Congress to Certify Presidential Election Results; Winter Storm Brings Dangerous Travel Conditions

Congress is set to certify President-elect Donald Trump's election victory on Monday. Security at the U.S. Capitol has been increased, after events during the capitol breach on January 6th, 2021. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the procedure will go ahead despite the big snowstorm hitting Washington.

A massive winter storm is impacting the U.S. bringing heavy snow, ice, and bitter cold from the Midwest to the East Coast. Over 60 million people are under winter weather alerts, with treacherous travel conditions and major snowfalls in cities like Louisville and Kansas City. At least 600 motorists were stranded, and hundreds of accidents were reported.

President Joe Biden signed a new law to increase Social Security payments for nearly three million public employees on Sunday. Those affected include teachers, police officers, and firefighters. The bill eliminates two provisions that reduced benefits for those also receiving retirement funds from other sources. The bill had bipartisan support, but critics warn it could shorten the lifespan of Social Security.