On December 23, 2022, the U.S. Senate approved a government spending package that included updates to the Electoral Count Act (ECA), a 135-year old law defining the congressional role in the final tally of electoral votes for president and vice president. The reform comes two years after the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capital.
“This is critical bipartisan action that will help ensure that the will of the people is preserved,” said President Biden in a statement. “This bill is further proof that Republicans and Democrats can come together to deliver for the American people, and I’m looking forward to continued bipartisan progress in the year ahead.”
Legislators have been working on reforms to the ECA throughout the year, seeking expert opinions on the subject matter from many sources, including a non-partisan group convened at the invitation of the leadership of The American Law Institute. Learn more about this group’s contributions to this important legislation here.