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House Speaker #Mike #Johnson (R-La.) ignited outrage among Democrats on Tuesday
by saying the House will follow standard procedure for certifying the 2024 presidential results
-- if the election is "free, fair and safe."
Why it matters:
Top House Democrats have been worried a Republican-controlled House may try to block a potential Kamala Harris election victory on Jan. 6, 2025.
House Minority Leader #Hakeem #Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has been conferring with deputies 🔸 to prepare for next January's joint session, sources familiar with the discussions told Axios.
"I've talked to him just generally about preparations … to make sure that we're functioning and doing everything in accordance with the will of the American people," said House Administration Committee Ranking Member #Joe #Morelle (D-N.Y.).
Driving the news:
Asked during a press conference Tuesday if he'd commit to observing regular order on certifying a Harris win, Johnson replied,
"Well of course – ♦️if we have a free, fair, and safe election, ♦️we're going to follow the Constitution. Absolutely. Yes. Absolutely."
Congress' joint sessions to certify the Electoral College, once a largely ceremonial and pro forma event, has become highly charged since the Capitol riot.
While the violence in 2021 failed to stop certification of President Biden's victory, Democrats fear things could go differently if Republicans win the House and Harris takes the White House.
What they're saying:
Morelle told Axios that Democratic leaders are "clearly paying attention" to the election certification process and that Johnson's comments "give me greater concern."
"When he says things like he did today ... it causes great concern. [Democrats are] getting very anxious about it," Morelle added.
"I think when Donald Trump tells him to jump, he responds by asking how high," House Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said of Johnson.
New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) said Johnson is "speaking in code" and "trying to undermine confidence in the election system."
The other side:
Some Republicans pushed back on Democratic criticism of Johnson's remarks, arguing that the speaker included a fair caveat.
"What he said is self evident, in that elections should be free, fair and safe. And I think saying that ... is absolutely appropriate," said Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.).
Said Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.): "If the Democrats have a problem having free, fair and safe elections, that's their problem."
Both lawmakers, however, expressed confidence that the 2024 elections will be free and fair.
