Blocking the bill would undoubtedly generate negative headlines for the GOP and put Republicans in the awkward position of opposing a commission to probe an insurrection many of them have already condemned.
A months-long commission, which Republicans fear would stretch past its year-end deadline, would keep Jan. 6 in the spotlight as the midterms draw near. GOP lawmakers are warning that it would risk keeping them off message when much of the party is eager to talk about almost anything besides the deadly attack.
“I want our midterm message to be .jobs and wages and the economy, and national security and safe streets … and not religitating the 2020 election,” said Sen. John Thune