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https://www.axios.com/2024/09/24/johnson-spikes-top-democrats-anxiety-about-a-jan-6-redux
Johnson spikes top Democrats' anxiety about a Jan. 6 redux
Andrew Solender
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) ignited outrage among Democrats on Tuesday by saying the House will follow standard procedure for certifying the 2024 presidential results if the election is "free, fair and safe."
Why it matters: Top House Democrats have been worried a Republican-controlled House may try to block a potential Kamala Harris election victory on Jan. 6, 2025.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has been conferring with deputies to prepare for next January's joint session, sources familiar with the discussions told Axios.
"I've talked to him just generally about preparations … to make sure that we're functioning and doing everything in accordance with the will of the American people," said House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.).
Driving the news: Asked during a press conference Tuesday if he'd commit to observing regular order on certifying a Harris win, Johnson replied, "Well of course – if we have a free, fair, and safe election, we're going to follow the Constitution. Absolutely. Yes. Absolutely."
Congress' joint sessions to certify the Electoral College, once a largely ceremonial and pro forma event, has become highly charged since the Capitol riot.
While the violence in 2021 failed to stop certification of President Biden's victory, Democrats fear things could go differently if Republicans win the House and Harris takes the White House.
Johnson spikes top Democrats' anxiety about a Jan. 6 redux
Andrew Solender
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) ignited outrage among Democrats on Tuesday by saying the House will follow standard procedure for certifying the 2024 presidential results if the election is "free, fair and safe."
Why it matters: Top House Democrats have been worried a Republican-controlled House may try to block a potential Kamala Harris election victory on Jan. 6, 2025.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has been conferring with deputies to prepare for next January's joint session, sources familiar with the discussions told Axios.
"I've talked to him just generally about preparations … to make sure that we're functioning and doing everything in accordance with the will of the American people," said House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.).
Driving the news: Asked during a press conference Tuesday if he'd commit to observing regular order on certifying a Harris win, Johnson replied, "Well of course – if we have a free, fair, and safe election, we're going to follow the Constitution. Absolutely. Yes. Absolutely."
Congress' joint sessions to certify the Electoral College, once a largely ceremonial and pro forma event, has become highly charged since the Capitol riot.
While the violence in 2021 failed to stop certification of President Biden's victory, Democrats fear things could go differently if Republicans win the House and Harris takes the White House.
