LaHood Statement on Electoral College Vote Certification

[January 07, 2021] 

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement on his decision to vote to certify the presidential election results:

"This evening, the United States Congress returned to complete our constitutionally mandated duty to count the Electoral College votes.

"The Constitution is clear—our elections are entrusted to the states, not Congress. People act through the Electoral College to elect the president, not Congress. As the Constitution outlines clearly—Congress’ power is limited to counting certified electoral votes that states submit.

“Congress does not have, nor should we, the authority to take the power of electing a president away from the people. Overturning the results of the Electoral College would far exceed the power given to us in the Constitution, establish poor precedents, and usurp the will of the people.

"In addition, as Vice President Pence articulated this morning, "It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not."

"Like many of my constituents, I share the concerns about irregularities in the presidential election in states that circumvented their state legislatures to make election-law changes. The cornerstone of our democracy is the integrity of our elections and ensuring that every vote is cast legally and without controversy is vital to our entire country. Congress and our nation have more work to do to ensure that every citizen has confidence in the electoral system.

"Today has been a trying day for our nation and our democracy. The People's House was subject to shameful acts of rioting and violence. The actions go against everything we stand for as Americans. Despite the actions that took place today, I am confident that Americans can come together despite our deeply divided politics. It is time for our country to move forward and for elected officials to find common ground to better our nation."

[Congressman Darin LaHood]