Congress officially certified President-elect Donald Trump's victory on Monday, following the violent attack on January 6, 2021, at the US Capitol. Vice President Kamala Harris oversaw the proceedings as president of the Senate, ensuring a smooth Electoral College vote count with no objections or disturbances.
The mood during the certification was cordial and calm, with Republicans cheering for states won by Trump and Democrats applauding for states won by Harris. Increased security measures were in place both inside the Capitol building and surrounding areas, with police presence at every corner.
After the certification, Vice President Harris emphasized her commitment to upholding the Constitution and defending democracy. Former Vice President Mike Pence welcomed the return of order and civility to the proceedings, while President Joe Biden expressed concerns about the insurrection being rewritten or forgotten.
Key Reactions and Future Plans
President Trump expressed a preference for passing key agenda priorities in a single comprehensive bill. Republicans are considering using the budget reconciliation process to achieve this goal, aiming for a simple majority approval in the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune remained noncommittal on the strategy but affirmed Republicans' readiness to move forward. House Speaker Mike Johnson pledged to support Trump's policy plans without specifying a particular approach.
In legal developments, Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump's request to postpone sentencing in a hush money case, setting a hearing for Friday without indicating any penalties. Additionally, a federal judge held a procedural hearing on cases seeking to hold Trump accountable for the events of January 6, 2021, with Trump's attorneys invoking claims of presidential immunity.
