Congress convenes to certify Donald Trump's 2024 presidential election victory, four years after the Capitol riot, marking a formal return to tradition.
Lawmakers from the House and Senate are presently assembled in a joint session to officially acknowledge President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 election.
The tabulation of votes is occurring precisely four years after a multitude of pro-Trump supporters forcefully entered the U.S. Capitol, temporarily interrupting the lawmakers' process of confirming President Joe Biden's 2020 win.
FURTHER DETAILS: Here's what is anticipated when Congress assembles to certify the presidential vote.
The proceedings on Monday are expected to signify a return to the customary ceremonial task that had historically been a subdued event until Trump's contestation of his defeat to Biden, although heightened security measures remain in effect.
A winter snowstorm has covered Washington, but lawmakers are proceeding with the constitutionally mandated responsibility.
This year, President Biden has emphasized the significance of America's foundational principle of a peaceful transition of power but urged the nation to never forget the events of 2021.
"We should be proud that our democracy withstood this assault," Biden articulated in an opinion piece published late Sunday by the Washington Post. "And we should be pleased that we will not witness such a shameful attack again this year."
Vice President Kamala Harris will be presiding over the certification of an election that she lost to Trump.
"This duty is a solemn obligation, one I will uphold guided by love of country, allegiance to our Constitution and my steadfast belief in the American people," Harris stated in a video message posted earlier on Monday.
Speaker Mike Johnson, who was recently elected to a second term to lead the House with Trump's support, and Vice President Harris called the session to order shortly after 1 p.m. Eastern Time following the transport of ballots and senators through the Capitol.
Harris will open the votes from each state and pass them to the House tellers, who will verbally announce the result.
In contrast to 2021, there are not anticipated to be any objections to the results. Harris conceded to Trump the day following Election Day, and no Democrats have challenged the outcome, unlike the actions of many Republican allies of Trump in 2020.
Trump, in advance of the certification, posted on his social media platform that it will be "A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA!"
The president-elect will be inaugurated on Monday, January 20th.
FURTHER DETAILS: Trump's continued endeavor to minimize the Jan. 6th violence as a 'day of love'.
Trump secured 312 Electoral College votes compared to Harris' 226. He has asserted that his win is a "mandate" from the American people to implement his agenda for the economy, immigration, and other areas.
He is returning to the White House with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate. The 119th Congress was sworn in last Friday.