CNN "The Situation Room" - Transcript: Interview with Mike Quigley
Interview
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Let's get reaction now, though, from Democratic Congressman Mike Quigley. He's a member of the House Intelligence Committee.
Congressman, thanks so much for joining us.
If the House Speaker decides to add Congressman Kinzinger or Republican staffers like Denver Riggleman to this committee, how much of a difference would that make with people who continue to deny what happened on January 6? Would it really go that far of convincing these very Trump Republicans?
REP. MIKE QUIGLEY (D-IL): I think the message from the Speaker is she's bending over backwards to try to get something done to find out the truth. I think my Republican colleagues have chosen power over truth and party over country. And first she offered them a nonpartisan, independent commission, and they voted against that. Then she offered this, which was the only choice left, they're refusing to participate. There's not much left she can do other than find those Republicans who take this seriously, whether they're seated members or not.
ACOSTA: And can Democrats really claim this is a bipartisan committee if the Republicans who end up serving are some of the most prominent anti-Trump members in Congress? Or do you really have a choice at this point?
QUIGLEY: There's nobody left in the room, 175 Republicans voted against an independent commission. There are deniers in the caucus, that they that the riot even took place. They voted against the select committee, they voted against a lawful election.
So, you know, it's not as if the Speaker has a mighty hall pointing to door number three. She's got two choices, do nothing at all and the truth will never be found out or find Republicans who are willing to seek the truth to help prevent it from happening in the future.
ACOSTA: And what does it tell you the Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, one of the very first witnesses who will testify before this select committee Tuesday, is already coming under attack from conservative media. I don't have to tell you the names of those personalities on certain outlets, but they are attacking Harry Dunn, accusing him of being a liberal activist and so on. What do you make of those charges?
QUIGLEY: You know, it's tough. You know, my group was one of the last groups that was escorted out of the room, you know, the room where it happened. And there were officers holding guns on those who are attacking us as that was taking place. I'm here and I'm safe because of those officers.
We lost two officers. Hundreds were -- 100 were -- over 100 were injured. We should be thanking Officer Dunn.
And Officers Dunn, thank you. And I apologize for the entire country for the abuse you took, and all the other officers who took this abuse. And the least we can do is find out what took place and pass a security supplemental, which will help keep you safe in the job that you do so well.
ACOSTA: And on a different issue, COVID cases are surging, but nearly half of your Republican House colleagues still won't say publicly whether they've been vaccinated. What message does that send to their constituents? And have you asked any of your Republican colleagues have you been vaccinated? Did this ever come up in conversation?
[17:25:03]
QUIGLEY: You know, it does occasionally, and I have no idea why they don't want to answer. I mean, there's at least two good reasons for members --
ACOSTA: I guess, I mean, do they privately tell you, yes, I'm vaccinated, but I don't want to say -- QUIGLEY: Some do, and some won't. But look, there's at least two
reasons for a member of Congress to do it. To protect themselves, their family, and everyone they come in contact with, but also to set an example, right?
Vaccinations have plateaued, you can save lives. This is no longer some political game. It is a very dangerous game you're playing, and you got to cut it out.
ACOSTA: Absolutely. Cut it out. Go get the shot. Save lives. It's a great message.
All right, Congressman Mike Quigley, thank you so much.
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