The Jan. 6 committee on Tuesday postponed its next public hearing that was scheduled for Wednesday, citing the rapidly intensifying Hurricane Ian.
Driving the news: "In light of Hurricane Ian bearing down on parts of Florida, we have decided to postpone tomorrow’s proceedings. We’re praying for the safety of all those in the storm’s path," the committee tweeted.
The big picture: This week's hearing was expected to be the panel's final hearing before releasing a final report on its findings and recommendations. Its investigation into the events surrounding the Capitol riot has spanned more than a year.
- The committee has not announced a rescheduled date.
- "The Select Committee’s investigation goes forward," committee chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Vice Chair Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) said in a statement.
- Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) is a member of the committee whose district includes parts of Orlando, which may be impacted by the hurricane.
What we’re watching: The timing of when the hearing will be rescheduled remains unclear, with multiple potential complicating factors at play.
- The hurricane and its aftermath could continue to dominate the news cycle for the rest of the week, and committee member Murphy’s Florida district is in the path of the storm.
- A hearing too close to the November election could complicate the committee’s efforts to avoid the perception of partisanship, especially as they are already poised to make news in October, as Axios reported.
- The panel doesn’t typically hold hearings when the House is out of session — though they made a notable exception in the case of Cassidy Hutchinson’s bombshell testimony during the House’s summer recess.
- A committee spokesperson declined to comment on the timing.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional background.
