Jan. 6 updates: Biden tears into Trump for inciting Capitol attack

Ahead of calling for a moment of silence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the attack last year and highlighted the "courage and patriotism" of the law enforcement officers she said served as "defenders of our democracy."

"Because of them, Congress was able to defeat the insurrection -- to return to the Capitol that same night to ensure that the peaceful transfer of power took place. Because of them and our members, the insurrection failed," she said. "As we reflect on that darkest day, we remember that the insurrection sought not only to attack the building, but to undermine democracy itself."

"When the violent assault was made on the Capitol, its purpose was to thwart Congress's constitutional duty to validate the electoral count and to ensure the peaceful transfer of power -- but the assault did not deter us from our duty," Pelosi added, going on to call the Capitol, a "symbol of democracy to the world."

Before leading the chamber -- and all those watching -- in a moment of silence, Pelosi named those officers who died during or after the Capitol assault, and asked members to "rise for a moment of silence in their memory."

While dozens of Democrats were present, Former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., were apparently the lone Republicans in the House chamber for the moment of silence on Jan. 6.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is scheduled to lead lawmakers in a moment of silence commemorating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack at noon.

Ahead of the tribute, former Vice President Dick Cheney was seen in the chamber with his daughter, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., one of two Republicans on the House committee investigating the Capitol attack and of only a handful in the GOP that continues to rebuke the former president.

One by one, Democrats walked over to introduce themselves to Cheney, a former House lawmaker with floor privileges for life, and shake his hand.

"It’s an important historical event," he told ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl at the Capitol. "You can't overestimate how important it is."

He added, "I’m deeply disappointed we don’t have better leadership in the Republican Party to restore the Constitution."

As Democrats met with Cheney, there were no other GOP House members on the floor.

-ABC News’ Benjamin Siegel

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reflected on the somber anniversary in remarks from the Senate floor.

"It is difficult to put into words what it is like to stand here on this floor on the U.S. Senate on this day of all days," Schumer said.

"What we must do is stare truth in the face, however ugly -- in the face," he said later. "The attack of Jan. 6 didn’t come out of the blue. It was not an act of God. It was not something that came from foreign soil. It wasn’t even just some mere protests that got out of hand. No, no, no, no, no."

"Jan 6 was an attempt to reverse through violent means the outcome of a free and fair election an insurrection. Call it what it is – what it was – and it was fundamentally rooted in Donald Trump’s big lie," he said.

The Senate chamber, from where Schumer spoke, was breached on Jan. 6 last year, while House lawmakers barricaded the doors to their chamber. He said, "To all my colleagues and staff who struggle to get through today -- you’re not alone. You are not alone. We are here by your side."

The Senate leader choked up talking about the service of Capitol Police, looking to them who also must "relive the day."

"Our democracy survived and so not only do we thank them, but we commit to continue supporting them and fighting for them as they fought to defend this building," he said.

-ABC News' Trish Turner

Trump responded to Biden's scathing Jan. 6 speech this morning with a lengthy statement claiming it's Biden who "used my name today to try to further divide America."

Though Biden didn't actually mention Trump by name, it was clear he was referencing Trump throughout his speech, fact-checking Trump's persistent false claims the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

Trump lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden by 74 Electoral College votes and over seven million popular votes.

He and his allies filed over 60 lawsuits challenging the outcome of the election over alleged fraud, despite no evidence of widespread fraud that could have had a significant impact on the results. Nearly every single lawsuit was rejected, thrown out, or withdrawn, including two denials from the U.S. Supreme Court.

-ABC News' Will Steakin and Olivia Rubin