As Jan 6 panel wraps up, US Senate moves to prevent another Capitol attack

The January 6 committee will be conducting its eighth session on July 21, which is expected to be the last one this summer. On the sidelines, the US Congress is moving to prevent another violent incident in the Capitol complex in Washington DC.

A bipartisan group in the Senate has introduced a legislation that would clarify that the US Vice President will only have a ceremonial role in the certification of the electoral college. Then Vice President Mike Pence was urged by Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 elections.

Also Read: In final hearing, Jan 6 panel’s investigation into Trump’s 187 minutes

The legislation has been sponsored by Joe Manchin, a controversial Democrat who has often sided with Republican lawmakers. The legislation will largely focus on the handling of election results, threats against election workers, election record security and transitions to mail-in ballots.

“We urge our colleagues in both parties to support these simple, commonsense reforms”, a joint statement from the bipartisan group read. There are nine Republicans and seven Democrats in the alliance.

If passed and signed by the US President, the new legislation will reaffirm the 1887 Electoral Count Act and clarify the roles of state and federal officials in approving the results of elections.

The bill will also seek to boost checks and balances in the election system. Federal penalties will be issued to anyone who attempts to threaten or intimidate election workers, poll watchers, voters or candidates. It would also redefine the role of the US Postal Service, which is responsible for delivering sensitive mail-in ballots.

Also Read: January 6 hearings: What to expect from the second prime-time session

What has been the January 6 committee’s role?

US Senator Angus King of Maine said that the “January 6th commission has added urgency”, according to reports from Reuters.

He added, “This will help build consensus around approaches that will reinforce the seams in the fabric of democracy we have seen stretched too thin.”