Severe Snowstorm Expected in Washington on January 6, Congresswoman Issues Alert
Forecasters are predicting several inches of snow for the Washington area.
A significant snowstorm may hit Washington, D.C., from Monday into early Tuesday, potentially affecting the certification process of President-elect Donald Trump’s win in November, as indicated by one lawmaker.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for Virginia, Maryland, and surrounding regions, which will be in effect from Sunday until Tuesday morning.
“Snowfall rates could reach between 1 to 3 inches per hour from midnight until mid-morning on Monday. A second wave of heavy snow is anticipated on Monday evening, with precipitation winding down by Monday night,” the NWS reported.
“On Jan 6th at 1:00 p.m., Congress must certify President Trump’s historic election,” Greene (R-Ga.) stated.
She mentioned that the area “is under a winter storm warning from Jan 5-7, with expectations of possibly a foot of snow. Many members of Congress departed this weekend despite instructions to remain. I’m here and prepared to walk to the Capitol if necessary.”
Despite the weather concerns, several senators noted that U.S. Capitol officials are prepared for the congressional certification on Jan. 6 and that significant issues are unlikely to arise.
“We made 103 recommendations, and my role as chair of the Rules Committee was to ensure their implementation,” Klobuchar explained.
“With a new police chief, increased officer morale, and hundreds more officers, we have a comprehensive plan and strategy ready,” she affirmed. “I strongly believe we have undergone major improvements.”
In 2021, “we had officers who were unable to access their riot gear because it was locked on a bus. There was also a significant delay of four hours to call in the National Guard due to an outdated rule that relied on a cumbersome phone tree,” Klobuchar recalled.
She added that the “Architect of the Capitol, overseeing many employees, was absent during that time.”
No calls have emerged from congressional Democrats to contest the certification on Jan. 6, in contrast to previous elections where some objections were raised after Republican victories. Some lawmakers attributed this to Trump’s decisive win in the Nov. 5 election.
“It’s evident that the American people have expressed that this is what they wanted, even to the Democrats,” stated Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) during a press briefing.
In the House, a number of lawmakers indicated that there would likely be no challenges on Jan. 6.
“This time, the margin of victory was so clear that it has effectively quelled most dissent, regardless of one’s perspective,” Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), who previously objected to President Joe Biden’s certification, stated.
This report has contributions from the Associated Press.