On Monday, Eastern Time in the United States, despite a blizzard sweeping across many states, the joint session of the U.S. Congress will proceed as scheduled, counting and certifying the electoral votes submitted by each state, officially confirming Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that the severe weather will not affect the Congressional certification process.
Blizzard Hits Washington Impacting Transportation and Daily Activities
The U.S. National Weather Service has issued warnings of a snowstorm expected to hit multiple states from the central plains to the east, predicting snow accumulation in the Washington area to reach 3 to 7 inches (about 7 to 18 centimeters). The severe weather has already made commuting difficult, with some schools and government agencies announcing closures. Public schools in Washington, as well as several counties in Virginia and Maryland, have also announced closures.
Despite the harsh weather, most members of Congress have returned to Washington early from their winter break. On last Saturday, Republican lawmakers met with Speaker Johnson to discuss the legislative priorities for the new Congress.
Congressional Certification Proceeds on Schedule with Limited Weather Impact
According to the Electoral Count Act, the certification of electoral votes must take place at 1 PM on January 6th. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stated, "Regardless of the weather, we will proceed with the voting and certification in the Congressional hall." A spokesperson for Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also confirmed that the certification schedule will not change due to the snowstorm.
Capitol Unrest Not Expected to Reoccur
The certification process for this election is not expected to see the chaotic scenes from the previous one. On January 6th, 2020, supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol, attempting to prevent the certification process. However, this year, the incumbent President Biden and the Democrats have openly stated they will respect the election results and urge Congress to complete the certification as planned.
It is noteworthy that current Vice President Kamala Harris will preside over the counting of the electoral votes as President of the Senate during the certification process. Despite losing the election to Trump, she has expressed full support for the election certification.
Ensuring the Smooth Execution of the Electoral Process
This certification is a critical legal procedure in the U.S. presidential election, marking the final step in confirming the president-elect. Despite the blizzard, the U.S. Congress will overcome challenges to ensure the process proceeds as planned. The formal confirmation of Trump's election as president signifies that the transition of power to the new U.S. government enters a crucial stage.
