Congress certifies Joe Biden presidential win with all but one of Kentucky delegation members voting in favor

Following violent attacks on the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Congress went back to work late into the night and certified election results making Joe Biden the next president of the United States. Congressman Hal Rogers was the only member of Kentucky’s federal delegation to vote against the certification of the results.

Biden and Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris finished with 306 electoral votes, while President Trump and Vice President Pence had 232. It takes 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

Once members of Congress re-entered the chambers and prepared to deal with the Electoral College certification, Kentucky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell made a speech on the Senate floor stating they will not be intimidated by “thugs, mobs, or threats” or bow to lawlessness.

“The United States and the United States Congress have faced down much greater threats than the unhinged crowd we saw today.  We have never been deterred before and we will not be deterred today. They tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed,” McConnell said. ““This failed attempt to obstruct the Congress, this failed insurrection, only underscores how crucial the task before us is for our Republic. Our nation was founded precisely so that the free choice of the American people is what shapes our self-government and determines the destiny of our nation. Not fear. Not force.”

On Wednesday evening, Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts stated the following:

“The violent attacks on our nation’s Capital are inexcusable and reprehensible. This was an attack on the integrity of our nation and the peaceful transition of power that has been the cornerstone of our democracy for centuries. Now is the time for all Americans to put political differences aside, and condemn the tragic actions that occurred.”

Wednesday also saw the start of another transition of power as Democrats won both U.S. Senate elections in Georgia, bringing the Senate to a 50-50 split in terms of membership. Under this scenario, Democrats are now in control of the chamber as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will serve as the tie breaking vote in the Senate. This will make McConnell minority leader again after he has served as majority leader since 2015.