A significant winter storm sweeping across the United States will not disrupt Congress's scheduled meeting on January 6 to officially certify Donald Trump’s selection as president, according to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. Speaking on Fox News during an interview, Johnson emphasized, "The Electoral Count Act requires this on January 6 at 1 p.m. - so, whether we’re in a blizzard or not we’re going to be in that chamber making sure this is done."

With forecasts predicting heavy snowfall and intense winds extending from the Central Plains to the mid-Atlantic regions, advisories for severe weather have been issued throughout much of the eastern United States. In particular, blizzard warnings have been declared in several parts of Kansas.

In Washington D.C., a mixture of snow and sleet is expected to accumulate between 3 to 7 inches (7 to 18 cm), which could hinder commuting and result in the closure of schools, governmental offices, and businesses. Historically, the Washington metropolitan area has struggled with snow preparation, especially after a series of mild winters.

Members of Congress returned from a winter break on the previous Friday, with Republicans convening the following Saturday to outline legislative agendas. Johnson has urged full attendance from lawmakers despite the looming winter storm. Other GOP leaders, such as Lauren Fine, communications director for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, dismissed any thoughts of a weather-related delay by stating, "No change to the schedule."

The process of certification, traditionally a routine action, faced significant disruption four years ago when Trump's supporters instigated a violent siege on the U.S. Capitol in a failed attempt to stop the transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden, who won the 2020 election. Despite Trump's ongoing claims of electoral fraud, Biden and the Democrats have committed to honoring the results of the 2024 election and advancing with the certification process.

For more details, visit Reuters.