Senate Republicans Expected To Block Votes To Set Up Commission To Investigate US Capitol Riot

Senate Republicans might try to block Democrats’ bid to set up a commission to investigate the January 6 US Capitol attack that left five people dead and about 140 police officers injured.

According to some of the observers, many Republicans are fearful of making President Donald Trump and his followers angry. They are also worried about what such a commission might unfold, including potential connection between Republican lawmakers and some of those who ransacked the building, reported The Guardian.

While some Republicans earlier said that a 9/11-type commission into the security of the Capitol was required, they are now arguing that it wouldn't help in getting any new information amid other investigations and arrests.

"There is no excuse for any Republican to vote against this commission since Democrats have agreed to everything they asked for," West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin told CNN on Thursday.

"(Senate Minority Leader Mitch) McConnell has made this his political position, thinking it will help his 2022 elections. They do not believe the truth will set you free, so they continue to live in fear," he added.

The legislation aims to set up a 10-member panel to find out what happened, including the law enforcement's "preparedness and response," and then report recommendations "to prevent future acts of targeted violence and domestic terrorism."

Democrats have slammed Republicans for supporting former President Donald Trump, who claims that the 2020 election was "stolen" from him.

Meanwhile, Trump issued a statement on Thursday regarding high gas prices in the US. “With Memorial Day Weekend coming up, tomorrow people start driving in the biggest automobile days of the year,” Trump stated in his blog.

“I’m sorry to say the gasoline prices that you will be confronted with are far higher than they were just a short number of months ago where we had gasoline under $2 a gallon.”

According to AAA, travelers will face sky-high prices at the pump this weekend since 2014. As of Thursday, the national average was $3.04 per gallon. In New York, the average gas price is $3.08 per gallon. In New Jersey, the average price is $3.06 per gallon and $3.07 per gallon in Connecticut.

“Remember as you’re watching the meter tick, and your dollars pile up, how great of a job Donald Trump did as President,” Trump said. “Soon Russia and the Middle East will be making a fortune on oil, and you will be saying how good it was to have me as your President.

“Wasn’t it great to be energy independent, but we are energy independent no more. Shame, shame, shame. Other than that, have a great Memorial Day Weekend!” the 45th president concluded.