Several House Democrats have taken a creative stand in the U.S. Capitol, displaying replica plaques to honor the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol during the turbulent events of January 6, 2021. This action highlights their frustration with the delay in mounting an official plaque, a project that has been stalled since Republicans gained control of the House.

The original plaque, mandated by a 2022 spending bill to be installed within a year, remains in storage. This delay has prompted Democrats, led by Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), and Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), to distribute replica plaques to their colleagues. According to a Dear Colleague letter obtained by POLITICO, these replicas started appearing outside Democratic offices and on social media feeds this Monday.

The letter from the Democratic representatives expressed their discontent: “If you’re frustrated, like we are, with this embarrassing violation of law and spectacular disregard for the valor, honor, and sacrifice of our police officers who responded on that day, please join us by displaying a poster replica of the plaque outside of your office.”

The timing of the display coincides with a lawsuit filed by two Capitol Police officers, who are seeking a court order to ensure the plaque's installation. Meanwhile, Democrats are pushing for the plaque's placement to be included in the fiscal 2026 spending bill currently under debate in the House Appropriations Committee. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the panel's top Democrat, criticized Republicans for omitting any call to install the plaque in their draft legislation.

The issue has garnered significant attention, with Rep. Joe Morelle criticizing the lack of action in a potent social media post: “President Trump incited a deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol—and yet the plaque honoring the officers who defended us sits forgotten in the basement. If Speaker Johnson won’t display it, then I will.”

As of now, there has been no comment from Speaker Mike Johnson’s office regarding the replica plaques or the call for the official plaque’s installation. The move by House Democrats underscores a continuing divide in Congress over how to address and commemorate the events of January 6.