ABC News - Congress set to certify Donald Trump’s election victory
Congress is meeting to certify the Electoral College results for Donald Trump, with Vice President Harris presiding. This event occurs on the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot, where Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, leading to over 1,500 criminal charges. Despite the significance of the date, there are no formal plans by Republican leadership to mark the anniversary. Security measures are heightened, with the day declared a national security event and increased police presence. President Biden has issued a statement urging Americans not to forget the events of January 6, although he does not mention Trump by name.
Key Points:
- Congress is certifying Trump's Electoral College victory.
- Heightened security due to January 6 anniversary.
- Over 1,500 charged from the Capitol riot.
- No formal Republican plans to mark the anniversary.
- Biden urges not to forget January 6 events.
Details:
1. 🗳️ Certifying Trump's Electoral Victory
- Congress is set to certify Donald Trump's Electoral College Victory, highlighting the procedural step in the electoral process.
- The certification process is a constitutionally mandated step where the results of the Electoral College are formally confirmed by Congress.
- During this process, members of Congress review and count the electoral votes submitted by each state, ensuring that the results align with the certified state outcomes.
- This certification is the final step in confirming the President-elect before the inauguration.
- The process can include objections from members of Congress, though these are typically symbolic and rarely affect the outcome.
2. 🇺🇸 Congress Convenes Amidst Snow Day
- Despite a snow day affecting Washington DC, Congress is required by federal law to convene, ensuring continuity of legislative processes.
- The session faced logistical challenges due to the snow, impacting attendance and transportation for members.
- No major legislative decisions were made, but the session highlighted the resilience of federal operations under adverse conditions.
3. 🌐 Harris Oversees Certification Ceremony
- Vice President Harris presides over the certification of electoral votes, fulfilling constitutional duties.
- The event marks a contrast to four years prior when Donald Trump urged supporters to march on the Capitol on January 6, pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election results.
- The ceremony proceeded smoothly, with Harris emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic processes.
- Notable speeches highlighted the commitment to democracy and the peaceful transition of power.
4. 🔙 Reflecting on January 6 Riot
- Over 1500 individuals have been charged in connection to the January 6 riot, illustrating the extensive legal response to the event.
- Donald Trump has publicly committed to pardoning numerous individuals involved in the riot, indicating potential political motivations and future implications.
- There is a notable absence of formal plans from Republican leadership to commemorate the January 6 anniversary, reflecting possible political sensitivities or strategic considerations.
- Local and federal law enforcement agencies remain on heightened alert to ensure the smooth execution of today's ceremonial events, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
5. 🔒 Enhanced Security Measures
- The event was declared a national security event, prompting the implementation of heightened security protocols to ensure safety.
- Increased police presence was observed as part of the enhanced security measures, providing a more secure environment for attendees.
- Fencing was reinstalled around the area, serving as a physical barrier to enhance security and control access.
- Additional security personnel were deployed to manage the crowd and monitor activities, ensuring a quick response to any incidents.
- Surveillance systems were upgraded to provide comprehensive monitoring of the event area, enhancing the ability to detect and deter potential threats.
6. 📜 President Biden's January 6 Message
6.1. Warning Against Rewriting History
6.2. Emphasizing the Importance of Memory
7. 🤔 Absence of Trump's Name in Biden's Address
- President Biden's speech referenced the events of January 6th but notably did not mention Donald Trump by name. This strategic omission could be seen as an attempt to focus on the broader issues rather than individuals, or as a way to avoid giving attention to Trump. The absence of Trump's name might also reflect a deliberate choice to frame the narrative around democratic values rather than personal conflicts.