Congress is preparing for the certification of President-elect Trump’s election win on Monday, despite a looming snowstorm in Washington, D.C. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has pledged to proceed with the vote, which is set for a joint session of the House and Senate at 1 p.m.
The certification process, required by the Constitution and federal law, could face challenges due to the snowstorm expected to bring up to 10 inches of snow, potentially hindering lawmakers’ ability to reach the Capitol.
However, Johnson has emphasized that the certification process will continue “whether we’re in a blizzard or not,” pointing to federal law and Trump’s “landslide” victory.
Harris To Oversee State Results
Vice President Kamala Harris is responsible for overseeing the count of results from each of the country’s 50 states, putting her in the position of certifying her own loss.
While this procedure was traditionally a formality, it turned into chaos four years ago when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, injuring approximately 140 police officers, vandalizing the building, and forcing lawmakers to seek safety.
However, such scenes are not anticipated on Monday, with Harris having conceded defeat and President Joe Biden emphasizing the importance of a peaceful process.
Biden Calls Jan. 6, 2021 ‘Toughest Day’
Authorities have taken precautions, setting up tall metal barriers around the Capitol complex in preparation.
Speaking Sunday at the White House, Biden called what happened on Jan. 6, 2021 “one of the toughest days in American history.”
“We’ve got to get back to the basic, normal transfer of power,” Biden said.Biden also remarked that Trump’s actions four years ago, including repeated false claims of election victory, “were a genuine threat to democracy.”
“I’m hopeful we’re beyond that now,” Biden expressed.
