Summary of Bill HRES 503
Bill 117 H.Res. 503, also known as the Establishing the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, was introduced in the US Congress to create a special committee to investigate the events surrounding the violent attack on the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021.
The bill outlines the purpose of the committee, which is to investigate and report on the facts and causes of the attack, including any incitement to violence or interference with the peaceful transfer of power. The committee is tasked with examining the security failures that allowed the attack to occur, as well as any coordination or planning that may have taken place leading up to the event.
The bill specifies that the committee will be composed of 13 members, with 5 appointed by the Speaker of the House and 8 appointed in consultation with the Minority Leader. The committee is given the authority to issue subpoenas for documents and testimony, and to hold hearings and gather evidence as necessary to complete its investigation.
Overall, the purpose of Bill 117 H.Res. 503 is to provide a thorough and non-partisan investigation into the events of January 6th, in order to ensure accountability and prevent similar attacks on the Capitol in the future.
Congressional Summary of HRES 503
This resolution establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.
The select committee must (1) conduct an investigation of the relevant facts and circumstances relating to the attack on the Capitol; (2) identify, review, and evaluate the causes of and the lessons learned from this attack; and (3) submit a report containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations to prevent future acts of violence, domestic terrorism, and domestic violent extremism, and to improve the security of the U.S. Capitol Complex and other American democratic institutions.
The select committee consists of 13 Members of the House appointed by the Speaker; 5 must be appointed after consultation with the minority leader. The resolution gives the select committee specified powers, including the authority to hold hearings, receive evidence, and issue subpoenas. It also requires other House committees to share relevant records with the select committee within 14 days of the resolution's adoption or receipt of such records.