The top Republican in Congress has blamed outgoing US President Donald Trump for the violent mob that attacked the US Capitol this month.
"The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people," Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, said on the floor of the chamber.
Mr McConnell accused the rioters of "trying to use fear and violence to stop" the certification by Congress of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory.
"But we pressed on. We stood together and said an angry mob would not get veto power over the rule of law in our nation, not even for one night," he said.
It is likely Mr McConnell's last speech in his role, with the Senate set to be split 50-50 as of Wednesday.
Vice president-elect Kamala Harris, a Democrat, will be the tie breaking vote in the event of split decisions, giving her party an edge.
The comments by Mr McConnell come as the Senate seems likely to soon hold a trial for Mr Trump, after the House of Representatives impeached him last week for a second time.
Once the formal article of impeachment is sent over from the House to to the Senate, the trial can begin, with a two-thirds majority needed to convict.
It is unclear how many Republicans might join the Democrats for such a vote, which would also bar Mr Trump from holding office again.
Mr Trump is accused of inciting the insurrection, with fiery rhetoric that sought to delegitimise the victory of Joe Biden in the presidential election, including through allegations of voter fraud.
At least five people, including a police officer, were killed during the attack on 6 January, which came just after a rally held by Trump.
Top Republicans to skip Trump's farewell ceremony
It comes amid reports that at least three top Republicans will be missing the outgoing president’s farewell ceremony.
Vice President Mike Pence and the top two Republicans in Congress, Mr McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, will reportedly not be attending Mr Trump’s departure ceremony on Wednesday morning.
Mr Trump’s send-off is expected to be held at Joint Base Andrews at 8am local time.
According to Axios, Mr McConnell and Mr McCarthy will attend Mass scheduled to start at 8.45am local time with Mr Biden at the Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC, near the White House.
Meanwhile, Washington Post reporter Josh Dawsey said the vice president would be attending Mr Biden’s inauguration at the Capitol at midday.
- Additional reporting by AAP.
