Congress certified the election of President-elect Donald Trump.
The process began around 1 p.m. ET. Ahead of the certification, Vice President Kamala Harris said, “The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy.”
“As much as any other principle, it is what distinguishes our system of government from monarchy or tyranny. Today, at the United States Capitol, I will perform my constitutional duty as Vice President of the United States to certify the results of the 2024 election. This duty is a sacred obligation, one I will uphold, guided by love of country, loyalty to our Constitution, and my unwavering faith in the American people.”
“As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile,” Harris continued, “and it is up to then each one of us to stand up for our most cherished principles, and to make sure that in America, our government always remains of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
“May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.”
Trump wrote on Truth Social before the certification, “CONGRESS CERTIFIES OUR GREAT ELECTION VICTORY TODAY — A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY. MAGA!”
The certification occurred during a winter storm.
“We got a big snowstorm coming to D.C., and we encourage all of our colleagues do not leave town, stay here, because, as you know, the Electoral Count Act requires this on Jan. 6 at 1 p.m., so whether we’re in a blizzard or not, we’re going to be in that chamber making sure this is done,” Hosue Speaker Mike Johnson told NBC News.
