Pence says he cannot claim unilateral authority to reject electoral votes

Reporting cited here

1. documented

   Before the joint session, Pence released a letter stating that his oath prevented him from claiming unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes counted. The position matched the advice of his counsel and conservative judge Michael Luttig. It was the formal institutional break: Pence chose the constitutional presiding role over Trump's personal directive.

   Full January 6 letter, constitutional rationale, and rejection of unilateral authority

   Pence publicly states he has no unilateral authority to reject electoral votes · Pence followed the position when Congress reconvened