GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In a special session Wednesday, Congress will meet to certify the results of the Electoral College, which elected Joe Biden to the presidency in December. But a faction of about a dozen Republican Senators and even more Republican Representatives may try to throw a wrench into the usually procedural process by objecting to the results.
The attempts are likely to fall short. Congressmen and women can object to a state’s results, and if that motion is seconded, the entire floor votes. While a higher-than-usual number of Republican lawmakers are planning to object, likely even more than the number of Democratic lawmakers who objected in 2016, it’s still not enough to overturn results. Even if it were, those overturned votes wouldn’t go to Donald Trump – they would simply be taken away from Joe Biden. Michigan lawmakers FOX17 talked to still haven’t seen enough evidence to vote against the certification.
“I will not be objecting personally to Michigan’s electors being recognized,” said Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan’s second district. “Short of some type of evidence coming forward, no, I’m not planning on denying those electors casting their votes or those votes being had. But again, I’m open to evidence.”
On Sunday, newly elected third district Representative Peter Meijer echoed the same sentiment.
Sixth district Representative Fred Upton has indicated his intent to certify the results with no second thoughts.
Both of Michigan’s senators, Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters – both Democrats – will also vote to certify.
“Congress is supposed to accept results from communities and states and to do otherwise really puts us in a spot where those folks want to act as dictators,” said Stabenow.
She also warned new and reelected lawmakers to be wary of a double-standard, after the 117th Congress was officially sworn in Sunday.
“We certified them – they became new members – with the same votes that they’re now challenging on Wednesday,” said Stabenow. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
