Dear Friends,

At this moment 3 years ago, January 6, 2021, I was presiding with then-Vice President Mike Pence over the House of Representatives Joint Session of Congress to certify the 2020 election and the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Suddenly, in a violent and shocking turn of events, everything changed — and our Democracy would never be the same.

I wanted to share with you some reflections on that dark day and our hope for a brighter future, which first appeared in The Atlantic yesterday morning.

On January 6, 2021, my daughter Alexandra brought her two sons to the Capitol to witness this historic occasion of a peaceful transfer of power. My grandsons did witness history that day, just not the history anyone expected.

Having failed to overturn the election results in the courts or in Congress, the president had resorted to insurrection in the Capitol. A violent mob — enflamed by the “Stop the Steal” rally held by the former president — had marched to the Capitol, broken through the outer police barrier, and reached multiple entrances to the building. Smashing in windows and breaking down doors, they stormed inside, seeking to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.

More than 2,000 rioters made it inside the building. The massive crowd swarmed outside my office chanting “Nancy, Nancy, Nancy,” even screaming about wanting to put a bullet in my head. Sadly, 140 police officers were injured by rioters. Many sustained long-lasting physical and emotional scars. Some officers later lost their lives. I feared for my members, the congressional staff, the workers who maintain the Capitol, the press, and the others who were present that day. Their stories are harrowing — and demonstrate extraordinary courage.

Late that night, Vice President Pence officially recorded the votes from all the states and declared Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 presidential election. As we shared the podium in the House during the joint session, I thanked and commended Pence for having the courage to do what was right, for honoring his oath of office to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States." I also recognized the courage and commitment of the members and staff, who returned to the chambers that night and stayed until about 4 a.m., when we finally adjourned the January 6 session.

I remember the first time I saw the United States Capitol. I was 6 years old, and my family was traveling to Washington to see Daddy sworn in for his fifth term in Congress. As we approached our destination, my brothers were beaming as they said, "Nancy, look, look, there’s the Capitol!" And there it was: a magnificent white dome, towering and imposing, shining in the sun.

But more important than the beauty of the building is the majesty of what it represents. Long seen as a symbol of freedom and Democracy around the globe, the Capitol dome was built by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.

January 6 was another perilous moment for our democracy. It was an attack not just on the Capitol, but on our Constitution. And some who carried out the assault under Lincoln’s dome were carrying the Confederate flag. But on that dark night, Congress again projected America’s strength and resolve.

Three years later, the threat to our Democracy is real, present, and urgent. The parable of January 6 reminds us that our precious democratic institutions are only as strong as the courage and commitment of those entrusted with their care.

As we enter a pivotal election year, let us remember that we all share a responsibility to preserve American Democracy, which Abraham Lincoln called "the last best hope of earth."

You can read my contribution to The Atlantic in its entirety here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/01/three-years-after-january-6-capitol-insurrection-trump/677024/?gift=WYdshkzcPpTx4nxp-jxpFbKFavDDzwd1XeuZyc3jWQA&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

In the three years since that dark day, your patriotism has built the resilience we need to defend our Democracy and light the way to a brighter future. With your courage and commitment, we can all help ensure that next January 6th will be a peaceful and proud day for the American people.

Thank you.

NANCY