"The Capitol is being cleared" after President Trump's supporters breached the building on Wednesday, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said, which means the Electoral College certification is on hold. Members of
Congress, though, want to get back inside their chambers as soon as possible.
Jeffries said the House and
Senate will return "when it's safe," while two anonymous lawmakers told The Hill they expect the process to continue tonight, adding that "in the face of violence, it's even more important we get the count done."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) hopes that's the plan. One of his aides told The
Washington Post, he doesn't want to waste any time, but it's reportedly not just about efficiency. McConnell thinks going back to work will project strength after the chaos, two senior GOP officials told the Post.
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) later seemed to make a return Wednesday night official.