The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: Jan. 6, 2026: Five Years of Congressional Action and Inaction
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Jan 6, 2026 The discussion features Eric Columbus, former House Office of General Counsel, who shares insights from his firsthand experience during the January 6 attack. Quinta Jurecic, a senior editor, analyzes Congress's response and the role of the Electoral Count Act, while Molly Reynolds provides a political science perspective on legislative reforms. They explore the legacy of January 6, immediate security failures, increasing transparency in Capitol Police, and the ongoing implications for congressional procedures and investigations.
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Violence And Lasting Trauma Of January 6
- January 6th combined terrifying violence with chaotic confusion that left Congress fearful and traumatized.
- The day ended with delayed certification and enduring anxiety among members and staff.
Strengthen Capitol Security Requests
- Improve on-site authority to request external emergency help, as the Capitol Police Emergency Assistance Act did for the chief.
- Require regular joint oversight hearings to increase transparency and readiness of Capitol security leaders.
ECRA Shored Up Electoral Vulnerabilities
- The Electoral Count Reform Act (ECRA) closed key loopholes in the 1887 law and clarified the vice president's ministerial role.
- It raised objection thresholds and added expedited state judicial review to reduce exploitation of the electoral count process.