Democratic leaders in the House and Senate expressed hope that Monday's peaceful certification of the election results would set a positive example for the future. This sentiment comes in the wake of the insurrection on January 6, 2021, when rioters breached the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification process.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the fragility of democracy, stating that the events of that day served as a stark reminder of this fact. He reiterated the importance of accepting election outcomes and working towards winning future elections rather than denying results and inciting violence.
Schumer also criticized President-elect Donald Trump's reported plan to pardon individuals convicted of crimes related to the insurrection, warning that such actions would set a detrimental precedent.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the insurrection as 'unconscionable, unacceptable, and un-American,' while expressing gratitude towards the law enforcement personnel who responded to the crisis.
Both leaders underscored the significance of the peaceful transfer of power as a fundamental tenet of democracy and urged the nation to come together and move forward in a spirit of unity and cooperation.