2021: Fitzpatrick Voted To Award Congressional Gold Medals To The U.S.
Capitol Police For Their Bravery In Defending The Capitol During The
January 6th Insurrection. In March 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for a bill
which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "award three
congressional gold medals to the U.S. Capitol Police and those who
protected the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. It would require the
presentation of one medal each to the U.S. Capitol Police and the
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia for display
at their headquarters, and one medal to the Smithsonian Institution for
display and research, along with a plaque listing the other law
enforcement agencies that participated in protecting the Capitol." The
vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 413-12. The
Senate did not take substantive action on the bill. [House Vote 87,
3/17/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/17/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
1085]
Some Republicans Had Issues With Using The Term "Insurrection" In
The Bill Awarding Congressional Gold Medals To Capitol Police.
According to Congressional Quarterly, "Some Republicans who didn't
co-sponsor the bill said they had concerns about the language,
including the use of the term 'insurrection' and calling the Capitol
a 'temple.' A dozen ended up voting 'no.'" [Congressional
Quarterly, 3/17/21]
The Legislation Honored The Three Police Officers Who Died Due To
The January 6th Insurrection. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "Her bill also names the three officers who died: Capitol
Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died of injuries suffered in the
attack, and Capitol Police Officer Howard Liebengood and D.C. Metro
Police Officer Jeffrey Smith, who both died by suicide after the
events of Jan. 6." [Congressional Quarterly,
3/17/21]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Establishing A Special House Committee
To Investigate The January 6th Insurrection. In June 2021, Fitzpatrick
voted against a bill which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"establish a special committee in the House of Representatives to
investigate facts and causes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, 'domestic
terrorist attack' on the U.S. Capitol; examine and evaluate evidence
developed by relevant federal, state and local governmental agencies;
and build upon the investigations of other entities. It would require
the committee to investigate facts and circumstances of the attack
related to intelligence and law enforcement agency activities and
factors contributing to the attack, including online platforms and
foreign influence operations; identify and analyze the causes of and
lessons learned from the attack with regard to law enforcement
operations and security protocol at the Capitol; and submit to Congress
reports including findings and conclusions of its investigations,
legislative recommendations, and recommendations for corrective
measures. The resolution would authorize the speaker of the House to
appoint 13 members to the committee, including five members after
consultation with the minority leader. Among other provisions, it would
authorize the committee chair to issue subpoenas, authorize such sums as
may be necessary for committee expenses, and specify that the committee
would terminate 30 days after filing its final report to Congress." The
vote was on passage. The House passed the resolution by a vote of
222-190. [House Vote 197,
6/30/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/30/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
503]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted To Establish A National Commission That Would
Investigate The January 6th Attack On The Capitol. In May 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted for the National Commission to Investigate the January
6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act which would, according
to Congressional Quarterly, "establish a national commission to
investigate facts and causes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, 'domestic
terrorist attack' on the U.S. Capitol; examine and evaluate evidence
developed by relevant federal, state and local governmental agencies;
and build upon the investigations of other entities. It would require
the commission to investigate facts and circumstances of the attack
related to intelligence and law enforcement agency activities and
factors contributing to the attack, including online platforms and
foreign influence operations; identify and analyze the causes of and
lessons learned from the attack with regard to law enforcement
operations and security protocol at the Capitol; and submit to the
president and Congress reports containing findings and recommendations
for corrective measures that are agreed to by a majority of the
commission. The commission would be composed of ten members, evenly
chosen by the majority and minority parties, who have national
recognition and significant experience in at least two subject areas
related to the attack, such as law enforcement, intelligence, law, civil
rights and counterterrorism. Among other provisions, the bill would
authorize the commission to issue subpoenas and hold hearings and
specify that the commission would submit its final report by the end of
2021 and terminate 60 days after submitting the report." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 252-175. The Senate did
not take substantive action on the bill. [House Vote 154,
5/19/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/19/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
3233]