Mother Of Capitol Officer Brian Sicknick Urges Lawmakers To Move Ahead With Jan. 6 Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBSNewYork) -- Congress appears to be stalling on creating a September 11th-style commission to look into the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
But friends and family of fallen Officer Brian Sicknick are calling on lawmakers to approve the commission.
"Usually, I stay in the background, and I just couldn't say quiet anymore," Sicknick's mother, Gladys, said Thursday.
"We just don't want any other people to get harmed or for this to happen again," Sicknick's girlfriend, Sandra Garza, said. "It was a terrible tragedy, and we don't want anyone else to get hurt."
Sicknick's mother and his girlfriend will meet with several Republican senators and urge them to vote "yes."
"I think it's very disturbing that anyone would not want to support this. I mean, why would they not want to get to the bottom of such horrific violence?" Garza said.
At least 10 Republicans would need to vote with Democrats to overcome a procedural filibuster in the Senate. As of now, that does not appear likely.
"I do not believe the additional, extraneous commission that Democratic leaders want would uncover crucial new facts or promote healing," said Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The bipartisan bill passed in the House would create an independent 10-member commission, equally appointed by Democrats and Republicans, and each side would have subpoena power.
"The Democrats have basically given everything they've asked for, any impediment that would have been there. There's no reason not to now, unless you just don't want to hear the truth," Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, of West Virginia, said.
The staff for the commission would be appointed by Democrats. Republican Sen. Susan Collins, of Maine, has proposed an amendment that would equally divide the staff positions, as well.
"That is what I have been working on to make sure that it truly is balanced, fair and bipartisan," she said.
Democratic lawmakers say the Republican opposition has less to do with the makeup of the bill and more to do with politics.
"Senate leader, Republican leader warned his conference that the January the 6th commission could hurt the Republicans politically. Well, too bad," said Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer.
More than 400 people have been arrested in connection with the attack.
