In the face of a massive snowstorm that brought the majority of the country’s capital to a standstill, the Congress was left with no choice but to uphold its constitutional duty. Obliged to occur on Monday, the gathering was arranged to verify the results of the November election – a result which, regrettably, reinstates Donald Trump to his position in the White House for another term. The proceedings of the joint session of Congress were brought to a close with the completion of the certificate verification, as declared by Vice President Kamala Harris. The confirmation process came to an end, marking the closing chapter of this session.
The triumphant side had 312 votes, with Donald Trump leading the race and sadly, Vice President Kamala Harris left trailing with 226. The threshold to secure a win was set to 270 votes. A similar fate was seen for another candidate, Vice President-elect Senator J.D. Vance, who alongside Trump, gathered 312 votes. In reflecting the bitter triumph, as the results echoed through the chambers, Mr. Vance wore a satisfied smile.
Aligning with the Vice President, Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz also garnered a total of 226 votes. With each comprehensive result announcement, the reading of the numbers instigated cheers and applause throughout the chambers, serving as a stark reminder of the loyalty toward the respective party lines. The duration after each reading was followed by chaos, which Vice President Harris was forced to rein in as she banged her gavel to restore order.
The usual decorum of the congressional chambers turned lively with the start of the roll call of states. The certificates of the election, marking the tangible proof of the daunting reality of the results, were being handed over by Harris to the designated tellers. They were then publicized, further embedding the outcomes deep into the annals of election history.
Kamala Harris was also tasked with bringing the joint session to order. An observation from The Associated Press, in an ironic twist, noted that the level of attendance seemed relatively thin for both sides of the aisle, Democrats and Republicans alike. It appeared that the same snowstorm that overwhelmed the nation’s capital, certainly managed to put a hold on the lawmakers’ arrival as well.
Despite the inclement weather, both the House and Senate got convened. The Senators commenced their journey towards the House of Representatives with the daunting task of authenticating the election results. The congregation time was set for noon, aiming to fulfill what typically is a mundane procedural routine. Unfortunately, it was also an affirmation that the reigns of the nation would be handed back to Trump, the man set to take the presidential oath in just a short while.
The coincidence does not escape our attention that it was precisely four years ago that an attack was launched on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Ironically, it was then President Joe Biden’s certification results that took centre stage. The fear is palpable as Biden’s previously peaceful tenure comes to an end, replaced with a new era of uncertainty.
With alert levels rising in the current climate, federal law enforcement remains on their toes. The certification proceedings are perceptible potential targets for foreign terrorist organizations, domestic violent extremists, hate crime perpetrators, and other troubling entities ready to evoke violence and discord. These concerns extend beyond the certification process- all election-related proceedings are potential targets.
These harbingers of chaos often seek to exploit such events to forward their nefarious agendas. Their motivation pivots around tainting democratic institutions, attracting attention to their ideological causes, and inciting societal chaos within the United States. The threat of these entities cannot be underestimated, their single goal: to invoke disorder and disrupt the public peace.
Despite such potential threats, let it be known that the election will be certified in peace. This obligation, as heavy as it may be, is a solemn commitment — an unwavering vow taken for the love of the country, loyalty to the Constitution, and faith in the American people. The threats do not deter the commitment of those who strive for peace and promises of stability.
In another twist of fate, the unforgiving weather posed a challenge. Washington, D.C., being blanketed with a white cover, was virtually on a lockdown due to the fierce snowstorm sweeping the region. Yet, in the testament to the force of routine procedure, the vote was set to progress as scheduled, regardless of the harsh weather conditions.
The severity of the snowstorm was undeniable, hampering daily operations and causing a delay in the schedules. Nonetheless, the commitment of the lawmakers was apparent. Regardless of the challenges, the session was vowed to proceed as outlined, keeping the promise of carrying out their duties, despite the adversities they face.
Although these hindrances, both man-made and natural, have threatened to slow down or even halt the certification process, the vow to uphold the principles of democracy stand strong. Irrespective of the outcome, it is this pledge to the people of the United States that acts as a guiding force amongst the chaos. The commitment of the lawmakers, their dedication to upholding their job, remains firm.
This display of dedication, despite the snowstorm and the political storm that it intimates, highlights the strength of the very institution they serve within. The level of commitment portrayed by the lawmakers in fulfilling their duties, cutting through the storm both literal and figurative, echoes in the chambers of Congress.
Indeed, the snowstorm that blankets the nation’s capital somehow serves as a fitting backdrop to the ensuing political climate. It’s as if nature itself were echoing the sentiments of the people. Yet, through the snow and the unyielding chill, the wheels of democracy continue to turn steadily, ceremoniously, almost defiantly, in the face of threats and uncertainty.
The determined spirit engulfs these lawmakers, committed to ensuring the continuity of the democratic process, no matter how bitter the results may be for some. The political blizzard is equally as challenging as the weather blizzard, with each snowflake serving as a highly charged emblem of the nation’s fragmented sentiment. Yet, despite the challenging circumstances, democracy prevails, even if the result is as unwanted as the heavy snowfall.