Every four years, Congress gathers to officially count the electoral votes that determine the next President and Vice President of the United States. This process, outlined in S.CON.RES.2, ensures that the results of the presidential election are formally recognized and certified, paving the way for a smooth transition of power.
What This Bill Does
S.CON.RES.2 is a concurrent resolution that sets the stage for a joint session of Congress to count the electoral votes from the 2024 presidential election. This session is scheduled to take place on January 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall of the House of Representatives. The President of the Senate, who is typically the Vice President of the United States, oversees the session.
During this session, four tellers—two from the Senate and two from the House—are appointed to open, read, and tally the certificates of electoral votes. These votes are counted in alphabetical order by state, starting with "A." The results are then announced by the President of the Senate and recorded in the journals of both Houses of Congress.
This resolution does not change any existing laws; rather, it follows the procedures set out by the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022. This act clarified the Vice President's role as ceremonial and raised the threshold for objections to electoral votes, requiring support from one-fifth of both chambers to prevent disruptions.
Why It Matters
The counting of electoral votes is a crucial step in the democratic process, as it officially confirms the outcome of the presidential election. This resolution ensures that the process is conducted in an orderly and transparent manner, reinforcing public trust in the electoral system.
For everyday Americans, this process has significant implications. It finalizes who will lead the country for the next four years, impacting policies on taxes, healthcare, and national security. For instance, a family in Ohio might see changes in their tax rates or healthcare subsidies based on the new administration's policies. Ensuring a smooth transition of power helps maintain stability and continuity in government operations.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: There is no cost or CBO score associated with this resolution, as it does not involve new spending. The joint session uses the existing Capitol operations budget.
- Timeline for Implementation: The resolution was introduced and passed in early January 2025, with the joint session held on January 6, 2025.
- Number of People Affected: All 535 members of Congress participate in the joint session, and the process affects the 538 state electors whose votes are counted.
- Key Dates: The joint session takes place on January 6, 2025, with the inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2025.
- Historical Context: This resolution follows a long-standing tradition, with identical resolutions passed every four years since 1789.
- Peaceful Process: The 2025 session was peaceful, contrasting the disruptions of 2021, thanks to reforms that raised objection thresholds and clarified procedural roles.
Arguments in Support
- Ensures constitutional compliance: This resolution mandates the timely counting of electoral votes, as required by the 12th Amendment, preventing delays in certifying the election results.
- Promotes orderly process post-reforms: It builds on the 2022 Electoral Count Act changes, which raised the bar for objections and clarified the Vice President's role, avoiding disruptions like those seen in 2021.
- Maintains democratic tradition: By providing a structured and transparent event, it reinforces public trust in the electoral process and upholds the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.
- Facilitates swift transition: The resolution allows for the inauguration to occur on January 20, 2025, minimizing uncertainty and avoiding operational gaps in federal agencies.
Arguments in Opposition
- No documented opposition: There are no recorded arguments against this resolution, as it is a routine procedural measure passed unanimously or near-unanimously without controversy.