In a Congress that often finds itself mired in gridlock, lawmakers have become accustomed to the slow pace of work on Capitol Hill. However, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a long-serving California Democrat representing a district in the Northern California Bay Area since 1995, is particularly frustrated by a specific delay.
Lofgren expressed her frustration during a recent conversation with CBS News, exclaiming, “My letters have not been answered. And it’s a mystery to me.” She raised her hands in disbelief while speaking just off the U.S. House floor.
Lofgren and a group of other prominent House Democrats are raising concerns about the delayed completion and installation of a small plaque dedicated to the brave police officers who protected the Capitol, as well as the lawmakers and staffers present, during the events of January 6, 2021. They question why the plaque failed to meet the March 2023 deadline stipulated by law.
In a letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson and obtained by CBS News, Lofgren expressed her profound concern regarding the delay in the installation of the plaque. She emphasized that the law clearly mandates its placement on the western side of the Capitol building.
In March 2023, a spending bill was passed and signed into law, which mandated the placement of a plaque on the western front of the Capitol. This plaque is to list the names of the officers who served on January 6, a day marked by violent attacks against these officers.
The completion of the plaque has been delayed, and there is some confusion surrounding the issue. House leadership has provided unclear responses, indicating that the plaque may be caught up in the divisive political climate of 2024. It seems that the ongoing battle over election denialism following President Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election has impacted the progress of the honorary plaque.
According to Lofgren, a member of the House Select Jan. 6 committee that conducted an investigation into the attack and former President Trump’s attempts to overturn the election, the plaque holds significant importance for the officers. She expressed her concern, stating that the plaque remains incomplete, which she believes to be incorrect. Lofgren emphasized that failing to comply with the law is not only disrespectful but also undermines the efforts of the officers who risked their lives to protect others.
According to page 130 of the legislation, several congressional committees were tasked with compiling a list of names of all the officers who responded to the Jan. 6 violence. These committees include the House and Senate Appropriations Committees as well as the Committee on House Administration.
According to Democrats on the House and Senate committees, they have finished compiling the list of officers’ names. Expressing their satisfaction with the completion of their duties, one House aide stated, “We have fulfilled all of our obligations, and it is high time that the plaque is installed.”
When asked about the progress of the project, Republicans on a House Appropriations subcommittee chose not to provide any information and directed CBS News to the Speaker’s office.
The progress of the work on the plaque remains undisclosed, as a spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to answer any questions regarding it. Instead, the spokesperson provided a statement to CBS News, affirming that the Speaker’s office is actively collaborating with the Architect of the Capitol to ensure the successful mounting of the plaque.
Some police officers who responded on January 6 and have since been critical of Trump and his allies for denying the results of the 2020 election are frustrated by the delay.
Retired Capitol Police Sgt. Aqulino Gonell expressed his strong belief that the plaque should be promptly installed. He emphasized the importance of making it accessible to the American people. According to him, this would allow the public to fully comprehend the grave danger they confronted and the immense sacrifices they made in safeguarding their leaders.
“I have always prioritized the safety of elected officials, regardless of their political party. This includes those who have been criticized for sympathizing with the rioters, labeling them as hostages,” Gonell expressed.
Earlier this month, a new architect of the Capitol was appointed by Congress. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the Capitol grounds, as well as the numerous historic markers and artifacts located on the site.
Top Democrats are increasingly criticizing Johnson over the plaque. Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi who chaired the House Jan. 6 select committee, expressed his disappointment, stating, “The Speaker of the House should take action, but for some unknown reason, he has chosen not to. This lack of action is disrespectful to the brave individuals who defended this institution.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also expressed his dissatisfaction with the delay.
During a June 2021 House Appropriations hearing, GOP Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington introduced a proposal for the plaque. She passionately urged her colleagues to support the plaque.
During the hearing, she emphasized the importance of remembering the courage displayed by the officers and the plaque.
“Having a plaque in place,” she added, “will serve as a powerful and enduring symbol of the selfless dedication exhibited by those officers on that fateful day.”
Herrera Beutler, among 10 House Republicans, bravely voted to impeach Trump following the attack on January 6. Unfortunately, she faced defeat in the 2022 Republican primary election, with Trump endorsing her primary opponent.
In her letter to Johnson on May 6, Lofgren urged the House to take immediate action and ensure the prompt installation of the plaque in accordance with the law.
In her message, she expressed her anticipation for any updates regarding the cause of the delay and the actions being taken to resolve it.
