Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson and former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, who co-chaired the congressional investigation into the January 6 Capitol riots, released a joint statement expressing gratitude to President Joe Biden for preemptive pardons granted for their work.
In their statement, Thompson and Cheney emphasized that the pardons were not for breaking the law but for upholding it. They thanked President Biden for acknowledging the continuous targeting, harassment, and threats they faced, including threats of criminal violence and prosecution from members of the incoming administration.
The pardons, issued in the final hours of Biden's presidency, are considered a significant exercise of presidential power unprecedented in recent history. They aim to shield outspoken critics of the incoming president, many of whom have been threatened by former President Donald Trump.
The joint statement reiterated the commitment of Thompson and Cheney to their duties, stating that they will not be deterred by threats of violence or prosecution. They expressed optimism for the future of the rule of law, citing the Constitution's Speech and Debate Clause and President Biden's general pardon of their committee and staff as sources of encouragement.
