Congress gathered on Monday to certify President-elect Donald Trump's election victory under the tightest national security levels possible in a stark reminder of four years ago when the U.S. Capitol descended into chaos and violence on Jan. 6, 2021, when lawmakers gathered to certify then-President-elect Joe Biden's win.
Things Are Different This Jan. 6: ‘Democracy Prevails’
When Vice President Kamala Harris walked into the Senate chamber on Monday to undertake the traditional role of certifying the national election, she issued a simple declaration when asked about the procedure by NBC News. "Democracy prevails," she said.
Harris oversaw the process as four senators confirmed each state’s votes, which she lost to Trump, resulting in his return to the White House. Once the total vote reached a threshold, Harris certified Trump’s election victory.
“I do believe very strongly that America’s democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it … Otherwise, it is very fragile, and it will not be able to withstand moments of crisis. And today, America’s democracy stood,” Harris said in comments after the count, reported ABC News
NBC reported that Harris broke into a smile upon receiving a standing ovation from the Democratic party when her own vote total for the November election was read. The totals were 75,000,783 votes for Harris to Trump's 77,285,106.
Former VP Mike Pence Seemed Calmer This January 6
Trump’s former Vice President, Mike Pence, who faced threats from rioters during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol—an event some allege was incited by Trump—sounded much calmer this year.
"The peaceful transfer of power is the hallmark of our democracy and today, members of both parties in the House and Senate along with the vice president certified the election of our new president and vice president without controversy or objection," he said in on X.
In the days and weeks after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, seven people, including three law enforcement officers, lost their lives, according to a bipartisan Senate report.
This Jan 6, 2025, the confirmation process went off without incident and was over in about 30 minutes.
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