House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy deserves our thanks for his important role in the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Let me explain but first say “Thank you, Kevin“.

I thank you and so should the approximately two-thirds of Americans who support an investigation (1,2). Unfortunately there is a large political divide on that and Republicans have prevented the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex and tried to block the House Select Committee on the January 6 attack but failed.

As House Minority Leader, Kevin McCarthy was allowed to appoint 5 members in consultation with the Speaker. When Speaker Pelosi objected to 2 of the 5 he did not negotiate with the Speaker or try to find people acceptable to both. Kevin McCarthy just folded and pulled all of his picks.

So the investigation will go on. The Speaker chose to add both Republicans who voted for the Select committee. These seem to be the only Republicans in the House with an interest in this investigation. It still is bipartisan. It is less balanced that expected but the advantage was obvious at the first hearing. Since all were interested in finding the truth, the Select Committee looks like a promising approach to learn how and why this insurrection occurred and how we can prevent similar events.

So again, “Thank you, Kevin“.