ABC News - LIVE: Joint session of Congress meets to certify Trump's 2024 election win
The transcript covers the formal process of counting and verifying the electoral votes for the U.S. Presidential and Vice Presidential election. The session is presided over by the Vice President and involves reading the certificates of electoral votes from each state. The results show Donald J. Trump receiving 312 electoral votes for President and JD Vance receiving 312 votes for Vice President, surpassing the required majority of 270 votes. Kamala D. Harris and Tim Walls received 226 votes each. The session concludes with the official declaration of Trump and Vance as the President and Vice President for the term starting January 20, 2025. This process ensures the authenticity and correctness of the electoral process, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution and laws.
Key Points:
- Donald J. Trump received 312 electoral votes, securing the presidency.
- JD Vance received 312 electoral votes, securing the vice presidency.
- Kamala D. Harris and Tim Walls received 226 votes each.
- The majority needed to win was 270 electoral votes.
- The session confirmed the authenticity of the electoral process.
Details:
1. 🎤 Opening Ceremony
- The event was officially opened by the Speaker, setting the tone for the ceremony.
- The Vice President attended the ceremony, highlighting its importance and lending prestige.
- The ceremony included speeches outlining the agenda and goals for the event, providing clear direction for participants.
- Key highlights included announcements of future initiatives and recognitions of notable achievements, offering motivation and context for the event's purpose.
2. 📜 Joint Session Commences
- The joint session of the United States Congress has commenced, marking a significant legislative meeting involving both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- This session is conducted in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and relevant laws, highlighting its importance in the legislative process.
- Typically, joint sessions are convened for specific purposes, such as the State of the Union address or to count electoral votes, though the exact agenda of this session is not specified in the transcript.
- Understanding the context and purpose of such sessions is crucial for grasping their role in the U.S. legislative system.
3. 🔍 Verification of Certificates
- The joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate convenes to verify and count electoral votes for President and Vice President of the United States, ensuring authenticity and correct formatting of certificates.
- State-by-state vote announcements begin with Alabama: Donald J. Trump receives 9 votes for President, and JD Vance receives 9 votes for Vice President.
- In Alaska, Donald J. Trump secures 3 votes for President, with JD Vance also receiving 3 votes for Vice President.
- Arizona follows, awarding Donald J. Trump 11 votes for President and JD Vance 11 votes for Vice President.
- Arkansas concludes the segment, providing Donald J. Trump 6 votes for President, along with 6 votes for JD Vance as Vice President.
4. 🗳️ Electoral Votes Announced: Part 1
4.1. California Electoral Votes
4.2. Colorado Electoral Votes
4.3. Connecticut Electoral Votes
4.4. Delaware Electoral Votes
4.5. District of Columbia Electoral Votes
4.6. Florida Electoral Votes
4.7. Georgia Electoral Votes
4.8. Hawaii Electoral Votes
4.9. Idaho Electoral Votes
4.10. Illinois Electoral Votes
4.11. Indiana Electoral Votes
5. 🗳️ Electoral Votes Announced: Part 2
5.1. Midwestern States: Iowa and Kansas
5.2. Southern States: Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi
5.3. Northeastern States: Maine and Maryland
5.4. Northeastern State: Massachusetts
5.5. Midwestern States: Michigan and Minnesota
5.6. Midwestern State: Missouri
6. 🗳️ Electoral Votes Announced: Part 3
6.1. Montana
6.2. Nebraska
6.3. Nevada
6.4. New Hampshire
6.5. New Jersey
6.6. New Mexico
6.7. New York
6.8. North Carolina
6.9. North Dakota
6.10. Ohio
7. 🗳️ Electoral Votes Announced: Part 4
7.1. Oklahoma
7.2. Oregon
7.3. Pennsylvania
7.4. Rhode Island
7.5. South Carolina
7.6. South Dakota
7.7. Tennessee
7.8. Texas
7.9. Utah
7.10. Vermont
7.11. Virginia
7.12. Washington
7.13. West Virginia
8. 🗳️ Electoral Votes Announced: Part 5
- Donald J. Trump received 10 electoral votes for President from Wisconsin and 3 from Wyoming.
- JD Vance received 10 electoral votes for Vice President from Wisconsin and 3 from Wyoming.
- The certificates of the electoral votes from Wisconsin and Wyoming were declared regular and authentic.
- Tellers from the Senate and House of Representatives are responsible for ascertaining and delivering the results to the President of the Senate.
9. 📊 Election Results Declared
9.1. Presidential Election Results
9.2. Vice Presidential Election Results
9.3. Electoral Process Overview
10. 🔚 Joint Session Concludes
- The joint session concluded under Senate concurrent resolution number two, as per the 119th Congress.
- The session was officially dissolved by the chair.