Welcome to the NewsHour. Congress today formally certified President-elect Donald Trump's election victory.

As congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardin explains, it was a routine procedural moment,

in striking contrast to the violent insurrection of four years ago.

An unusual scene, a winter storm all but shutting down the nation's capital.

The House coming to order.

But Congress at work, with a historic charge, counting electoral votes and...

The votes for President of the United States are as follows.

Certifying that former President Donald Trump will soon be president again.

Donald J. Trump of the state of Florida received 30. There were no objections, just repeated cheers

as winning states for each party were announced. Presiding over this in her role as vice president,

Kamala Harris, the woman who hoped this day would be hers.

Instead, she did her duty and gaveled Trump's victory into history.

Donald J. Trump of the state of Florida has received 312 votes.

Kamala D. Harris of the state of California has received 226 votes.

On social media, former Vice President Mike Pence, who rejected pressure from Trump in 2021,

wrote it was particularly admirable that she presided over an election she lost.

Harris told reporters Americans must be willing to fight for and respect democracy.

Otherwise, it is very fragile and it will not be able to withstand moments of crisis.

And today, America's democracy stood.

For her replacement, a standout moment.

Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio was present for the certification of his win as Trump's VP.

Outside, beefed up security surrounded the Capitol, but the tall barriers stood untested.

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