If the January 6th committee in the Senate fails to deliver, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi should follow her wishes and set up a special committee in the House to conduct a thorough investigation of the Capitol riots. This should be done as quickly as possible.
The Iran-Contra Special Committee in 1987 serves as a notable example. Faced with a major presidential scandal since Watergate, the House established an investigation with far-reaching legal powers. This committee had the ability to issue subpoenas beyond regular congressional oversight limits, compelling witnesses to testify under oath, and even accepting over 250 sworn statements, resembling a Grand Jury investigation with most personnel being former prosecutors.
The Iran-Contra committee conducted public hearings for 40 days, interviewing a total of 29 witnesses spanning 3 months. Their Vorsitzender Lee Hamilton maintained high standards, guaranteeing that attorneys conducted a meticulous and professional investigation before lawmakers assumed their limited roles.
Should Pelosi choose to form a special committee for the January 6th Capitol riot investigation, following the Iran-Contra precedent is highly encouraged. It's essential to appoint an experienced team of former prosecutors, compel witness testimony using subpoenas under oath, and conduct an exhaustive investigation. This thorough and proactive approach will help discredit any claims of partisanship and serve justice.
The committee must exercise utmost care to maintain the rule of law and adhere to ethical guidelines during their investigation. Circumventing partisan politics, overcoming opposition, and upholding the integrity of the investigation will be essential to its success. Robert Mueller's extensive investigations serve as a reminder of the commitment required to examine such serious matters.
Pelosi should ensure that Republican representatives like Liz Cheney, who support professional investigations, are among the committee members. Collins also emphasized the importance of bipartisan efforts and their ability to work together, making Republican members crucial to the committee's success.
The committee must be prepared to face challenges associated with potential Fifth Amendment challenges, forcing them to secure a court order to compel testimony, and even deal with potential cover-ups. Delving deeply into the events leading up to and during the Capitol riots, and following bipartisan protocols, will enable the committee to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
The committee members should be dedicated to their roles, working tirelessly to meet the challenges posed by partisan politics and adversaries. By doing so, they can help restore public trust, ensure justice, and uphold the legitimacy of the democratic process.
