If you’re interested in politics or journalism, then you’ve probably read Committee News. But what makes it so unique? Here are three reasons why you should subscribe to this monthly publication. First, it isn’t your average legislative newsletter. Second, it contains a wide range of news and information. The last of these points is probably the most important. Regardless of how you decide to consume Committee News, it is a worthwhile read.
Third, it’s informative. For example, the Advocacy & Public Policy Committee has a news alert section that monitors governmental activity and social justice issues. The alerts aim to spark discussion and bring up news items of interest to the ARLIS/NA membership. Though they’re not official statements from ARLIS, they do serve as good starting points for discussion. In addition, the committee’s newsletters feature interviews with experts in their respective fields.
Fourth, hearings often fall flat because of their own expectations. Early leaks take the drama out of live testimony. And, because they last for so long, people tend to tune out. During the Watergate hearings, for example, it took seven hours to complete one session. Fortunately, the lack of cable television kept the public engaged, but committee members are at risk of falling into the modern trend of performing for the cameras and giving speeches.
Fifth, the hearings are likely to feature recorded and live testimony. The purpose of the hearing is to present an overall picture of what happened on Jan. 6 and how it could be used in future elections. The GOP hopes to discredit the committee by portraying its work as a partisan mission to take down President Trump. But the first day of hearings generated nearly 19 million viewers. In spite of this, Republicans were quick to dismiss the hearings as boring and newsless.
In addition to the first hearing, two witnesses will testify: U.S. Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards and a documentary filmmaker. The former officer suffered a traumatic brain injury in the Jan. 6 assault. The filmmaker Nick Quested followed the Proud Boys as they gathered and captured the initial moments of the riot. And he’ll testify about the police violence. He’ll also discuss the impact of the attack on society.
As a former Trump administration official, William Barr has had a tense relationship with the current president. He has also been accused of discrediting the 2020 election. This is just one example of how the House has tried to smear Trump by attacking him. But the GOP isn’t the only one worried. A Republican lawmaker argues that Barr’s appointment to the 9/11 commission is the most significant news the committee has heard in years.
While Pence is the favored candidate, Trump’s aide is worried about the implications for his own career. He’s also afraid of losing his job, which means he’ll be forced to fire his chief of staff. And he can’t let a single Republican vote go unpunished. That’s why he is urging people to vote “in the best interests of the country.”