Explainer: What happens during a U.S. Presidential transition?

The peaceful transition of power from one chief executive to another is one of the most enduring and cherished legacies of the American government. But it’s also a complicated process. There is a lot that has to happen between Election Day and Inauguration Day.

Here is a brief outline of some of the steps that have to be taken in the transition from President Trump to President Biden.

Presidential campaigns usually create a transition team during the summer before the election. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 and the Presidential Transition Enhancement Act of 2019 authorize funding for pre-election activities and support. But after the election, the president-elect is authorized to receive additional funding to pay for his staff, secure office space, and pay for other expenses. (The President’s FY2020 budget request included $9.62 million in funding for the transition.)

This Week at the ERLC

What You Need to Read

​Don’t underestimate the effect that 2020 had on young kids. Much has been written, discussed and preached about how the pandemic has affected adults. But, as we stand at the start of another year, which has already brought its own measure of uncertainty and unforeseen challenges, perhaps it’s time to ask ourselves: How do we teach our kids to trust God when the world flips, when uncertainty swoops in, when even the grown-ups who love them don’t know what to do?

The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech for all people. But it only protects citizens from interference by the government. The First Amendment’s free speech protection does not apply to the actions of a third party such as a private social media company governing certain speech. A helpful way to think about these issues is to compare them to the many religious liberty cases litigated in recent years, including Baronelle Stutzman (a florist) and Jack Phillips (a baker) who were taken to court based upon their refusal to render speech or use their creative gifts in ways that violated their consciences.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) granted the application for stay presented by the Trump Administration and reinstated requirements for women seeking medical abortion pills to first visit a doctor’s office or clinic. The decision was split 6-3, with the liberal justices in the dissent. The ERLC is grateful for this important, life-saving decision by the Supreme Court, and will continue to advocate for life-saving policies.

News From Capitol Hill

Each day this week, our public policy team in Washington, D.C. has seen the city move into a lockdown after the insurrection last Wednesday, ahead of the Inauguration next week. Miles of fencing and concrete barriers have gone up as National Guardsmen join U.S. Capitol Police in a perimeter around federal buildings. Military vehicles and police cars have established security checkpoints in the streets. According to the Military Times, 21,000 guardsmen are expected in D.C. to secure the capital.

But it is the pictures of young men and women in military fatigues sleeping inside the U.S. Capitol that shocks us the most. They signed up to serve their nation to defend the Constitution against its enemies. That is exactly what they have been called upon to do after the violent attack on January 6 and the ongoing threats to our government incited by conspiracies and lies about the election.

“Agonizing to see,” tweeted Russell Moore in reference to photos of guardsmen resting under busts of the first and sixteenth presidents. “It’s time to be the country of Washington and Lincoln, not that of demagogues and fire-eaters and domestic terrorists. By the dawn’s early light, our flag is still there. Let’s do the right thing.”

Looking to the days ahead, we want to ask that you consider joining us in praying for safety during the Inauguration, presidential transition, and beginning of a new Congress. Pray for courage for those in law enforcement seeking justice for the acts of terror and thwarting threats here and in state capitols. And pray for the church to have an increased faith in Christ’s Kingdom during this era of national tumult.

For words to consider, see this pastoral prayer written by Nathan Knight, a pastor in Washington, D.C.

Featured Podcasts

On the ERLC Podcast, Josh, Brent, and Meagan discuss President Trump becoming the first president to be impeached twice, the increased national guard presence at the U.S. Capitol, new COVID-19 research, Alabama winning the National Championship, and more. Haley Byrd Wilt also joins the podcast for a conversation about life and ministry.

Russell Moore joins Jeff Pickering on Capitol Conversations for a conversation about the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Jeff and Dr. Moore discuss the constant assault on the truth and reality of the 2020 presidential election that stirred up the worst of partisan passions and led to an unimaginable assault on our democracy and a historic tragedy.

From The Public Square

Biden's Promise To Codify Roe
Gerard V. Bradley, First Things

It is finally settled that Joseph Biden will become president of the United States on January 20 at about noon. His party, in its presidential platform, has promised to “codify the right to reproductive freedom.”

Supreme Court Allows Enforcement of FDA Rule On Medical Abortions While Appeals Are Pending
Howard Friedman, Religion Clause

The FDA requires mifepristone, one of two drugs necessary for a medical abortion, to be picked up in person by the patient at a hospital, clinic or medical office. The district court had continued to enjoin that requirement during the COVID epidemic, even though in October the Supreme Court had sent the case back for further consideration by the district court.

Political ethics vs. Biblical ethics
Jesse Johnson, The Cripplegate

The sinful storming of the US Capitol Building this week exposes a massive world-view contrast between political ethics and biblical ethics.

Planned Parenthood Opposes Kentucky Bill that Would Protect Newborns Who Survive Abortion
Alexandra Desanctis, National Review

In Kentucky, a bill to protect newborns who survive an attempted abortion has made it to the desk of Democratic governor Andy Beshear, who is expected to veto the measure. Beshear vetoed an earlier iteration of Senate Bill 9 when it reached his desk last spring.