Statetement

We are former Republican Members of the House of Representatives.

We believe our country is at a pivotal moment. In the wake of the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, current Members bear a responsibility to do all they can to secure our institutions. As part of that duty, we write to urge you to cooperate with the House Select Committee investigating the attack.

We recognize it is rare for a congressional investigative body to subpoena sitting lawmakers. We also recognize that the subject of this inquiry is unprecedented in American history.

As you experienced first-hand, a mob violently sought to unlawfully delay the certification of the 2020 presidential election. The mob physically assaulted law enforcement, desecrated the seat of our government, and interrupted America’s centuries-long tradition of peacefully transferring power. A full and honest accounting of the attack and its causes is critical to preventing future assaults on the rule of law and American institutions — and ensuring that we all can move forward.

We understand you may have concerns about this exercise of the Committee’s subpoena power. Indeed, under most circumstances, we would strongly counsel against compelling the testimony of sitting members of Congress. But the exceptional nature of this circumstance is clear: one in which sitting Members may have first-hand knowledge regarding an assault on our government. The best way to ensure a full and fair accounting of what happened before and on January 6th is for you to provide your understanding of the events and to explain it to the American people.

Republican leaders, honoring their oaths of office, have participated in investigations at key moments in our nation’s past. President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice sat for hours of testimony with the 9/11 Commission. Their prioritization of the nation’s security and defense of our system of government outweighed any other considerations.

As lawmakers, we swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. We hope you will bear true faith to that same oath by strengthening the inquiry and helping to secure our nation’s future.

Signatories

Steve Bartlett
U.S. House of Representatives (R-TX), 1983–1991

Robert E. Bauman, JD
U.S. House of Representatives (R-MD), 1973–1981

Charles W. Boustany, Jr.
U.S. House of Representatives (R-LA), 2005–2017

Rod Chandler
U.S. House of Representatives (R-WA), 1983–1993

Tom Coleman
U.S. House of Representatives (R-MO), 1976–1993

Charles Djou
U.S. House of Representatives (R-HI), 2010–2011

Mickey Edwards
U.S. House of Representatives (R-OK), 1977–1993

David F. Emery
U.S. House of Representatives (R-ME), 1975–1983

Wayne Gilchrest
U.S. House of Representatives (R-MD), 1991–2009

Jim Greenwood
U.S. House of Representatives (R-PA), 1993–2005

Bob Inglis
U.S. House of Representatives (R-SC), 1993–1999; 2005–2011

Jim Kolbe
U.S. House of Representatives (R-AZ), 1985–2007

John LeBoutillier
U.S. House of Representatives (R-NY), 1981–1983

Connie Morella
U.S. Representative (R-Maryland), 1987–2003

Thomas E. Petri
U.S. House of Representatives (R-WI), 1979–2015

Reid J. Ribble
U.S. House of Representatives (R-WI), 2011–2016

Edward Scott Rigell
U.S. House of Representatives (R-VA), 2011–2016

Claudine Schneider
U.S. Representative (R-Rhode Island), 1981–1991

Christopher Shays
U.S. Representative (R-Connecticut), 1987–2009

Alan Steelman
U.S. House of Representatives (R-TX), 1973–1977

Peter G. Torkildsen
U.S. House of Representatives (R-MA), 1993–1997

Jim Walsh
U.S. House of Representatives (R-NY), 1989–2009

Joe Walsh
U.S. House of Representatives (R-IL), 2011–2013

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