McCarthy says he won't back bipartisan deal to form January 6 commission

Washington — House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday announced his opposition to legislation that would establish a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, undercutting negotiations by one of his own conference members and signaling the unwillingness of House Republicans to dwell on the assault.

Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson and Republican Congressman John Katko, the chair and ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, reached a deal late last week on legislation to create a bipartisan commission. The bill made two significant concessions to Republicans, as the panel would be evenly divided between members appointed by Democrats and Republicans and give the GOP-appointed commissioners veto power over any subpoena.  But it would also be narrowly focused on January 6. Some Republicans have argued the panel should also investigate violence that occurred last summer related to protests against racism and police brutality.