Incoming House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Thursday that the soon to be Democratic-controlled House could finalize legislation to strengthen election security by the end of January. The bill, which will be H.R. 1, will tackle a wide variety of election concerns, including requiring the Director of National Intelligence to do regular checks on foreign threats to U.S. elections, and promoting online voter registration. Hoyer said on a press call Thursday that he spoke recently with Reps. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and John Sarbanes, D-Md., who will sponsor the bill, to discuss “the schedule and paramount in that discussion about the schedule was making sure that we gave time, hopefully to completion in January, but starting in January, if not completing, the H.R. 1 consideration.” The legislation is also expected to tackle campaign finance reform, restore the Voting Rights Act, and require presidents to disclose their tax returns. While the bill may pass in the House, it is expected to meet a tougher reception in the Senate and with the White House.
