“We are debating a step that has never been taken in American history – whether Congress should override voters and overturn a presidential election,” said McConnell.
He went on to say, “President Trump claims the election was stolen. His claims range from specific local allegations to constitutional arguments to comprehensive conspiracy theories. I supported the president’s right to use the legal system. Dozens of lawsuits have received court hearings. , all across our country, but the courts have repeatedly rejected these claims, including renowned judges appointed by the president himself. “
McConnell said, “Nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale to the massive scale that would have brought down the entire election.”
Trump has repeatedly made false claims that the election was rigged, but there has never been evidence of widespread electoral fraud.
Each time a member of the House and a Senator are opposed to counting votes for a state, the House and Senate retreat to their respective houses to debate the objection for up to two hours. Each chamber will then vote if it rejects that state’s certification, but both chambers must agree to have those electoral votes voided. Any vote of objection is bound to fail due to opposition from House Democrats, who control the majority in that House, and also Senate Republicans like McConnell.
“If this election were overturned by mere allegations on the losing side, our democracy would go into a deadly spiral. We would never see the entire nation accept an election again. Every four years it would be a power struggle at any cost,” he said. McConnell said.
“It would be unfair and wrong to deprive American voters and to nullify courts and states on this tenuous basis, and I will not pretend that such a vote would be a harmless protest gesture, while I trust others to do the right thing,” said McConnell, adding: “I will vote to respect the people’s decision and defend our system of government as we know it.”