A massive winter storm sweeping across the U.S. will not delay Congress from certifying Republican Donald Trump’s presidential election on Monday, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed.
“The Electoral Count Act requires this on January 6 at 1 p.m. – blizzard or not, we’ll be there to get it done,” Johnson told Fox News on Sunday. He urged lawmakers to remain in Washington despite the severe weather.
The National Weather Service has issued advisories across the eastern U.S., with blizzard warnings in parts of Kansas and forecasts of heavy snow and high winds. In Washington, mixed snow and sleet are expected to accumulate 3–7 inches, creating hazardous conditions. Schools in the city and suburban Virginia counties are closed, with Maryland likely to follow.
Despite the challenging weather, Johnson and other Republican leaders emphasized there would be no delay. “No change to the schedule,” confirmed Lauren Fine, spokesperson for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
Members of Congress returned Friday after the winter break, with Republicans meeting Saturday to outline legislative priorities. The party now controls both chambers following November’s election.
The certification process is typically procedural, but the event gained notoriety in 2021 when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, attempting to block Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Trump continues to falsely claim widespread fraud led to his 2020 loss.
Biden and the Democrats have pledged to honor the 2024 election results and ensure certification proceeds as planned.
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