With Liz Cheney’s Congress exit, what’s next for the January 6 committee?

#2022USmidterms #CapitolRiotsHearing #DonaldTrump

Liz Cheney lost to GOP rival Harriet Hageman
Cheney's primary loss was expected
Cheney vowed to keep Trump out of Oval Office

Written By:Aman

Updated: August 16 2022 08:12:17 PM ET Washington D.C., DC, USA

Liz Cheney lost the Wyoming congressional primary on Tuesday to GOP opponent Harriet Hageman, who was endorsed by former US President Donald Trump. Cheney will not be a part of the November elections.

Cheney’s primary loss was expected. She was paying the price for the ultimate Republican sin — criticising Donald Trump. The GOP lawmaker was the vice chair of the January 6 committee, which is probing the former president’s involvement in the Capitol riots.

Also Read: Liz Cheney: Key moments of the Republican’s political career

The committee, formed by the US House of Representatives, has gathered testimonies from thousands of witnesses. Some of these were also presented in public hearings, which were conducted through June and July this year.

What happens next?

Liz Cheney may have lost her primary election on Tuesday but will remain in office till January 2023, till her term expires. Till then, Cheney can keep following up on her vow to keep Trump out of the Oval Office.

Moreover, a House Select Committee always comes with an expiration date. The January 6 committee will automatically be dissolved in December this year. This gives the legislative body enough time to recommend a federal criminal investigation to the United States Department of Justice.

The January 6 committee can also be renewed by the new Congress. However, that depends on the final outcome of the midterm elections, which will decide the party balance in the House of Representatives and Senate. Republicans are expected to take control of the lower house.

Also Read: Donald Trump, allies celebrate Liz Cheney’s Wyoming primary loss

At the end of the last prime-time hearing of the House Select Committee, Vice Chair Liz Cheney announced that the sessions will resume in September. Meanwhile, dozens of new witnesses are being interviewed by the panel behind closed doors.

Liz Cheney did not make any announcements about her future plans in Tuesday’s address. However, the Congresswoman stopped short of saying that she will launch her own bid for the White House in 2024.