At a Glance
- Senate unanimously approved a resolution to immediately display a plaque honoring Jan 6 officers
- Bipartisan move bypasses Speaker Johnson’s refusal to implement the 2022 law
- Plaque will be placed in a public area of the Senate wing until a permanent location is agreed upon
- Why it matters: Honors law enforcement amid ongoing efforts to rewrite the Capitol attack narrative
The Senate moved swiftly to honor the officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021, after House leadership stalled on implementing a 2022 law. The bipartisan resolution passed Thursday without objection, ensuring the plaque will be displayed in a public Senate area.
Why the Senate Acted
The original 2022 law required a plaque listing officers who protected the Capitol. When the produced plaque instead listed responding agencies, Speaker Mike Johnson’s office called the law “not implementable.” Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) crafted a Senate-only fix in three days.
Sen. Tillis explained:
> “We got a defect, let’s fix it. So that’s how we fixed it in three days.”
Where the Plaque Will Go
Two Senate locations are under consideration:
- First floor visitor check-in area
- Third floor near the Senate gallery entrance
The resolution does not require House approval or the president’s signature. It remains in effect until both chambers agree on a permanent placement.
What the Plaque Says
The plaque lists law enforcement agencies that responded to the Capitol siege, not individual officer names. This discrepancy triggered Johnson’s refusal, though he previously led efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi predicted:
> “Just wait 10 more months. Hakeem will be speaker and we will place it in the place of honor.”
Ongoing Legal Pressure
Litigation continues despite Senate action. Attorney Brendan Ballou, representing officers who sued over the delay, said the plaque must still receive its legally mandated permanent home.
Ballou told NBC News:
> “Until the plaque has a permanent home, as required by law, our litigation will continue.”
Key Takeaways
- Senate bypassed House gridlock with unanimous consent vote
- Plaque honors agencies, not individuals, creating legal confusion
- Display begins immediately in a public Senate corridor
- Lawsuit will proceed until permanent placement is secured
- Pelosi predicts Democratic House will finalize location after 2026 elections
The Senate’s action ensures Capitol visitors will see the tribute even as political battles over January 6’s legacy continue.
