Congress officially certified President-elect Trump's 2024 victory on Monday, moving him closer to the Oval Office. The certification marked the final step before his inauguration on Jan. 20.
Sens. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., along with Reps. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., and Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., served as vote counters. They tallied 312 electoral votes for Trump and 226 for Vice President Kamala Harris.
As proceedings began, Vice President Harris and Vice President-elect JD Vance received bipartisan handshakes. Members of both chambers welcomed them warmly into the session.
The scene was a far cry from the chaos of Jan. 6, 2021. That day, rioters disrupted Congress and forced lawmakers to seek safety for hours.
Harris presided over the session, overseeing the certification of her opponent's win. She recorded a message beforehand, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful transfer of power. "It distinguishes us from monarchy or tyranny," she said.
Reactions were sharply divided. Republicans celebrated their triumph, while Democrats somberly reflected on the events of four years ago. "It’s time to save America!" wrote Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, expressed his frustration. "Four years ago, Trump incited a deadly insurrection. Today, only snow covers the Capitol steps," he wrote.
Despite the snowstorm that shuttered federal offices, lawmakers convened on Capitol Hill. GOP leaders had urged them to remain in the capital over the weekend to avoid travel delays.
When Ohio's votes were announced, Republicans cheered loudly. Many stood in applause for Vice President-elect Vance, celebrating his home state’s role in their victory.