Jan. 6 panel eyeing Dec. 21 to launch closing report, chairman says

The Home choose committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol is planning to launch its closing report on Dec. 21, panel Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) informed reporters on Wednesday.

Thompson stated the discharge of the report shall be accompanied by a “formal presentation,” however the particulars are nonetheless up within the air.

“There’ll be some type of public presentation, we haven’t determined precisely what that’ll be,” the chairman informed reporters.

Thompson additionally stated the committee will publicly vote on felony referrals on Dec. 21. The announcement got here in the future after he informed reporters that the panel has come to a “common settlement” to ahead some felony referrals to the Division of Justice. 

The goal of these referrals, nonetheless, stays unsure. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the panel “has decided that referrals to outdoors entities ought to be thought of as a closing a part of its work,” however that it “will make choices about specifics within the days forward.”

Thompson revealed final month that the committee had created a subcommittee to supervise potential felony referrals and study “all excellent points” the panel faces, together with lawmakers who defied subpoenas issued by the group.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) is main the subcommittee, and Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) are all a part of the group.

“We’re taking a look at potential referrals or felony offenses and for civil offenses and for common lawlessness the place it won’t in any other case be apparent,” Raskin stated final month.

“We’re taking a look at felony and civil referrals for individuals who have damaged the regulation and will have escaped scrutiny,” he added.

Thompson’s timeline for the ultimate report and a vote on felony referrals comes because the clock is operating out for the committee, which can dissolve on the finish of the yr with Republicans set to take management of the chamber within the subsequent Congress.

Along with the ultimate report, Thompson stated the committee’s remaining supplies may even be made accessible to the general public. He stated the panel will “present a technique for the general public to have entry to it.”

The chairman additionally commented on Home Minority Chief Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) request that the panel protect all its paperwork for a GOP assessment of its work. Requested if he’ll observe the Republican chief’s ask, Thompson stated he shall be handled like every other particular person.

“He’s the general public. If he desires entry to it, all he has to do is go surfing. He’ll have it,” he stated.