Five years ago yesterday, the United States faced one of the most serious threats to our democracy in modern history.  A violent mob attacked the United States Capitol in an effort to overturn a free and fair election and stop the peaceful transfer of power—the very heart of our democratic system of government that defines us as a country.

Yesterday, we saw that some—many—seem to prefer that we forget what happened, or pretend it wasn’t as dangerous or consequential as it was, or worse.  President Trump and his allies are trying to rewrite history.  We can’t let that happen.  Remembering January 6 requires us to face the truth of that day and to dedicate ourselves to protecting the future of our democracy.

I know those who are trying to rewrite the history of January 6 and all it means are wrong because I was there.  I was in the Capitol, sitting in the Gallery of the House of Representatives, as Republican members and senators challenged the results of the 2020 election.  I was there as those marching on the Capitol made their way inside.  I saw them gathered on the steps, I heard them in the halls surrounding the space where we were sheltered.  I saw them detained by U.S. Capitol Police who made it possible for us to escape.  I saw it with my own eyes.  Heard it with my own ears.  And I have seen the documentary evidence of all the things I did not see.

The U.S. Capitol Police put themselves in harm’s way to defend the members of Congress, the Capitol, and the Constitution against a brutal attack.  Law enforcement officers from D.C. and many other agencies joined them to protect the people and the promise of America.  Their courage and sacrifice saved my life, and the life of our democracy.

I saw firsthand the bravery of those officers and felt the very real danger we all faced.  And as I continue my work in the Capitol today, I know the forces that fueled that attack have not disappeared.  But neither has the resolve of those committed to standing up for democracy, the rule of law, and one another.

Yesterday, we had a visible and tangible reminder of those forces.  Many of the people who attacked the Capitol returned, recently pardoned for their crimes by President Trump, marching up the mall once again.  And many others were still here, protecting the Capitol, testifying about what really happened, honoring the brave law enforcement officers who protected us that day, and working to make sure it can never happen again.

How we remember January 6—and how we respond—is a choice.  The history is still being written.  Especially in this critical year, our response must be action: empowering people across our district, our state, and our country to participate in our democracy, to protect it, and to elect leaders who respect our Constitution and our fellow citizens, not attack them.

This year will bring many opportunities for us to work together toward that goal.  The challenges before us are real, but so is our shared commitment to meeting them.

Together we can do anything,