John,

I was in the House chamber on January 6th, 2021. I was there when we received gas masks and hid behind chairs while Capitol Police officers bravely barricaded up the doors to protect all of us trapped inside.

I strongly support a committee that seeks to illuminate the truth about what happened on January 6th.

This committee and its future findings matter. We must understand what made us vulnerable to the attack. We need this information to ensure nothing imperils our democracy so profoundly again.

The committee that will take place in just a few days must be set up as a serious endeavor. Every person who serves on that committee — be that a Democrat or a Republican — must serve as an American first with fidelity and focus on our constitutional duties.

Yesterday, I was on Andrea Mitchell and I was asked about this committee and here is what I believe: Only members of Congress who recognize the real threat we were under and are willing to contend with the political pressures that will come their way should be allowed to serve on the committee.

Only those who are willing to speak truth and seek truth should have the opportunity to participate.

Anyone who would intend to turn it into a circus has no place in it.

We owe it to the Capitol police, the American people, and the future of our great country to tell the truth about January 6th faithfully, without equivocation.

I hope you’ll stand with me and support the committee’s efforts to find the truth.

Thank you for your time,

Abigail Spanberger