As the election comes to a close, states are gearing up for electors to officially cast their votes.
Following a tumultuous election season that included two assassination attempts, President Joe Biden exiting the race just before their convention, and a clear victory by the Republican candidate, the swearing-in of the new president is approaching.
Dec. 11: States Certify Election Results
Six days prior to the state electors casting their votes to reflect the Nov. 5 election results, as per federal law, each State’s executive is required to issue a certificate of ascertainment appointing electors.
In most cases, the state governor acts as the “executive,” and the certificate identifies the appointed electors for each state. The process of nominating and selecting electors varies from state to state, but they are typically chosen by each political party at their convention.
Dec. 17: Electoral Colleges Vote
On Dec. 17, electors will convene at a specified location, usually the state capitol, to cast their votes for the president. Normally, their votes align with the choice of the state’s residents, but on occasions, electors may deviate and select a different candidate.
This scenario occurred in 2016 when three electors from Washington voted for Gen. Colin Powell instead of Hillary Clinton in protest.
Dec. 20: Government Funding Expires
The government’s funding process tends to be complex as both parties vie for funding for their respective areas in 2025. This often leads to the passing of multiple interim spending bills, with Congress eventually passing a final omnibus bill at the eleventh hour.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) aims to prevent this by passing one more temporary funding package, known as a continuing resolution, to extend into 2025, allowing the new Congress and Trump to shape the government freely.
The Farm Bill, which includes funding for the SNAP food stamp program, will be a top priority, with this year’s bill anticipated to be approximately $1.5 trillion.
Biden has also requested an additional $100 million in disaster relief funding, with $40 million allocated to FEMA for bolstering relief efforts post hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Jan. 3: New Session of Congress Begins
The 119th session of Congress commences on Jan. 3, with Republicans retaining control of the House of Representatives.
This election also saw the GOP reclaim control of the Senate, resulting in a new majority leader in the chamber. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will step down as the leader of Senate Republicans, with Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) taking his place.
Thune and Trump have had disagreements in the past but have expressed a willingness to collaborate following Thune’s promotion to majority leader on Nov. 13.
“We are ready to get to work with unified Republican leadership to implement President Trump’s agenda,” Thune stated on X on Nov. 14.
Jan. 6: Congress Certifies the Election
During a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, members of the House and Senate will certify their state’s electoral votes. The final certification will be conducted by the president of the Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump on Nov. 5.
Jan. 20: President, Vice President Inaugurated
On Jan. 20, the inauguration will take place, with Vice-President-elect J.D. Vance being sworn in first at noon.
Trump will then recite the oath of office to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
A military procession and a parade down Pennsylvania Ave will follow the inauguration.
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