House Democrats propose designating Jan. 6 as annual ‘Democracy Day’
2 min read(The Washington Times)
Congressional Democrats want to make the observance of the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot an annual event.
Democratic Reps. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and Jason Crow of Colorado said they have introduced legislation to designate permanently Jan. 6 as “Democracy Day” to “ensure the lessons of the January 6th assault are not forgotten.”
“Future generations can never forget the actions that took place in the U.S. Capitol one year ago and the bravery required to preserve our democracy,” said Mr. Phillips in a press release. “I am leading this resolution to designate January 6th as ‘Democracy Day’ so that the American people never forget how fragile our democracy is and the vigilance required to maintain it.”
New York Democratic state legislators also announced plans to bring a “Democracy Day” bill making Jan. 6 an “annual day of commemoration.”
More than 700 people have been charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot that saw a pro-Trump mob ransack the Capitol as Congress sought to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. One protester died as a direct result of the melee after being shot by Capitol police, and 140 officers were injured.
“I saw with my own eyes just how close we came to losing our democracy,” said Mr. Crow. “As we reflect on the one-year anniversary of this violent insurrection, each one of us must recommit to the founding ideals of our republic. I look forward to celebrating Democracy Day in the years to come as a symbol of that recommitment every year.”
Meanwhile, Republicans accused Democrats, liberal activists and media outlets of exploiting the one-year anniversary for political gain with a full day of speeches, testimonials, ceremonies and vigils, as well as some overheated rhetoric.
Vice President Kamala D. Harris compared the attack to the Pearl Harbor bombing and 9/11 terrorist attack, which former House Speaker Newt Gingrich called “just plain embarrassing.”
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