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Thune urges Congress to clear up vice president’s role in counting Electoral College votes

Senate Minority Whip John Thune on Tuesday urged Congress to update a 135-year-old law that many believe helped spur President Trump’s challenge to the 2020 election results and the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Mr. Thune, South Dakota Republican, said during an event in his home state that it was important to update the Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887 to clear up questions about the vice president’s role in certifying elections and the electoral votes submitted by the states.

“Because there was a question raised about the role of the vice president, I think it’s important to slam the door shut and make that unequivocally clear,” said Mr.