[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 3 (Monday, January 8, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6-S7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                     Anniversary of January 6, 2021

  Madam President, now, on the January 6 anniversary, 3 years ago--on 
January 6, 2021--America experienced one of the darkest, most infamous 
days in our Nation's history. The Capitol we stand in right now became 
the target of mob violence. Our democracy fell under attack, 
orchestrated and encouraged by Donald Trump and fueled by the Big Lie.
  Three years can pass, 5 years can pass, a decade can pass, but 
January 6 will always seem like yesterday to me. At one point, I was 
within 30 feet of the rioters, who I was told were shouting, ``Let's 
get him,'' pointing at me, before my detail pulled me away to safety.
  Our Capitol was desecrated. Walls were scaled, windows smashed, and 
offices vandalized.
  The mob's goal on January 6 was clear: to overturn the will of the 
American people and block the peaceful transition of power. But, on 
that day, in an act of patriotism that history will forever remember, 
the four leaders decided we would not let Donald Trump and his mob stop 
us from counting the ballots. We came back later that night, finished 
the count, certified the election, and preserved our democracy. And, of 
course, we couldn't have finished our work without the heroics and 
quick thinking of the Capitol Police and MPD officers who defended the 
Capitol on January 6.
  Though vastly outnumbered and underequipped, these public servants 
held the line, saving countless lives and preventing a violent riot 
from becoming something worse. These brave men and women, many of whom 
still bear the scars from the attack on January 6, still come to work 
every day. We say to them now and always: Thank you. Thank God for you. 
We are here for you.
  Three years after the attack, much has changed, but one thing remains 
true: Our democracy, despite those who seek to derail it, marches on. 
Let this anniversary be a reminder that the work to protect democracy 
is never over, that it is a precious gift, and we all must do our part 
to make sure our democracy endures today, tomorrow, and for generations 
to come.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.

[[Page S7]]

  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.