Washington, D.C. — Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers on the Senate Rules and Administration Committee passed the Electoral Count Reform Act, setting up a vote in the full Senate. The new version of the bill does even more than the previous version to prevent partisan interference in the next presidential election. It ensures that courts can review whether a governor has appropriately certified a state’s electors; provides for a more expedited judicial review process; and makes clear that nothing in the bill impedes the important role of state courts in ensuring fair elections. In response, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
Today’s committee vote was a major step forward in addressing a serious threat to American democracy. Reform of the Electoral Count Act is critical to safeguarding presidential elections against those who seek to subvert the Constitution and undermine the will of the people. The House and Senate now need to come together and work quickly to pass the same version of the bill, recognizing that compromise and flexibility is required. Congress should not miss its chance to prevent another January 6.
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