Congressional committees are responsible for the vast majority of legislation passed in Congress. Hearings, which often include question-and-answer sessions, are key to these legislative processes. Published hearing transcripts contain all witness testimony and may be available online from the Government Publishing Office’s govinfo website, or in print at federal depository libraries. Read our guide to Finding Committee Transcripts to learn how to locate transcripts from specific hearings.
Despite hopes for bipartisanship and the promise of an independent commission, the investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol has quickly become partisan and fraught with disagreements between Democrats and Republicans. The panel is investigating a wide range of issues, from violent protests to the potential for political interference in state elections.
The investigation has interviewed more than 300 witnesses and sent hundreds of tips to law enforcement, which have resulted in numerous subpoenas. It is also investigating Trump’s official records and communications related to Jan. 6, as well as the funding of the protests, and online misinformation and extremist activities.
It’s unclear how far the panel will be able to go in its efforts to examine Trump’s involvement with Jan. 6. For example, the panel wants to know whether he discussed using his presidential emergency powers in an attempt to overturn the election results, such as seizing assets of voting machine companies or delaying the certification of electors. It’s also investigating his attempts to interfere in state elections, including trying to influence the governor of Georgia and trying to pressure officials in Florida, where he lost the election.
A key figure in the inquiry has been Rep. Jeffrey Clark, who was a top Justice Department official during the election. The panel is seeking to hold him in contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions, but he has invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The panel is also seeking the cooperation of Republican lawmakers who communicated with the White House on Jan. 6, but several of them have rebuffed requests to testify.
One of the more polarizing members on the committee has been Rep. Claudia Tenney (D-N.Y.), who has been a vocal critic of Trump. Her stance has drawn the ire of the president, who has threatened to strip her of her committee assignments if she keeps her seat, and she’s faced threats to her family.
The panel’s chairman is Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), a former prosecutor. His understated style has proven useful for running a high-profile committee that’s come under heavy fire from Trump and other GOP lawmakers who view the probe as overtly partisan. The chair has a crucial role in keeping the discussion on track, recognizing members to speak, and confirming what the committee has decided through a formal vote or unanimous consent. The committee follows Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, but sometimes smaller committees that are considering important matters may follow less formal procedures. The panel is scheduled to hold a number of public hearings this winter and spring, and could release an interim report by summer. A final report is expected before the midterm elections in November.