question the results no matter what.

REBUFF OF INDEPENDENT AND BIPARTISAN COMMITTEES

McCarthy's move to counter the bipartisan approach and reduce the scope of the commission to a heavily Democratic body has faced criticism. His staunch support for former President Trump and reluctance to engage in a transparent and fair process has been widely denounced. One potential option that was initially suggested was a bipartisan independent committee. However, it was boycotted by McCarthy, leading Pelosi to form her own commission. This further highlights the political atmosphere of the time, where facts and bipartisan cooperation are overshadowed by political allegiances.

The author's conclusion is that the days of true bipartisanship and reliance on facts over party affiliation are likely over. The January 6th Commission, while it may not lack in trying to address the issues, is seen by many as a politically motivated body. The exclusion of Republicans and the disruption efforts by some committee members have shaken the integrity of the commission. Despite efforts to form a more inclusive and independent body, the current political climate has led to a fragmented and largely Democratic commission. This fragmentation has weakened the commission's ability to gain the trust and cooperation necessary for a meaningful outcome.

With these challenges in mind, the effectiveness of the January 6th Commission is now in question. Only time will tell if the commission can navigate these political currents to achieve its intended goals, but it is clear that the path to success has been fraught with challenges and skepticism.

Keywords: January 6 Commission, Bipartisan Cooperation, Political Rivalry