The Latest: Graham criticizes Cruz’s bid to dispute election
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the new session of Congress (all times local):
1 p.m.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham is calling the effort by Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republican senators to overturn the presidential election a “dodge” that doesn’t go far enough in helping President Donald Trump.
Graham said in a statement Sunday that Cruz has a “high bar” to show there was evidence of problems with the election. The South Carolina senator also said Cruz’s proposal has “zero chance of becoming reality.”
Cruz of Texas is leading a coalition of 11 GOP senators who vow to challenge the election results unless Congress agrees to launch a commission to investigate the outcome. They and others are prepared to object Wednesday when Congress convenes for a joint session to confirm Biden’s 306-232 electoral tally over Trump.
Graham, a top Trump ally, said that approach “
is not effectively fighting for President Trump. It appears to be more of a political dodge than an effective remedy.”
___
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON:
12:15 p.m.
The 117th U.S. Congress is beginning as the House and Senate have gaveled in to swear in new members.
Both chambers are holding rare Sunday sessions to open the new Congress on Jan. 3, as the Constitution requires. All members of the House and roughly one-third of the Senate will be sworn in.
Democrat Nancy Pelosi was set to be reelected as House speaker by her party, which retains the majority in the House but with the slimmest margin in 20 years.
Control of the Senate is in question until Tuesday’s runoff elections for two Senate seats in Georgia. The outcome will determine which party holds the chamber.
___
12:05 p.m.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is declining to say much about the effort by a growing number of Republican senators to overturn the presidential election.
McConnell told a reporter Sunday at the Capitol, “
We’ll be dealing with all of that on Wednesday.”
The Republican leader was referring to this week’s joint session of Congress to confirm the Electoral College tally that Joe Biden won, 306-232, defeating President Donald Trump.
McConnell has privately urged Republicans not to object to the election results. He has said it would force Republicans to essentially choose between Trump’s demands and the will of the voters.
A dozen Republican senators, and more Republicans in the House, plan to object on Wednesday.
___