Alex Padilla: “I want to thank Senators Merkley and Tillis for their bipartisan cooperation in honoring the law enforcement officers…”

“I want to thank Senators Merkley and Tillis for their bipartisan cooperation in honoring the law enforcement officers who responded on January 6, 5 years ago. I also want to thank them both for their comments on Tuesday, 2 days ago, recognizing the fifth anniversary of the attack on the Capitol. As Senator Merkley mentioned, I am the ranking member on the Rules Committee, which has jurisdiction on this issue, and I can attest, having been here for the votes on the original action, that there was bipartisan and bicameral agreement on this plaque and bipartisan, bicameral agreement on its intended location following the enactment of the law. Now, for the last several years, many people have been confused by the delay in mounting it as planned and directed by Congress. Many even believe that the Speaker of the House never intended to follow the law and honor these law enforcement officers who bravely defended the Capitol and our democracy that day. I know that sounds a little cynical, but as Senator Merkley mentioned, you have to understand that part of the context here is the White House's new website that says that the Capitol Police were the ones who deliberately escalated the situation on January 6, in their attempt to rewrite the history of that day. That dishonors the officers--not just the members of the Capitol Police but all the law enforcement agencies--that responded on that eventful day.”