A resolution observing the fifth anniversary of the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, and recognizing the essential work of United States Capitol personnel, including the United States Capitol Police.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 574
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-06: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S51)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-09T16:17:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 574) observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of U.S. Capitol personnel, including the U.S. Capitol Police, in defending the building and the democratic process.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses providing context and a "Resolved" section outlining the Senate's actions:
- Historical Context: Describes the January 6, 2021, events as a violent attack by insurrectionists who disrupted Congress's certification of the 2020 presidential election, assaulted law enforcement with various weapons, injured over 100 officers (including severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries and stabbings), and contributed to the deaths of five officers.
- Prior Recognition: Notes the unanimous Senate passage of Congressional Gold Medals for the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department, and references the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which mandated a plaque honoring responders but criticizes the House Speaker for not installing it after nearly four years.
- Acknowledgment of Support Staff: Highlights the role of Capitol custodial, janitorial, maintenance, and food services staff in responding to the attack and restoring the building.
- Senate Commitments:
- Expresses gratitude to the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, Capitol personnel, and all responding law enforcement for their service.
- Recognizes the daily dedication of Capitol personnel who worked to restore the building and ensure democratic functions continued.
- Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to protecting democracy, upholding the U.S. Constitution, and defending the legislative branch against threats.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding Senate resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as an expression of the Senate's views rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces morale and public recognition for the U.S. Capitol Police and other Capitol personnel, potentially supporting future funding or resource allocations for security. It may pressure House leadership to install the mandated plaque from the 2022 Appropriations Act.
- On Citizens: Symbolically honors law enforcement and staff who protected democratic institutions, fostering national appreciation for their role in safeguarding elections and government operations.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to democratic principles, which could indirectly bolster the country's global image as a defender of constitutional governance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department: Directly honored for their frontline defense during the attack.
- Capitol Personnel: Includes custodial, janitorial, maintenance, and food services staff, recognized for their recovery efforts and daily contributions.
- Members of Congress: The resolution, introduced by a bipartisan group of 38 senators, reaffirms their institutional duty to protect the legislative branch.
- Broader Public and Democracy Advocates: Affected through the emphasis on upholding elections and the Constitution, potentially influencing public discourse on democratic resilience.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: References compliance with the 2022 Appropriations Act (a binding law) by calling out the delay in installing the honor plaque, which could prompt administrative action without creating new legal obligations.
- Constitutional: Emphasizes the Senate's role in electoral certification (a constitutional duty under Article II and the 12th Amendment) and defense of the legislative branch, highlighting threats to core democratic processes.
- Political: Introduced on January 6, 2026, by a large bipartisan coalition, it serves as a symbolic statement on the January 6 events, potentially bridging partisan divides on security and democracy while critiquing executive-branch inaction (via the House Speaker). As a resolution, it has no force of law but could influence legislative priorities or public policy debates on Capitol security.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (35)
Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-06: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S51)
- 2026-01-06: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Observing the fifth anniversary of the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, and recognizing the essential work of United States Capitol personnel, including the United States Capitol Police. — issued 2026-01-06 — PDF (4 pages)