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WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko released a statement following certification of the Electoral College vote by Congress this morning, marking the historic victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the 2020 election. The vote was delayed due to pro-Trump rioters storming the U.S. Capitol yesterday, which led to several deaths and numerous injuries.

“After the violence yesterday, Congress worked through the night to fulfill its Constitutional duty and send a clear and unambiguous message: Joe Biden is our next President of the United States and he will be sworn in, by the expressed will of the American people, at noon on January 20th.

“Many of my Republican colleagues shamefully chose to continue this president’s campaign to divide our nation and refuse the will of the people. We were forced to listen as they continued to parrot his baseless allegations, to seek personal glory at the expense of our nation, to sow doubt and confusion about our election, and to continue to undermine the next president before he has even taken office. Make no mistake, the attack on our Capitol was driven by these very same discredited claims. My colleagues proved throughout the night how far they have truly fallen.

“I remain shaken by the images of Confederate flags, a symbol of armed insurrection and white supremacy, being waved in these hallowed halls. My beloved friend John Lewis fought all his life to ensure every one of us, regardless of race or creed or color, has a voice in our government. Yesterday’s attack on the Capitol was a direct challenge to that work and our most fundamental rights and freedoms.

“Thankfully, these disgraceful efforts failed—as they have so many times before. Democracy prevailed. My thanks to my colleagues, Congressional staff, officers and others who stood with us in one of America’s darkest hours and made it possible for us to return to our work and put us back on the path of rebuilding our nation, our credibility, our laws and our spirit of liberty, unity and justice for all.”

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