[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 12, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        INTRODUCTION OF COUP ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JAMAAL BOWMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 12, 2021

  Mr. BOWMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share that I am 
introducing legislation to create a national commission to investigate 
the attempted insurrection on January 6th, and root out ties between 
white supremacists, white nationalists, and Capitol Police.
  How did a group of armed, violent seditionists march into one of the 
most secure buildings, forcing Members of Congress to hide under their 
desks? What did the authorities know, and when did they know it? We 
need a national commission that will dig into the facts and openly 
share findings with the public.
  What was abundantly clear last week was the stark contrast between 
the scarce and under-equipped security when insurrectionists stormed 
the Capitol--and how law enforcement agencies in D.C. and across the 
country rallied resources to brutalize and suppress demonstrators who 
were protesting in defense of Black lives and the lives of disabled 
people.
  But what we saw last week is not new--it is a continuation of the 
American tradition of white backlash in the wake of social progress. 
And in this moment, I know that my colleagues and I will rise to the 
challenge and work to help our country heal. But none of this 
reconciliation can happen without truth and justice first.
  As long as we allow white supremacy to continue to thrive in our 
society and our institutions, we will continue to suffer the 
consequences at the hands of its adherents. This is why it is so 
important that we pass my bill, the Congressional Oversight of Unjust 
Policing Act. My bill is the first step in the difficult task of 
investigating the failures in leadership and security that led up to 
the deadly events of January 6, 2021, and rooting out white supremacy 
in our law enforcement.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation, and join me in 
moving it to full passage.