On Fifth Anniversary of January 6 Insurrection, Rep. Norma Torres Introduces Legislation to Defend Democracy, Ensure Accountability, and Preserve the Truth
Washington, D.C. —Today, on the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection in the U.S. Capitol, Congresswoman Norma Torres announced a package of three bills to confront the ongoing threat posed by political violence, prevent history from being erased, and strengthen accountability for those who sought to overturn the results of a free and fair election.
“Five years ago, I was inside the House Gallery as a violent mob stormed the Capitol, chanting threats, and attempting to stop the peaceful transfer of power,” said Congresswoman Torres. “January 6th was not just an attack on a building, it was an attack on our democracy, our Constitution, and everyone who serves the American people. We cannot allow that day to be minimized, erased, or ever repeated.”
The legislative package introduced by Rep. Torres on January 6, 2026 includes:
The January 6th Truth and Transparency Act:
This bill directs the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to produce public, recurring reports on recidivism by individuals who participated in the January 6th attack and were later pardoned under Presidential Proclamation No. 10887. The reports will document subsequent arrests, charges, convictions, and law-enforcement encounters to ensure the public and Congress have clear, factual information about the real world consequences of granting mass pardons to insurrectionists.
Violent Insurrection Recidivist Enhancement Act of 2026:
This legislation ensures that a conviction related to the January 6th insurrection can count as a recidivist sentencing enhancement for future federal crimes, even if the individual was later pardoned. The bill recognizes participation in the attack as a demonstrated pattern of anti-democratic, violent conduct and allows courts to impose recidivist enhanced penalties for future offenses to protect public safety and democratic institutions.
The January 6th Oral History Project Act:
To ensure the truth of January 6 is never rewritten or forgotten, this bill directs the Library of Congress, through the American Folklife Center, to establish a comprehensive oral history project. The program will collect video, audio, and written testimonies from Members of Congress, staff, Capitol Police officers, journalists, and others affected by the attack, preserving firsthand accounts for future generations.
“Democracy does not defend itself,” Torres continued. “Accountability matters. Truth matters. And memory matters. These bills are about making sure we learn from January 6th instead of erasing it. Those who chose violence against our Constitution can never again believe they are above the law.”
Congresswoman Torres has consistently led efforts in Congress to address the aftermath of January 6th, support Capitol Police and staff, and strengthen democratic safeguards. As a former 911 dispatcher, she has also been an advocate for public safety, accountability, and the rule of law.
“January 6th will always be part of our history,” Torres said. “The question is whether we meet that history with courage and clarity or allow silence and distortion to take its place. I choose courage.”
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