WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today released the following statement after voting against the Presidential Election Reform Act.
“The American people choose presidents and states control election procedures. Congress has a purely ceremonial role in certifying a state’s cast of electors. This is a fact that the Electoral Count Act of 1887 makes clear, but is a fact that has been increasingly overlooked in order to score political points.
“It falls on Congress to end any misconceptions about our role certifying a presidential election and, in no uncertain terms, make clear that this body is not the right forum for litigating – or relitigating – an election. This bill takes some constructive steps towards achieving that, but has been hastily rushed to the floor and has key differences from the Senate framework that raise Constitutional and practical concerns.
“We have an opportunity to finally clarify Congress’ role in certifying a presidential election. We shouldn’t waste it. In the months ahead, the House and Senate must continue working together to build on the Senate framework and arrive at a final solution that will finally end the unconstitutional idea that Congress can overturn a presidential election.
