Since early June, lawmakers have been unraveling the secrets surrounding the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, also known as the “January 6th Committee,” has been working diligently to shed light on the events that unfolded that day. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information about the upcoming public hearings and how you can stay informed.
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How to Watch the Jan. 6 Hearings
The committee has planned several public hearings, with the first one taking place on June 9. If you are interested in watching the hearings live, you can find them in a dedicated playlist. Additionally, the PBS NewsHour will provide comprehensive coverage, including reporting and analysis. You can tune in to your local PBS station or watch online on their website. For those who prefer social media platforms, you can also follow the live coverage on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
Dates and Times of Future Hearings
The committee has already confirmed the dates and times for several upcoming hearings. Here’s an overview:
- Thursday, June 9 at 8 p.m. EDT: The first prime-time Jan. 6 hearing.
- Monday, June 13 at 10 a.m. EDT: Focused on details from former President Trump’s inner circle regarding the spread of false narratives about the 2020 election.
- Thursday, June 16 at 1 p.m. EDT: Centered on Trump’s pressure campaign on former Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 election.
- Tuesday, June 21 at 1 p.m. EDT: Focused on Trump’s pressure campaign on state officials to overturn the election results and the impact of his baseless election fraud claims on election workers and their families.
- Thursday, June 23 at 3 p.m. EDT: Focused on Trump’s pressure campaign on the Justice Department to declare the 2020 election as corrupt.
- Tuesday, June 28 at 1 p.m. EDT: A surprise hearing with new evidence presented by Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
- Tuesday, July 12 at 1 p.m. EDT: The first July hearing, exploring the connections between extremist groups and the Trump White House, featuring recorded testimony from former White House counsel, Pat Cipollone.
- Thursday, July 21 at 8 p.m. EDT: The second prime-time Jan. 6 hearing, investigating Trump’s inaction during the Capitol insurrection and his resistance to stop the attack.
The House Jan. 6 committee also plans to continue its public-facing work beyond July, with the next hearing scheduled for Thursday, October 13 at 1 p.m. EDT.
The Basics of the Committee
The committee consists of nine members, including Chairman Bennie Thompson from Mississippi. It comprises six Democrats, including Pete Aguilar, Zoe Lofgren, Elaine Luria, Stephanie Murphy, Jamie Raskin, and Adam Schiff. Additionally, there are two Republicans, Liz Cheney from Wyoming, and Adam Kinzinger from Illinois.
Who Is Testifying?
The committee has already heard from several important witnesses, such as Caroline Edwards, a U.S. Capitol Police officer injured during the attack, and Nick Quested, a documentary filmmaker who captured the initial violent moments. Other notable testimonies include Chris Stirewalt, a former Fox News political editor, Benjamin Ginsberg, an election attorney, BJay Pak, a former U.S. Attorney, and Al Schmidt, a former Philadelphia city commissioner, among others.
The Committee’s Origin
The House created the committee through House Resolution, or H. Res. 503, which passed with 222-190 votes in June last year. Unlike most House resolutions, an “H. Res.” does not require Senate approval and serves as a means for the House to establish and regulate committees.
Why Are There So Few Republicans?
House Speaker Pelosi had the authority to appoint 13 members to the committee, with five appointments made after consulting with Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. However, Pelosi rejected two of McCarthy’s suggestions, Reps. Jim Jordan and Jim Banks, due to concerns that their involvement might compromise the investigation. This decision led to further division among Republicans. Nevertheless, two House Republicans, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, expressed their interest in serving on the committee and were appointed.
The Objective of the Hearings
Unlike typical congressional hearings, where members from both parties ask questions to expert witnesses and work towards crafting legislation, the Jan. 6 hearings have a different purpose. All committee members share the view that the attack on January 6th was an insurrection fueled by political rhetoric and officials, including former President Trump. Their aim is to reveal new details that demonstrate how the events of that day were part of a coordinated effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election and prevent the peaceful transfer of power.
To stay up to date with the latest information, you can visit the 5 WS website for more details on the Jan. 6 hearings. Remember to mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on these crucial and informative sessions. Let’s uncover the truth behind the events that shook the nation on January 6th, 2021.
