Congress on Wednesday night resumed the process of counting electoral votes and confirming President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, hours after swarms of supporters of President Donald Trump invaded the U.S. Capitol and hampered the proceedings.
The leaders of the Republican and Democratic benches in the Senate said they would confirm Biden’s election “tonight”, appearing to indicate that there would be no further continuing contestation of the results of each state’s elections.
Senator Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., Who lost a special election on Tuesday night, said in the Senate plenary that she would not object to counting votes for Biden in some states, despite saying earlier this week that would do it.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Said in a letter to colleagues that the decision to continue counting votes was made in consultation with political leaders, including Vice President Mike Pence, who is presiding over the joint session. Congress.
Police stand guard at the U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential elections by the U.S. Congress in Washington, January 6, 2021.
Jim Bourg | Reuters
“Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol,” said Pence as he opened the Senate session, which started at about 8 pm Eastern time, an hour before the House resumed member comments.
“We condemn the violence that occurred here in the strongest possible terms.”
“The violence has been suppressed, the Capitol is secured and the people’s work continues,” said Pence.
“For those who wreaked havoc on our Capitol today, you didn’t win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins,” he said.
“Let’s go back to work.”
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Said: “The United States Senate will not be intimidated.”
“We are back at our posts, we will do our duty,” said McConnell. “We met this afternoon to count the votes of our citizens and to formalize the choice of president.”
“We will certify the winner of the 2020 presidential elections”, he concluded.
Minority leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., criticized Trump, whom he called “undoubtedly our worst president”, and whom he “is largely to blame” for the mutiny.
“This mafia was largely the work of President Trump,” said Schumer. “Your responsibility, your eternal shame.”
Schumer compared the horde of the Capitol complex to a Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, saying that January 6, 2021 will be another “day of infamy” in American history.
“This temple of democracy has been desecrated,” he said. “This will be a stain in our country, not so easily washed.”
“We are going to start the hard work of repairing the country tonight.”
The pro-Trump crowd unleashed blockades and evacuations at the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to leave the House and Senate chambers shortly after proceedings began at 1 pm
Protesters were registered walking through the halls of the government building, entering the offices of politicians and occupying the Senate chamber. At least one person involved in the disturbances died, and several other injuries were reported.
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