The first few days of January are shaping up to be a busy time on Capitol Hill, with a series of significant events on the horizon. Leadership elections, the certification of the election on January 6, nomination hearings, and the inauguration of a new president are all on the agenda. The proceedings have been further complicated by the anticipated services to remember former President Jimmy Carter.
On January 3, as per the constitution, the House and Senate will convene to swear in members of the new Congress and elect a new Speaker of the House. While the Senate has already elected their leadership, the House, with its narrow majority and concerns raised by some GOP hardliners regarding Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership strategy, may see a prolonged speaker nomination process.
On January 6, heightened security measures are expected around the Capitol for the certification of the election results, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the Capitol attack. The logistics of managing the lying in state for Carter and ensuring public access to his viewing amidst these security concerns remain uncertain. Subsequently, on January 20, President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated, with nomination hearings for key cabinet positions commencing prior to the inauguration.
January will witness three significant national special security events, including the lying in state of Carter, the certification of the electoral results, and the presidential inauguration on January 20. Discussions are underway among House and Senate leaders regarding the timing of Carter's lying in state. Based on historical protocol, the date is likely to coincide with January 6.
