Congress passes election reform designed to head off another Jan. 6

Legislation passed by Congress would clarify that the vice president's role in certifying the Electoral College vote is ceremonial. Here, then-Vice President Mike Pence is seen in the House chamber early on Jan. 7, 2021, to finish the work of the Electoral College after a mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Lawmakers have said over and over that they want to prevent another Jan. 6-style attack on the U.S. Capitol from ever happening again.

It took almost two years, but on Friday, as part of a government spending package, Congress passed the first federal elections legislation to that aim.