"The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy. As much as any other principle, it is what distinguishes our system of government from monarchy or tyranny," said Vice President Kamala Harris.

Today, four years after the Capitol was overrun, Congress is certifying Donald Trump's reelection under tightened rules and heightened security. Vice President Harris will oversee the process, which law enforcement officials have declared a national emergency event. Over 100 security changes have been implemented to ensure there is no repeat of the chaos.

The certification process itself has also evolved. In 2022, Congress passed an overhaul of the Electoral Count Act, clarifying the vice president's role as strictly ceremonial. The revision closed a loophole that Trump had attempted to exploit by pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election results.

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