As Congress — and our publication of “On the Hill” — wind down for 2020, we wanted to take a moment to outline the first actions Congress will take in 2021.
The 117th Congress will gavel in on Jan. 3. House leaders will decide how to conduct House business for the 117th Congress, including ceremonial activities, while adhering to COVID-19 precautions and guidelines. Some of these actions, such as whether to continue proxy voting into the new year, might require a vote on the House floor.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will swear in House members, and the House will formally elect the next speaker for the 117th Congress. Candidates for the speakership must receive 218 votes; despite narrower margins in the House and challengers in previous speaker elections, Pelosi is expected to be re-elected to the post after being nominated for the role by her party last month.
On Jan. 6, Congress will hold a joint session to certify the Electoral College votes for U.S. president. Last week, states began conducting their Electoral College counts, and Joe Biden was confirmed as the winner of the 2020 presidential election. President-Elect Joe Biden is set to take office with his Jan. 20 inauguration.
This will be the last post for 2020. We look forward to continuing to update essential hospitals with happenings “On the Hill” in the new year!
