A bipartisan group of 16 senators introduced legislation on Wednesday to reform the Electoral Count Act of 1887.

The effort, led by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), would increase the number of Congress members required to object election results and clarify the vice president's "solely ministerial" role in certifying such results. To further ensure a peaceful transition into power, the legislation would also outline when newly-elected officials can begin receiving federal resources before their terms commence.

A second bill would increase penalties for intimidation of election officials and candidates. If both of these measures passed, this would mark the first legislative action designed to prevent future events similar to when former President Donald Trump tried to pressure Pence to reject electoral votes from battleground states and overturn the results of the 2020 election. 

Reports on the legislation highlighted the broad points of agreement among Democrats and Republicans. Some left-rated outlets criticized the "ambiguous" terms of the 19th century law and accentuated reports that found "conspiracy theories fuelling political attacks" have made election work "unsustainable." Right-rated outlets were more likely to highlight criticisms that the legislation reform grants more power to the federal government.