Pelosi prepares for president’s vote as new Congress is sworn in

Sunday marks the swearing-in of the 117th Congress, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Likely to win re-election despite a declining Democratic majority.

Pelosi is running unopposed but, with Democrats holding a smaller majority than the previous Congress, she can only afford to let a small handful of lawmakers stand off and choose to write to someone else.

“Nancy Pelosi will be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, DN.Y., told Fox News Sunday. “There is incredible enthusiasm for President Pelosi because she got the job done.”

In a letter to colleagues on Sunday morning, Pelosi said the new Congress would meet “during a time of extraordinary difficulty”.

“Each of our communities has been severely affected by the pandemic and the economic crisis: 350,000 tragic deaths, over 20 million infections, millions without jobs – an almost incomprehensible toll,” she said. “Thank you for your generosity of spirit and patriotism in meeting this challenge for the people.”

“I am extremely grateful for the confidence members have placed in me,” she added. “I have no doubt that today’s election of President will show a united Democratic caucus ready to meet the challenges ahead.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the vote for the speaker – which must be conducted in person – will be different than in previous years. Members will be divided into separate groups rather than bringing together all elected representatives at the same time. This recorded vote is expected to last a few hours after the start of Sunday afternoon.

At least a handful of members will not be present for the vote, including Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., Who fights pancreatic cancer, and Rep. David Valadao, R-Ca., And Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R -Fla., Who recently tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement Sunday afternoon, Congressional Attending Physician Dr Brian Monahan announced the establishment of an area above the floor of the House for members exposed to Covid-19 but who have tested negative in order to be able to vote in person while remaining in quarantine A Capitol official said two Democrats and a Republican are using this option. It is not yet clear which members are doing this.

“The highest possible safeguards have been implemented, including separate and improved ventilation in this space and separate detention facilities for all members using Gallery 4,” Monahan said. “This step will only be necessary until proxy voting resumes as an option for affected members.”

Pelosi won the previous vote for president by a 220 to 192 advantage over House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Senators were also sworn in on Sunday. The ceremonies marked the end of David Perdue’s tenure. Perdue has left his seat in Georgia vacant until he or Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff is certified the winner of one of two much-watched Senate rounds in that state on Tuesday. Senator Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., Also faces a run-off on Tuesday, but she remains in her seat during the election as she was previously appointed to continue a term that does not expire on Sunday.

The Senate now has 51 Republican senators and 48 Democrats after swearing-in ceremonies. If Democrats won in the second round in Georgia, that split would become 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris serving as the deciding vote, giving Democrats the majority.

Alex moe contributed.