In a significant break with Donald Trump and GOP leaders, 35 House Republicans joined Democrats in voting to approve legislation to establish an independent commission to investigate the violent insurrection on January 6 at the US Capitol.
The final vote was 252-175. The GOP defections represent a stunning rebuke of Republican leadership in the chamber and former President Donald Trump, who urged members to vote against the legislation.
Wednesday’s vote came as some Republicans have tried to downplay the violence that occurred on January 6 and align themselves with Trump’s version of reality.
The bill now moves to the Senate where it faces an uncertain fate as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has already announced his opposition to the commission.
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The margins in the House vote are an important indicator because just how many House Republicans are willing to buck their party leadership may offer an early signal for how many GOP senators could back the bill.
Supporters of the bill need at least 10 Republicans in the Senate to join all 50 Democrats in the chamber in order to overcome a 60-vote filibuster and pass the legislation.
