January 6 was an insurrection that left people dead and scores of seriously injured in its wake. It was not legitimate political discourse no matter what the GOP says. It was a violent attempt to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election and ignore the will of the people. It was a dangerous and irresponsible attempt to try to intimidate Congress with an angry racist mob assembled and then set loose by a man who had just lost the presidential election.  

With today’s vote, the Republican Party has just endorsed violence as a legitimate form of political expression. Their vote to legitimize violence is anti-democratic. There is no room for ambiguity when it comes to an attack on the peaceful transfer of power and our democratic system of government.  

January 6 was an attack on the rule of law, the very concept of free and fair elections, and it was an attack on America. Elected leaders who endorse political violence have no business governing in the name of the American people.  

January 6 was anything but legitimate and we must never let it happen again. That starts with passing national voting rights legislation to protect every American’s freedom to vote, regardless of political affiliation. 

The voters decide the outcome of elections—not a violent mob. Common Cause will continue our work with our partners and activists around the country to ensure our elections are determined by We the People.