WASHINGTON (AP) – Congress is preparing to convene for a new session as lawmakers are sworn in during a turbulent period as a relatively handful of Republicans work to overturn Joe Biden’s victory over President Donald Trump and the coronavirus boom is limiting the Capitol.
Democrat Nancy Pelosi was elected House speaker by her party on Sunday, retaining the majority in the House but with the smallest margin in 20 years after a November election elimination.
The opening of the Senate may be among Mitch McConnell’s recent actions as majority leader. Republican control is up until Tuesday’s runoff elections for two Senate seats in Georgia. The outcome will determine which party occupies the room.
It is often said that divided government could be a time for legislative compromises, but lawmakers are calling for the 117th Congress, with the country more torn than ever before, and even disputing basic facts, including Biden winning the presidential election.
Fraud did not spoil the presidential election in 2020, a fact confirmed by election officials across the country. Attorney General William Barr, a Republican appointed by Trump, said before resigning last month that fraud did not affect the outcome of the election. The Republican governors of Arizona and Georgia, whose states were crucial to Biden’s victory, also declared their election results accurate.
Nevertheless, a dozen Republicans led to the new Senate, led by sens. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, and even more so in the House, promise to become a resistance force for Biden’s White House, which begins with efforts to undermine the will of American voters. These GOP lawmakers plan to object to the outcome of the election when the Electoral College meets on Wednesday to compare its 306-232 victory over Trump.
Democrats, meanwhile, are urging and eager to work with Biden on shared priorities, starting efforts to stem the pandemic and economic crisis. They plan to revisit the failed attempt to increase pandemic aid to $ 2,000 for most people.
“It was a moment of great challenge in the United States, filled with trials, but help is on the way,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, DN.Y., chairman of the Democratic caucus of the House, in an interview.
“America is a resilient nation, filled with resilient people,” he said. “We will continue to provide the opportunity that emerged from this pandemic, and continue to move toward our more perfect union.”
Among the Republican newcomers to the House are Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Trump, who has given a nod to Q-Anon’s conspiracy theories, and Colorado gun rights lawyer Lauren Boebert, who has circulated a letter of support for lawmakers’ rights. to carry firearms. in the Capitol.
Taylor Greene was among a group of Republicans from the House led by Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama who visited the White House with Trump during the holiday season over their attempt to undo the election.
The “Jan. “Challenge 6 is underway,” Taylor Greene said in a tweet at the top of her social media account. Boebert also tweeted support for those challenging Biden’s victory.
House Republicans boosted their elections in November, electing a handful of women and minorities more than ever before. Some of the new GOP legislators are called the ‘Freedom Force’ and an opponent of the ‘group’ – representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and other Liberal Democratic women who swept to office in the last session.
Progressive Democrats have strengthened their ranks with newcomers who agree with more liberal priorities.
The Capitol itself is a changing place under coronavirus restrictions. Lawmakers are arriving in Washington from all parts of the country that could potentially be exposed to the virus during their travels.
Several legislators have been infected by the virus. A memorial service was held Saturday for newly elected Republican lawmaker Luke Letlow, 41, of Louisiana, who died of COVID 19 days before the swearing-in.
The attending physician’s office has issued several lengthy memoranda to warn lawmakers to meet in groups or hold traditional receptions to prevent the spread of the virus. Masks were ordered at all times and Pelosi demanded that they be used in the living room. Members must have coronavirus tests and have access to vaccinations.
“Do not take social events, receptions, celebrations or appointments outside your family unit, and always wear a face outside your home,” the doctor’s office warned in one memo. “You should strictly avoid any office-based reception or celebration during the coming days.”
Even the traditional ceremonies will be limited in the house. No more big family portraits with new legislators taking the oath of office. Instead, each elected representative can bring one guest into line with social protocols.
The vice president usually swears in the senators.
Pelosi, returning as a speaker, faces a tough race, with the House divided 222-211, with one race still undecided and one vacancy after Letlow’s death.
The California Democrat can tolerate from her ranks some shortcomings, but only a few, which prevent her absence. Some legislators are under quarantine after coronavirus infections or exposure. She must win a majority of those present and vote to retain the speaker’s hammer.