Sen. Bernie Sanders on Sunday signaled openness to West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin's proposed changes to sweeping elections overhaul legislation being debated in Congress.

"Sounds like I'm open to doing everything I possibly can to protect American democracy," Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats said.

Sanders considers the House bill a "serious, comprehensive effort to protect American democracy," adding: "We will see what evolves here in the Senate."Manchin has long said that he believes any changes of this magnitude must also have the backing of Republicans.

In trying to woo Republicans to back a compromise effort, he held a teleconference call with several GOP senators -- though the prospects of winning 60 votes in the 50-50 Senate are extremely dire.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the plan and indicated that Republicans wouldn't support the proposal.