Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has introduced a resolution declaring that Donald Trump did not engage in an insurrection on Jan. 6.
The one page resolution states that it is “the sense of the House of Representatives” that Trump “did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or give aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.” It has more than 60 cosponsors in the House.
The resolution is the latest attempt by pro-Trump members of Congress to whitewash the former president’s role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Trump was impeach by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives for inciting an insurrection after the Capitol attack but he was later acquitted by the Republican controlled Senate in the trial.
The resolution also comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether Colorado can kick Trump off the ballot under the 14th Amendment insurrection clause.
“We are here today to authoritatively express that President Trump did not commit an insurrection, and we believe Congress has a unique role in making that declaration,” Gaetz said at a press conference Tuesday, according to the Hill.
“It’s not the job of the states and especially not the job of some bureaucrats in Colorado to make this assessment and interfere with the right of voters to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice,” he said.
Trump was also removed from the ballot in Maine, though that decision is on hold pending a ruling from the Supreme Court in the Colorado case.
